9 March 2023
Tlou Energy Limited
("Tlou" or "the Company")
Interim Results
The Company is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2022. The report is available on the Company's website: tlouenergy.com/reports
The Company has progressed steadily over the past six months and remains on track to get gas fired power into the grid in Botswana.
Highlights:
· Construction of the transmission line to connect Tlou's Lesedi gas-to-power project to the electricity grid has continued and is now approximately 50% complete.
· Construction of the new operations facility including workshops, maintenance facilities, accommodation and associated infrastructure for the first phase of development is nearing completion.
· Engineering and design of the next production well has been completed with drilling set to begin in March 2023.
· Gas production continues at the Lesedi 4 production well.
· ~AUD $5m was raised during the reporting period from a new strategic investor and currently Tlou's largest shareholder.
Tlou's Managing Director, Mr Tony Gilby commented, "The past six months has seen good progress at the Lesedi Power Project. The transmission line work is going well, substation construction will continue during the year, the generation site is coming together and further production well drilling is set to commence. We remain focused on delivering first power and earning first revenue for the Company as soon as possible."
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For further information regarding this announcement please contact:
Tlou Energy Limited | +61 7 3040 9084 |
Tony Gilby, Managing Director |
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Solomon Rowland, General Manager |
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Grant Thornton (Nominated Adviser) | +44 (0)20 7383 5100 |
Harrison Clarke, Colin Aaronson, Ciara Donnelly |
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Zeus Capital (UK Broker) | +44 (0)20 3829 5000 |
Simon Johnson | |
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Public Relations | |
Ashley Seller | +61 418 556 875 |
About Tlou
Tlou is developing energy solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa through gas-fired power and ancillary projects. The Company is listed on the ASX (Australia), AIM (UK) and the BSE (Botswana). The Lesedi Gas-to-Power Project ("Lesedi") is 100% owned and is the Company's most advanced project. Tlou's competitive advantages include the ability to drill cost effectively for gas, operational experience and Lesedi's strategic location in relation to energy customers. All major government approvals have been achieved.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. No representation is made that any of those statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any forecast results will be achieved. You are cautioned not to place any reliance on such statements or forecasts. Those forward-looking and other statements speak only as at the date of this announcement. Save as required by any applicable law or regulation, Tlou Energy Limited undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Directors' report
The Directors present their report, together with the financial statements, on the consolidated entity (referred to hereafter as the 'consolidated entity' or the 'Group') consisting of Tlou Energy Limited (referred to hereafter as the 'Company' or "Tlou") and the entities it controlled at 31 December 2022.
Directors
The names of the directors who held office at any time during the half-year and up to the date of this report are:
Martin McIver | Non-Executive Chairman |
Anthony Gilby | Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer |
Gabaake Gabaake | Executive Director |
Colm Cloonan | Finance Director |
Hugh Swire | Non-Executive Director |
Directors have been in office since the start of the half-year to the date of this report unless otherwise stated.
Principal Activities
The principal activity of the consolidated entity is to develop power solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa through Coalbed Methane (CBM) gas-fired power, solar power, and hydrogen projects. No revenue from these activities has been earned to date, as the consolidated entity is still in the exploration and evaluation or pre-development stage.
There have been no significant changes in the nature of the group's principal activities during the half-year.
Review and results of operations
The loss for the half-year after income tax amounted to $2,245,259 (December 2021 loss $1,271,339). Information on operations and results during the period are set out below.
Lesedi Project
The Lesedi Project consists of four Prospecting Licences (PL) and a Production Licence. The first stage of development is a 10MW power generation facility which will be located in the Company's Production Licence area.
The status of the Lesedi licences is as follows:
Licence | Expiry | Status |
Production Licence 2017/18L | August 2042 | Current |
PL 001/2004 | September 2023 | Current |
PL 003/2004 | September 2023 | Current |
PL 035/2000 | March 2025 | Current |
PL 037/2000 | March 2025 | Current |
Lesedi Gas-to-Power project
The Company is working on bringing the Lesedi 10MW gas to power project into production as quickly as possible and, subject to available funding, Tlou plans to rapidly expand to 25MW and beyond. The first electricity generated at the Lesedi project will be sold under a 10MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), the national power utility in Botswana. Once in full production 10MW of generation could provide annual revenue equivalent to approximately US$10m. The project is moving towards development with the construction of transmission lines, substations as well as the field operations facility and generation site.
