The DCI on recovery mode
Business
The Botswana Stock Exchange’s Domestic Company Index (DCI) seems to have bottomed out and on its way up to recovery, heralding a change in investor sentiments. The DCI which tracks the performance of listed domestic companies has been on a downward spiral since the beginning of the year, losing 3.8% in the first quarter and followed by other declines which pushed second quarter losses to 4.74%.
On August 19th, the index hit new lows of -10.5% to end at 9506 points. However, improved market sentiments seem to have returned as shown by a one month rally that added 291 points to trade at 9797, reversing the losses by 28% . This means that the DCI is now down by -7.59%. The index’s momentum has been aided in part by some of the following listed companies that have delivered solid returns, particularly in the last 30 days, with some going from negative returns to positive returns.
Cresta
The tourism and leisure company pulled a strong performance in the last 30 days after gaining almost 8.8% to trade at P1.30, bringing its year-to-date (YTD) to 22.42%. In its latest financials for the half year, the group achieved revenue of P159.9 million, up by 6% from the corresponding period. The profit was up by 16% to P16.4 million. An interim dividend of 4 thebe has been declared, this follows the 7 thebe dividend declared for the year ended December 2015.
Cresta is recognised in the local market as the largest hotel operator both in the number of rooms (eight hotels and 724 rooms) and in the geographical spread of its hotels. There is no other hotel operator that has such a dominant presence in the larger cities in Botswana as well as the key tourist areas.
Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited
The financial services behemoth with three subsidiaries that spans the insurance and investment management sector has been a consistent performer throughout the year. BIHL share price increased slightly by 2.32% in the past 30 days, delivering a YTD of 13.22%. The share price is currently P17.21. In its interim results ended June 2016, the group posted a lower profit of P263.8 million after declining by 9%. The lower profit did not dampen the mood as the shareholders were rewarded with a dividend payout of P202.4 million after a dividend of 55 thebe.
BIHL is a financial services titan originally established in 1975.BIHL has been listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange since 1991 and is the holding company for three subsidiaries (Botswana Insurance Fund Management, Botswana Life Insurance Ltd and Legal Guard) and holds a stake in two associate companies; Letshego Holdings and Funeral Service Group as well as a 21.5% stake in Nico holdings in Malawi.
Chobe Holdings
The tourism listed group is having a good year in the local bourse trading at an all time high of P7.51, bringing the yearly returns to 10.5%. Some of the gains were realised in the past days that have rallied the index, with Chobe gaining 1.3% in that period.
Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Chobe Holdings Limited owns and operates ten eco-tourism lodges and camps on leased land in Northern Botswana and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia with a combined capacity of 290 beds under the brands Desert & Delta Safaris and Ker & Downey Botswana. Safari Air, a wholly owned air charter operator, provides air transport services to the group's camps and lodges. Desert and Delta Safaris (SA) (Pty) Ltd, another wholly owned subsidiary operating in South Africa, provides reservation services to the group. This year, the group, through its wholly owned subsidiary North West Air (Pty) Ltd, acquired Air Charter Botswana (Pty) Ltd’s aircraft maintenance operation at Maun International Airport.
Barclays Bank of Botswana
The bank is having its best days, churning out new products and services and delivering impressive financial results. It is not a surprise that investors have been rallying behind the company which has returned 8% in capital gains since the beginning of the year. The second largest listed bank went from P4.74 in mid-August to the current P4.86, representing gains of 2.5%. Barclays could also lay claim to be the only listed bank that has delivered positive returns to shareholders so far this year. Moreover, in the group’s half year results ended June 2016, the bank’s profit before tax went up to P270 million, an increase of 144% from the corresponding period. As a further reward to shareholders, the bank has declared a dividend of 14.67 thebe which translates into a P125 million payout.
Engen
The company is staging a comeback in what has been so far a dismal performance in the stock market. Engen was one of the companies that were pulling down the DCI after its share price declined by 6% in the first quarter of the year. However by August the company had cut its share losses to just 2.5%. The upward trajectory continued in the last 30 days, with the share price moving from P8.30 to P9.20, gaining 10.4% to trade at all time high and delivering a YTD of 8.1%. The sudden positive momentum has been shadowed by the company’s latest cautionary note that warns of lower earnings in their upcoming interim results ended June 2016.
Engen is a petroleum company specializing in fuels and lubricants sales and distribution. It operates filling stations nationwide to service the retail market. Primary customers are the mines, government, parastatals, construction and transport sector.
G4S
This is one company that is also on the comeback trail after hitting lows of -0.6% in August. The security company pulled back with a stellar share price performance in the past 30 days, going from P3.62 to P3.85, representing gains of 6.35% since the beginning of the year. The share price is at an all time high. The group’s profit was up by 6.4% to P15.4 million in their recent interim results ended June 2016. An interim dividend of 11.36 thebe was declared.
G4S is the world’s leading international security solutions group, which specialises in outsourced business processes such as manned security, secure monitoring and response, cash management solutions and facilities management.
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.