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NICKEL INDUSTRIES LIMITED — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2020
Dec 17, 2020
65425_rns_2020-12-17_0fa002c0-9b70-4d69-8a71-883ee5df352a.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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A B N 4 4 1 2 7 5 1 0 5 8 9
Level 2, 66 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
T: +61 2 9300 3311 F: +61 2 9221 6333 E: [email protected]
NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting ( EGM ) of members is to be convened at Level 2, 66 Hunter Street, Sydney, NSW or via Zoom webcast, on Tuesday 19 January 2021 at 11.00 am.
Please note that due to the ongoing restrictions due to COVID-19, all resolutions will be decided based on proxy votes. Shareholders will be able to attend the EGM virtually via a live Zoom webcast which will include a facility for shareholders to ask questions in relations to the business of the meeting.
Zoom webcast details: Zoom Meeting ID – 994 8409 1038 Password – 662844 or access at https://zoom.us/j/99484091038?pwd=L2JsRlBxMXJPV1FERTFnZW1qaTg5UT09
The Explanatory Memorandum provides additional information on matters to be considered at the EGM.
The Directors have determined pursuant to regulations 7.11.37 of the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth) that the persons eligible to vote at the Meeting are those who are registered as Shareholders on Friday 15 January 2021 at 7.00 pm (Sydney time).
Terms and abbreviations used in the Notice and the Explanatory Memorandum will, unless the context requires otherwise, have the meaning given to them in the Glossary.
ASX takes no responsibility for the contents of this Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting or the Explanatory Memorandum.
AGENDA
BUSINESS
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following Resolutions, with or without amendment:
Ordinary Resolution 1. Approval for the Company to acquire a 70% interest in Angel Capital Private Limited
'That, for the purposes of Listing Rule 10.1 and for all other purposes, approval is given for the Company to acquire a 70% interest in the ‘Angel Nickel Project’ through the acquisition of shares and shareholder loans in Angel Capital Private Limited ( Angel ) which represents 70% of the equity and 70% of all shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries), from Shanghai Decent Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. ( Shanghai Decent )and its associates (including Decent Resource Limited), on the terms and conditions summarised in the Explanatory Memorandum accompanying this Notice of Meeting.'
Voting Exclusion
The Company will disregard any votes cast in favour of this Resolution 1 by or on behalf of Shanghai Decent or any of its associates.
However, the Company will not disregard a vote if it is cast by:
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the person as proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, in accordance with directions on the Proxy Form;
the Chairperson as proxy for a person who is entitled to vote, in accordance with a direction on the Proxy Form to vote as the proxy decides; or
a holder acting solely in a nominee, trustee, custodial or other fiduciary capacity on behalf of a beneficiary provided the following conditions are met:
(i) the beneficiary provides written confirmation to the holder that the beneficiary is not excluded from voting, and is not an associate of a person excluded from voting; and
(ii) the holder votes on the resolution in accordance with the directions given by the beneficiary to the holder to vote in that way.
By order of the Board
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Richard Edwards Company Secretary
18 December 2020
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EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON 19 JANUARY 2021
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
This Explanatory Memorandum has been prepared to assist members to understand the business to be put to members at an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held at Level 2, 66 Hunter Street, Sydney, NSW, on Tuesday 19 January 2021 at 11.00 am.
Resolution 1 - Approval for the Company to acquire a 70% interest in Angel Capital Private Limited
1.1 Background to the acquisition
On 24 November 2020, Nickel Mines Limited ( Nickel Mines or the Company ) progressed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding dated 16 October 2020 and executed a Collaboration Agreement ( CA ) with Shanghai Decent Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. ( Shanghai Decent ) and Decent Resource Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shanghai Decent ( Decent Resource ) to acquire a 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project. The Angel Nickel Project is currently under construction within the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park ( IWIP ) and comprises:
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Four Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace lines ( Angel RKEF Plant );
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A captive 380MW Power Plant ( Angel Power Plant ); and
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Ancillary facilities required for the operation of each of the RKEF Lines and the Power Plant.
The Company will acquire its interest in the Angel Nickel Project through the acquisition of 70% of the shares in Angel Capital Private Limited ( Angel ) and shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries). Angel will wholly own (directly and indirectly) 100% of the shares in PT Angel Nickel Industry, a private company limited by shares which is to be incorporated in Indonesia and will own the Angel Nickel Project assets ( Angel Nickel ).
Total consideration payable by Nickel Mines in connection with the Angel Nickel Project is US$490 million. The acquisition of the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project will occur in two tranches, the first being an acquisition of a 30% interest which must occur by no later than 31 March 2021 and the second being the acquisition of an additional 40% interest which must occur by no later than 31 December 2021.
The Company already holds an 80% interest in four operational RKEF lines within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park ( IMIP ), which is another industrial park in Indonesia. Two of these lines form the Hengjaya Nickel Project and two form the Ranger Nickel Project .
In a similar manner to the IMIP, the Tsingshan group is rapidly developing the IWIP as a new nickel production frontier with growing nickel pig iron supply from Indonesia set to increasingly displace higher cost production from China. As with the IMIP, Tsingshan is collaborating with a number of different partners (who currently include Eramet, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt and Zhenshi Holding Group) across a range of projects within the IWIP. Presently within the IWIP there are 8 commissioned RKEF lines and 4 RKEF lines nearing completion, with power, port capacity and other ancillary services continuing to be progressively established.
The Angel Nickel Project will be owned under a replica corporate structure to the Company’s Hengjaya Nickel (detailed in the Company’s prospectus dated 2 August 2018) and Ranger Nickel Projects (detailed in the explanatory memorandum to the Company’s extraordinary general meeting held on 26 July 2019).
As announced on 2 December 2020, the Company is currently conducting a fully underwritten accelerated nonrenounceable entitlement offer to raise AU$364 million ( Entitlement Offer ). The majority of proceeds of the Entitlement Offer will be used to fund the balance of the First Acquisition Consideration, being US$180 million. Excess funds will go towards strengthening the balance sheet and will provide additional working capital. The Company is in discussions with Shanghai Decent about the early repayment of the remaining balance of the Ranger Debt Facility.
Current corporate structure of the Nickel Mines Group as at the date of this Notice:
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Refer to page 6 for the corporate structure of the Nickel Mines Group following completion of the CA.
1.2 Key terms of the Proposed Transaction
The key terms of the Proposed Transaction are summarised in the table below:
| Vendor | Decent Resource |
|---|---|
| Assets being acquired | First Acquisition -30 shares (representing 30% of the issued capital) of Angel and the assignment to Nickel Mines of 30% of aggregate shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) to Decent Resource or Shanghai Decent (and any other associate of Shanghai Decent). Second Acquisition -40 shares (representing 40% of the issued capital) of Angel and the assignment to Nickel Mines of 40% of aggregate shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) to Decent Resource or Shanghai Decent (and any other associate of Shanghai Decent) |
| Purchase Price | First Acquisition Consideration -US$210 million payable to Shanghai Decent and its associates as follows: oDeposit Amount: Nickel Mines has paid US$30 million in deposits to Shanghai Decent for the First Acquisition as follows (i) a US$10 million ‘good faith deposit’ which was paid on execution of the Memorandum of Understanding on 16 October 2020 and (ii) a further US$20 million deposit which was paid on signing of the CA on 24 November 2020 (US$20 million) (together, theDeposit Amount). Decent must repay the Deposit Amount to the Company if Nickel Mines shareholder approval is not obtained for the First Acquisition and the Second Acquisition; and oThe remaining funding requirement to complete the First Acquisition is US$180 million in cash, to be paid to Decent Resource on completion of the First Acquisition. Second Acquisition Consideration -US$280 million in cash to be paid to Decent Resource on completion of the Second Acquisition. |
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| Timing | The First Acquisition must occur by no later than 31 March 2021. The Second Acquisition must occur byno later than 31 December 2021. |
|---|---|
| Other key terms | Please otherwise refer to the Independent Expert’s Report for further information on the terms of purchase of the First Acquisition and Second Acquisition. |
| Funding | As announced on 2 December 2020, the Company is currently conducting an Entitlement Offer. The majority of proceeds of the Entitlement Offer will be used to fund the balance of the First Acquisition Consideration, being US$180 million. The Company expects that the Second Acquisition Consideration will be debt funded, depending on market conditions,and the Companyis currently progressing potential debt fundingoptions. |
1.3 Material terms of the CA
The terms of the Proposed Transaction are governed by the terms of the CA, which is governed under the laws of Singapore.
The CA provides the ability for Nickel Mines to acquire its interest in the Angel Nickel Project in two tranches:
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A First Acquisition for U$210 million to acquire 30% of the issued capital of Angel and the assignment to Nickel Mines of 30% of aggregate shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) to Decent Resource (and any other associate of Shanghai Decent):
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Nickel Mines paid a US$10 million ‘good faith deposit’ paid on execution of the Memorandum of Understanding on 16 October 2020 and a further US$20 million deposit paid on signing of the CA on 24 November 2020 (US$20 million) (together, the Deposit Amount ).
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The First Acquisition, approval for which is being sought under this Notice of Meeting, must be completed by 31 March 2021.
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Should shareholder approval not be granted and the First Acquisition does not complete as a result of such approval not being obtained, Shanghai Decent will repay the entire Deposit Amount to Nickel Mines.
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If shareholder approval is obtained and completion of the First Acquisition does not occur due to Decent Resource (and/or Shanghai Decent or any other associate of Shanghai Decent) failing to comply with its completion obligations with respect to the First Acquisition under the CA (and such failure is not remedied within 5 business days after Nickel Mines notifies Decent Resource of the same), if Nickel Mines elects not to complete the First Acquisition, Shanghai Decent shall repay the entire Deposit Amount to Nickel Mines and also pay to Nickel Mines an additional US$30 million termination fee.
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If the First Acquisition does not occur due to Nickel Mines failing to comply with its obligations under the CA, Shanghai Decent will have no obligation to repay (all or any part of) the Deposit Amount to Nickel Mines.
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A Second Acquisition for U$280 million to acquire an additional 40% of the issued capital of Angel and the assignment to Nickel Mines of an additional 40% of aggregate shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) to Decent Resource (and any other associate of Shanghai Decent).
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The Second Acquisition is conditional upon shareholder approval (which is being sought under this Notice of Meeting) and completion of the First Acquisition.
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The Second Acquisition must be completed by 31 December 2021, unless a ‘material adverse event’ (being an event, change or other matter that is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect for Nickel Mines to obtain funding (whether debt or equity) to fund the Second Acquisition) occurs after completion of the First Acquisition, in which case the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to adjust the date for completion of the Second Acquisition.
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To the extent that any further shareholder loans are provided by Decent Resource (or Shanghai Decent or any other associate of Shanghai Decent) to Angel after completion of the Second Acquisition, 60 days after commissioning of the Angel Nickel Project (or such other date as notified by Shanghai Decent to Nickel Mines and such date not to be later than 31 October 2022), Shanghai Decent must transfer or assign (at nil consideration) such proportion of any additional shareholder loans to Nickel Mines such that Nickel Mines will hold 70% of the aggregate shareholder loans payable by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) to Decent Resource (or Shanghai Decent or any other associate of Shanghai Decent).
Subject to the Resolution being sought in this Notice being approved, the Company intends to complete the First Acquisition by 31 March 2021 and, subject also to the Company obtaining debt (and/or equity, as applicable) funding sufficient to fund the Second Acquisition, the Company intends to complete the Second Acquisition by 31 December 2021.
Shanghai Decent’s role in designing and constructing the Angel Nickel Project
Under the terms of the CA, Shanghai Decent:
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will take the lead for the design and construction of the Angel Nickel Project, which is to be undertaken through Angel Nickel;
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undertakes to Nickel Mines that the Angel RKEF Plant shall have an annual production capacity of no less than 36,000 tonnes of equivalent contained nickel;
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undertakes to Nickel Mines that the Angel Power Plant shall have an installed capacity of 380 megawatts; and
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undertakes that the Angel Nickel Project will be commissioned by no later than 16 October 2022.
The construction of the Angel Nickel Project will be funded by Decent Resource by way of paid up capital and shareholder loans injected through Angel to Angel Nickel, being an Indonesian PMA company to be incorporated and that will hold the Angel Nickel Project assets.
The actual constructions costs are not to exceed US$700 million. If the actual construction costs do exceed US$700 million, Decent will reimburse Angel Nickel in full for the actual construction costs exceeding US$700 million, and only where those costs are actually incurred, and not prospectively or on a contingent basis.
Under the terms of the CA, if there is any omission or defect in the design and construction of the Angel Nickel Project, Shanghai Decent must complete or make good any such omission or defect as soon as reasonably practicable and at its own expense.
If the parties are unable to resolve a breach or dispute under the CA, the dispute will be finally resolved by arbitration in Singapore in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
Please refer to the Independent Expert's report for further details about the Proposed Transaction and the current status of the Angel Nickel Project.
Representations and warranties under the CA
Each party under the CA gives customary capacity warranties with regards to its ability to enter into the CA, such warranties given as at the date of the CA, completion of the First Acquisition and completion of the Second Acquisition, including that:
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the obligations under the CA constitute valid and legally binding obligations on each party;
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each party has authority to enter into and deliver the CA and the entry into the CA does not result in any breach of any constitutional document or breach of law; and
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each party has taken all actions in order to lawfully enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under the CA.
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Shanghai Decent further warrants to the Company that:
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as at the date of the CA, there is no civil, criminal, administrative or disciplinary or arbitration proceedings in progress, pending or threatened against Angel, Angel Nickel or Angel Nickel Private Limited and Decent is not aware of any facts or circumstances likely to give rise to such proceedings; and
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as at the date of the CA, completion of the First Acquisition and completion of the Second Acquisition, the Angel Nickel Project will be 100% held and owned free of any encumbrances by Angel Nickel.
Structure of the Board of Directors of Angel, Angel Nickel Private Limited and Angel Nickel
In accordance with the CA, the boards of directors of Angel, Angel Nickel Private Limited and Angel Nickel shall comprise no more than five directors and the appointment or removal of any director of Angel, Angel Nickel Private Limited and Angel Nickel shall require approval of 70% of shareholders of that company.
Upon completion of the First Acquisition, at which time the Company will hold a 30% interest in Angel, Nickel Mines will be entitled to nominate one director to the board of each of Angel, Angel Nickel Private and Angel Nickel, and Shanghai Decent will be entitled to nominate four directors. Upon completion of the Second Acquisition, at which time the Company will increase its interest in Angel to 70%, the Company will be entitled to nominate three directors to the boards of each of Angel, Angel Nickel Private and Angel Nickel, and Shanghai Decent will be entitled to nominate two directors.
1.4 Rationale for the Proposed Transaction
The purpose of the Proposed Transaction is for the Company to obtain a 70% ownership interest in the Angel Nickel Project.
The Board of Nickel Mines believes the opportunity to obtain a 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project is a compelling economic opportunity that will deliver significant value for Nickel Mines shareholders and is consistent with the Company’s aim of becoming a globally significant nickel producer. This opinion is supported by the Independent Expert’s Report.