Transmission Line Construction
To connect to Botswana's power network, a 100 km transmission line is being built from the Lesedi project to join the grid near the town of Serowe. Construction is being done by Zismo Engineering Pty Ltd (Zismo) with progress at the end of February 2023 of approximately 50%. The line is expected to be completed around 3Q23.
Substation Construction
Substations are required at either end of the transmission line, one to tie Tlou's generators to the transmission line at Lesedi and another to integrate the line with the existing BPC substation at Serowe. This work will be completed by South African based OptiPower, a division of Murray & Roberts Ltd. This work is expected to be completed around late 2023 or early 2024.
Lesedi Operations Facility
Work is continuing on a purpose-built operations facility for the initial 10MW development and to allow for rapid project expansion thereafter. This project is being undertaken by Tlou through its consultant contractor African Gas Services (AGS) and it is expected to be completed during 2023. AGS is also undertaking the management and construction of the power plant and gas gathering network.
Drilling and Gas production
The Lesedi 4 production pod continues to produce gas. A key focus in the coming year is to drill more production wells for the 10MW project. Methane production of approximately 220-250 mcfd (thousand cubic feet per day) is expected to be required for 1MW of power generation. Work has commenced in preparation for the Company's next production pod, Lesedi 6, with drilling expected to commence in March 2023. This includes drilling of a core-hole to assess coal depth followed by the vertical production well and two lateral wells. Once drilling is complete, the pod will be flushed and then commence dewatering and gas production. Thereafter, drilling of more production pods is planned.
Mamba Project
The Mamba project consists of five PL's covering an area of approximately 4,500 Km2. The Mamba area is situated adjacent to Lesedi. In the event of a gas field development by Tlou, the Mamba area provides the Company with flexibility and optionality.
The Mamba project is in the exploration and evaluation phase with further operations required on these licences. The next stage of operations will be core-hole drilling to assess coal qualities in different areas. In the event of successful drilling results at Mamba, it is envisioned that this area would be developed as a separate project from Lesedi.
The status of the Mamba licences is as follows:
Licence | Expiry | Status |
PL 237/2014 | September 2023 | Current |
PL 238/2014 | September 2023 | Current |
PL 239/2014 | September 2023 | Current |
PL 240/2014 | September 2023 | Current |
PL 241/2014 | September 2023 | Current |
Boomslang Project
Prospecting Licence, PL011/2019 is approximately 1,000 Km2 and is situated adjacent to the Company's existing licences. To date, the Company has not carried out ground operations in the Boomslang area, but core-hole drilling is being planned to assess coal qualities in the permit area.
The status of the Boomslang licence is as follows:
Licence | Expiry | Status |
PL 011/2019 | June 2024 | Current |
Significant changes in the state of affairs
During the half-year ended 31 December 2022, there were no other significant changes to the state of affairs of the consolidated entity other than those stated above and disclosed in the financial report and notes thereof.
Matters subsequent to the end of the half-year
In January 2023, the Company issued 87,653,278 ordinary shares at $0.035 per share. The total issue share capital following issue of these shares is 830,715,710. Other than the matters discussed in this report, there has not arisen in the interval between the end of the half-year and the date of this report any item, transaction or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors, to affect significantly the operations of the group, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the group in subsequent financial periods.
Likely developments and expected results of operations
The Company has drilled development wells in the Lesedi project area which have produced CBM gas. These wells were designed to achieve enhanced gas flow rates in the area proposed for the Company's initial project development. The gas flow rates from these wells are vitally important to assess the viability of the Lesedi project and the Company is yet to confirm commercial gas flow rates and there is no guarantee that the required rates can or will be achieved. In addition, further wells flowing commercial gas volumes will be required to produce sufficient gas for the planned Lesedi project.
The Company is advancing plans to develop ancillary projects in addition to the gas-fired power project. These projects may be subject to regulatory approvals. No guarantee can be given in relation to the results of the Company's operations, gas flow rates, regulatory approvals being granted or the ability to secure the funds required to progress all or any of the Company's existing or planned operations.
The Company is subject to risks which may have a material adverse effect on operating and financial performance. Tlou's Risk Management Policy can be found on the Company's website. It is not possible to identify every risk that could affect the business or shareholders. Any actions taken to mitigate these risks cannot provide complete assurance that a risk will not materialise or have a material adverse effect on the business, strategies, assets or performance of the Company. A list of risks currently considered material and mitigation strategies are set out below. This is not an exhaustive list and risks are outlined in no particular order.
