The Group recorded a turnover of ZMW8.3 billion for this period compared to ZMW62 million reported during the six-month period to 30th June 2020. The significant increase is largely on account of acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines Plc (Mopani) during the period. The revenue from Mopani accounts for 97% of the total revenue for the period.
The Group’s share of profit in associate companies was ZMW1.48 billion (June 2020: ZMW354.7 million). This was due to profit recorded by investee companies in the copper Mining industry which experienced increased copper prices during this period. The copper prices recorded an average price of US$ 9,200 per ton compared to US$5,490 per ton recorded during the same period in 2020.
The Group’s total assets increased to ZMW72.82 billion as at 30th June 2021 from ZMW20.26 billion as at 30th June 2020 due to the acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines Plc.
Overall, the Group recorded a 9% increase in profit after tax of ZMW479.7 million compared to ZMW438.7 million in the six-month period to 30th June 2021. This was due to an increase in share of profit from investee companies.
2. KEY OPERATIONS AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS
Acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines Plc
During the period, ZCCM-IH reached an agreement with Glencore, representing Carlisa Investments Corp. (“Carlisa”), for the acquisition of the 90% stake in Mopani Copper Mines Plc (“the Acquisition”). The Acquisition of the 90% stake and voting rights belonging to Carlisa, was successfully executed on 31 March 2021. A total consideration of US$1 was paid by ZCCM-IH. In addition, Mopani owed Shareholders more than USD 4.3 billion in shareholders loans. After a detailed analysis, this debt level was considered to be unsustainable, which meant that Mopani would not be able to meet debt repayments. ZCCM-IH, therefore, negotiated for the said loan to be written down to USD 1.5 billion. The US$1.5 billion loan is guaranteed by ZCCM-IH.
This transaction has effectively transformed ZCCM-IH from giving it the potential ability to create substantial value for its shareholders today and well into the future. The transition from Carlisa was done successfully and normal operations have continued for both mining and processing. Mopani recorded fair financial performance for the period under review with actual revenue exceeding budget by US$24m due to favorable prices, and higher than budget sales volumes propelled by high opening stocks. Mopani recorded a positive EBITDA of USD5.8 million for the period under review. Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) Court proceeding
• Lusaka Proceedings- Following the decision of the Court of Appeal to confirm the decision of the High Court, the winding up proceedings remain stayed pending the Arbitration Proceedings in South Africa. ZCCM-IH has since filed an application before the Supreme Court seeking leave to appeal the decision by the Court of Appeal.
• South African Proceedings- The Arbitration proceedings (which are confidential as between the parties) are underway and yet to be resolved. Subsequent to the period under review and specifically on 7 July 2021 the Sole Arbitrator made a Partial Final Award which had the effect of staying the petition pending the hearing of the Arbitration.
Konkola Copper Mines Plc separation of Business Units
During the period to 30th June 2021, KCM was split into two separate Business Units. The split was done by way of formation of two subsidiary companies, namely KCM Smelter Co Limited, and KCM Mineral Resources Limited, with two Separate Management structures and employee arrangements. Both companies are currently wholly owned by KCM.
Kansanshi Holdings Limited (KHL) Arbitration proceedings
On 29th January 2021, the Arbitration Tribunal, issued a Partial Final Award in the arbitration, pursuant to which ZCCM-IH’s defence was successful and various declarations granted in ZCCM-IH ‘s favour. Certain matters remain outstanding and will be addressed by the Tribunal in the final award.
3. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Security and Guarantee of US$100 million KCM Trafigura Transactions Subsequent to the period under review, ZCCM-IH pledged US$200 million worth of its shareholding in Kansanshi Mining Plc and executed a corporate guarantee in favor of Trafigura as security for a US$100 million prepayment transaction to KCM by Trafigura. The prepayment carries an interest rate of Libor plus 7% and is repayable by KCM through copper deliveries to Trafigura on a monthly basis for a period of 18 months with a 6 month moratorium.
4. OUTLOOK
The Group will continue with the implementation of its Strategic Plan to enhance value
creation for its shareholders. The Group will benefit from the strong copper price outlook for the second half of this year due to falling inventories and rising premiums in the top consumer China. In addition, the company will also get value from the expected good copper price due to a surge in demand. ZCCM-IH in line with its Strategic plan will also focus on commodity diversification by improving production of other minerals such as Gold, Manganese and Amethyst among others. Exploring of value addition initiatives will also remain key on the agenda of ZCCM-IH going forward.
By Order of the Board
Chabby Chabala
Company Secretary
Issued in Lusaka, Zambia on Thursday, October 7, 2021