Indicative corporate structure of the Angel Nickel Project post completion
On completion of the Proposed Transaction, the corporate structure of the Angel Nickel Project is expected to be as follows:
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1.5 Timetable for Proposed Transaction
| Dispatch Notice of Meeting | 18 December 2020 |
|---|---|
| Meeting of Shareholders | 19 January 2021 |
| Completion of First Acquisition | by 31 March 2021 |
| Completion of Second Acquisition | by 31 December 2021 |
The timetable above is indicative only and the Company reserves the right to vary the dates set out above subject to the Corporations Act, Listing Rules and other applicable laws.
1.6 Listing Rule 10.1
Under Listing Rule 10.1, an entity must not, without Shareholder approval, acquire a substantial asset from a substantial holder in the Company or an associate of a substantial holder. In general terms, Listing Rule 10.2 provides that a substantial asset is one where the value or consideration equals or exceeds 5% or more of the equity interests of the entity as set out in the most recent accounts released to ASX.
The Proposed Transaction falls within Listing Rule 10.1.3 because it involves the acquisition of a substantial asset from an associate of a substantial shareholder of the Company. Decent Resource is an associate of Shanghai Decent, a substantial shareholder of the Company currently holding approximately 18.7% of the issued shares in the Company.
The total equity interests of the Company as at 30 June 2020 (as contained in the Appendix 4D lodged with ASX on 31 August 2020, being the latest accounts given to ASX under the Listing Rules), is US$744,524,420. Accordingly, 5% of the total equity interest of the Company as at 30 June 2020 is US$37,226,221. The Angel Nickel Project is considered a substantial asset for the purpose of Listing Rule 10.2 as the consideration payable for the Proposed Transaction is US$490 million.
1.7 Independent Expert’s Report
Listing Rule 10.5.10 requires that that the notice of meeting to obtain Shareholder approval for the purpose of Listing Rule 10.1 must be accompanied by a report by an independent expert expressing their opinion as to whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to the Shareholders.
The Independent Expert’s Report prepared by Lonergan Edwards & Associates Limited sets out a detailed examination of the Proposed Transaction to enable Shareholders to assess its merits.
The Independent Expert has concluded that the Proposed Transaction is fair and reasonable.
Shareholders are encouraged to carefully read the Independent Expert’s Report to understand the scope of the report, the methodology of the valuation and the sources of information and assumptions made.
Board Recommendation
The Board (other than Mr Weifeng Huang) recommends that Shareholders vote in FAVOUR of Resolution 1.
Mr Weifeng Huang declines to give a recommendation due to the fact that he is a related party of Shanghai Decent. If the Resolution is passed, the Company will be able to proceed with the Transaction and acquire a 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project. If the Resolution is not passed, the Company will not be able to proceed with the Transaction and will not be able to acquire the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project and Shanghai Decent will refund the Deposit Amount.
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GLOSSARY
| Angel | means Angel Capital Private Limited, a private Singaporean holding company limited |
|---|---|
| by shares which will own (directly and indirectly) Angel Nickel | |
| Angel Nickel | means PT Angel Nickel Industry, an Indonesian PMA operating private company |
| limited by shares which is to be incorporated and which will own the Angel Nickel | |
| Project assets. | |
| Angel Nickel Project | means the Angel RKEF Plant, Angel Power Plant, ancillary facilities required for the |
| operation of the Angel RKEF Plant and Angel Power Plant and the land on which the | |
| Angel RKEF Plant and Angel Power Plant (and any ancillary facilities) will be | |
| constructed within the IWIP. | |
| Angel Power Plant | means one 380MW captive power plant situated in the IWIP which will supply power |
| to the Angel RKEF Plant as well as other third party operations within the IWIP. | |
| Angel RKEF Plant | means an RKEF smelter plant with a planned nameplate annual production capacity of |
| 36,000 tonnes of equivalent nickel (in NPI) and situated in the IWIP. | |
| ASX | means ASX Limited (ABN 98 008 624 691) or the securities market it operates, as the |
| context requires. | |
| Board | means the board of Directors of the Company. |
| CompanyorNickel Mines | means Nickel Mines Limited (ACN 127 510 589). |
| Decent Resource | Decent Resource Limited, a limited liability company incorporated in Hong Kong |
| Special Administrative Region, PRC | |
| Deposit Amount | US$30 million already paid by Nickel Mines to Shanghai Decent towards the First |
| Acquisition Consideration. | |
| Explanatory Memorandum | means the explanatory memorandum that forms part of this Notice of Meeting. |
| First Acquisition | means the initial acquisition of 30% of the issued securities in Angel and 30% of all |
| shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) to Shanghai Decent | |
| and its associates. | |
| First Acquisition | US$210 million. |
| Consideration | |
| IMIP | means the Indonesia Morowali Bay Industrial Park. |
| Independent Expert | means Longeran Edwards & Associates Limited. |
| Independent Expert's Report | means the report issued by the Independent Expert as set out in Annexure A to this |
| Notice. | |
| IWIP | means the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park, located in Central Halmahera Regency, |
| North Maluku Province, Indonesia. | |
| Listing Rules | means the official Listing Rules of the ASX as amended from time to time. |
| MeetingorExtraordinary | means the extraordinary general meeting to be held on 19 January 2021, the subject of |
| General Meeting | the Notice and the Explanatory Memorandum. |
| NPI | means nickel pig iron, a beneficiated form of nickel metal. |
| PMA company | means a ‘_Penanaman Modal Asing’,_an Indonesian foreign direct ownership company |
| in which foreign share ownership of up to 100% is allowed. | |
| Proposed Transaction | means the proposed acquisition of the Angel Nickel Project in two stages, through the |
| acquisition by the Company of shares in Angel and shareholder loans in Angel which | |
| represents 70% of the equity and 70% of the aggregate of all shareholder loans due or | |
| owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) to Shanghai Decent and its associates | |
| RKEF | means rotary kiln electric furnace. |
| Second Acquisition | means the acquisition of an additional 40% of the issued securities in Angel and 40% |
| of all shareholder loans due or owing by Angel (and/or its subsidiaries) from Shanghai | |
| Decent and its associates. | |
| Second Acquisition | US$280 million. |
| Consideration | |
| Shanghai Decent | means Shanghai Decent Investment (Group) Co., Ltd., a Tsingshan group company. |
| Shareholder | means a holder of Shares in the Company. |
| Shares | means fully paid ordinary shares in capital of the Company. |
| Tsingshan | means the Tsingshan group of companies. |
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ANNEXURE A - INDEPENDENT EXPERT'S REPORT
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The Independent Directors Nickel Mines Limited Level 2 66 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000
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1 December 2020
Subject: Acquisition from substantial shareholder Agreement to acquire 70% of Angel Nickel Project
Dear Independent Directors
Introduction
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1 On 16 October 2020 Nickel Mines Limited (Nickel Mines or the Company) announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in relation to the proposed purchase of a 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project[1] by Nickel Mines from Shanghai Decent Investment (Group) Co., Ltd (Shanghai Decent)[2] for US$490 million[3] (the Proposed Transaction). The Consideration is payable in two tranches, as follows:
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(a) US$210 million by 31 March 2021, pursuant to which Nickel Mines will acquire a 30% interest in the Angel Nickel Project (the first payment)
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(b) a further US$280 million by 31 December 2021, pursuant to which Nickel Mines will acquire an additional 40% interest in the Angel Nickel Project (increasing its total interest to 70%).
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2 On signing the MoU, the Company paid a US$10 million “good faith deposit” to Shanghai Decent and upon execution of a Definitive Agreement has committed to a further US$20 million “down payment” to Shanghai Decent, with the combined US$30 million to be offset against the first payment. The US$20 million payment will be funded from existing cash reserves with the remaining US$460 million to be funded from a combination of cash reserves, debt and equity.
1 The Angel Nickel Project will after construction, comprise four new rotary kiln electric furnace (RKEF) lines within the Indonesian Weda Bay Industrial Park, together with a captive 380 megawatt (MW) power plant. 2 A Tsingshan Holding Group (Tsingshan) group company.
- 3 Defined as the Consideration.
Authorised Representatives:
Wayne Lonergan • Craig Edwards • Hung Chu • Martin Hall • Martin Holt • Grant Kepler • Julie Planinic • Nathan Toscan • Jorge Resende
- Members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and holders of Certificate of Public Practice. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
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- 3 On 24 November 2020, Nickel Mines announced that it had entered into a binding Definitive Agreement[4] with Shanghai Decent to acquire a 70% equity interest in the Angel Nickel Project. The Agreement formalised the Company’s investment opportunity under the MoU. The announcement also stated that the Company was well progressed with acquisition funding and the funding split was proposed to be 50% debt funding and 50% equity funding[5] .
The Angel Nickel Project
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4 The Angel Nickel Project is a development project located within the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) on Halmahera Island in Indonesia’s North Maluku province. PT Angel Nickel Industry (PT ANI), wholly owned by Angel Capital Private Limited (Angel Private), a Singapore based private company, will wholly own the Angel Nickel Project.
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5 PT ANI will build, own and operate four rotary kiln electric furnace (RKEF) lines with an annual nameplate production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of nickel metal (in nickel pig iron (NPI)) and a captive 380 MW power plant. Following full payment of the Consideration of US$490 million, the project will be 70% owned by Nickel Mines and 30% by Shanghai Decent.
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6 The Angel Nickel Project will be organised under a similar corporate structure to the Company’s existing RKEF assets, with Shanghai Decent taking the lead role in the design and construction of the Angel Nickel Project. Furthermore, Shanghai Decent will indemnify PT ANI for any construction costs of the Angel Nickel Project exceeding US$700 million.
Nickel Mines
- 7 Nickel Mines is an Australian company that has become a globally significant, low cost producer of NPI, a key ingredient in the production of stainless steel. The Company has established a financial, operational and strategic partnership with China’s Tsingshan, the world’s largest stainless steel producer. Pursuant to this partnership, via Collaboration Agreements with Shanghai Decent, Nickel Mines owns an 80% interest in each of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects, which include four RKEF processing facilities[6] located in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP)[7] in Indonesia. Nickel Mines also owns an 80% interest in the Hengjaya Mineralindo Nickel Mine (Hengjaya Mine), a large tonnage, high grade nickel laterite deposit located in the Morowali Regency of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The deposit is located just 12 kilometres from the IMIP.
Purpose
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8 The Proposed Transaction is with persons in a position of influence under the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Listing Rules and requires the approval of Nickel Mines shareholders that are not considered a party to the transaction (the Nickel Mines nonassociated shareholders). The ASX Listing Rules require the notice of meeting sent to
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4 Collaboration Agreement Relating to the Angel RKEF Project (the Agreement). The Agreement was entered into on 23 November 2020.
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5 Nickel Mines cautioned that these percentages may, depending on market conditions, vary at the Company’s sole discretion.
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6 Each of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects operates two RKEF lines.
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7 The IMIP is the world’s largest vertically integrated stainless facility with a current stainless steel production capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum.
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shareholders to include an independent expert’s report (IER), stating whether the transaction is “fair and reasonable” to the Nickel Mines non-associated shareholders.
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9 Accordingly, the Independent Directors of Nickel Mines that are not associated with Shanghai Decent have requested that Lonergan Edwards & Associates Limited (LEA) prepare an IER in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 10.5.10 stating whether, in our opinion, the Proposed Transaction is fair and reasonable to the Nickel Mines non-associated shareholders.
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10 The IER will accompany the Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting and Explanatory Memorandum to be sent by Nickel Mines to Nickel Mines shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction. LEA is independent of Nickel Mines and has no involvement or other interest in the Proposed Transaction.
Summary of opinion
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11 LEA has concluded that the Proposed Transaction is fair and reasonable to the Nickel Mines shareholders. We have formed this opinion for the reasons set out below.
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12 Pursuant to Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) Regulatory Guide 111 – Content of expert reports (RG 111) a related party transaction is “fair” if the value of the financial benefit being offered by the entity to the related party is equal to or less than the value of the assets being acquired.
Assessment of fairness
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13 The Consideration of US$490 million is less than the net present value (NPV) of the Company’s pro rata share of the estimated future free cash flows from the Angel Nickel Project based on nameplate steady state rates of production, a reasonable assessment of future nickel prices and operating costs.
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14 The Consideration for the Proposed Transaction is also:
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(a) consistent with the implied values of the interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects acquired by Nickel Mines from Shanghai Decent
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(b) an attractive investment proposition in in terms of the Capital Intensity[8] of the Angel Nickel Project relative to other significant nickel projects.
Assessment of reasonableness
- 15 Pursuant to RG 111, a transaction is reasonable if it is fair. Consequently we have concluded that the Proposed Transaction is both fair and reasonable.
Advantages and disadvantages
- 16 In concluding whether the Proposed Transaction is “fair and reasonable” to the non-associated shareholders of Nickel Mines we have also had regard to the advantages and disadvantages of the Proposed Transaction from the perspective of Nickel Mines shareholders:
8 Capital Intensity is the project capital cost divided by annual nickel production capacity.
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Advantages
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(a) the Angel Nickel Project, which will include new interests in RKEF plants located at the IWIP, is a low Capital Intensity, low operating cost operation that provides Nickel Mines with diversification of NPI production and income
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(b) the Proposed Transaction will essentially double the Company’s NPI production and is value accretive, with the Consideration (totalling US$490 million) being less than the NPV of the expected future cash flows from the proportionate interest to be acquired in the Angel Nickel Project
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(c) the Angel Nickel Project is similar to the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects in which Nickel Mines has an 80% interest. These investments have provided Nickel Mines with positive income contribution since acquisition
-
(d) the greater size of the Company will enhance the liquidity of the Company’s shares on the ASX
-
(e) the guaranteed capital cost of the Angel Nickel Project and the NPI product off-take undertaking from Shanghai Decent increases the project’s attractiveness as it reduces the risk of capital cost overruns and any excess production
Disadvantages
- (a) there are no obvious disadvantages in connection with the proposed acquisition of a 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project at the date of this report.
Other considerations
- 17 Whilst discussions with banks and other financial institutions are well progressed, as stated in the Agreement, the exact terms of funding are not yet determined. However, the Company has currently indicated that the current funding proposal is 50% debt and 50% equity. Given the Company’s modest net debt level and the cash flows which can be reasonably expected to be generated by the current 80% interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects in the period to 31 March 2021 and subsequently in the period 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2021, we have assumed that these funds can be used toward funding the Proposed Transaction.
Conclusion
- 18 In our opinion, the advantages of the Proposed Transaction significantly outweigh the disadvantages.
General
-
19 In preparing this report we have considered the interests of Nickel Mines shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, this report only contains general financial advice and does not consider the personal objectives, financial situations or requirements of individual shareholders.
-
20 The ultimate decision by Nickel Mines shareholders whether to approve the Proposed Transaction should be based on each shareholder’s assessment of the Proposed Transaction. This report has been provided for shareholders in Nickel Mines not associated with Shanghai Decent.
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- 21 If in doubt about the Proposed Transaction or matters dealt with in our report, Nickel Mines shareholders should seek independent professional advice. For our full opinion on the Proposed Transaction, and the reasoning behind our opinion, we recommend that Nickel Mines shareholders read the remainder of our report.
