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Minergy overcomes challenges – improves revenue and produces record breaking coal sales to date

Minergy

Minergy, the coal mining and trading company with the Masama coal mine, this week released results for the year ended 30 June 2021. The company achieved revenue of P193 million (2020: P81 million) with significant improvement in sales volumes surpassing 415 000 tonnes sold for the year.

The performance was divided into two distinct periods with very different operating environments. The first eight-month period (July 2020 – February 2021), was negatively impacted by delayed funding, COVID-19 impacts and excessive rain; and the last four-month period (March – June 2021), was a more stable production environment moving toward nameplate capacity.

According to Minergy CEO, Morné du Plessis, production and sales initially recovered in July and August 2020 with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and recoveries were further bolstered by the successful launch of the rail siding. Delays experienced in concluding the funding contributed to contractors limiting operations to manage arrears.

“However, the heavy rains we experienced from December 2020 through February 2021 flooded the mine pit making access difficult and impacting both production and sales. Fortunately, the rain subsided in March 2021, and we entered a more stable environment, with a positive impact on operations. Good recoveries in production and sales were experienced during the last four-month period of the year, with the mine moving closer toward a breakeven position.”

“Despite these operational constraints, including the effects of COVID-19 on logistics and manning of shifts, we expect to reach consistent nameplate capacity in the 2022 financial year,” du Plessis added.

FINANACIAL REVIEW

In addition to the revenue reported above, the company incurred costs of sales of P256 million (2020: P150 million) with operating costs of P23 million (2020: P31 million). This effectively resulted in an operating loss of P86 million (2020: P100 million). Finance costs of P51 million (2020: P17 million) were incurred, bringing the net loss before taxation to P136 million (2020: P117 million).

Du Plessis explains that the adverse conditions in the first eight-month period contributed to 86% of the gross loss, while the more stable four-month period alone contributed to 50% of total sales value, helping to decrease monthly gross losses, albeit below breakeven levels.

The company benefited from a strengthening in the South African Rand (“ZAR”) supporting higher back-on- mine sales prices.

“As announced, we’re pleased to have secured P125 million of additional convertible debt funding through the Minerals Development Company Botswana (Proprietary) Limited (“MDCB”). Minergy remains grateful for this support.”

He added that the first tranche of additional funding provided by the MDCB had been received in December 2020, which allowed Minergy to settle the majority of the contractor’s arrears and allowed their teams to be remobilised. The second and final tranche was paid post the financial year-end and will allow the business to reach nameplate capacity in the new financial year.”

COAL SALES AND MINE PERFORMANCE

Sales volumes increased by 110%, supported by increased sales in Botswana and internationally in South Africa and Namibia. Sales for June 2021 exceeded 56 000 tonnes, a record since the inception of the mine, with pricing increasing late in the financial year on the back of buoyant international prices and a strengthening ZAR.

Minergy also concluded a further 12-month off-take agreement to the existing off-take agreement, with a further agreement finalised post year end.

Overburden moved during the reporting period increased by 86% and extracted coal by 50%. Coal mined in June 2021 alone exceeded 100 000 tonnes. “This is a good performance considering the challenges faced such as sacrificing pre-stripping activities for a period to manage arrears, excessive rain and COVID-19,” du Plessis indicated.

“The wash plant was initially starved of coal due to the factors noted already. Despite this, overall plant throughput performance was 37% higher than 2020. Consistent output was supported by the completion of the Stage 2 rigid crushing section as well as the water saving dewatering screen with filter press contributing to a reduction in water usage of 60% per tonne of coal. A record throughput of more than 84 000 tonnes was achieved in March 2021 and this consistency has been maintained.”

OUTLOOK

According to du Plessis, the completion of Stage 4 of the Processing Plant, the rigid screening and stock handling section, remains a key optimisation step, which has associated benefits. “The completion was unfortunately delayed by a southern African wide shortage of structural steel but was commissioned post year-end.”

Minergy expects the positive momentum in international coal pricing for southern African coal to remain in place. Higher coal prices have resulted in coal being withdrawn from the inland market in favour of lucrative international markets. Du Plessis added that the regional market is currently under- supplied with sized coal, which supports higher pricing and new customer opportunities for Minergy.

“Our objective for the 2022 financial year is to achieve nameplate capacity by completing final ramp-up of operations. This will enable the company to generate sufficient cash flow to stabilise the business at breakeven or better. The bullish coal market is also providing support. COVID-19 will still be closely managed, and we look forward to the lifting of the State of Emergency, as announced, and trust that vaccination programmes will achieve herd immunity in Botswana during the next 12 months.”