Risk | Description | Mitigation |
Funding | The Company will need to raise additional debt and/or equity funds to support its ongoing operations or implement its planned activities and strategies. This includes but is not limited to funding to complete the infrastructure necessary to connect to the power grid and generate electricity at the Lesedi project and funds to facilitate drilling of additional gas wells to deliver sufficient gas for development of the proposed 10MW power project. There can be no assurance that such funding will be available when required or on satisfactory terms or at all. Inability to find sufficient funds may result in the delay or abandonment of certain activities which would likely have an adverse on the Company's progress. | The Company has operated in Botswana for over a decade with extensive local and international investor relationships who have supported the Company.
The Company actively manages its capital requirements and maintains close relationships with potential investors. The Company continues to explore sources of both equity and debt capital.
The Company has some investors who have provided non-binding indications that they could provide long term support of the Company.
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Health and Safety | The project operations are in a remote location, in a sometimes-harsh environment and involves the use of heavy machinery and equipment. | The Company employs highly skilled and experienced personnel where possible. The Chief Operations Officer is supported by a dedicated Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) officer and a paramedic is also on duty at all times at the field operations. The Company has a training and safety management system and external audits of the safety management system are conducted. All visitors to site are given a safety briefing. |
Freedom to Operate | The Company has licences to operate over approximately 8,000 square km and has had continued access to key licence areas when required. Negative sentiment towards the project or industry may impair Tlou's freedom to operate. Changes to key Government personnel and/or national policy could also impact the Company's ability to operate effectively. | The Company continues to support regular and extensive Government engagement activities to interest and educate lawmakers to the country's natural resource opportunities as well as keep up to date with changing national power strategies and requirements.
Tlou supports and interacts with a wide network of local stakeholders including farmers and landowners to try and ensure that the needs of the community are being met and that the project can provide benefits for all stakeholders including providing long term and sustainable employment opportunities. |
Environment | Botswana's natural habitat, water and wildlife needs to be protected. Botswana rigorously enforces its environmental regulations so the risk of fines or other liabilities for noncompliance is commensurately high.
| Tlou has full environmental approval in place for development of the gas-to-power project. The Company aims to not just meet environmental requirements but exceed them.
The Company uses local specialists to support its ongoing permit renewals, environmental assessments and licence applications. Continual monitoring of actual and potential impacts on the environment is practiced to try and ensure that any impact on the natural habitat is eliminated or minimised. |
Power Sales | The Company has signed a 10MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) with the aim for first power to be supplied into the national grid in late 2023 or early 2024. There is a risk completion that the grid connection infrastructure could be delayed thereby postponing first power sales. No other agreements are currently in place for sale of power or gas to other parties.
| The Company works closely with its contractors and engineers to progress infrastructure projects in a timely manner.
Management continues to explore opportunities with other potential customers across the region, potentially via the Southern African Power Pool or within Botswana. The power market in South Africa is experiencing some difficulties which may lead to opportunities to provide power.
The Company also aims to diversify its operations to provide ancillary products such as solar power. |
Geological Risk | The Company has approximately 8,000 square km of licence areas part of which has not had significant CBM operations to date. There remains significant geological risk in these areas and subject to operational results these areas may not be commercial. | Tlou has invested in seismic surveys and core hole drilling to identify areas of lower risk prior to conducting further exploration and evaluation. This strategy is planned for undeveloped areas of the project. After a decade of operating in the region and supported by external resource certifications, the operations team have and continue to develop an excellent knowledge of the geological area to help de-risk future exploration and evaluation operations. |
Remote Operations | The Company operates over 100km from established medical and engineering support facilities in the closest urban area which increases costs and risks as well as requiring adequate insurance. | The Company has on-site paramedic support and has invested in its own stock of equipment so that it can ideally operate as autonomously as possible over a greater range of activities. A purpose-built field operations camp is under construction which will be suitable for full development of the initial 10MW project and for further expansion. |
People | The Company may lose key executives and management. The Company operates in a competitive environment in relation to talented corporate and technical personnel.
| The Company continues to search for skilled staff to grow the team to satisfy the Company's needs and ideally to have a lead person and back-up support person for all key positions. In addition, implementation of appropriate staff training and succession plans is a key target. The Company offers incentives and development opportunities for key executives and management to attract the best talent to the Company. |
Auditor's Independence Declaration
The auditor's independence declaration for the half-year ended 31 December 2022 has been received and is attached to this report.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.
