Furnmart chickens out of BSE
Business
It has emerged that top furniture retailer Furnmart has decided to bow out of the local bourse fearing that it might not meet the new Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) Listing Requirements which comes into effect on 1 January 2019.
According to reasons advanced by Furnmart in a recent statement, the grave concern is that, “the company will not meet the revised minimum free float after the permitted transition period and as aresult will not meet the conditions for remaining listed.” In simple terms, Furnmart fears that it will not meet the 30 percent minimum free float requirements of the new BSE listing. The furniture retailer finds the new listing regulation a little bit too strict and argues that it will not have the required time to meet the mandatory requirements.
Among other things, the new regulations will see the local bourse transforming from a blanket approach which caters all asset classes to those specific to each type of security. The new requirements will see 75 percent of shares owned by the promoter locked in for two years for the main board. Another significant change for the main board is that three-year profit forecast is required if profit track record is inadequate. In these new regulations listed companies are compelled to have 30 percent of listed equity to be held by the public.
The other qualm is that theFurnmart shares has been decreasing since 2015 and has ranged between P0.53 and P0.55since October 2017. From P0.85 in the last quarter of 2016 to P0.70 last year, the share price continues to plummet. In the first quarter of 2017, the share price was P0.65 to P0.60 then P0.55. The share price remains at P0.55 pending delisting.
“In addition, the share has proved to be illiquid with only 3.04 percent of allshares trading in the 6 financial years and 0.02 percent from the start of the current financial year to theLast Practicable Date. The poor share performance and lack of liquidity are arguably compounded by the negative sentiment investors have shown towards the furniture industry in recent years following the poor performance of furniture companies listed in South Africa such as Steinhoff (owners of the JD Group) and the Lewis Group,” said Furniture in a recent statement.
Experts believes the company also suffers severe illiquidity, in the 12 months to 5 October 2018 only 0.18 percent of the issued share capital traded, with an aggregate value of only P591,831.Also, another reason for delisting is that the sector is not widely supported by many investors which further lessen any benefits of being listed, according to the furniture retailer.
Furnmart said, the changing investment, economic and regulatory environments that the furniture shop is exposed to create significant volatility in performance and requires more flexible and less governance driven management style to remain relevant and seize opportunities, with potentially more speculative decisions. This is less achievable as a listed company and is not necessarily suited to all current investors, according to Furnmart.
After looking at all the uncertainties of listing on the local bourse, Furnmart directors took a resolution that the shares be de-listed. SG Kleinwort Hambros Trust Company (CI) Limited as Trustee of The Marula Trust holds 221 229 300 shares representing 36.48 percent of the issued shares of the Company and ScotstrailInc holding 214 499 640shares representing 35.37 percent have each indicated it will vote in support of a resolution for delisting.
The two major shareholders who have a combined shareholding of 71.85 percent have each indicated that it will not disinvest from the company, and if an offer for the shares held by it is made to these entities, they will decline such offer. Furnmart chairman John Mynhardt holds 4.31 percent while deputy chairman and John’s son TobiusMynhardt 4.31 percent of shares. Other directors, Fact Lebala have .17 percent while SubbaraoVenkataramani has only 0.02 percent of shares.
The Offer Price
An offer of premium market price of P0.65 has been put on table for “qualifying shareholders who elect to sell their Shares” and this will be a top agenda at the Extraordinary General Meeting slated for 11 December. The P0.65 Offer is therefore being made to the minority shareholders as majority shareholders would not participate on the offer.
In an expert advice Imara Corporate Finance said the offer price of is not fair because it falls below, and represents a discount to, Imara’s fair-valuation range for Furnmart. Imara also says Furnmart has lost 76 percent of its peak market value from 27 August 2014 to 15 October 2018, thesecond largest loss for a domestic company on the BSE over the period. Over the same periodEBITDA, profit after tax, dividends and shareholder’s equity increased, enhancing Furnmart’srelative value compared to regional and BSE peers, says Imara.
But the Offer is also reasonable because Furnmart’s price drop since September 2014 occurred amidst low trading activity, implying significant sell-pressure. According to Imara, the total number of Furnmart shares traded on the BSE over the last 12 months to 15 October 2018 was 1,090,931 which represents 0.18 percent of the total issued share capital and is an indication of the severe illiquidity of the Furnmart share price. The Offer allows minority shareholders the opportunity to sell their Furnmart shares in an otherwise illiquid stock.