Du Plessis expressed his excitement on prospects stating that, “The Eskom due diligence process is continuing, and we are hopeful of receiving feedback during the current financial year. In addition to this opportunity, Minergy is also investigating participation in the request by the Government of Botswana to provide a 300MW power station for which the company has been shortlisted.”

The approved process to issue shares for cash is showing positive leads and he concluded by saying that a listing in London is still being investigated.

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P300m Phikwe Citrus project first harvest milestone

18th March 2024

The P300 million Selebi Phikwe Citrus project in Botswana has reached its first harvest milestone, with the first export dispatched to the UAE and Saudi Arabia last week. This project, aimed at diversifying the country’s export earnings from diamond mining, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The project, which has successfully planted 840,000 seedlings in Phase 1 and completed a 17,000 square meter pack house, is set to employ 1,000 people and create business opportunities across various value chains. These opportunities include manufacturing of juice and packaging materials, transport and logistics, and honey production.

The first export from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project marks a major achievement for Botswana, as it opens up lucrative export markets in the Middle East and beyond. The project has met market access requirements for countries such as the EU, Canada, China, The Philippines, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, paving the way for future exports to these regions.

The economic impact of the project on the SPEDU region, where it is located, is already being felt. The construction of a 12 km water pipeline and the installation of a power line have driven infrastructure development in the area, benefiting businesses in the vicinity at minimal cost.

The project’s success is the result of collaborative efforts between various government departments and agencies, including the Botswana Investment & Trade Centre (BITC) and SPEDU. Through the BITC’s One Stop Services Centre (BOSSC), the project was able to access red-carpet investor facilitation services and unlock necessary business enablers.

The Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture have played crucial roles in facilitating market access for the project. The Department of Plant Health has opened up protocol and permit markets for citrus exports, ensuring that the project can access international markets with ease.

Botswana has met the European Union (EU), Canada, China, The Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia market access requirements. “I am happy to report that our desire to export has been actualised as the first consignment was dispatched last week to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia” Minister Kgafela revealed.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project is not only beneficial for the project sponsors but also for other citrus growers in Botswana. With 172 citrus growers in the country, over 90% of whom are small-scale farmers, the project presents opportunities for growth and expansion in the citrus industry.

Massive value chain opportunities are presented by the project, including fertilizer and agrochemical supplies, agro-processing opportunities, and more. The project’s spending on imports presents an opportunity for local production, further boosting the country’s economy.

On 21s March 2024, His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi will officiate at a ceremony to mark the first harvest of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project and officially open the pack house. Harvest from this multimillion pula project is expected to reach the United States, Europe and other lucrative export markets.

The project was first launched on the 11th December 2020 with a ground breaking by President Masisi. This multimillion pula private sector funded agricultural enterprise, the likes of which this country has never seen before, is widely touted as a major catalyst to revitalising and catapulting the SPEDU region back to economic glory following the closure of BCL mine in 2016.

The project promoters leased 1500 hectors of land from Mmadinare Multi- Purpose Cooperative Society which will benefit directly through proceeds.

Highlighting the ripple economic impact of the project to the SPEDU region, Assistant Minister of Trade & Industry Honourable Beauty Manake said the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project has been able to drive the development of infrastructure in the area, with the construction of a 12 km water pipeline and ensured the installation of a power line.

She said during a briefing in Gaborone on Thursday that businesses within the vicinity have tapped into these infrastructural developments at minimal cost.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project came into being through collective efforts of various government departments and agencies. The Botswana Investment & Trade Centre (BITC) in collaboration with SPEDU courted the investors from South Africa to venture into the project.

Through the Botswana One Stop Services Centre (BOSSC) under the BITC, the project was able to establish and take off by enjoying red-carpet investor facilitation services to unlock required business enablers.

BITC has also through its export promotion arm, facilitated the project by identifying potential export markets in the European Union (EU) and lend crucial support to the Citrus Project to access the identified markets.

About 70 percent of the produce from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus will be exported, while 30% will remain in the country. Assistant Minister Manake revealed that the Ministry of Trade of Industry has been working closely with the project sponsors to explore export markets and facilitate entry into those markets.

The Selebi Phikwe Citrus project’s first harvest and export mark a significant milestone in Botswana’s efforts to diversify its export earnings. With the potential for growth and expansion in the citrus industry, this project is set to have a lasting impact on the country’s economy and agricultural sector.

 

 

 

 

 

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Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station to start commercial production

18th March 2024

Botswana is set to achieve a significant milestone with the upcoming commencement of commercial production at the country’s first coal-gas fired power station. Tlou Energy Limited, an Independent Power Producer listed on multiple stock exchanges, has been at the forefront of developing this groundbreaking project, which is expected to start generating electricity for both the local and export markets later this year.