Anthony Gilby
Managing Director
Brisbane
9 March 2023
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the half-year ended 31 December 2022
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| Consolidated | |
| | | Note | Dec 2022 | Dec 2021 |
| | | | $ | $ |
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Interest income | | 6,351 | 9 | ||
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Expenses | | |
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Employee benefits expense | | (564,644) | (320,901) | ||
Depreciation expense | | (147,104) | (279,106) | ||
Foreign exchange gain | | 189,605 | 45,654 | ||
Interest expense | | (296,013) | - | ||
Share based payment expense | | (76,369) | (14,670) | ||
Professional fees | | (271,658) | (107,675) | ||
Occupancy costs | | (6,746) | (9,000) | ||
Other expenses | 2 | (1,032,014) | (585,650) | ||
Fair value loss on financial instruments | | (46,667) | - | ||
LOSS BEFORE TAX | | (2,245,259) | (1,271,339) | ||
Income tax | | | - | - | |
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD | | (2,245,259) | (1,271,339) | ||
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OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) | |
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Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss | |
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Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | | (1,009,425) | (1,665,137) | ||
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) | | (1,009,425) | (1,665,137) | ||
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) | | (3,254,684) | (2,936,476) | ||
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Earnings per share | | | | ||
| | | | Cents | Cents |
Basic loss per share | | (0.3) | (0.2) | ||
Diluted loss per share | | (0.3) | (0.2) |
Consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2022
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| Consolidated | |
| | | Note | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
| | | | $ | $ |
CURRENT ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents | | 6,154,779 | 7,875,025 | ||
Trade and other receivables | | 427,322 | 424,220 | ||
Other current assets | 3 | 1,082,016 | 178,887 | ||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | | 7,664,117 | 8,478,132 | ||
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NON-CURRENT ASSETS | |
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Exploration and evaluation assets | 4 | 49,740,884 | 49,232,167 | ||
Other non-current assets | | 587,016 | 602,112 | ||
Property, plant and equipment | | 288,029 | 366,492 | ||
Contract costs | 5 | 3,526,329 | 948,446 | ||
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | | 54,142,258 | 51,149,217 | ||
TOTAL ASSETS | | 61,806,375 | 59,627,349 | ||
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CURRENT LIABILITIES | |
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Trade and other payables | | 1,226,537 | 563,599 | ||
Derivatives | | 12,184 | 696,153 | ||
Lease liabilities | | 14,872 | 13,792 | ||
Provisions | | | 339,694 | 319,903 | |
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | | 1,593,287 | 1,593,447 | ||
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NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | |
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Convertible notes | 6 | 7,633,374 | 7,263,643 | ||
Derivatives | | 64,237 | 67,600 | ||
Lease liabilities | | 47,163 | 56,530 | ||
Provisions | | | 113,000 | 113,000 | |
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | | 7,857,774 | 7,500,773 | ||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | | 9,451,061 | 9,094,220 | ||
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NET ASSETS | | 52,355,314 | 50,533,129 | ||
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EQUITY | | |
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Contributed equity | 7 | 111,764,427 | 106,763,927 | ||
Reserves | | | (7,838,089) | (6,716,016) | |
Accumulated losses | | (51,571,024) | (49,514,782) | ||
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TOTAL EQUITY | | 52,355,314 | 50,533,129 |
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the half-year ended 31 December 2022
| Contributed Equity | Share Based Payments Reserve | Foreign Currency Translation Reserve | Accumulated Losses | Total |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
Consolidated | | | | | |
Balance at 1 July 2021 | 106,763,927 | 925,604 | (6,155,951) | (45,185,666) | 56,347,914 |
Loss for the period | - | - | - | (1,271,339) | (1,271,339) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | - | - | (1,665,137) | - | (1,665,137) |
Total comprehensive income | - | - | (1,665,137) | (1,271,339) | (2,936,476) |
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Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners | | | | | |
Share based payments | - | 14,670 | - | - | 14,670 |
| - | 14,670 | - | - | 14,670 |
Balance at 31 December 2021 | 106,763,927 | 940,274 | (7,821,088) | (46,457,005) | 53,426,108 |
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Balance at 1 July 2022 | 106,763,927 | 1,157,804 | (7,873,820) | (49,514,782) | 50,533,129 |
Loss for the period | - | - | - | (2,245,259) | (2,245,259) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | - | - | (1,009,425) | - | (1,009,425) |
Total comprehensive income | - | - | (1,009,425) | (2,245,259) | (3,254,684) |
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Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners |
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Share based payments | - | 76,369 | - | - | 76,369 |
Transfers - Options expired |
| (189,017) | - | 189,017 | - |
Shares issued, net of costs | 5,000,500 | - | - | - | 5,000,500 |
