Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

PROSPECT RESOURCES LIMITED Interim / Quarterly Report 2020

Jan 28, 2021

65617_rns_2021-01-28_e7549d44-e6bd-40dd-8115-33bc76ef4c35.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

QUARTERLY ACTIVITY REPORT - 31 DECEMBER 2020

Prospect Resources Ltd (ASX: PSC, Prospect, the Company) is leveraging its world class lithium asset to develop a sustainable, low cost, large scale lithium business. Prospect is pleased to report on activities undertaken in the December 2020 quarter and its financial position at the end of the period.

Project Development

  • Commenced high purity petalite and spodumene pilot plant

  • Analysis and sizing of stage 1 of project to reduce initial capital requirements and accelerate staged project execution .

  • Prospect was accepted into the European Raw Material Alliance (ERMA)

Financial & Corporate

  • Successful completion of a A$6m placement to derisk and advance the Arcadia Lithium Project

  • As at 31 December 2020, Prospect was debt free with a cash balance of A$5.46m and US$10m prepayment commitment from offtake partner Sinomine Resources[1]

  • Appointment of experienced mining professional, Dev Shetty, as Non-Executive Director.

  • Subsequent to the quarter end, appointed an experienced mining Non-Executive Chairman Mark Wheatley to lead Prospect’s Board as the Company targets near term production of high purity petalite and spodumene.

Lithium Market & Prospect’s pathway to production

Electric Vehicle sales faced headwinds at the beginning of 2020 due to COVID-19 economic uncertainty faced across the globe. The second half of the year saw a large recovery led by emissions regulations, electric vehicle subsidies and COVID-19 relief funding.

The change in supply and demand, led by strong sales of electric vehicles and government incentives across Europe, resulted in a 120% year on year growth in plug-in electric vehicle sales in Europe.

1 Offtake pre-payment due on installation of ball mill

Prospect Resources Limited | ACN 124 354 329 | W: prospectresources.com.au | Phone: +61 8 9217 3300

Suite 6, 245 Churchill Ave. Subiaco WA 6008 | Email: [email protected]

Page 1 of 7

==> picture [396 x 149] intentionally omitted <==

Source: S&P Global Platts Analytics

The December 2020 quarter bear witness to the largest rise in Chinese domestic lithium carbonate prices. Lithium carbonate prices are now at their highest level since July 2019, having gained Yuan 28,500/mt since the recent intermittent stop-start uptick began in early September 2020. The current spot price of Yuan 68,500/T is equivalent to US$10,600/T[2] . Based on the price performance of lithium products in the first few weeks of 2021, it is evident that the market is now looking to secure supplies of raw materials ahead of what is broadly anticipated to be a very strong year of demand, based on recent end-user market data.

==> picture [435 x 165] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----

Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate Prices
¥80,000
EXW China (LHS) CIF North Asia (RHS) $11,000
¥75,000
¥70,000 ¥68,500 $10,000
¥65,000
$9,000
¥60,000
¥55,000 $8,000 $8,000
¥50,000 $7,000
¥45,000
$6,000
¥40,000
¥35,000 $5,000
US/T
Yuan/T
----- End of picture text -----

Source: S&P Platts

Prospect’s Arcadia Lithium Project is one of the most advanced lithium projects globally, having completed a Definitive Feasibility Study delivering strong project economics placing Arcadia in the lowest cost quartile, able to deliver the high purity petalite and spodumene products, having existing offtake agreements across Europe and Asia, with a target of commencing production in CY2023.

Prospect’s offtake partners have provided positive indications in terms of demand for petalite, as lithium inventories decrease from 6 months to under 2 months. Lithium supply is being sold into the battery

2 Reported by S&P Platts on the 22nd January 2021 at exchange rate of CNYUSD $0.15

Prospect Resources Limited | ACN 124 354 329 | W: prospectresources.com.au | Phone: +61 8 9217 3300 Suite 6, 245 Churchill Ave. Subiaco WA 6008 | Email: [email protected]

Page 2 of 7

market due to the rapid rise in prices for battery grade lithium chemicals, leaving customers in the technical market exposed to price increases in the spot market.

Prospect is evaluating options in terms of sizing and plant design to accelerate project delivery and optimise project economics for the Arcadia Lithium Project.

Prospect is utilising its advanced development position to negotiate with current offtake partners, potential offtake partners and finance partners, with Arcadia expected to commence production as the lithium market enters a supply deficit, delivering competition for its products and robust pricing. Management continues to engage with major shareholders and strategic investors on the development of the project.