Yours faithfully
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Julie Planinic Authorised Representative
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Martin Hall Authorised Representative
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Table of contents
| Section | Page | |
|---|---|---|
| I | Key terms of the Proposed Transaction | 8 |
| PT ANI | 8 | |
| Terms of the Proposed Transaction | 8 | |
| Funding | 9 | |
| Resolutions | 9 | |
| II | Scope of our report | 10 |
| Purpose | 10 | |
| Basis of assessment | 10 | |
| Limitations and reliance on information | 11 | |
| III | Profile of Nickel Mines | 13 |
| Overview | 13 | |
| History | 13 | |
| Current operations | 17 | |
| Financial performance | 20 | |
| Financial position | 22 | |
| Share capital | 23 | |
| IV | Profile of Angel Nickel Project | 25 |
| Overview | 25 | |
| IWIP | 25 | |
| The Angel Nickel Project | 26 | |
| Tax benefits | 27 | |
| V | Valuation methodology | 28 |
| Valuation approaches | 28 | |
| Methodology selected | 29 | |
| VI | Valuation of the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project | 30 |
| Overview | 30 | |
| Valuation on a DCF basis | 30 | |
| Cash flow projections | 31 | |
| Cross check to Nickel Mines’ transactions | 39 | |
| Cross check to Capital Intensity of nickel equivalent | 41 | |
| VII | Evaluation of the Proposed Transaction | 42 |
| Fairness | 42 | |
| Assessment of reasonableness | 42 | |
| Advantages and disadvantages | 43 |
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Appendices
A Financial Services Guide B Qualifications, declarations and consents C Glossary
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I Key terms of the Proposed Transaction
PT ANI
- 22 PT ANI will wholly own the Angel Nickel Project, a development project comprising four RKEF lines with an annual nameplate capacity of 36,000 tonnes of NPI and a captive 380 MW power station currently under construction within the IWIP on Halmahera, Indonesia.
Terms of the Proposed Transaction
-
23 The terms of the Proposed Transaction are set out in the Agreement which was entered into by Nickel Mines, Shanghai Decent and Decent Resource Limited[9] on 23 November 2020. Angel Private is a private company incorporated in Singapore. Angel Private holds 100% of the shares in PT ANI.
-
24 The Consideration for the Proposed Transaction is as follows:
-
(a) a deposit of US$10 million was paid to Shanghai Decent upon entering into the MoU
-
(b) a further deposit of US$20 million was paid within five days of entering into the Agreement[10]
-
(c) First Acquisition – the above US$30 million deposits form part of the First Acquisition Consideration and a further US$180 million is payable by 31 March 2021 (the First Acquisition Date) whereby Nickel Mines will acquire an initial 30% interest in:
-
(i) the share capital in Angel Private
-
(ii) all of shareholder loans due or owing by Angel Private as at the First Acquisition Date
-
-
(d) Second Acquisition – US$280 million is payable by 31 December 2021 (the Second Acquisition Date) for a further 40% interest in Angel Private (bringing the shareholding to 70%) and to acquire an equivalent proportionate interest in the balance of shareholder loans.
-
25 A graphical summary of the Proposed Transaction is as follows:
9 As at the date of the Agreement, Decent Resource Limited owned 100% of the shares in Angel Private. 10 A condition precedent of the First Acquisition is shareholder approval of the Proposed Transaction. The deposit amounts are repayable if the Proposed Transaction is not approved by Nickel Mines shareholders.
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Proposed Transaction
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-
26 The total costs of construction of the Angel Nickel Project are limited to US$700 million. Shanghai Decent undertakes to indemnify PT ANI for any construction costs exceeding US$700 million.
-
27 Shanghai Decent irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes to procure all of the NPI product from PT ANI at market price for NPI in China and shall indemnify PT ANI for all and any losses, costs or damages should it fail to fulfil this obligation.
Funding
-
28 The Company has advised that discussions with banks and other financial institutions are well progressed, with acquisition consideration currently proposed to be 50% debt funding and 50% equity funding, although these percentages may, depending on market conditions, vary at Nickel Mines’ sole discretion.
-
29 The final funding mix for the Proposed Transaction is still to be determined and Nickel Mines has advised that further details on these arrangements will be announced when available.
Resolutions
- 30 Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to Nickel Mines shareholder approval. The following resolution is included in the Notice of Meeting:
Ordinary Resolution 1 – Approval for the Company to acquire a 70% interest in Angel Capital Private Limited
“That, for the purposes of Listing Rule 10.1 and for all other purposes, approval is given for the Company to acquire shares and shareholder loans in Angel Capital Private Limited ( Angel ) which represents 70% of the equity and 70% of all shareholder loans made to Angel, from Shanghai Decent Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. ( Shanghai Decent ) and its associates, on the terms and conditions summarised in the Explanatory Memorandum accompanying this Notice of Meeting.”
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II Scope of our report
Purpose
-
31 The Proposed Transaction represents an acquisition of a substantial asset[11] from a substantial shareholder[12] under Rule 10.1.3 of the ASX Listing Rules and requires the approval of Nickel Mines non-associated shareholders.
-
32 ASX Listing Rule 10.5.10 requires the notice of meeting sent to shareholders to include an IER, stating whether the transaction is “fair and reasonable” to the non-associated shareholders[13] . Accordingly, the Independent Directors of Nickel Mines that are not associated with the Proposed Transaction have requested that LEA prepare an IER stating whether, in our opinion, the Proposed Transactions are “fair and reasonable” to the Nickel Mines non-associated shareholders, together with the reasons for this opinion.
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33 Our report will accompany the meeting documents sent by Nickel Mines to its shareholders for the purpose of the Company’s Extraordinary General Meeting including resolutions seeking to approve the Proposed Transaction.
-
34 LEA is independent of Nickel Mines and Shanghai Decent and has no other involvement or interest in the transaction.
Basis of assessment
-
35 In preparing our report, we have given due consideration to the ASX Listing Rules and Regulatory Guides issued by ASIC, particularly RG 111 and Regulatory Guide 76 – Related party transactions .
-
36 ASX Listing Rule 10.1 states that an entity must ensure that it does not acquire a substantial asset from, or dispose of a substantial asset to a substantial holder (of >10% of the voting rights) or an associate of a substantial holder without the approval of holders of the entity’s ordinary securities. Approval is required by resolution at a general meeting.
-
37 ASX Listing Rule 10.2 states that an asset is substantial if its value, or the value of the consideration for it, is 5% or more of the book value of the equity interests of the entity.
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38 ASX Listing Rule 10.5 requires that the notice of general meeting includes a report from an independent expert stating whether the transaction is fair and reasonable to non-associated holders of the entity’s ordinary securities.
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39 RG 111 states that “fair and reasonable” should not be applied as a composite test and states there should be a separate assessment of “fair” and “reasonable”. RG 111 provides that a proposed related party transaction:
11 ASX Listing Rule 10.2 defines an asset as substantial if its value or the value of the consideration for it is, or in the ASX’s opinion is, 5% or more of the “equity interest” of the entity as set out in the latest accounts given to the ASX under the Listing Rules.
12 Shanghai Decent is a substantial shareholder in Nickel Mines for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.1.1 as it has a relevant interest in over 10% of the Company’s total votes.
13 Chapter 2E of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) does not impose an IER requirement.
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(a) is “fair” if the value of the financial benefit to be provided by the entity to the related party is equal to or less than the value of the consideration being provided to the entity by the related party. This comparison is required to be made assuming an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing, but not anxious parties
-
(b) is “reasonable” if it is “fair”. A related party transaction may also be “reasonable” despite being “not fair” if the expert believes there are other reasons for non-associated shareholders to vote for the proposal.
-
40 Given the above, in our opinion, the most appropriate basis upon which to evaluate whether the Proposed Transactions are “fair and reasonable” to the non-associated shareholders is to consider:
-
(a) the market value of the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project
-
(b) the consideration to be paid by Nickel Mines for the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project
-
(c) the extent to which (a) and (b) differ in order to assess whether the Proposed Transaction is “fair”
-
(d)
- the implications for Nickel Mines if the Proposed Transaction is not implemented
-
(e) the position of Nickel Mines before and after the Proposed Transaction, and the net benefits inherent in the transaction
-
(f) the advantages and disadvantages of the Proposed Transaction from the perspective of Nickel Mines non-associated shareholders.
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41 The Proposed Transaction is reasonable to Nickel Mines shareholders provided the advantages of the Proposed Transaction outweighs the disadvantages from the perspective of Nickel Mines shareholders.
Limitations and reliance on information
-
42 Our opinions are based on the economic, share market, financial and other conditions and expectations prevailing at the date of this report. Such conditions can change significantly over relatively short periods, as has been evident by the significant volatility in equity markets in recent times due to the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
-
43 Our report is also based upon financial and other information provided by Nickel Mines. We have considered and relied upon this information and believe that the information provided is reliable, complete and not misleading and we have no reason to believe that material facts have been withheld.
-
44 The information provided was evaluated through analysis, enquiry and review to the extent considered appropriate for the purpose of forming an opinion on the Proposed Transaction from the perspective of the Nickel Mines shareholders. However, we do not warrant that our enquiries have identified or verified all of the matters which an audit, extensive examination or “due diligence” investigation might disclose. Whilst LEA has made what it considers to be appropriate enquiries for the purpose of forming its opinion, “due diligence” of the type
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undertaken by companies and their advisers in relation to (for example) prospectuses or profit forecast is beyond the scope of an IER.
-
45 Accordingly, this report and the opinions expressed therein should be considered more in the nature of an overall review of the anticipated commercial and financial implications of the Proposed Transactions rather than a comprehensive audit or investigation of detailed matters.
-
46 In forming our opinion, we have also assumed that the information set out in the Explanatory Memorandum is complete, accurate and fairly presented in all material respects.
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III Profile of Nickel Mines
Overview
- 47 Nickel Mines is an ASX listed Australian company that has become a globally significant, low cost producer of NPI, a key ingredient in the production of stainless steel. The Company owns an 80% interest in the Hengjaya Nickel Project, an 80% interest in the Ranger Nickel Project (both of which produce NPI), and an 80% economic interest in the Hengjaya Mine, which produces nickel laterite ore.
History
Mining origins
-
48 Nickel Mines was incorporated on 12 September 2007 with the objective of acquiring, exploring and developing nickel projects. After a period focusing on other opportunities, in December 2009 the Company entered into an agreement to acquire an 80% economic interest in the share capital of PT Hengjaya Mineralindo (PT Hengjaya), the owner of 100% of the Hengjaya Mine, with the remaining 20% interest owned by members of Indonesia’s Wijoyo family.
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49 Nickel Mines commenced production in October 2012 and made a maiden shipment of nickel laterite in February 2013. A number of vessels containing high grade nickel laterite (at an average grade of 1.98% nickel) were sold into China and Japan in 2013. However, when the Indonesian Government formally enacted a ban on the direct shipping of unprocessed minerals in January 2014 (including exports under a grade of 4% nickel), mining at the Hengjaya Mine ceased and operations were placed on care and maintenance.
Indonesian export ban on unprocessed minerals
-
50 The origins of the Indonesian export ban of direct shipping of unprocessed minerals (DSO ban) dates back to the 2009 Indonesian Law on Mineral and Coal Mining. This law described certain minerals as national non-renewable resources, specifying that mining should be managed to encourage sustainable regional development, be for the benefit of national interests and pursuant to the welfare and prosperity of the Indonesian people. While it was not until January 2014 that an Indonesian presidential DSO ban decree came into force, the intervening period had seen the Indonesian Government actively encouraging and promoting the investment into and construction of smelting facilities to establish an in-country downstream nickel processing industry.
-
51 In mid-2013 Tsingshan (then one of China’s largest stainless steel producers), committed to building a nickel processing facility in Indonesia to satisfy the indicated new framework for the treatment of Indonesia’s natural resources. Tsingshan pioneered the RKEF process to produce low-cost NPI through processing and smelting ore into stainless steel furnaces in a continuous hot flow[14] , and has since become the dominant player in the Indonesian NPI industry and a global leader in NPI processing technology[15] .
14 The major innovation was the RKEF process which allows ore to be processed, smelted and directed into stainless steel furnaces in a continuous hot flow.
15 Including having implemented the Argon Oxygen Decarburisation process, which incorporates the direct hot charging of NPI into the stainless steel production process for a low cost stainless steel cost position.
13
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- 52 PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park was established to develop the IMIP in the Morowali County of the Central Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. During October 2013, China’s President Xi and then Indonesian President Yudhoyono witnessed the signing of the Cooperation and Financing Agreement for the development of the IMIP.
Recommencement of mining operations and development of Tsingshan relationship
-
53 The introduction of the Indonesian DSO ban materially changed the course of Nickel Mines’ future, with the Company subsequently required to meet the minimum required export grade of 4% for nickel products. The development of the IMIP and a growing requirement of nickel laterite as feedstock for the IMIP’s RKEF lines saw the Hengjaya Mine recommence operations in the second half of 2015.
-
54 In September 2015, PT Hengjaya signed a supply agreement with PT Sulawesi Mining Investment, a Tsingshan group company, to supply 30,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) per month of nickel laterite at a cut-off grade of 1.9% nickel for six months. As a result, production at the Hengjaya Mine recommenced in October 2015. In December 2016, PT Hengjaya entered into an offtake agreement with Tsingshan group company PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) for the delivery of 50,000 WMT per month at an average grade of 1.9% nickel[16] .
-
55 The development of this relationship and Tsingshan’s requirement for additional NPI production to supply its stainless steel expansion plans culminated in Nickel Mines and Shanghai Decent[17] discussing a strategic partnership that would contemplate the two parties building additional NPI processing capacity within the IMIP.
-
56 In September 2017, Nickel Mines executed a Collaboration and Subscription Agreement with Tsingshan with respect to the funding and construction of the Hengjaya Nickel Project, which included two RKEF lines with nameplate production of 150,000 tonnes per annum of NPI containing 15,000 tonnes of nickel.
-
57 Nickel Mines acquired a 25% interest in the Hengjaya Nickel Project in April 2018 by provision of a US$50 million shareholder loan to Hengjaya Holdings Private Limited (Hengjaya Holdings). These funds were in turn provided to Hengjaya Nickel by way of a US$25 million shareholder loan and a US$25 million equity contribution. Hengjaya Nickel used these funds to contribute to the guaranteed capital cost of US$200 million for the construction of the Hengjaya Nickel Project[18] .
ASX listing and events subsequent
- 58 Nickel Mines was listed on the ASX in August 2018, raising $200 million. On 4 September 2018, the Company submitted notice to Shanghai Decent to acquire a further 35% of the issued and paid-up share capital of Hengjaya Holdings and a proportionate interest in the shareholder loans owing by Hengjaya Holdings to Shanghai Decent for US$70 million. This transaction increased the Company’s interest in the Hengjaya Nickel Project, which was
16 In October 2017, an updated off-take agreement was signed with ITSS guaranteeing to take supply of 50,000 WMT per month until 30 November 2018, with a cut-off grade of 1.6% nickel.
-
17 Shanghai Decent is a Tsingshan company.
-
18 At this time, the Company also held an option to acquire no less than 51% and up to 100% of the Hengjaya Nickel Project.
14
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still under construction at the time, to 60% based on the guaranteed construction price of US$200 million.