Situated in the Central District, just 100 km west of Serowe, the coal-gas fired power station represents a major step towards reducing Botswana’s reliance on expensive power imports. Tlou Energy has confirmed the presence of abundant coal-gas resources in the area, making it suitable for commercial power production. The company has obtained all the necessary approvals, including environmental assessments, production licenses, power generation licenses, and a Power Purchase Agreement, to move forward with the project.

One of the key achievements for Tlou Energy has been the completion of a 100km 66kV transmission line, connecting the power station directly to Botswana’s power grid and the Southern African Power Pool. This connection opens up a vast market for the project, allowing for the sale of electricity both domestically and regionally. The company’s Managing Director, Tony Gilby, expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating that they are on track to start generating revenue soon.

In terms of the project’s timeline, Tlou Energy is currently focused on completing the construction of the power station, installing generators, and finalizing the gas gathering line. The initial target is to generate around 2MW of power, with plans for rapid expansion to 10MW, generating approximately $10 million in revenue per annum. The company is also in discussions with investors to secure the necessary funds for project completion.

The key remaining items to be completed prior to first power sales, according Tlou Energy, include completing the construction of the power station, installation of generators, completing the short gas gathering line (from the gas wells to the generators) and energizing the power line. “Minor finishing works on the transmission line and the addition of switchgear at Serowe will also be completed prior to first power.  The initial target is ~2MW of power, followed by rapid expansion to 10MW, generating approximately $10m in revenue per annum.” The company has confirmed that it’s in discussions with some investors to secure funds required for project completion.

Tlou’s power is expected to help reduce Botswana’s reliance on expensive power imports. In addition to supplying power in Botswana, the company may sell electricity to the regional market via the Southern African Power Pool, a development which could open up a bigger market for the project.

The successful operation of Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station will not only contribute to the country’s energy security but also have a positive impact on the regional market. By potentially selling electricity through the Southern African Power Pool, Tlou Energy could tap into a larger market, further solidifying its position as a key player in the energy sector.

Overall, the progress made by Tlou Energy in developing Botswana’s first coal-gas fired power station is a testament to the company’s dedication and vision. With the project nearing completion and commercial production on the horizon, Botswana is poised to enter a new era of energy independence and sustainability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Food prices could go up in 2024/2025

18th March 2024

Food prices could potentially go up in 2024/2025 due to the current El Niño conditions in Southern Africa, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The update released by FAO indicates that countries in the region, including Botswana, may experience a decrease in food production, leading to higher food inflation.

The update highlights that Southern Africa has been experiencing below-average rainfall, with key cropping zones in countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia receiving only up to 80 percent of average rainfall quantities between November 2023 and February 2024. This has resulted in significant rainfall deficits, particularly in February, which is a critical period for crop development. The warmer than average temperatures and erratic distribution of rains have further exacerbated the situation, leading to stressed vegetation conditions and potentially lower crop yields in 2024.

In South Africa, the leading cereal producer in the region, a dry spell between late January and February 2024 has negatively impacted crop production prospects. Maize production is expected to fall this year, further contributing to the potential decrease in cereal production in the region.

As a result of the anticipated decline in cereal production in Southern Africa, import needs are projected to increase in the 2024/25 year. This could lead to the importation of cereals from outside of the region, such as the United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Argentina. However, importing food from global markets comes with higher transport costs and import tariffs, which may put upward pressure on food prices in Botswana.

FAO projects that based on the likely scenario of a fall in cereal production in Southern Africa, import needs are set to increase in the 2024/25 year. “Furthermore, if production declines in South Africa and Zambia materialize in 2024, cereal export availabilities in the region would be low and this could necessitate the importation of cereals from outside of Southern Africa.” According to analysts from the organization cereal prices were at higher levels in December 2023 and January 2024 in Southern Africa, reflecting the cumulative impacts of weather shocks on 2023 domestic production, elevated international commodity prices and weak currencies that intensified exchange rate pass-through effects to domestic prices. “Farther ahead, a key risk to the price growth is represented by the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024.”

Some local analysts believes that Botswana could import sorghum, maize and wheat from as far as United States of America, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Argentina as South Africa and Southern African countries which are potential suppliers of cereals, are highly likely to record decline in crop production as a result of the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024. The analysts added that food imports from the global markets come with higher transport costs and import tariffs which may have an upward pressure on food prices in Botswana.

Overall, the impact of El Niño-related rainfall deficits on cereal production in 2024 poses a significant risk to food prices in the region. It is important for policymakers and stakeholders to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to mitigate the potential increase in food prices in 2024/2025.

 

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