Commencement of high purity petalite and spodumene pilot plant

Pilot plant long lead orders raised, allowing confidence around execution. Detailed Pilot Plant cost estimates and schedule informing the optimal pathway has been completed.

The high purity flotation pilot plant will:

  1. De-risk the metallurgical process by operating the optimised flow sheet;

  2. Supply bulk samples of high purity products to offtake partners and customers in the technical and chemical markets, to obtain product qualification and maximise market demand for Arcadia’s products;

  3. Supplying samples to large corporates with strategic interest for their own product validation purposes and their continuing due diligence on Prospect and the Arcadia Lithium Mine; and

  4. Define all technical elements of the project execution phase.

Chishanya Carbonatite

Approved preliminary exploration budget and commenced collection and assessment of grab samples

Land ownership assessment completed to evaluate further prospective ground to maximise exposure to the RRE interest.

Penhalonga

On 8 December 2020, the Company announced that Luzich Partners LLC (“Luzich”) paid the nonrefundable deposit of US$200,000 in accordance with the option to purchase the Penhalonga Gold Project announced on 23 October 2020.

Luzich will now undertake due diligence on the asset for a period of 180 days and pay further consideration of US$800,000 if it elects to exercise the option.

Prospect Resources Limited | ACN 124 354 329 | W: prospectresources.com.au | Phone: +61 8 9217 3300

Suite 6, 245 Churchill Ave. Subiaco WA 6008 | Email: [email protected]

Page 3 of 7

Prospect accepted into the European Raw Material Alliance (ERMA)

On 9 December 2020, the Company announced that it has been accepted into the European Raw Material Alliance (“ ERMA ”) as a primary raw material partner. ERMA aims to make Europe economically more resilient by diversifying its supply chains, creating jobs, attracting investments to the raw materials value chain, fostering innovation, training young talent and contributing to the best enabling framework for raw materials worldwide.

Prospect plans to accelerate its engagement with European stakeholders and to participate in ERMA’s development strategy for critical materials. The offtake agreement with Sibelco N.V (“ Sibelco ”) is a practical step to improving Europe’s critical material resilience.

Appointment of experience mining Non-Executive Chairman

On the 11 January 2021, the Company announced it had appointed Mr Mark Wheatley as non-executive (independent) chairman of the Board effective immediately.

Mr Wheatley has over 15 years of director and chairman experience with exposure predominantly across gold, copper and uranium sectors. Mr Wheatley has previously held non-executive chairman positions with Norton Gold Fields Limited (ASX: NGF), Xanadu Mines Ltd (ASX: XAM) and Gold One International Limited (ASX: GDO). Mr Wheatley has also held a number of non-executive director roles including St Barbara Limited (ASX: SBM) and was a founding director of Uranium One Inc., with his 5 year tenure including a successful period of growth culminating in Russian state owned, Rosatom, earning a 51% equity position.

Mr Wheatley is currently a non-executive director of Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) and Peninsula Energy Limited (ASX: PEN). Mr Wheatley is well known to institutional investors and has served as a nominee director for a private equity group across a number of their portfolio companies. His experience includes growth through the financing and development of projects, and he has been instrumental in a number of successful merger and acquisition transactions.

Corporate

Prospect finished the Quarter with:

  • a cash balance as at 31 December 2020 of A$5.46m; and

  • US$10m funding commitment from offtake partner Sinomine on placement of ball mill.

The Company commenced the pilot plant with prepayments of A$360k being made to secure long lead items.

The Company received US$200k (A$277k) non refundable deposit for the sale of the Penhalonga Gold Project via the option to dispose of its subsidiary Coldawn Investments (Private) Limited.

Prospect Resources Limited | ACN 124 354 329 | W: prospectresources.com.au | Phone: +61 8 9217 3300

Suite 6, 245 Churchill Ave. Subiaco WA 6008 | Email: [email protected]

Page 4 of 7

Appendix 5B - Related Party Payments

During the quarter, the Company made payments of $250,000 to related parties and their associates. These payments relate to director fees (including final payment to Hugh Warner in relation to cessation of his employment), superannuation and commercial rent.

This release was authorised by Mr Sam Hosack, Managing Director of Prospect Resources Ltd.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Nicholas Rathjen General Manager, Corporate Affairs [email protected]

About Prospect Resources Limited (ASX: PSC)

Prospect Resources Limited (ASX:PSC, FSE:5E8) is an ASX listed lithium company based in Perth with operations in Zimbabwe, and exploration activities in Zimbabwe. Prospect’s flagship project is the Arcadia Lithium Project located on the outskirts of Harare in Zimbabwe. The Arcadia Lithium Project represents a globally significant hard rock lithium resource and is being rapidly developed by Prospect’s experienced team, focusing on near term production of petalite and spodumene concentrates.