| 5,000,500 | (112,648) | - | 189,017 | 5,076,869 |
Balance at 31 December 2022 | 111,764,427 | 1,045,156 | (8,883,245) | (51,571,024) | 52,355,314 |
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the half-year ended 31 December 2022
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| Consolidated | |
| | | Note | Dec 2022 | Dec 2021 |
| | | | $ | $ |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | ||
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST and VAT) | (1,977,025) | (1,049,650) | |||
Interest received | | 6,351 | 9 | ||
GST and VAT received | | 165,550 | 21,891 | ||
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | (1,805,124) | (1,027,750) | ||
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |
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Payments for exploration and evaluation assets | | (1,908,226) | (959,344) | ||
Payment for contract assets | | (2,648,787) | - | ||
Payments and deposits for property, plant and equipment | | (573,151) | (49,771) | ||
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | (5,130,164) | (1,009,115) | ||
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |
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Proceeds from issue of shares | 5 | 5,000,500 | - | ||
Payments of lease liabilities | | (10,757) | (11,319) | ||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | 4,989,743 | (11,319) | ||
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Net (decrease)/increase in cash held |
| (1,945,545) | (2,048,184) | ||
Cash at the beginning of the period | | 7,875,025 | 6,385,384 | ||
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash | | 225,299 | (50,799) | ||
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD | 6,154,779 | 4,286,401 |
Notes to the consolidated financial statements for the half-year ended 31 December 2022
Note 1. Significant accounting policies
Introduction
Tlou Energy Limited (Tlou) is a company domiciled and incorporated in Australia. The Financial Report for the half-year ended 31 December 2022 consists of the Financial Statements of Tlou Energy Limited and the entities it controlled during the period ('Consolidated Entity' or the 'Group').
Compliance with accounting standards
The half-year financial report is a general purpose financial report prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and Australian Accounting Standard AASB 134: Interim Financial Reporting.
The half-year financial report does not include all the notes of the type normally included in an annual financial report and shall be read in conjunction with the most recent annual financial report of the group for the year ended 30 June 2022 and any public announcements made by Tlou during the interim reporting period in accordance with the continuous disclosure requirements of the Corporation Act 2001.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historical costs except for derivative financial instruments which are measured at fair value through profit and loss. The financial report is presented in Australian dollars.
The accounting policies and methods of computation applied by the Consolidated Entity in the consolidated interim financial report are the same as those applied by the Consolidated Entity in its consolidated financial report as at and for the year ended 30 June 2022, except as noted below.
New and revised standards
A number of new or amended standards became applicable for the current reporting period. The impact of the adoption of these standards did not have any impact on the group's accounting policies and did not require retrospective adjustments.
Going Concern
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates that the consolidated entity will continue to meet its commitments and can therefore continue normal business activities and the realisation of assets and settlement of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
Because of the nature of the operations, exploration or pre-development companies, such as Tlou Energy Limited, find it necessary on a regular basis to raise additional cash funds for future exploration and development activity and meet other necessary corporate expenditure. The Company has recently completed an equity capital raising but will require additional funding for ongoing operations and working capital requirements for the next 12 months. Subject to the results of these operations the consolidated entity may also need to raise additional capital to expand and develop the project further. Accordingly, the consolidated entity is in the process of investigating various options for the raising of funds which may include but is not limited to an issue of shares or the sale of exploration assets where increased value has been created through previous exploration activity.
At the date of this financial report, none of the above fund-raising options have been concluded and no guarantee can be given that a successful outcome will eventuate. The directors have concluded that as a result of the current circumstances there exists a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt regarding the consolidated entity's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and therefore the consolidated entity and Company may be unable to realise their assets and discharge their liabilities in the normal course of business. Nevertheless, after taking into account the current status of the various funding options currently being investigated and making other enquiries regarding other sources of funding, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the consolidated entity and the Company will have adequate resources to fund its future operational requirements and for these reasons they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial report.