-
59 On 1 November 2018, Nickel Mines announced that the Hengjaya Nickel Project’s operating entity had been granted material corporate income tax relief on the following basis:
-
(a) a corporate income tax reduction of 100% for a period of seven tax years, starting from the tax year in which commercial production is achieved
-
(b) a corporate income tax reduction of 50% of payable income tax for a period of two tax years, starting from the end of the initial seven year period
-
(c) exemption from withholding and tax collection by third parties on sales proceeds that would normally be remitted to the Indonesian Revenue Department for a period of seven years, also commencing from the tax year in which commercial production is achieved.
-
60 On 8 November 2018, the Company executed the Ranger CA with Shanghai Decent to acquire up to an 80% equity interest in the Ranger Nickel Project, which included two additional RKEF lines under construction in the IMIP. The Ranger CA provided for Nickel Mines to acquire its interest in three tranches:
-
(a) the Initial Ranger Acquisition gave Nickel Mines the right to acquire an initial interest of 17% in the Ranger Nickel Project and 17% of all shareholder loans due to Shanghai Decent (and its affiliates) at cost of US$50 million (based on a valuation of US$300 million)[19]
-
(b) the Second Ranger Acquisition permitted Nickel Mines to increase its interest in the Ranger Nickel Project and in the total shareholder loans to between 51% and 60% before 31 December 2019. If this acquisition was completed within 60 days after the first batch of NPI was produced from the Ranger Nickel Project, the additional percentage acquired would be calculated based on a discounted valuation of US$280 million. If this acquisition was completed more than 60 days after the first batch of NPI was produced from the Ranger Nickel Project, the additional percentage acquired would be calculated based on a valuation of US$300 million
-
(c) conditional upon completion of the Second Ranger Acquisition, the Third Ranger Acquisition Option permitted Nickel Mines to increase its interest in the Ranger Nickel Project and in the total shareholder loans to up to 80% within 18 months of the first batch of NPI being produced from the Ranger Nickel Project. Any additional interest acquired under the Third Ranger Acquisition Option would be calculated based on a valuation of US$300 million.
19 The First Acquisition completion date was 10 business days after the execution of the Ranger CA and the 17% interest in the Ranger Nickel Project was acquired by Nickel Mines at a price of US$50 million using proceeds from the funds raised under the initial public offering. The balance of US$1 million (being the difference between 17% of US$300 million and the price paid of US$50 million) was carried forward to the Second Ranger Acquisition.
15
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-
61 On 1 February 2019, Nickel Mines advised that the Company’s 60% owned Hengjaya Nickel Project had produced its first NPI. In this announcement the Company also stated that:
-
(a) the Hengjaya Nickel Project’s first kiln was expected to reach at least 80% of nameplate capacity by early April 2019 and that the second kiln was anticipated to commence commissioning in early March 2019 and was expected to reach at least 80% of capacity in early May 2019. Ramp-up to full scale production for both kilns was expected to be achieved shortly thereafter[20]
-
(b) Shanghai Decent had advised that an expedited schedule would see the first kiln of the Ranger Nickel Project ready to commence commissioning in April 2019, with the second kiln to commence commissioning a month later. This was well ahead of previous guidance target (i.e. targeting commissioning in the September 2019 quarter).
-
62 On 26 March 2019, the Company announced that the Ranger Nickel Project had been granted corporate income tax relief on a basis consistent with the tax concessions previously granted to the Hengjaya Nickel Project.
-
63 On 17 April 2019, Nickel Mines announced that it intended to increase its ownership in the Ranger Nickel Project to 60%. The Company also stated that as the commissioning of the first kiln of the Ranger Nickel Project was well ahead of the previous September 2019 quarter commissioning target, the decision had been made to expedite the acquisition of this additional 43% interest.
-
64 On 3 June 2019, Nickel Mines announced that the first NPI had been produced from one of the Ranger Nickel Project’s two RKEF lines in a maiden production run. On 1 July 2019, the Company announced that the second line had commenced commissioning and produced its first NPI. Both lines were expected to take approximately two months to ramp up to 80% of capacity.
-
65 On 15 August 2019, the Company announced that it had completed the Second Ranger Acquisition, increasing its ownership from 17% to 60%. The acquisition was at a discounted valuation of US$280 million, compared to the US$300 million valuation at which its initial 17% interest was acquired[21] . The Second Ranger Acquisition cost was funded by the drawdown of US$80 million in debt provided by Shanghai Decent, the issue of US$40 million of shares in the Company and a cash payment of US$1.4 million.
-
66 On 9 September 2019, Nickel Mines announced that Shanghai Decent and the Company had agreed to amend two material terms in the Hengjaya CA[22] that governs the contractual rights and obligations with respect to the Hengjaya Nickel Project. These were:
-
(a) Nickel Mines had agreed to limit its contractual option to further equity in the Hengjaya Nickel Project to not more than 80% (previously 100%); and
-
20 This commissioning process and ramp-up was consistent with that previously implemented across the 20 existing RKEF lines then currently in operation within the IMIP.
21 This reduced value implied in the acquisition of the further 43% arose due to the Company electing to increase its ownership within 60 days of the Ranger Nickel Project’s first NPI production. In the alternative, the consideration payable would have been based on a valuation of US$300 million.
- 22 Collaboration Agreement between Shanghai Decent and Nickel Mines signed on 19 September 2017.
16
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-
(b) the option period during which Nickel Mines could acquire further equity in the Hengjaya Nickel Project had been extended to 30 November 2020 (previously 31 January 2020).
-
67 On 19 May 2020, the Company announced its decision (in consultation with its collaboration partner Shanghai Decent) to increase its ownership in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects from 60% to 80%. The consideration for the projects was US$120 million in total (or US$60 million for each 20% interest) as well as a US$30 million payment for the estimated share of the undistributed retained earnings pertaining to each 20% interest acquired. The acquisition completed on 30 June 2020 and was funded by a $231 million prorata non-renounceable entitlement offer.
Current operations
- 68 Nickel Mines owns nickel mining and processing operations on the east coast of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. As stated above, the Company holds ownership interests that comprise an 80% interest in the Hengjaya Nickel Project, an 80% interest in the Ranger Nickel Project and an 80% ownership stake in the Hengjaya Mine.
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----- Start of picture text -----
Nickel Mines – operations
Wijoyo Family
Nickel Mines Shanghai Decent
(WF)
80% NM 20% WF 80% NM 20% Shanghai Decent 80% NM 20% Shanghai Decent
Hengjaya Ranger
PT. Hengjaya Hengjaya Nickel Ranger Nickel
Holdings Private Investment
Mineralindo Limited 100% Private Limited Private Limited 100% Private Limited
100%
99% 1% 99% 1%
Hengjaya Ranger
Hengjaya Nickel Nickel PT Hengjaya Nickel PT Ranger Nickel
Mine Nickel Industry Industry
Project Project
Hengjaya Nickel Ranger Nickel
RKEF RKEF
----- End of picture text -----
- 69 Nickel Mines’ mining and processing operations are all located in the Morowali Regency on the east coast of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its RKEF lines are operated within the IMIP, which is situated approximately 12 kilometres north of the Hengjaya Mine boundary, as shown in the following map:
17
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Nickel Mines – locations
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Hengjaya Nickel Project
-
70 The Hengjaya Nickel Project is 80% owned by Nickel Mines. The project operates two 42 kilo volt amps (KVA) RKEF lines with combined nameplate production of 150,000 tonnes per annum of NPI containing 15,000 tonnes of nickel (targeted production is 16,500 tonnes per annum of nickel). It is a low cost NPI producer (as are all of the RKEF modules that are operated by Tsingshan in Indonesia), with operating costs in the lowest quarter of global NPI producers.
-
71 The Hengjaya Nickel Project produced its first NPI in late January 2019 and had a strong maiden quarter of production. The June 2019 quarter saw a continuation of the ramp-up towards full capacity with nickel metal production significantly exceeding both the nameplate and targeted run rate of 3,750 and 4,125 tonnes of nickel per quarter respectively. Quarterly production levels have continued to materially exceed nameplate and targeted levels, as shown below:
| Hengjaya Nickel Project – key production statistics | Hengjaya Nickel Project – key production statistics | by quarter | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPI | Nickel metal | Cash costs(1) |
||
| production | Nickel grade | production |
US$/tonnes | |
| Quarter ended | tonnes | % | tonnes | nickel |
| 31 March 2019 | 8,372 | 13.0 | 1,090 | 7,648 |
| 30 June 2019 | 31,256 | 14.0 | 4,386 | 7,725 |
| 30 September 2019 | 39,570 | 13.6 | 5,379 | 7,523 |
| 31 December 2019 | 40,911 | 13.6 | 5,578 | 7,778 |
| 31 March 2020 | 40,077 | 14.2 | 5,672 | 7,671 |
| 30 June 2020 | 34,078 | 14.6 | 4,980 | 7,342 |
| 30 September 2020 | 33,381 | 15.4 | 5,143 | 7,139 |
Note:
1 Cash costs exclude depreciation and interest.
18
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Ranger Nickel Project
-
72 The Ranger Nickel Project is 80% owned by Nickel Mines. The project is a replication of the low cost Hengjaya Nickel Project, and operates two 42 KVA RKEF lines with a similar production capacity (nameplate production of 150,000 tonnes per annum of NPI containing 15,000 tonnes of nickel) and operational cost structure.
-
73 The commissioning of the first kiln of the Ranger Nickel Project occurred in late May 2019, with the second in late June 2019. By August 2019 the project was operating above its nameplate and targeted monthly run rate and production for the September 2019 quarter was also above nameplate and targeted quarterly levels. In the following four quarters production levels have all been significantly higher than nameplate and targeted production levels, as shown below:
| Ranger Nickel Project – key production statistics by quarter | Ranger Nickel Project – key production statistics by quarter | Ranger Nickel Project – key production statistics by quarter | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPI | Nickel metal | Cash costs(1) |
||
| production | Nickel grade | production |
US$/tonne | |
| Quarter ended | tonnes | % | tonnes | nickel |
| 30 June 2019 | 2,477 | 12.6 | 311 | na |
| 30 September 2019 | 32,823 | 14.1 | 4,640 | 7,552 |
| 31 December 2019 | 39,105 | 13.8 | 5,390 | 7,886 |
| 31 March 2020 | 39,321 | 14.3 | 5,620 | 7,673 |
| 30 June 2020 | 35,524 | 14.4 | 5,124 | 7,392 |
| 30 September 2020 | 36,449 | 15.2 | 5,557 | 7,258 |
Note:
1 Cash costs exclude depreciation and interest.
Hengjaya Nickel Mine
-
74 Nickel Mines holds an 80% interest in the Hengjaya Mine, a long life nickel laterite deposit, with the remaining 20% interest owned by the Wijoyo family, acting as the local Indonesian partner. The mine is located in the Morowali Regency on the east coast of the province of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. In 2012, PT Hengjaya was granted a 20-year mining operation / production licence, including two further 10-year extension options.
-
75 The Hengjaya Mine is in close proximity to the IMIP. It produces direct shipping ore, the majority of which is sold into the IMIP facility for the production of NPI. The mine hosts Joint Ore Reserves Committee compliant resources as follows (as announced to the ASX on 27 August 2020):
| Hengjaya Nickel Mine – JORC compliant resources | Hengjaya Nickel Mine – JORC compliant resources |
|---|---|
Category |
Dry tonnes (million) Nickel % Cobalt % Iron % |
| Measured Indicated Inferred Total |
20 1.3 0.08 28 109 1.3 0.08 29 56 1.3 0.07 27 |
| 185 1.3 0.08 28 |
19
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Financial performance
- 76 The financial performance of Nickel Mines for the two years to 30 June 2019 (FY19), six months to 31 December 2019 and six months to 30 June 2020[23] is set out below:
| Nickel Mines – statement of financial performance(1) | Nickel Mines – statement of financial performance(1) |
|---|---|
FY18 US$m FY19 US$m HY to 31 Dec 19 US$m HY to 30 Jun 20 US$m |
|
| Revenue Cost of sales Gross profit Administration and consultants’ expenses Agency fee charges Depreciation and amortisation Other expenses Share of profit of equity accounted investee Net financial expenses Profit / (loss) before tax Income tax expense Profit / (loss) after tax Profit attributable to non-controlling interests Profit / (loss) attributable to owners of the Company |
13.6 64.9 236.1 227.8 (10.4) (43.3) (136.2) (153.1) |
| 3.1 21.6 99.9 74.7 (2.0) (2.6) (2.9) (2.1) (1.8) - - - (0.3) (6.8) (16.4) (18.3) (0.6) (1.1) (1.0) (2.8) - 2.6(2) 1.2(2) - (0.7) 58.3(3) 10.7 (6.0) |
|
| (2.3) 71.9 91.5 45.5 (0.6) (0.1) (0.2) - |
|
| (2.9) 71.8 91.3 45.5 0.4 6.3 34.8 21.1 |
|
| (3.3) 65.5 56.5 24.4 |
Note:
-
1 Rounding differences exist.
-
2 Relates to the Ranger Nickel Project, prior to acquiring a controlling interest.
-
3 Includes a net change in fair value of investment in associate of US$57.3 million.
Historical results
- 77 Nickel Mines’ historical financial performance to FY18 largely reflects the performance of its Hengjaya Mine operations. The result for FY19 includes the ramp up of the Hengjaya Nickel Project (which commenced operations in January 2019) and the initial commissioning of the Ranger Nickel Project (which commenced operations in late May 2019). Whilst both the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects were operational throughout FY20 (which comprises the two half year periods), the ownership levels for both projects were not consistent throughout this period. Accordingly, the historical results for Nickel Mines are not representative of ongoing financial performance.
Impact of COVID-19
-
78 On 29 January 2020, Nickel Mines provided an update with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the IMIP, which stated (inter alia) that:
-
(a) the IMIP had implemented strict access controls to the IMIP from 26 January 2020
23 Nickel Mines changed its financial year end date from 30 June to 31 December to align reporting dates across the Nickel Mines group entities.
20
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-
(b) all non-Indonesian personnel were prohibited from entering the IMIP unless exceptional circumstances required their entry (and all such personnel would be subject to medical screenings with their travel history analysed)
-
(c)
- rostered leave for Chinese workers had been suspended
-
(d) Chinese employees currently on rostered leave would have their return delayed; and
-
(e) both the Hengjaya Nickel Project and Ranger Nickel Project were continuing to operate as normal.
-
79 On 1 April 2020, Nickel Mines provided a further COVID-19 update including, inter alia, the following:
-
(a) the IMIP was continuing to enforce strict safety measures in response to COVID-19 including implementing rigid access restrictions and thorough screening procedures to ensure the health and wellbeing of all its workers. These protocols had been in place since late January, when the virus was still in its infancy, with work rosters being rescheduled to ensure the continuation of normal operations within the IMIP
-
(b) with a workforce that is made up of more than 90% local employees from the surrounding community, and with fly in fly out / expat workers restricted from entering the IMIP, early and proactive measures in addressing the potential impacts of COVID-19 were critical to the uninterrupted operations to date within the IMIP
-
(c) the Government of Central Sulawesi had locked down its borders, with the Governor issuing a decree on 23 March 2020 prohibiting the entry and exit of all foreign citizens, foreign workers and Indonesian migrant workers
-
(d) the Company reported that the operating performance of both the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects for the March 2020 quarter had been a continuation of the steady state production output and operating cost performance reported for the December 2019 quarter (which was the first full quarter of steady state operations for both projects)
-
(e) for the March 2020 quarter, combined production was 11,291 tonnes of nickel metal (100% basis) representing a record quarter of production and a 2.9% increase on the December 2019 quarter
-
(f) whilst the Company’s operations were largely unaffected by COVID-19, it was not possible to predict the future course and duration of the pandemic and the impact that may have on the Company’s operations; and
-
(g) the Company had also implemented strict access controls and restricted non-essential movements in and out of its 80% owned Hengjaya Mine. Temperature checks and symptom screenings were being carried out prior to every shift with the Hengjaya Mine also having commenced procurement of additional health and medical supplies.