“In the absence of a competing offer, and in the likelihood that the Delisting resolution will
be passed, the Offer provides Minority Shareholders with the opportunity to realise their
Investment in Furnmart at a premium to the current share price. The alternative to Minority
Shareholders is to remain in an unlisted company. The offer price of BWP 0.65 is at a 18% premium to the current share price and the 1-year high share price and at a 20% premium to both the 90-day and 1-year volume weighted average price. All Minority Shareholders are treated equally and without discrimination. No minority Shareholders are being forced to sell their Furnmart shares and can elect to remain as a shareholder in an unlisted company. No Minority Shareholder has enjoyed any unfair advantage in terms of the Offer,” said Imara in a statement.
Business
New Khoemacau owners commit to mine’s multibillion Pula expansion
The future of Botswana’s largest copper and silver operation, Khoemacau Copper Mining, looks promising as the new owners, MMG Group, commit to the mine’s expansion plans. MMG, an Australian headquartered company owned by China, has expressed its dedication to doubling Khoemacau’s production and transforming it into one of the most significant high-grade copper operations in Africa.
Nan Wang, the Executive General Manager for Australia and Africa at MMG, stated that while the immediate focus is on maintaining a consistent production level of 60ktpa, there are solid plans to increase Khoemacau’s production capacity. The company aims to double its production from 3.65Mtpa to 8.15Mtpa, resulting in an increase in payable copper from approximately 60ktpa to around 130ktpa.
To achieve this expansion, Khoemacau has completed a pre-feasibility study on the project and a solar power initiative. The next step is to conduct a feasibility study, which will pave the way for increased production capacity. Additionally, Khoemacau has identified extensive exploration opportunities across its license area, positioning the company for an exciting new phase of development.
The current Khoemacau operation reached full production and nameplate capacity in December 2022, following over a decade of investment totaling over P10 billion. This significant investment allowed for an intense exploration program, resulting in the development of the most automated underground mining operation in Botswana. The first concentrate was produced in June 2021, and the product entered the export market in July of the same year. Throughout 2022, the company has been working on the pre-feasibility study for the expansion project, with the feasibility study scheduled for the following year.
The expansion plans will involve the construction of a new world-class process plant in Zone 5, where the current mining of ore takes place. This new plant will be larger than the existing one in Boseto, which currently receives ore from Zone 5. The expansion will also involve the development of new underground mines, including Mango, Zone 5 North, and Zeta North East. These additional mines will bring the total number of underground shafts at Khoemacau to six. The ramp-up of production from the expansion is expected to occur in 2026.
Khoemacau, which acquired assets in the Kalahari Copper Belt after the liquidation of Discovery Metals in 2015, currently employs over 1500 people, with the majority being Batswana. The Khoemacau Mine is located in north-west Botswana, in the emerging Kalahari Copperbelt. It boasts the 10th largest African Copper Mineral Resource by total contained copper metal and is one of the largest copper sedimentary systems in the world outside of the Central African Copperbelt.
The mine utilizes underground long hole stoping as its mining method and conventional sulphide flotation for processing. Resource drilling results have shown the existing resources to have continuity at depth, and there are several exploration targets within the tenement package that have the potential to extend the mine’s life or increase productivity.
The Zone 5 mine has already ramped up production, and further expansion in the next five years will be supported by the deposits in the Zone 5 Group. The estimated mine life is a minimum of 20 years, with the potential to extend beyond 30 years by tapping into other deposits within the tenement package.
In conclusion, the commitment of MMG Group to Khoemacau’s expansion plans signifies a bright future for Botswana’s largest copper and silver operation. With the completion of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, as well as significant investments, Khoemacau is poised to become one of Africa’s most important high-grade copper operations. The expansion project will not only increase production capacity but also create new job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of Botswana.
Business
Khoemacau Copper Mining to be acquired by MMG Limited
Khoemacau Copper Mining, a leading copper mining company, has recently announced its acquisition by MMG Limited, a global resources company based in Australia. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and demonstrates their commitment to continued investment, growth, and sustainability in the mining industry.
MMG Limited is a renowned mining company that operates copper and other base metals projects across four continents. With its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, MMG has a strong track record in mining and exploration. The company currently operates several successful mines, including the Dugald River zinc mine and the Rosebery polymetallic mine in Australia, the Kinsevere copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Las Bambas Mine in Peru. MMG’s extensive experience and expertise in mining operations make it an ideal partner for Khoemacau.
MMG’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Khoemacau’s values and priorities. Khoemacau has always placed a strong emphasis on safety, health, community, and the environment. MMG shares this commitment and applies the principles of good corporate governance as set out in the Corporate Governance Code of the Hong Kong Listing Rules. As a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), MMG adheres to sustainable mining principles, ensuring responsible and ethical practices in all its operations.