The interim financial report does not include adjustments relating to the recoverability or classification of recorded assets amounts nor to the amounts or classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the group not be able to continue as a going concern.
Fair values
The fair values of Consolidated Entity's financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their carrying values. No financial assets or financial liabilities are readily traded on organised markets in standardised form.
Accounting estimates and judgements
Critical estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are consistent with those disclosed in the previous annual report.
Exploration & evaluation assets
In a prior period, the Consolidated Entity converted a prospecting licence into a mining licence. A mining licence allows the commencement of commercial development. Management has not commenced amortisation of the exploration and evaluation assets held in relation to the mining licence as the Consolidated Entity has not yet entered into production of a commercially viable resource.
Note 2. Expenses
Loss before income tax includes the following specific expenses: | | Dec 2022 | Dec 2021 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | $ | $ |
Other expenses | | | | | |
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● | Stock exchange and secretarial fees | | | | | 197,608 | 140,890 | ||
● | Engineers and consultants | | | | | 190,204 | 210,491 | ||
● | Investor relations | | | | | | 320,463 | 136,327 | |
● | Legal fees | | | | | | 128,689 | 13,044 |
Note 3. Other current assets
| | | | | | | | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
| | | | | | | | $ | $ |
Deposits for purchase of land | | | | 317,394 | 81,389 | ||||
Prepayments for material and equipment for new field operations facility | 452,768 | - | |||||||
Other prepayments | | | | | | 311,854 | 97,498 | ||
| | | | | | | | 1,082,016 | 178,887 |
Note 4. Exploration and evaluation expenditure
| | | | | | | | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
| | | | | | | | $ | $ |
Exploration and evaluation assets | | | 49,740,884 | 49,232,167 | |||||
| | | | | | | | 49,740,884 | 49,232,167 |
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Movements in exploration and evaluation assets | |
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Balance at the beginning of period | | | | 49,232,167 | 48,855,466 | ||||
Exploration and evaluation expenditure during the year | | 1,403,354 | 1,926,164 | ||||||
Impairment expense | | | | | | - | (166,054) | ||
Foreign currency translation | | | | | (894,637) | (1,383,409) | |||
Balance at the end of period | | | | | 49,740,884 | 49,232,167 |
The recoupment of costs carried forward in relation to areas of interest in the exploration and evaluation phase is dependent on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective areas of interest.
Note 5. Contract costs
| | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | | | | | | | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
Contract costs - transmission line | | | $ | $ | |||||
Opening balance | | | | | | 948,446 | - | ||
Additions | | | | | | | 2,577,883 | 948,446 | |
Closing balance | | | | | | 3,526,329 | 948,446 |
The Company has contract with a third party for the construction of a transmission line from the Company's Lesedi Power Project to the town of Serowe in Botswana. The expected cost of this contract is approximately BWP 60m (~$7m). Of this expected total, $3,562,329 has been capitalised at 31 December 2022.
Once the transmission line and associated infrastructure is completed and approval is granted by the relevant authority in Botswana, the transmission line will be connected to the existing power grid in Botswana. Under current legislation, on connection to the existing grid all ownership, rights and responsibilities for the transmission line and associated infrastructure will transfer to Botswana Power Corporation, the national power utility in Botswana and current owner of the existing power grid.
Note 6. Convertible notes
The parent entity issued convertible notes totalling US$5,000,000 on 24 January 2022. The notes are convertible into ordinary shares of the parent entity, at the option of the holder at the higher of:
(a) A 10% discount to the weighted average traded price of the Company's shares on the ASX over the 90 days prior to the Conversion Date; and
(b) A$0.06
The notes incur interest at 7.75% and the Company may capitalise interest for the first 18 months, thereafter, interest must be paid at each six-month anniversary of issue date. The notes expire on 24 January 2027, being 5 years after issue.
| | | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | | | | | | | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
| | | | | | | | $ | $ |
Opening Balance/Host liability on initial recognition | | 7,263,643 | 6,794,845 | ||||||
Interest expense | | | | | | 296,013 | 241,917 | ||
Interest paid | | | | | | - | - | ||
Effect of foreign exchange movement | | | 73,718 | 226,881 | |||||
Non-current host liability | | | | | 7,633,374 | 7,263,643 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| |
Total Borrowings | | | | | | 7,633,374 | 7,263,643 |
Note 7. Contributed equity
| | | | | | Dec 2022 | June 2022 | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
|
| | | | | Shares | Shares | $ | $ |
Opening balance | | | | 600,199,039 | 600,199,039 | 106,763,927 | 106,763,927 | ||
Issue of ordinary shares during the half-year* | 142,863,393 | - | 5,000,500 | - | |||||
Ordinary shares ‑ fully paid | | | 743,062,432 | 600,199,039 | 111,764,427 | 106,763,927 |
*Ordinary shares issued during the half-year
| | Issue Date | No. of Shares | Issue Price (AUD) |
Exercise of Options | 18-Jul-22 | 6,250 | $0.08 | |
Placement | | 9-Nov-22 | 57,142,857 | $0.035 |
Placement | | 16-Nov-22 | 85,714,286 | $0.035 |
Options
At 31 December 2022, there were no options for ordinary shares in Tlou Energy Limited on issue.
Performance rights
The following table shows the number, movements and exercise price of performance rights for the period ended 31 December 2022.
Date of Approval | Exercise Price | 1/07/2022 | Issued | Exercised | Expired | 31/12/2022 | |||
10 November 2016 | $0.28 | | 2,275,000 | - | - | - | 2,275,000 | ||
17 October 2018 | $0.165 | | 2,225,000 | - | - | - | 2,225,000 | ||
17 October 2018 | $0.22 | | 2,225,000 | - | - | - | 2,225,000 | ||
24 November 2021 | $0.10 | | 3,000,000 | - | - | - | 3,000,000 | ||
24 November 2021 | $0.165 | | 3,000,000 | - | - | - | 3,000,000 | ||
| | | | | 12,725,000 | - | - | - | 12,725,000 |
Note 8. Contingent liabilities
The Directors are not aware of any contingent liabilities at 31 December 2022.
Note 9. Segment information
Identification of reportable segments
Operating segments are identified on the basis of internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the executive team in order to allocate resources to the segment and assess its performance. The Company currently operates in one segment, being the exploration, evaluation and development of coalbed methane resources and power generation in southern Africa.
Segment revenue
As at 31 December 2022 no revenue has been derived from its operations (2021: $nil).
Segment assets
Segment non-current assets are allocated to countries based on where the assets are located as outlined below.
| | | | | | | | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
| | | | | | | | $ | $ |
Botswana | | | | | | 54,104,622 | 51,147,251 | ||
Australia | | | | | | | 37,636 | 1,966 | |
| | | | | | | | 54,142,258 | 51,149,217 |
Note 10. Commitments
Exploration expenditure:
To maintain an interest in the exploration tenements in which it is involved, the consolidated entity is required to meet certain conditions imposed by the various statutory authorities granting the exploration tenements or that are imposed by the joint venture agreements entered into by the consolidated entity. These conditions can include proposed expenditure commitments. The timing and amount of exploration expenditure obligations of the consolidated entity may vary significantly from the forecast based on the results of the work performed, which will determine the prospectivity of the relevant area of interest. Subject to renewal of all prospecting licences, the consolidated entity's proposed expenditure obligations which are not provided for in the financial statements are as follows:
| | | | | | | Consolidated | |
| | | | | | | Dec 2022 | June 2022 |
Minimum expenditure requirements | | | $ | $ | ||||
● | not later than 12 months | | | | 153,032 | 451,575 | ||
● | between 12 months and 5 years | | | 549,415 | 165,103 | |||
| | | | | | | 702,447 | 616,678 |
Contract Assets:
The consolidated entity has agreed contracts to construct a transmission line for approximately BWP 60m (~$7m) and substations for approximately BWP 42m (~$4.8m). In relation to the transmission line 3,526,329 has been capitalised at 31 December 2022 ($948,446 at 30 June 2022). No costs had been incurred in relation to the substation contract at the reporting date.
Note 11. Events occurring after reporting date
In January 2023, the Company issued 87,653,278 ordinary shares at $0.035 per share. The total issue share capital following issue of these shares is 830,715,710. Other than the matters discussed in this report, there has not arisen in the interval between the end of the half-year and the date of this report any item, transaction or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors, to affect significantly the operations of the group, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the group in subsequent financial periods.
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