-
80 With respect to the potential impacts of COVID-19 on Tsingshan’s NPI and stainless steel operations, Mr Weifeng Huang, Chairman of Shanghai Decent Group and Nickel Mines Director, stated[24] :
24 ASX announcement titled Nickel Mines COVID-19 Response and Production Update , 1 April 2020.
21
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“Due to the industry characteristics of continuous production throughout the year, Tsingshan did not stop the production either in China or out of China because of Chinese New Year, so the impact on Tsingshan’s production in China from the movement controls implemented to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in China have been minimal. While an impact on the domestic stainless-steel end market is inevitable, with the full resumption of work and production and the expected quick recovery in economic activities, I believe the market will soon restore to pre-pandemic levels barring any sudden deterioration in the current situation. Even then if the stainless-steel markets ex-China is depressed due to the COVID19 situation, the RKEF production in IMIP will keep up the good performance and can export its NPI products to China since Tsingshan’s own NPI production in China can only meet about half of its stainless-steel plants’ requirements.”
Financial position
81 The financial position of Nickel Mines as at 31 December 2019 and 30 June 2020 is set out below:
| Nickel Mines – statement of financial position(1) | |
|---|---|
| 31 Dec 19 US$m 30 Jun 20 US$m |
|
| Debtors and prepayments Inventories Creditors, accruals and provisions Net working capital Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Other assets net of other liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Total funds employed Cash and cash equivalents Deferred consideration payable(2) Interest bearing liabilities Net cash / (borrowings) Net assets Non-controlling interests Net assets attributable to Nickel Mines shareholders |
97.2 51.9 56.2 68.1 (53.8) (36.6) |
| 99.6 83.4 628.5 613.8 55.4 55.4 9.1 15.0 (55.4) (55.4) |
|
| 737.3 712.2 |
|
| 49.8 91.3 - (3.9) (65.0) (55.0) |
|
| (15.2) 32.4(3) |
|
| 722.1 744.5 |
|
| (294.7) (146.5) |
|
| 427.5 598.1 |
Note:
- 1 Rounding differences exist.
2 Relates to the distribution of retained earnings to Shanghai Decent as at 30 June 2020 in relation to the recently acquired 20% interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects. During the September 2020 quarter this amount was repaid.
- 3 Net cash as at 30 September 2020 was US$48.8 million.
Property, plant and equipment
82 Nickel Mines’ property, plant and equipment is predominantly comprised of plant and machinery relating to its holdings in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects.
22
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| Nickel Mines – property, plant and equipment | |
|---|---|
| 31 Dec 19 US$m 30 Jun 20 US$m |
|
| Buildings and land Mining properties Plant and machinery Other (motor vehicles, office equipment etc.) Total property, plant and equipment |
61.1 59.5 25.4 25.1 536.5 521.1 5.5 8.1 |
| 628.5 613.8 |
Share capital
- 83 As at 1 December 2020, Nickel Mines had 2,128.1 million fully paid ordinary shares on issue.
Significant shareholders
- 84 As at 1 December 2020, there were the following substantial shareholders in Nickel Mines that held a total of 53.0% of the ordinary shares on issue as detailed below:
| Nickel Mines – substantial shareholders | |
|---|---|
| Shares held | |
| Shareholder | million % interest |
| Shanghai Decent Investment (Group) Co., Ltd PT. Karunia Bara Perkasa BlackRock Group Norman Alfred Seckold Shanghai Wanlu Investment Co Ltd Total |
395.5 18.6 343.2 16.1 144.0 6.8 123.7 5.8 121.3 5.7 |
| 1,127.7 53.0 |
- 85 The following chart illustrates the movement in the share price of Nickel Mines since listing on the ASX on 20 August 2018 to 24 November 2020:
Nickel Mines – share price history[(1)] 20 August 2018 to 24 November 2020
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Note: 1 Based on closing prices. Source: Bloomberg
23
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- 86 Nickel Mines listed on the ASX on 20 August 2018 and over the intervening period since the share price has performed strongly (aside from a selloff in March 2020 due to initial concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic[25] ). The share price also responded favourably to the announcement of the Proposed Transaction on 16 October 2020.
Liquidity in Nickel Mines shares
- 87 The liquidity in Nickel Mines shares based on trading on the ASX over the 12 month period prior to 24 November 2020 is set out below:
| Nickel Mines – liquidity in shares | Nickel Mines – liquidity in shares | Nickel Mines – liquidity in shares | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No of shares | WANOS(1) |
Implied level of liquidity | ||||
| traded | outstanding | Period(2) | Annual(3) | |||
| Period | Start date | End date | 000 | 000 | % | % |
| 1 month | 25 Oct 20 | 24 Nov 20 | 221,293 | 2,128,100 | 10.4 | 124.8 |
| 3 months | 25 Aug 20 | 24 Nov 20 | 548,932 | 2,128,100 | 25.8 | 103.2 |
| 6 months | 25 May 20 | 24 Nov 20 | 1,012,929 | 2,105,201 | 48.1 | 96.2 |
| 1 year | 25 Nov 19 | 24 Nov 20 | 1,965,467 | 1,891,370 | 103.9 | 103.9 |
Note:
-
1 Weighted average number of shares outstanding (WANOS) during relevant period.
-
2 Number of shares traded during the period divided by WANOS.
-
3 Implied annualised figure based upon implied level of liquidity for the period.
-
88 In each of the periods above, total share turnover (on an annualised basis) has been in excess of 95% of the total number of shares issued in Nickel Mines, indicating a high level of market liquidity.
25 To date, the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects and the Hengjaya Mine operations have not been operationally impacted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
24
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IV Profile of Angel Nickel Project
Overview
-
89 The Angel Nickel Project is a development project located within the IWIP on Halmahera Island in Indonesia’s North Maluku province. The project will build, own and operate four RKEF lines with an annual nameplate production capacity of 36,000[26] tonnes of nickel metal in NPI, a 380 MW captive power plant and ancillary facilities required for the operation of each of the RKEF lines and the power plant.
-
90 Following the payment of US$490 million, the project will be 70% owned by Nickel Mines and 30% by Shanghai Decent. The Angel Nickel Project will be organised under a similar corporate and operational structure to the Company’s existing RKEF assets at IMIP, with Shanghai Decent taking the lead role in the design and construction of the Angel Nickel Project. Furthermore, Shanghai Decent is contractually committed that the total cost of the Angel Nickel Project shall not exceed US$700 million.
IWIP
- 91 The IWIP is a joint venture between Tsingshan (40% ownership), Hauyou Group (30%) and Zhenshi Holdings Group (30%). It is strategically located next to the large Weda Bay nickel deposit owned by Tsingshan (51.3%), Eramet (38.7%) and Aneka Tambang (10%), which provides feedstock to the IWIP operations. A map of the location of IWIP (relative to IMIP) is as follows:
Nickel Mines – IWIP location
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26 The Company’s existing Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects have a combined nameplate capacity of 30,000 tonnes of nickel metal in NPI.
25
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- 92 An aerial photo of the IWIP is as follows:
Nickel Mines – IWIP aerial photo
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- 93 Tsingshan is rapidly developing the IWIP[27] as a new nickel production frontier, with growing NPI supply and expectations that Indonesian supply will continue to displace higher cost production from China. As with the IMIP, Tsingshan is collaborating with a number of partners across a range of projects within the IWIP. Presently within the IWIP there are eight commissioned RKEF lines and four RKEF lines nearing completion, with power, port capacity and other ancillary services continuing to be progressively established. Whilst not as mature a facility as IMIP, IWIP provides Nickel Mines with potential expansion into a growing NPI site.
The Angel Nickel Project
- 94 The Angel Nickel Project will have nameplate capacity of 36,000 tonnes per annum of nickel metal (in NPI). Nickel Mines’ 70% interest in Angel Nickel Project therefore represents 25,200 tonnes per annum of attributable nickel metal production. By comparison, the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects each have annual nameplate production capacity of 15,000 tonnes of nickel metal (in NPI) and the Company’s 80% interest in the respective projects combined represents 24,000 tonnes per annum of attributable nickel metal production. As noted in Section III, since reaching steady-state operations, actual production from the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects has consistently significantly exceeded nameplate (and targeted) production capacity.
27 Adopting a similar development approach to the IMIP where the Company’s existing Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects are located.
26
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-
95 The Agreement provides for Shanghai Decent to take a lead role in the design and construction of Angel Nickel Project with commissioning to be no later than 16 October 2022 (subject to any force majeure event).
-
96 The Angel Nickel Project is expected to have similar operating costs (adjusted for the higher production capacity) to the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects. However, ownership of the power plant provides the Angel Nickel Project with the benefits of captive, secure, integrated power supply which will lower the NPI production operating cost (relative to the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects).
-
97 The RKEF technology at the IWIP is expected to be similar to IMIP giving rise to bottom quartile costs (on a global basis) that deliver significant cost and logistics savings underpinned by several factors:
-
(a) the ability to locally source an abundance of higher grade (>1.8% nickel grade) nickel ore. Such nickel ore is restricted from export from Indonesia as a result of the Indonesian Government’s ban on the exportation of unprocessed nickel ore under a grade of 4% nickel
-
(b) the generation of competitively priced electricity, which is powered by domestically sourced (and abundant) thermal coal; and
-
(c) the vertically integrated nature of operations within the IWIP to produce a stainless steel end product, utilising the key raw material inputs, including nickel ore and power.
Tax benefits
-
98 Similar to the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects, the Angel Nickel Project is expected to be granted regulated tax concessions that equate to material corporate income tax relief. These benefits are expected to include:
-
(a) a corporate income tax reduction of 100% for a period of seven tax years, starting from the tax year in which commercial production is achieved
-
(b) a corporate income tax reduction of 50% of payable income tax for a period of two tax years, starting from the end of the initial seven year period
-
(c) exemption from withholding and tax collection by third parties on sales proceeds that would normally be remitted to the Indonesian Revenue Department for a period of seven years, also commencing from the tax year in which commercial production is achieved.
27
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V Valuation methodology
Valuation approaches
-
99 RG 111 outlines the appropriate methodologies that a valuer should consider when valuing assets or securities for the purposes of, amongst other things, share buy-backs, selective capital reductions, schemes of arrangement, takeovers and prospectuses. These include:
-
(a) the discounted cash flow (DCF) methodology
-
(b) the application of earnings multiples appropriate to the businesses or industries in which the company or its profit centres are engaged, to the estimated future maintainable earnings or cash flows of the company, added to the estimated realisable value of any surplus assets
-
(c) the amount that would be available for distribution to shareholders in an orderly realisation of assets
-
(d) the quoted price of listed securities, when there is a liquid and active market and allowing for the fact that the quoted market price may not reflect their value on a 100% controlling interest basis
-
(e) any recent genuine offers received by the target for any business units or assets as a basis for valuation of those business units or assets.
-
100 Under the DCF methodology the value of the business is equal to the NPV of the estimated future cash flows including a terminal value. In order to arrive at the NPV the future cash flows are discounted using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the cash flow stream.
-
101 Methodologies using capitalisation multiples of earnings or cash flows are commonly applied when valuing businesses where a future “maintainable” earnings stream can be established with a degree of confidence. Generally, this applies in circumstances where the business is relatively mature, has a proven track record and expectations of future profitability and has relatively steady growth prospects. Such a methodology is generally not applicable where a business is in start-up phase, has a finite life, or is likely to experience a significant change in growth prospects and risks in the future.
-
102 Capitalisation multiples can be applied to either estimates of future maintainable operating cash flow, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA), earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) or net profit after tax. The appropriate multiple to be applied to such earnings is usually derived from stock market trading in shares in comparable companies which provide some guidance as to value and from precedent transactions within the industry. The multiples derived from these sources need to be reviewed in the context of the differing profiles and growth prospects between the company being valued and those considered comparable. When valuing controlling interests in a business an adjustment is also required to incorporate a premium for control. The earnings from any non-trading or surplus assets are excluded from the estimate of the maintainable earnings and the value of such assets is separately added to the value of the business in order to derive the total value of the company.
28
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- 103 An asset based methodology is applicable in circumstances where neither a capitalisation of earnings nor a DCF methodology is appropriate. It can also be applied where a business is no longer a going concern or where an orderly realisation of assets and distribution of the proceeds is proposed. Using this methodology, the value of the net assets of the company are adjusted for the time, cost and taxation consequences of realising the company’s assets.
Methodology selected
- 104 We have assessed the value of the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project by applying the DCF methodology to forecast cash flows based on nameplate steady state rates of production and a reasonable assessment of future nickel prices and operating costs. This value has then been compared to the Consideration (US$490 million) for the 70% interest of the Angel Nickel Project.
105 As cross-checks, we have had regard to the:
-
(a) Consideration payable for the Angel Nickel Project in comparison to the transactions entered into by Nickel Mines for the acquisition of interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects
-
(b) implied Capital Intensity[28] of the Angel Nickel Project in comparison to other significant nickel projects.
28 Capital Intensity is the project capital cost divided by annual nickel production capacity.
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VI Valuation of the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project
Overview
- 106 As stated in Section V, we have assessed the value of the 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project by applying the DCF methodology to forecast cash flows based on nameplate production capacity and a reasonable assessment of future nickel prices and operating costs. This value has then been compared to the Consideration for the acquisition of the 70% interest of the Angel Nickel Project (US$490 million).
107 As cross-checks, we have had regard to the:
-
(a) Consideration payable for the Angel Nickel Project in comparison to the transactions entered into by Nickel Mines for the acquisition of interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects
-
(b) implied Capital Intensity[29] of the Angel Nickel Project in comparison to other significant nickel projects.
Valuation on a DCF basis
-
108 Under the DCF methodology, the value of the Angel Nickel Project is equal to the NPV of the estimated cash flows over the estimated operating period. In order to arrive at the NPV the future cash flows are discounted using a discount rate which reflects the risk associated with the cash flow stream.
-
109 Nickel Mines has advised that the combined historical operating results of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects represent a reasonable proxy for the estimated cash flows that are expected to be generated by the Angel Nickel Project, but for the following key differences:
-
(a) the Angel Nickel Project will comprise four next generation RKEF lines with nameplate annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of nickel metal (in NPI)[30] . In comparison, the combined Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects comprise four RKEF lines with annual nameplate production capacity of 30,000 tonnes of nickel metal[30]
-
(b) the Angel Nickel Project will own a captive 380 MW power plant which will provide the benefit of a secure, integrated power supply. This will lower nickel production costs in comparison to the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects
-
110 Our DCF valuation is therefore based on free cash flow projections derived by LEA having regard to, inter alia, the combined historical operating performance of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects (as a proxy for the Angel Nickel Project), adjusted where necessary to determine reasonable forecast parameters for the Angel Nickel Project.