About Lithium

Lithium is a soft silvery-white metal which is highly reactive and does not occur in nature in its elemental form. In nature it occurs as compounds within hard rock deposits (such as Arcadia) and salt brines. Lithium and its chemical compounds have a wide range of industrial applications resulting in numerous chemical and technical uses. Lithium has the highest electrochemical potential of all metals, a key property in its role in lithium-ion batteries.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This announcement may contain some references to forecasts, estimates, assumptions and other forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations, estimates and forecast outcomes are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that they will be achieved. They may be affected by a variety of variables and changes in underlying assumptions that are subject to risk factors associated with the nature of the business, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed herein. All references to dollars ($) and cents in this announcement are in United States currency, unless otherwise stated.

Investors should make and rely upon their own enquiries before deciding to acquire or deal in the Company’s securities.

Prospect Resources Limited | ACN 124 354 329 | W: prospectresources.com.au | Phone: +61 8 9217 3300

Suite 6, 245 Churchill Ave. Subiaco WA 6008 | Email: [email protected]

Page 5 of 7

APPENDIX A – PROSPECT RESOURCES LIMITED TENEMENT SCHEDULE

Prospect Resources Limited has interests in tenements via the following companies:

  • 1) Coldawn Investment (Private) Limited (“Coldawn”)

  • 2) Hawkmoth Mining and Exploration (Private) Limited (“Hawkmoth”)

  • 3) Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited (“PLZ”)

Tenement Type &
Number
Country Project Registered
Company
Name
% Held at End
of Quarter
% Acquired
During Quarter
% Disposed
During Quarter
ML 38 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
37680 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
ME284G Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23189 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23190 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23233 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
32132 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
32133 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
32126 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
32733 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23277 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23278 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23279 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23276 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23281 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23474 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23630 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23201 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23217 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23468 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23469 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23470 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23471 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
23472 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -

Prospect Resources Limited | ACN 124 354 329 | W: prospectresources.com.au | Phone: +61 8 9217 3300

Suite 6, 245 Churchill Ave. Subiaco WA 6008 | Email: [email protected]

Page 6 of 7

Tenement Type &
Number
Country Project Registered
Company
Name
% Held at End
of Quarter
% Acquired
During Quarter
% Disposed
During Quarter
23473 Zimbabwe Arcadia PLZ 70% - -
37856 Zimbabwe Moonstone PLZ 70% - -
37857 Zimbabwe Moonstone PLZ 70% - -
M2873 BM Zimbabwe Chishanya Hawkmoth 70% - -
M2874 BM Zimbabwe Chishanya Hawkmoth 70% - -
M2875 BM Zimbabwe Chishanya Hawkmoth 70% - -
M2876 BM Zimbabwe Chishanya Hawkmoth 70% - -
12227 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
20560 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
10675 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
21795 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
13166 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
18879 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
18880 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
18881 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
21748 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
18666 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
12212 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
12213 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
19474 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
14135 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
10338 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
G3425 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
18582 BM Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -
G2335 Zimbabwe Penhalonga Coldawn 70%(i) - -

(i) Refer to announcement 23 October 2020, the Company has entered into a binding term sheet whereby Luzich has acquired an option to buy 100% of the Company’s Penhalonga Gold Project.

Prospect Resources Limited | ACN 124 354 329 | W: prospectresources.com.au | Phone: +61 8 9217 3300

Suite 6, 245 Churchill Ave. Subiaco WA 6008 | Email: [email protected]

Page 7 of 7

Rule 5.5

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report

Name of entity PROSPECT RESOURCES LIMITED ABN Quarter ended (“current quarter”) 30 124 354 329 31 DECEMBER 2020

Consolidated statement of cash flows Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(6 months)
$A’000
1.
Cash flows from operating activities
1.1
Receipts from customers
1.2
Payments for
(a) exploration & evaluation (if expensed)
(b) development
(c) production
(d) staff costs
(e) administration and corporate costs
1.3
Dividends received (see note 3)
1.4
Interest received
1.5
Interest and other costs of finance paid
1.6
Income taxes paid
1.7
Government grants and tax incentives
1.8
Other (provide details if material)
1.9
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities
2
(77)
(293)
(343)
-
5
(105)
(515)
(582)
55
(711) (1,142)
2.
Cash flows from investing activities
2.1
Payments to acquire:
(a) entities
(b) tenements
(c) property, plant and equipment
(d) exploration & evaluation (if capitalised)
development expenditure
(e) investments
(f)
other non-current assets
(13)
(33)
(10)
(650)
(13)
(33)
(10)
(831)

