FNBB positive results defy sluggish economy
Business
First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) continues to swim through difficult times of slow economic growth caused by amongst others the fall out of BCL Mine and generally sluggish economy.
The Group which is listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) as FNB Holdings registered 9 percent increase in profits before tax for half year trading period ended 2017 December 31st . This was revealed by the company’s top brass at a financial results briefing in Gaborone on Wednesday. FNBB Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Steven Bogatsu shared that his bank continues to deliver positive results despite the unfavorable environment. He attribute the bank’s gains to innovative customer tailored products that best satisfy FNBB clientele.
Bogatsu highlighted that 95% of volumes were accumulated from clicks, that is to say growth in digital banking transactions significantly contributed to their positive financial output. “Click transactions involve both online banking and cell phone banking. These are platforms the bank continues to provide to customer to ensure ease of banking,” he said.
Bogatsu revealed that in response to the aftermath of BCL closure and general sluggish economy, his bank has remained cautious on lending and focused more on recoveries and operational efficiencies which are positively impacting the profitability growth and ensuring sustainability of the banks’s performance into the future.
Giving an in-depth look into the financial results FNBB Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Makgau Dibakwane highlighted that the 9 % increase in profit before tax was due to over 444 million pula registered compared to 407 million pula recorded in the six month ended 31st December 2016. The Bank also realized 10 percent increase in noninterest income registering over 548 million pula compared to 499 million pula accumulated in the previous corresponding half year period.
This, according to the FNBB CFO, was due to significant increase in the volumes of electronic transactions. “This reflects success of promotional campaigns over the period to encourage customers to make less use of branches and greater use of the lower-priced electronic options, with a view to providing customers with greater convenience,” said Dibakwane.
A further scrutiny of the financial highlights indicates that advances to customers did not record any significant change in figures. Deposits from customers climbed by 4 percent from 17, 077, 199 000 in half period ended 31st December 2016 to 17, 818,762, 000 in trading period under review.
Dibakwane said although advances growth fell slightly below the market rate, the Bank still holds the largest market share of advances of 30% , adding that Growth of 10% was achieved in retail advances, mainly through employer schemes, while muted demand for business credit of the right risk profile subdued the overall advances growth. “There have, however, been recent signs of improved business confidence for 2018,” he said.
The bank also revealed that in overall their balance sheet grew by 6.7% from P22.4 billion to P23.9 billion on the back of growth in its retail and business deposit base, particularly in current accounts, which strengthens the Bank’s customer base. The Chief Finance Officer explained that this growth was posted in the term deposits, coupled with a further issuance of senior debt during the second quarter. “Both these initiatives are aimed at further lengthening the Bank’s funding profile. As a result, the deposits to customers and borrowings which represent senior debt posted growth of 4% and 21% respectively leading to a stable loan to deposit ratio of 85%.”
FNBB executives also shared that the Bank redeemed non-compliant Tier II capital instruments and reissued compliant instruments to enhance the capital position of the Bank and lengthen the maturity profile. As such, the Bank’s total capital adequacy ratio before dividend has been maintained at 19.88% as at 31 December 2017. “This is well above Bank of Botswana’s required minimum ratio of 15%,” said FNBB Chief Finance Officer explaining that as at 31 December 2017, Tier I capital ratio stood at 15.41% above the regulatory minimum of 7.50% whilst Tier II capital ratio was 4.47% in the same period.
He noted that the current Tier II capital ratio can be built up to the regulatory minimum of 7.50% over time, depending on the Bank’s strategy, capital demand and supply dynamics. “However, as per the regulations, the entire minimum capital adequacy ratio of 15% can be covered with Tier I capital. When the strategy dictates, the Bank would keep on tapping the capital markets for Tier II capital instruments in line with the Capital Management Framework,” he said.
INVESTING IN CAPITAL AND SKILLS
Meanwhile the Chief Executive Officer of FNBB, Bogatsu said Botswana needs to differentiate itself as a destination for investments in capital and skills. He indicated that the local growth slowed to 1.8% year on-year in the third quarter of 2017, 0.5% lower than at the same time in 2016. “Growth was led by the services sectors of transport, communications and financial services, whereas the trade sector has suffered from the downturn in the mainstream cutting and polishing diamond industry,” he said.
Bogatsu said In the short term, growth prospects were anticipated to reach 4% by 2019 with a medium-term average of 4.1% however he underscored that local growth should improve saying government must take deliberate actions in oiling growth dynamics, such as improving business confidence, policies and business regulations that will allow for more business to operate effectively as well as identifying specific economic zones.
The FNBB Boss noted that moving forward his bank will be focused on specific strategies such as building partnerships, improving customer service, investing in digital transformation and automation as well as banking efficiencies. "It has been an environment of efficiencies and we will continue building momentum for growth. The bank has worked on improving costs efficiently and as a result the bank has experienced 3.0% growth on assets,” he said.
Bogatsu also shared that despite resistance from some customers, FNB was 97% compliant of "Know Your Customers" popularly known as KYC. The company directors proposed an interim dividend of 5.0 thebe per share, the group says cautious approach to lending in recent times, has impacted on its net interest income growth, but reduced the Bank’s exposure to impairments, leaving the Bank well-placed to take advantage of future opportunities
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.