-
111 Whilst LEA believes the assumptions underlying the cash flow projections adopted for valuation purposes are reasonable and appropriate, it should be noted in respect of these projections that:
29 Capital Intensity is the project capital cost divided by annual nickel production capacity.
30 On a 100% ownership basis.
30
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-
(a) the major assumptions underlying the projections were formulated in the context of current economic, financial and other conditions
-
(b) the projections and the underlying assumptions have not been reviewed by an investigating accountant or technical expert for reasonableness or accuracy of compilation and application of assumptions
-
(c) future profits and cash flows are inherently uncertain
-
(d) by their nature, the projections do not take into account the operational flexibility available to management to react to changes in the market conditions in which the Angel Nickel Project will operate
-
(e) the achievability of the projections is not warranted or guaranteed by Nickel Mines or LEA, as they are predictions of future events that cannot be assured and are necessarily based on assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of Nickel Mines and its management; and
-
(f) actual results may be significantly more or less favourable.
-
112 Free cash flow represents the operating cash flows on an ungeared basis (i.e. before interest) less taxation payments[31] , capital expenditure and working capital requirements. The free cash flow on an ungeared basis is adopted to enable the value of the Angel Nickel Project to be determined irrespective of the level of debt funding employed.
-
113 Ground has been broken at the Angel Nickel Project and the Agreement provides for commissioning to be no later than 16 October 2022 (subject to any force majeure event)[32] . Consistent with the actual performance of the Hengjaya and Ranger Projects, which both took less than three months from commissioning to exceed nameplate capacity (refer paragraph 117), we have assumed a relatively short ramp up period once in production.
-
114 For valuation purposes we have assumed a valuation date of 31 March 2021 (being the date at which the balance of the first payment of US$210 million[33] is required from Nickel Mines to secure the initial 30% interest in the Angel Nickel Project). Cash flows from the Angel Nickel Project cover a period of 35 years starting in 2022[34] .
Cash flow projections
-
115 As the detailed cash flow projections are commercially sensitive, they have not been set out in our report. However, we set out below information on the major assumptions underlying the free cash flow projections. Our base case scenario and related assumptions reflect a 100% interest in the Angel Nickel Project.
-
31 Also calculated on an ungeared basis.
32 Tsingshan has a track record of commissioning RKEF plants around one year from breaking ground. The Agreement states that subject to a force majeure event, the Angel Nickel Project will be put into commissioning by no later than 16 October 2022.
33 Under the Agreement, a US$10 million dollar “good faith” payment was made on execution of the MoU and a further US$20 down payment was made within five days of executing the Agreement.
- 34 Consistent with the forecast periods for the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects, notwithstanding that the useful life of the RKEF lines is well in excess of this.
31
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Nickel metal production
-
116 Nickel metal production represents the NPI production (tonnes) multiplied by the NPI grade. The Angel Nickel Project is estimated to have an annual nameplate production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of nickel metal per annum. For the purposes of our valuation, we have adopted this nameplate nickel production capacity in our base case scenario.
-
117 Within three months of commissioning, both the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects were consistently exceeding their nameplate (and targeted) production capacity (which is 1,250 tonnes of nickel metal (in NPI) per month), as shown below:
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----- Start of picture text -----
Nickel metal production (tonnes)
Hengjaya Nickel Project Ranger Nickel Project
2,500 2,500
Actual production Actual production
Nameplate production capacity Nameplate production capacity
2,000 2,000
1,500 1,500
1,000 1,000
500 500
- -
Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20
----- End of picture text -----
-
118 For the 12 months to 30 September 2020, nickel metal production for the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects was 21,373 tonnes and 21,690 tonnes respectively, which is some 42.5% (Hengjaya) and 44.6% (Ranger) above nameplate capacity[35] .
-
119 Given the potential for the Angel Nickel Project to exceed nameplate capacity, we have also considered a range of alternative assumed production scenarios in our sensitivity analysis below.
Nickel price assumption
NPI prices
-
120 The NPI market is ostensibly a Chinese-orientated market with prices increasingly a function of individual contract negotiations between buyer and seller. Whilst indicative prices are published by a number of sources, there are numerous adjustments applied to the published prices to account for specification composition, freight and foreign exchange.
-
121 NPI prices essentially follow the benchmark London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel price, with a premium or discount depending on the level of adjustment. Nickel Mines realised NPI prices from the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects averaged 93% and 86% of the comparable month LME nickel price over 2019 and the 10 months to 31 October 2020 respectively (this equated to an average of 90% over the total 22 month period). The adopted
35 This is also some 29.5% (Hengjaya Nickel Project) and 31.5% (Ranger Nickel Project) above targeted production capacity respectively.
32
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NPI prices for our base case scenario are therefore based on LME nickel prices less an allowance for adjustment discounts.
- 122 The RKEF lines at the Angel Nickel Project are assumed to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2022 and ramp up to full production the following year. Accordingly, for the valuation of the Angel Nickel Project, we have considered LME nickel prices from 2022.
Spot nickel prices
- 123 Spot LME nickel prices for the period from 1 January 2017 to 24 November 2020 are set out below:
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----- Start of picture text -----
Spot LME nickel prices
(US$/tonne)
20,000
16,000
12,000
8,000
4,000
-
Jan 17 Apr 17 Jul 17 Oct 17 Jan 18 Apr 18 Jul 18 Oct 18 Jan 19 Apr 19 Jul 19 Oct 19 Jan 20 Apr 20 Jul 20 Oct 20
Source: Bloomberg, as at 24 November 2020.
----- End of picture text -----
Analyst forecast prices and forward nickel prices
- 124 Analyst nickel price forecasts, as well as average forward nickel prices, are set out below:
| Nickel price forecasts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
| US$/tonne | US$/tonne | US$/tonne | US$/tonne | |
| Analyst forecasts | ||||
| Low (nominal prices) | 12,076 | 11,833 | 11,949 | 15,983(1) |
| High (nominal prices) | 16,535 | 17,637 | 18,951 | 19,622(1) |
| Average (nominal prices) | 14,793 | 15,342 | 15,914 | 17,928(1) |
| Median (nominal prices) | 15,000 | 15,239 | 15,750 | 17,856(1) |
| Number of analysts | 23 | 20 | 19 | 11 |
| Average (real prices) | n/a | n/a | n/a | 15,545 |
| Median (real prices) | n/a | n/a | n/a | 15,322 |
| Number of analysts | n/a | n/a | n/a | 11 |
| Forward prices | ||||
| Forward nickel prices (nominal prices) | 16,158 | 16,332 | 16,500 | 16,725 |
| Forward nickel prices (real prices)(2) | 15,776 | 15,711 | 15,637 | 15,617 |
33
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Note:
-
1 Analyst nominal nickel prices for 2025 relate to 2025 to 2029 (i.e. they are more representative of 2027 prices).
-
2 Nominal nickel prices have been adjusted to remove estimated inflation (of 1.5% per annum). Source: Consensus Economics, as at 16 November 2020. Bloomberg, as at 24 November 2020.
Nickel and NPI prices adopted
- 125 The forward nickel prices are generally consistent with the analyst forecasts over the respective periods. Accordingly, we have adopted the following LME nickel and implied NPI prices for our base case scenario:
NPI price (real) adopted
| US$/tonne | |
|---|---|
| LME nickel price adopted from 2022 and thereafter (real) Price adjustment discount Adopted NPI price from 2022 and thereafter (real) |
15,500(1) 10% |
| 13,950 |
Note:
- 1 Based on an adopted range of US$15,000 to US$16,000 per tonne.
Cash costs
- 126 The historical cash costs of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects since commissioning are set out in the table below:
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----- Start of picture text -----
Cash cost (US$/tonne of nickel production) [(1)]
Hengjaya Nickel Project Ranger Nickel Project [(2)]
10,000 10,000
Actual Average Actual Average
8,000 8,000
6,000 6,000
4,000 4,000
2,000 2,000
- -
Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20
----- End of picture text -----
Note:
-
1 Cash cost per tonne includes ore costs, electricity, reductant coal costs, other operating costs and management expenses but excludes depreciation and interest charges.
-
2 The increase in cash costs in December 2019 for the Ranger Nickel Project was largely attributable to greater electricity consumption and other expenses associated with the trialling of different ore mixes to further enhance recoveries.
-
127 As indicated above, the cash costs for both the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects have been relatively consistent since commissioning, averaging US$7,536 and US$7,556 per tonne of nickel production respectively. This is less than Nickel Mines’ targeted cash costs of US$8,000 per tonne for these projects.
34
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-
128 Other than power / electricity costs, Nickel Mines expects cash costs on a per tonne basis for the Angel Nickel Project to be similar to those for the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects. However, as noted above, the new RKEF lines will obtain electricity supply[36] from ownership of the captive 380 MW on-site power station (rather than an independent supplier), which is expected to reduce electricity costs at the project by approximately 20%.
-
129 For the purpose of our base case scenario we have initially adopted cash costs of US$8,000 per tonne (equivalent to targeted cash costs), which is conservative given the experience of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects to date. To allow for ownership of the power station in our valuation we have lowered the comparative cost of electricity supply to the Angel Nickel Project by 20% (which equates to a reduction in cash costs of US$400 per tonne). This reduces the base case cash costs to US$7,600 per tonne of nickel production.
Sustaining capital expenditure and depreciation
- 130 Based on Nickel Mines’ experience to date at the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects (capital expenditure for which subsequent to commissioning has been modest to date) and its understanding of the Angel Nickel Project, we have assumed capital expenditure of some US$1.0 million per annum for our base case scenario[37] . For simplicity, we have also assumed that depreciation is equal to capital expenditure[38] .
Working capital
- 131 An allowance for working capital for the Angel Nickel Project to reach a steady state of production has been included in the DCF, similar to that required to reach a steady state of production for the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects.
Corporate tax
-
132 The assumed Indonesian corporate tax rate will be 20%. However, we have been advised that the Angel Nickel Project will likely be granted material corporate income tax relief as follows:
-
(a) a corporate income tax reduction of 100% for a period of seven tax years, starting from the tax year in which commercial production is achieved
-
(b) a corporate income tax reduction of 50% of payable income tax for a period of two tax years, starting from the end of the initial seven year period
-
(c) exemption from withholding and tax collection by third parties on sales proceeds that would normally be remitted to the Indonesian Revenue Department for a period of seven years, also commencing from the tax year in which commercial production is achieved.
-
133 These concessions may be revoked and are maximum periods that may be amended or adjusted, if certain conditions are not met, the key condition being that the minimum
36 Electricity is a key input to the RKEF process and comprises some 30% of the total operating costs for the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects.
37 Note, there is also an allowance for repairs and maintenance included in our adopted operating cash costs. 38 This is for both the upfront and sustaining capital expenditure.
35
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investment level be met. The investment in the Angel Nickel Project is expected to exceed this minimum requirement.
- 134 The DCF model includes an allowance for 10% withholding tax payable on dividends distributed to the Singaporean holding company. No withholding tax is expected to be payable on dividend distributions from Singaporean companies.
Discount rate
- 135 We have adopted a discount rate of 11.0% per annum (after tax in real terms) based on the midpoint of the assessment below for the Angel Nickel Project:
| Weighted average cost of capital (WACC) | |
|---|---|
| Low High |
|
| % % |
|
| Beta Risk premium Risk free Cost of equity Specific company risk premium Country risk premium Cost of equity including other premiums Cost of debt pre tax Cost of debt post tax(1) Proportion equity Proportion debt WACC (after tax) Forecast inflation(2) Real WACC (after tax) Adopt |
1.1 1.2 6.0 6.0 2.5 2.5 |
| 9.1 9.7 1.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 |
|
| 13.1 14.7 9.0 10.0 |
|
| 6.8 7.5 80.0 80.0 20.0 20.0 |
|
| 11.8 13.3 |
|
| 1.5 1.5 |
|
| 10.2 11.6 |
|
| 11.0 |
Note:
-
1 The post-tax cost of debt is derived adopting Indonesia’s 20% corporate tax rate.
-
2 Given the cash flows for the Angel Nickel Project have been forecast in real terms we have calculated the equivalent real discount rate having regard to the annual level inflation implied by the difference between United States of America (US) Government Bonds and US Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds. As at 24 November 2020, inflation implied by the 30 year US Government Bonds compared to the relevant US Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds (i.e. implied inflation for 30 years from this date) was 1.9%.
136 LEA’s discount rate assessment reflects:
- (a) a risk free rate of 2.5% per annum – our adopted risk free rate is higher than the yield on the 30 year US Government Bond of 1.6% as at 24 November 2020. However, this is consistent with current market practice, which is to apply a normalised risk-free rate having regard to a mix of historical averages and current spot rates
36
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-
(b) a market risk premium (MRP) of 6.0% per annum[39]
-
(c)
-
an equity beta of 1.1 to 1.2 – having regard to:
-
(i) the tolling nature of the Angel Nickel Project’s proposed facilities
-
(ii) the Angel Nickel Project’s exposure to nickel prices and the commodity price volatility therein
-
(d) specific company risk premium of 1.0% to 2.0% has been adopted due to the early stage of the Angel Nickel Project, which as at the date of our report had broken ground and is under construction
-
(e) country risk premium[40] of 3% has been adopted based on Indonesia’s country bond default spread[41]
-
(f) a long term cost of debt of 9% to 10% having regard to, inter alia, the terms of the recent debt facilities entered into by Nickel Mines[42] . This rate implicitly includes allowance for a country risk premium
-
(g)
-
a conservative gearing ratio (debt / enterprise value) of 20%
-
(h) a long term inflation rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the estimated long-term inflation rate in the US of 1.9%. In the context of a real valuation this is a conservative assumption as this results in a slightly higher discount rate.
Sensitivity analysis
-
137 There are inherent qualifications that apply to cash flow projections on which DCF valuations are based. In addition, the cost of capital can vary between industry participants based on factors such as differing perceptions / acceptance of risk and willingness to assume debt funding obligations.
-
138 It is important therefore not to credit the output of DCF models with a precision they do not warrant. It follows that any DCF valuation process should consider a range of scenarios, having regard to the respective key valuation drivers of the enterprise being valued.
-
139 As indicated above, we consider our adopted nickel production volume and cash cost assumptions to be relatively conservative when compared to the historical operating performance of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects. The sensitivity of our base case DCF valuation to these assumptions is shown below:
39 Being the estimated risk premium obtained by observation / analysis of the implied premium for the S&P 500. Source: Aswath Damodaran, Stern University New York, January 2019.
40 A country risk premium essentially allows for three major risks associated with investment in a foreign county including political risk, economic risk and currency risk.
41 Where the country bond default spread is measured as the difference between the yield on the country’s sovereign bonds and the yield on comparable US Treasury Bonds.
- 42 This has been assessed on a project specific level.