Over the past 12 years, Khoemacau’s current shareholders have made significant investments in the development of the company. With approximately US$1 billion deployed in the project, Khoemacau has successfully transformed from an exploration and discovery phase to a fully-fledged operating copper mine. The completion of the ramp-up of the Zone 5/Boseto operations has set the stage for the next phase of expansion.
With the acquisition by MMG, Khoemacau is poised for an exciting new chapter in its development. The completion of a pre-feasibility study on the Khoemacau expansion and a solar power project has paved the way for increased production capacity. The feasibility study will be the next step in doubling the production capacity from 3.65 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 8.15 Mtpa, resulting in a significant increase in payable copper from approximately 60,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa) to 130,000 ktpa. Additionally, Khoemacau has extensive exploration opportunities across its license area, further enhancing its growth potential.
The CEO of Khoemacau, Johan Ferreira, expressed his gratitude to the current owners for their stewardship of the company and their successful transformation of Khoemacau into a fully operational copper mine. He also highlighted the company’s focus on the expansion study and its vision for the future with MMG. Ferreira emphasized that the partnership with MMG will ensure Khoemacau’s long-term success, delivering employment, community benefits, and economic development in Botswana.
MMG Chairman, Jiqing Xu, echoed Ferreira’s sentiments, stating that the acquisition of Khoemacau aligns with MMG’s growth strategy and vision. Xu emphasized MMG’s commitment to creating opportunities for all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and communities. He expressed confidence in Khoemacau’s expansion potential and the company’s ability to realize its full potential with the support of MMG.
The sale of Khoemacau to MMG is subject to certain conditions precedent and approvals, with the expected closing date in the first half of 2024. This acquisition represents a significant step forward for both companies and reinforces their commitment to sustainable mining practices, responsible resource development, and long-term growth in the mining industry.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Khoemacau Copper Mining by MMG Limited signifies a new era of investment, growth, and sustainability in the mining industry. With MMG’s extensive experience and commitment to responsible mining practices, Khoemacau is well-positioned for future success. The partnership between the two companies will not only drive economic development but also ensure the safety and well-being of employees, benefit local communities, and contribute to the overall growth of Botswana’s mining sector.
Business
BPC Signs PPA with Sekaname Energy
The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has taken a significant step towards diversifying its energy mix by signing a power purchase agreement with Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village. This agreement marks a major milestone for the energy sector in Botswana as the country transitions from a coal-fired power generation system to a new energy mix comprising coal, gas, solar, and wind.
The CEO of BPC, David Kgoboko, explained that the Power Purchase Agreement is for a 6MW coal bed methane proof of concept project to be developed around Mmashoro village. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy in the energy mix. The use of coal bed methane for power generation is an exciting development as it provides a hybrid solution with non-dispatchable sources of generation like solar PV. Without flexible base-load generation, the deployment of non-dispatchable solar PV generation would be limited.
Kgoboko emphasized that BPC is committed to enabling the development of a gas supply industry in Botswana. Sekaname Energy, along with other players in the coal bed methane exploration business, is a key and strategic partner for BPC. The successful development of a gas supply industry will enable the realization of a secure and sustainable energy mix for the country.
The Minister of Minerals & Energy, Lefoko Moagi, expressed his support for the initiative by the private sector to develop a gas industry in Botswana. The country has abundant coal reserves, and the government fully supports the commercial extraction of coal bed methane gas for power generation. The government guarantees that BPC will purchase the generated electricity at reasonable tariffs, providing cash flow to the developers and enabling them to raise equity and debt funding for gas extraction development.
Moagi highlighted the benefits of developing a gas supply industry, including diversified primary energy sources, economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. He commended Sekaname Energy for undertaking a pilot project to prove the commercial viability of extracting coal bed methane for power generation. If successful, this initiative would unlock the potential of a gas production industry in Botswana.
Sekaname Energy CEO, Peter Mmusi, emphasized the multiple uses of natural gas and its potential to uplift Botswana’s economy. In addition to power generation, natural gas can be used for gas-to-liquids, compressed natural gas, and fertilizer production. Mmusi revealed that Sekaname has already invested $57 million in exploration and infrastructure throughout its resource area. The company plans to spend another $10-15 million for the initial 6MW project and aims to invest over $500 million in the future for a 90MW power plant. Sekaname’s goal is to assist BPC in becoming a net exporter of power within the region and to contribute to Botswana’s transition to cleaner energy production.
In conclusion, the power purchase agreement between BPC and Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village is a significant step towards diversifying Botswana’s energy mix. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy. The government’s support for the development of a gas supply industry and the commercial extraction of coal bed methane will bring numerous benefits to the country, including economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. With the potential to become a net exporter of power and a cleaner energy producer, Botswana is poised to make significant strides in its energy sector.