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (01/12/19) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

Page 1

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report

Consolidated statement of cash flows Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(6 months)
$A’000
2.2
Proceeds from the disposal of:
(a) entities
(b) tenements
(c) property, plant and equipment
(d) investments
(e) other non-current assets
2.3
Cash flows from loans to other entities
2.4
Dividends received (see note 3)
2.5
Other (provide details if material)
Net proceeds from assets held for sale
Cash flows for loans to minority interest
Interest received
2.6
Net cash from / (used in) investing
activities
277
1
(32)
(27)
1
277
14
266
(27)
2
(486) (355)
3.
Cash flows from financing activities
3.1
Proceeds from issues of equity securities
(excluding convertible debt securities)
3.2
Proceeds from issue of convertible debt
securities
3.3
Proceeds from exercise of options
3.4
Transaction costs related to issues of equity
securities or convertible debt securities
3.5
Proceeds from borrowings
3.6
Repayment of borrowings
3.7
Transaction costs related to loans and
borrowings
3.8
Dividends paid
3.9
Other (provide details if material)
3.10
Net cash from / (used in) financing
activities
6,000
(475)
6,000
(484)
5,525 5,516
4.
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents for the period
4.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
4.2
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities (item 1.9 above)
4.3
Net cash from / (used in) investing activities
(item 2.6 above)
1,388
(711)
(486)
1,698
(1,142)
(355)

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (01/12/19) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

Page 2

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report

Consolidated statement of cash flows Current quarter
$A’000
Year to date
(6 months)
$A’000
4.4
Net cash from / (used in) financing activities
(item 3.10 above)
4.5
Effect of movement in exchange rates on
cash held
4.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period
5,525
(259)
5,516
(260)
5,457 5,457
5.
Reconciliation of cash and cash
equivalents
at the end of the quarter (as shown in the
consolidated statement of cash flows) to the
related items in the accounts
Current quarter
$A’000
Previous quarter
$A’000
5.1
Bank balances
5.2
Call deposits
5.3
Bank overdrafts
5.4
Other (provide details)
US dollars at bank
Zimbabwe dollars at bank
Petty cash
5.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
quarter (should equal item 4.6 above)
55
2,822
2,559
1
20
67
1,031
198
2
90
5,457 1,388
6.
Payments to related parties of the entity and their
associates
6.1
Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their
associates included in item 1
6.2
Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their
associates included in item 2
Current quarter
$A'000
241
9

Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an explanation for, such payments

Payments include director fees (including final payment to Hugh Warner in relation to cessation of his employment), superannuation and rent.

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (01/12/19) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

Page 3

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report

7.
Financing facilities
Note: the term “facility’ includes all forms of financing
arrangements available to the entity.
Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the
sources of finance available to the entity.
Total facility
amount at quarter
end
$A’000
Amount drawn at
quarter end
$A’000
7.1
Loan facilities
7.2
Credit standby arrangements
7.3
Other (please specify)
7.4
Total financing facilities
-
-
7.5
Unused financing facilities available at quarter end
7.6
Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest
rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing
facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end,
include a note providing details of those facilities as well.
Total facility
amount at quarter
end
$A’000
Amount drawn at
quarter end
$A’000
- -
8. Estimated cash available for future operating activities $A’000
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (Item 1.9)
Capitalised exploration & evaluation (Item 2.1(d))
Total relevant outgoings (Item 8.1 + Item 8.2)
Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (Item 4.6)
Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (Item 7.5)
Total available funding (Item 8.4 + Item 8.5)
Estimated quarters of funding available (Item 8.6 divided by
Item 8.3)
(711)
(660)
(1,371)
5,457
-
5,457
3.98
8.8 If Item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions:
1.
Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating
cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not?
Answer: N/a
2.
Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further
cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it
believe that they will be successful?
Answer:
3.
Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business
objectives and, if so, on what basis?
Answer:

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (01/12/19) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

Page 4

Appendix 5B

Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity quarterly cash flow report

Compliance statement

  • 1 This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.

  • 2 This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.

Date: 29 January 2021

Authorised by: Sam Hosack

(Name of body or officer authorising release – see note 4)

Notes

  1. This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity’s activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.

  2. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and provisions of, AASB 6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the corresponding equivalent standards apply to this report.

  3. Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.

  4. If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the board”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the [ name of board committeeeg Audit and Risk Committee ]”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: “By the Disclosure Committee”.

  5. If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations , the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 5B (01/12/19) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

Page 5