37
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| Sensitivity analysis – nickel production and cash costs (US$m)(1) | Sensitivity analysis – nickel production and cash costs (US$m)(1) | Sensitivity analysis – nickel production and cash costs (US$m)(1) | Sensitivity analysis – nickel production and cash costs (US$m)(1) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel production (tonnes/annum)(1) | |||||
| 32,000 | 36,000 40,000 |
44,000 | 48,000(2) | ||
| Cash costs (US$/tonne of Nickel production) |
7,000 7,300 7,600 7,900 8,200 |
1,413 1,351 1,288 1,226 1,163 |
1,594 1,774 1,524 1,696 1,453 1,618 1,383 1,540 1,313 1,462 |
1,955 1,869 1,784 1,698 1,612 |
2,136 2,042 1,949 1,855 1,761 |
Note:
-
1 The bolded value reflects our base case scenario.
-
2 The high end of the nickel production sensitivity analysis (44,000 tonnes per annum) is 33.3% higher than nameplate production capacity for the Angel Nickel Project. In comparison, since reaching steady state operations, the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel projects have on average consistently exceeded their nameplate production capacity by 42.5% and 44.6% respectively (refer paragraph 118).
-
140 In addition to the above, we have considered the sensitivity of our base case DCF valuation to the adopted real nickel prices and discount rate:
| Sensitivity analysis – long | Sensitivity analysis – long | term nickel price and discount rate (US$m)(1) | term nickel price and discount rate (US$m)(1) | term nickel price and discount rate (US$m)(1) | term nickel price and discount rate (US$m)(1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long term real nickel price (US$/tonne) | ||||||
| 13,500 | 14,500 | 15,500 | 16,500 | 17,500 | ||
| 10.0% | 1,132 | 1,362 | 1,592 | 1,822 | 2,052 | |
| Discount rate |
10.5% 11.0% 11.5% |
1,080 1,032 988 |
1,300 1,243 1,190 |
1,520 1,453 1,391 |
1,740 1,664 1,593 |
1,960 1,875 1,795 |
| 12.0% | 946 | 1,140 | 1,334 | 1,528 | 1,721 |
Note:
-
1 The bolded value reflects our base case scenario.
-
141 The value attributable to the effective nine year tax holiday in our base case DCF valuation is approximately US$172 million for the Angel Nickel Project, based on our adopted discount rate of 11.0% (before any adjustment for the risk of amendment or adjustment by the Indonesian Government).
Adopted DCF value
-
142 Based on the above assumptions, the value of 100% of the Angel Nickel Project under the DCF approach ranges from US$1.4 billion to US$1.5 billion, with the corresponding value of Nickel Mines’ 70% interest ranging from US$1.0 billion to US$1.1 billion.
-
143 The above values are based on the nameplate capacity of the Angel Nickel Project of 36,000 tonnes per annum of nickel production. As noted above, the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects have both, on average, operated at levels in excess of 40% of nameplate capacity. At similar levels of production outperformance (i.e. 40%), the value of 100% of the Angel Nickel Project would be substantially greater than the values derived above.
-
144 Our assessed values are in excess of the US$700 million value attributed to 100% of the Angel Nickel Project (Nickel Mines’ 70% attributable share is US$490 million) based on the Proposed Transaction.
38
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Cross check to Nickel Mines’ transactions
- 145 As set out in Section III, Nickel Mines has entered into a number of transactions to acquire interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects that have resulted in the Company holding 80% of each project. These transactions are summarised below.
Hengjaya Nickel Project transactions
-
146 Nickel Mines currently holds an 80% interest in the Hengjaya Nickel Project, the interests for which were acquired over three transactions:
-
(a) acquisition of initial 25% interest – in April 2018, Nickel Mines acquired a 25% interest in the Hengjaya Nickel Project, which was still under construction at the time, by provision of a US$50 million shareholder loan, implying a value of US$200 million for 100% of the project. These funds were used to contribute to the guaranteed capital cost of US$200 million (for 100%) for the construction of the Hengjaya Nickel Project
-
(b) acquisition of a further 35% interest – in September 2018, Nickel Mines submitted notice to Shanghai Decent to acquire a further 35% of the Hengjaya Nickel Project for US$70 million, implying a value of US$200 million for 100% of the project. This increased the Company’s interest in the Hengjaya Nickel Project, which was still under construction at the time, to 60% based on the guaranteed construction price of US$200 million (for 100%)
-
(c) acquisition of a further 20% interest – on 30 June 2020, Nickel Mines exercised a call option (expiring 18 months from the commercial operation of the two RKEF lines comprising the Hengjaya Nickel Project), to enable it to increase its ownership in the Hengjaya Nickel Project to 80% for consideration of a further US$60 million. The price payable implied a value for 100% of the Hengjaya Nickel Project of some US$300 million.
Ranger Nickel Project transactions
-
147 Nickel Mines currently holds an 80% interest in the Ranger Nickel Project, the interests for which were also acquired over three transactions:
-
(a) acquisition of initial 17% interest – the first acquisition under the Ranger CA occurred in November 2018 and comprised a 17% interest for a price of US$50 million[43] . The purchase price was based on a valuation of US$300 million for the Ranger Nickel Project
-
(b) acquisition of a further 43% interest – under the terms of the Ranger CA, in July 2019 Nickel Mines paid US$121.4 million for a further 43% interest in the Ranger Nickel Project[44] based on a discounted valuation of the overall project of US$280 million. This reduced value arose due to the Company electing to increase its ownership within 60 days of Ranger Nickel Project’s first NPI production. In the alternative, if Nickel Mines had elected to increase its ownership after this period but before 31 December 2019, under the terms of the Ranger CA the consideration payable would have been based on a valuation of US$300 million
43 A 17% interest implies a purchase price of US$51 million. US$1 million was carried forward and included in the
Second Ranger Acquisition purchase price.
44 Being an interest in the equity of Ranger Investment Private Limited and a pro rata share of all shareholder loans due to an associate of Shanghai Decent.
39
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-
(c) acquisition of a further 20% interest – on 30 June 2020, Nickel Mines exercised its right under the Ranger CA to increase its interest in the Ranger Nickel Project to 80% (this right was held within 18 months of the first NPI production). The price for the further 20% interest in the Ranger Nickel Project was also based on a total project value of US$300 million.
-
148 Based on the relative nameplate capacity of the Angel Nickel Project when compared to the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects, the US$700 million construction cost is considered reasonable.
Summary of Nickel Mines transactions
- 149 A summary of the transactions relating to acquisitions of interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects, including the implied Capital Intensity per tonne of nickel equivalent capacity, is as follows:
Nickel Mines – acquisition of interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects
| Nameplate | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value of | capacity (100%) | Capital |
||||
| Interest | Purchase price |
100% | nickel tonnes / | Intensity | ||
| Date | % | US$m | US$m | annum | US$m/tonne | |
| Hengjaya Nickel Project | ||||||
| April 2018 | 25 | 50.0 | 200.0(1) | 15.0 | 13.3 | |
| September 2018 | 35 | 70.0 | 200.0(1) | 15.0 | 13.3 | |
| June 2020 | 20 | 60.0 | 300.0(2) | 15.0 | 20.0 | |
| Total | 80 | 180.0 | ||||
| Ranger Nickel Project | ||||||
| November 2018 | 17 | 50.0(3) | 300.0(4) | 15.0 | 20.0 | |
| July 2019 | 43 | 121.4(3) | 280.0(4) | 15.0 | 18.7 | |
| June 2020 | 20 | 60.0 | 300.0(4) | 15.0 | 20.0 | |
| Total | 80 | 231.4 |
Note:
-
1 Transaction based on the guaranteed construction price of US$200 million.
-
2 As per the terms of the Hengjaya CA. The implied value and purchase consideration increased as the project became operational.
-
3 The purchase price for the first 17% interest was rounded down by US$1 million. As per the terms of the Ranger CA, the Second Ranger Acquisition consideration included the US$1 million additional payment from the acquisition of the initial 17% interest.
-
4 As per the terms of the Ranger CA. The implied value for the Ranger Nickel Project is consistent with the implied value of the Hengjaya Nickel Project once operational. The reduced value implied in the acquisition of the further 43% arose due to the Company electing to increase its ownership within 60 days of Ranger Nickel Project’s first NPI production. In the alternative, the consideration payable would have been based on a valuation of US$300 million.
150 Regarding the transactions we note that:
- (a) the April 2018 and September 2018 acquisitions of interests in the Hengjaya Nickel Project were based on a guaranteed construction cost of US$200 million for 100% of the project (note this was subsequently increased for the final 20% investment)
40
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-
(b) the July 2019 acquisition of a 43% interest in the Ranger Nickel Project was discounted as Nickel Mines elected to increase its ownership within 60 days of the project’s first NPI production. But for this discount, the acquisition consideration for 100% ownership would have been US$300 million
-
(c) the remaining three acquisitions all transacted at a project value of US$300 million.
-
151 Having regard to the more recent transactions and ignoring discounts, the implied value for each of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects was US$300 million. This equates to a Capital Intensity of US$20,000 per tonne of nickel equivalent production[45] .
-
152 The consideration for 100% of the Angel Nickel Project (which includes four RKEF plants and a 380 MW power station) is US$700 million. This implies a Capital Intensity of US$19,444 per tonne of nickel equivalent production.
-
153 The Capital Intensity for the Angel Nickel Project is therefore less than the Capital Intensity of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects (at a project value of US$300 million). However, the Capital Intensity for the Angel Nickel Project includes allowance for the captive 380 MW power station and a calculation excluding the associated capital expenditure for the power station would provide a lower value per tonne of nickel equivalent production.
Cross check to Capital Intensity of nickel equivalent
154 The Capital Intensity of significant global nickel projects is set out in the following table:
| Global nickel projects’ | Capital Intensity | Capital Intensity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ni capacity | Capital | ||||
| tonnes / | Capital cost | Intensity | |||
| Project | Year | Plant | annum | US$m | US$m/tonne |
| Ravensthorpe | 2007 | HPAL(1) | 40,000 | 3,000 | 75,000 |
| VNC (Goro) | 2010 | HPAL(1) | 60,000 | 6,000 | 100,000 |
| Onca Puma | 2011 | FeNi(2) | 52,000 | 3,200 | 61,538 |
| Barro Alto | 2011 | FeNi(2) | 40,000 | 1,900 | 47,500 |
| Ambatovy | 2012 | HPAL(1) | 60,000 | 5,500 | 91,667 |
| Ramu | 2012 | HPAL(1) | 34,000 | 1,490 | 43,823 |
| Koniambo | 2013 | FeNi(2) | 30,000 | 6,300 | 105,000 |
Note:
-
1 HPAL = high pressure acid leach and FeNi = Iron nickel alloys. Nickel Mines’ RKEF lines use Tsingshan’s NPI technology.
-
155 As shown above, the Capital Intensity for the global nickel projects is higher than the Capital Intensity for the RKEF lines (which is less than US$20,000[46] ) and therefore the Angel Nickel Project is an attractive investment proposition relative to an alternative investment in the global nickel sector.
45 The average Capital Intensity of all six transactions is $17,556 per tonne of nickel equivalent production.
46 This is primarily due to the lower capital cost of the NPI technology owned by Tsingshan.
41
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VII Evaluation of the Proposed Transaction
- 156 In our opinion, the Proposed Transaction is fair and reasonable to Nickel Mines shareholders. We have formed this opinion for the reasons set out below.
Fairness
-
157 Pursuant to RG 111, a related party transaction is “fair” if the value of the financial benefit being offered by the entity to the related party is equal to or less than the value of the assets being acquired. In our opinion the Proposed Transaction is fair as:
-
(a) the Consideration for the interest in the Angel Nickel Project (of US$490 million) is less than the NPV of the Company’s pro rata share of the estimated future free cash flows from the project based on nameplate rates of production, a reasonable assessment of future nickel prices and estimates of operating costs
-
(b) the Consideration for the Proposed Transaction is also:
-
(i) consistent with the implied values of the interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects acquired by Nickel Mines from Shanghai Decent
-
(ii) an attractive investment proposition in terms of the Capital Intensity[47] of the Angel Nickel Project relative to other significant nickel projects.
-
Assessment of reasonableness
-
158 Pursuant to RG 111, a related party transaction is reasonable if it is fair. Consequently we have concluded that the Proposed Transaction is both fair and reasonable to Nickel Mines shareholders.
-
159 In considering whether the Proposed Transaction are reasonable to Nickel Mines shareholders we have also had regard to the following:
-
(a) the announcements with respect to the Proposed Transaction made to date
-
(b) the implications for Nickel Mines if the Proposed Transaction is not implemented
-
(c) the position of Nickel Mines before and after the Proposed Transaction, and the net benefits inherent in the transaction; and
-
(d) other qualitative factors with respect to the Proposed Transaction.
Implication if the Proposed Transaction is not implemented
- 160 If the Proposed Transaction is not implemented, Nickel Mines will forgo the opportunity to increase its interest in NPI production operations and the earnings that will flow from the interest in the Angel Nickel Project. In our opinion, the value of these earnings and the implicit diversification benefits exceeds the Consideration payable.
47 Capital Intensity is the project capital cost divided by annual nickel production capacity.
42
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- 161 If the Proposed Transaction does not occur as a result of Nickel Mines shareholders failing to pass a resolution at general meeting authorising the Proposed Transaction, Shanghai Decent will repay the deposit amounts within 10 business days of the condition precedent not being satisfied.
Position of Nickel Mines before and after the Proposed Transaction
-
162 Based on the indicative DCF assessment, the Proposed Transaction is value accretive as the Proposed Transaction provides Nickel Mines with:
-
(a) an additional income source from further downstream production of NPI
-
(b) a greater operational footprint and presence in the two largest nickel production centres globally. The interest in the Angel Nickel Project will contribute some 25,200 tonnes per annum of additional nickel metal (in NPI) production[48] , increasing the significance of Nickel Mines’ nickel production capabilities and the scale of the Company.
-
163 Whilst the exact details of the funding of the Proposed Transaction have not been determined, the Company has indicated that the likely funding will be 50% debt and 50% equity. The Company has advised that discussion with banks and other financial institutions are well progressed, however the exact percentage of debt and equity funding may vary.
-
164 As at 24 November 2020, Nickel Mines’ market capitalisation was US$1.6 billion and its latest cash position was US$93.8 million, which exceeded its borrowings of US$45 million. For the purpose of our report we have considered the implications of 50% debt funding at an interest rate of 8.5% per annum[49] . Assuming a debt facility of US$245 million (i.e. 50% of the Consideration) to finance the Proposed Transaction, Nickel Mines’ gearing level would increase from a net cash position to just over 10%, which would result in an annual debt servicing capacity based on the current performance of the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects of 7 times. This assumption is also conservative as there will be additional cash flow generated by the Angel Nickel Project once the RKEF lines are commissioned and reach nameplate capacity.
-
165 Further, the cash flow generated by the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects in the period to 31 March 2021 and the period 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2021 will be available to assist Nickel Mines with the funding of the Proposed Transaction.
Advantages and disadvantages
- 166 In concluding whether the Proposed Transactions are “fair and reasonable” to the Nickel Mines non-associated shareholders we have also had regard to the advantages and disadvantages of the Proposed Transactions from the perspective of Nickel Mines shareholders:
48 Based on nameplate capacity of 36,000 tonnes per annum for the Angel Nickel Project. Post the ramp up period for the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects actual production levels have been significantly in excess of these nameplate capacity levels.
49 Broadly consistent with the rate charged by Shanghai Decent on the loan advance to the Company for the Second Ranger Acquisition and the debt rate adopted in the DCF discount rate. We have been advised by Nickel Mines management that several debt providers have recently indicated that debt funds would likely be available to the Company at or around this rate.
43
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-
(a) the Angel Nickel Project, which will include new interests in RKEF lines located at the IWIP, is a low Capital Intensity, low operating cost operation that provides Nickel Mines with diversification of NPI production and income
-
(b) the Proposed Transaction will essentially double the Company’s NPI production and is value accretive, with the Consideration (totalling US$490 million) being less than the NPV of the expected future cash flows from the proportionate interest to be acquired in the Angel Nickel Project
-
(c) the Angel Nickel Project is similar to the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects in which Nickel Mines has an 80% interest. These investments have provided Nickel Mines with positive income contribution since acquisition
-
(d) the greater size of the Company will enhance the liquidity of the Company’s shares on the ASX
-
(e) the guaranteed capital cost of the Angel Nickel Project and the off-take undertaking from Shanghai Decent increases the project’s attractiveness as it reduces the risk of capital cost overruns and any excess production
Disadvantages
- (f) there are no obvious disadvantages in connection with the proposed acquisition of a 70% interest in the Angel Nickel Project at the date of this report.
Other considerations
- 167 Whilst discussions with banks and other financial institutions are well progressed, as stated in the Agreement, the exact terms of funding are not yet determined. However, the Company has currently indicated that the current funding proposal is 50% debt and 50% equity. Given the Company’s modest net debt level and the cash flows which can be reasonably expected to be generated by the current 80% interests in the Hengjaya and Ranger Nickel Projects in the period to 31 March 2021 and subsequently in the period 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2021, we have assumed that these funds can be used toward funding the Proposed Transaction.
44
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Appendix A
Financial Services Guide
Lonergan Edwards & Associates Limited
-
1 Lonergan Edwards & Associates Limited (ABN 53 095 445 560) (LEA) is a specialist valuation firm which provides valuation advice, valuation reports and independent expert’s reports (IER) in relation to takeovers and mergers, commercial litigation, tax and stamp duty matters, assessments of economic loss, commercial and regulatory disputes.
-
2 LEA holds Australian Financial Services Licence No. 246532.
Financial Services Guide
-
3 The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) authorises LEA to provide this Financial Services Guide (FSG) in connection with its preparation of an IER to accompany the Explanatory Memorandum to be sent to Nickel Mines shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction.
-
4 This FSG is designed to assist retail clients in their use of any general financial product advice contained in the IER. This FSG contains information about LEA generally, the financial services we are licensed to provide, the remuneration we may receive in connection with the preparation of the IER, and if complaints against us ever arise how they will be dealt with.
Financial services we are licensed to provide
- 5 Our Australian Financial Services Licence allows us to provide a broad range of services to retail and wholesale clients, including providing financial product advice in relation to various financial products such as securities, derivatives, interests in managed investment schemes, superannuation products, debentures, stocks and bonds.
General financial product advice
-
6 The IER contains only general financial product advice. It was prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.
-
7 You should consider your own objectives, financial situation and needs when assessing the suitability of the IER to your situation. You may wish to obtain personal financial product advice from the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence to assist you in this assessment.
Fees, commissions and other benefits we may receive
-
8 LEA charges fees to produce reports, including this IER. These fees are negotiated and agreed with the entity who engages LEA to provide a report. Fees are charged on an hourly basis or as a fixed amount depending on the terms of the agreement with the entity who engages us. In the preparation of this IER, LEA is entitled to receive a fee estimated at $60,000 plus GST.
-
9 Neither LEA nor its directors and officers receives any commissions or other benefits, except for the fees for services referred to above.
45
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Appendix A
-
10 All of our employees receive a salary. Our employees are eligible for bonuses based on overall performance and the firm’s profitability, and do not receive any commissions or other benefits arising directly from services provided to our clients. The remuneration paid to our directors reflects their individual contribution to the company and covers all aspects of performance. Our directors do not receive any commissions or other benefits arising directly from services provided to our clients.
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11 We do not pay commissions or provide other benefits to other parties for referring prospective clients to us.
Complaints
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12 If you have a complaint, please raise it with us first, using the contact details listed below. We will endeavour to satisfactorily resolve your complaint in a timely manner.
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13 If we are not able to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction within 45 days of your written notification, you are entitled to have your matter referred to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), an external complaints resolution service. You will not be charged for using the AFCA service.
Contact details
- 14 LEA can be contacted by sending a letter to the following address:
Level 7 64 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000 (or GPO Box 1640, Sydney NSW 2001)
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Appendix B
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Qualifications, declarations and consents
Qualifications
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1 LEA is a licensed investment adviser under the Corporations Act. LEA’s authorised representatives have extensive experience in the field of corporate finance, particularly in relation to the valuation of shares and businesses and have prepared hundreds of IERs.
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2 This report was prepared by Ms Julie Planinic and Mr Martin Hall, who are each authorised representatives of LEA. Ms Planinic and Mr Hall have over 20 years and 35 years’ experience respectively in the provision of valuation advice (and related advisory services).
Declarations
- 3 This report has been prepared at the request of the Independent Directors of Nickel Mines to accompany the Explanatory Memorandum to be sent to Nickel Mines Shareholders. It is not intended that this report should serve any purpose other than as an expression of our opinion as to whether or not the Proposed Transaction is fair and reasonable to Nickel Mines Shareholders.
Interests
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4 At the date of this report, neither LEA, Ms Planinic nor Mr Hall have any interest in the outcome of the Proposed Transaction. With the exception of the fee shown in Appendix A, LEA will not receive any other benefits, either directly or indirectly, for or in connection with the preparation of this report.
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5 We have considered the matters described in ASIC RG 112 – Independence of experts , and consider that there are no circumstances that, in our view, would constitute a conflict of interest or would impair our ability to provide objective independent assistance in this engagement.
Indemnification
- 6 As a condition of LEA’s agreement to prepare this report, Nickel Mines agrees to indemnify LEA in relation to any claim arising from or in connection with its reliance on information or documentation provided by or on behalf of Nickel Mines which is false or misleading or omits material particulars or arising from any failure to supply relevant documents or information.
Consents
- 7 LEA consents to the inclusion of this report in the form and context in which it is included in the Explanatory Memorandum.
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Appendix C
Glossary
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| AFCA | Australian Financial Complaints Authority |
| Agreement | Collaboration Agreement relating to the Angel RKEF Project |
| dated 23 November 2020 | |
| Angel Nickel Project | Comprising four new RKEF lines within the IWIP, together |
| with a captive 380 MW power plant | |
| Angel Private | Angel Capital Private Limited |
| ASIC | Australian Securities & Investments Commission |
| ASX | Australian Securities Exchange |
| Capital Intensity | Project capital cost divided by annual nickel production capacity |
| Consideration | US$490 million |
| Corporations Act | Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) |
| COVID-19 | 2019 novel coronavirus |
| DCF | Discounted cash flow |
| DSO ban | Indonesian export ban of direct shipping of unprocessed |
| minerals | |
| EBIT | Earnings before interest and tax |
| EBITA | Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation of acquired |
| intangibles | |
| EBITDA | Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation |
| First Acquisition | Nickel Mines will acquire an initial 30% interest in the Angel |
| Nickel Project | |
| First Acquisition Consideration | Two deposits of US$10 million (upon entering the MoU) and |
| US$20 million (within five days of entering the Agreement) | |
| plus a further US$180 million payable by 31 March 2021 | |
| First Acquisition Date | 31 March 2021 |
| FSG | Financial Services Guide |
| FY | Financial year |
| Hengjaya CA | Collaboration Agreement between Shanghai Decent and Nickel |
| Mines signed on 19 September 2017 | |
| Hengjaya Holdings | Hengjaya Holdings Private Limited |
| Hengjaya Mine | Hengjaya Mineralindo Nickel Mine, a large tonnage, high grade |
| nickel laterite deposit located in the Morowali Regency of | |
| Central Sulawesi, Indonesia | |
| Hengjaya Nickel Project | Processing facility in the IMIP comprising two RKEF lines |
| funded and constructed to produce 150,000 tonnes per annum of | |
| NPI containing 15,000 tonnes of nickel | |
| IER | Independent expert’s report |
| IMIP | Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park |
| Initial Ranger Acquisition | The Company’s acquisition of an initial 17% interest in the |
| Ranger Nickel Project | |
| ITSS | PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel |
| IWIP | Indonesian Weda Bay Industrial Park |
| KVA | Kilo volt amp |
| LEA | Lonergan Edwards & Associates Limited |
| LME | London Metal Exchange |
| MoU | Memorandum of Understanding |
| MRP | Market risk premium |
| MW | Megawatt |
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Appendix C
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| Nickel Mines / Company | Nickel Mines Limited |
| Nickel Mines non-associated shareholders | Shareholders of Nickel Mines not associated with Shanghai |
| Decent | |
| NPI | Nickel pig iron |
| NPV | Net present value |
| Proposed Transactions | Nickel Mines’ proposed acquisition of a 70% interest in the |
| Angle Nickel Project | |
| PT ANI | PT Angel Nickel Industry |
| PT Hengjaya | PT Hengjaya Mineralindo |
| Ranger CA | Collaboration Agreement between the Company and Shanghai |
| Decent signed on 8 November 2018 | |
| Ranger Nickel Project | The RKEF processing facility comprising two additional lines in |
| the IMIP, referred to as the Ranger Nickel RKEF lines | |
| RG 111 | ASIC Regulatory Guide 111 –Content of expert reports |
| RKEF | Rotary kiln electric furnace |
| Second Acquisition | US$280 million payable by 31 December 2021 for a further |
| 40% interest in Angel Private | |
| Second Acquisition Date | 31 December 2021 |
| Second Ranger Acquisition | Option for Nickel Mines to increase its interest in the Ranger |
| Nickel Project to between 51% and 60% before | |
| 31 December 2019 | |
| Shanghai Decent | Shanghai Decent Investment (Group) Co., Ltd |
| Third Ranger Acquisition Option | Option for Nickel Mines to increase its interest in the Ranger |
| Nickel Project up to 80% within 18 months of the first batch of | |
| NPI being produced | |
| Tsingshan | Tsingshan Holding Group |
| US | United States of America |
| US$ / USD | United States dollars |
| WANOS | Weighted average number of shares outstanding |
| WMT | Wet metric tonnes |
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Need assistance?
Phone:
1300 850 505 (within Australia) +61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia)
Online:
www.investorcentre.com/contact
NIC
MR SAM SAMPLE FLAT 123 123 SAMPLE STREET THE SAMPLE HILL SAMPLE ESTATE SAMPLEVILLE VIC 3030
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
For your proxy appointment to be effective it must be received by 11:00am (Sydney time) on Sunday, 17 January 2021.
Proxy Form
How to Vote on Items of Business
Lodge your Proxy Form:
XX
All your securities will be voted in accordance with your directions.
Online:
APPOINTMENT OF PROXY
Voting 100% of your holding: Direct your proxy how to vote by marking one of the boxes opposite each item of business. If you do not mark a box your proxy may vote or abstain as they choose (to the extent permitted by law). If you mark more than one box on an item your vote will be invalid on that item.
Voting a portion of your holding: Indicate a portion of your voting rights by inserting the percentage or number of securities you wish to vote in the For, Against or Abstain box or boxes. The sum of the votes cast must not exceed your voting entitlement or 100%.
Appointing a second proxy: You are entitled to appoint up to two proxies to attend the meeting and vote on a poll. If you appoint two proxies you must specify the percentage of votes or number of securities for each proxy, otherwise each proxy may exercise half of the votes. When appointing a second proxy write both names and the percentage of votes or number of securities for each in Step 1 overleaf.
Lodge your vote online at www.investorvote.com.au using your secure access information or use your mobile device to scan the personalised QR code.
Your secure access information is
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Control Number: 999999 SRN/HIN: I9999999999 PIN: 99999
For Intermediary Online subscribers (custodians) go to www.intermediaryonline.com
A proxy need not be a securityholder of the Company.
SIGNING INSTRUCTIONS FOR POSTAL FORMS
Individual: Where the holding is in one name, the securityholder must sign.
Joint Holding: Where the holding is in more than one name, all of the securityholders should sign.
Power of Attorney: If you have not already lodged the Power of Attorney with the registry, please attach a certified photocopy of the Power of Attorney to this form when you return it.
Companies: Where the company has a Sole Director who is also the Sole Company Secretary, this form must be signed by that person. If the company (pursuant to section 204A of the Corporations Act 2001) does not have a Company Secretary, a Sole Director can also sign alone. Otherwise this form must be signed by a Director jointly with either another Director or a Company Secretary. Please sign in the appropriate place to indicate the office held. Delete titles as applicable.
By Mail:
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited GPO Box 242 Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia
By Fax:
1800 783 447 within Australia or +61 3 9473 2555 outside Australia
PARTICIPATING IN THE MEETING
Corporate Representative
If a representative of a corporate securityholder or proxy is to participate in the meeting you will need to provide the appropriate “Appointment of Corporate Representative”. A form may be obtained from Computershare or online at www.investorcentre.com under the help tab, "Printable Forms".
PLEASE NOTE: For security reasons it is important that you keep your SRN/HIN confidential.
Samples/000001/000002/i12
MR SAM SAMPLE FLAT 123 123 SAMPLE STREET THE SAMPLE HILL SAMPLE ESTATE SAMPLEVILLE VIC 3030
Change of address. If incorrect, mark this box and make the correction in the space to the left. Securityholders sponsored by a broker (reference number commences with ‘ X ’) should advise your broker of any changes.
I 9999999999
I ND
Proxy Form
Step 1 Appoint a Proxy to Vote on Your Behalf
Please mark
to indicate your directions
XX
I/We being a member/s of Nickel Mines Limited hereby appoint
the Chairman OR of the Meeting
PLEASE NOTE: Leave this box blank if you have selected the Chairman of the Meeting. Do not insert your own name(s).
or failing the individual or body corporate named, or if no individual or body corporate is named, the Chairman of the Meeting, as my/our proxy to act generally at the meeting on my/our behalf and to vote in accordance with the following directions (or if no directions have been given, and to the extent permitted by law, as the proxy sees fit) at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Nickel Mines Limited to be held virtually on Tuesday, 19 January 2021 at 11.00am (Sydney Time) and at any adjournment or postponement of that meeting.
Step 2 Items of Business
PLEASE NOTE: If you mark the Abstain box for an item, you are directing your proxy not to vote on your behalf on a show of hands or a poll and your votes will not be counted in computing the required majority.
For Against Abstain
1 Approval for the Company to acquire a 70% interest in Angel Capital Private Limited
The Chairman of the Meeting intends to vote undirected proxies in favour of each item of business. In exceptional circumstances, the Chairman of the Meeting may change his/her voting intention on any resolution, in which case an ASX announcement will be made.
Step 3 Signature of Securityholder(s)
This section must be completed.
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Individual or Securityholder 1 Securityholder 2 Securityholder 3
/ /
Sole Director & Sole Company Secretary Director Director/Company Secretary Date
Update your communication details (Optional) By providing your email address, you consent to receive future Notice
Mobile Number Email Address of Meeting & Proxy communications electronically
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N I C
9 9 9 9 9 9 A