SouthGobi Resources Announces Third Quarter 2015 Financial and Operating Results
(firmenpresse) - HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/12/15 -- SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (TSX: SGQ)(HKSE: 1878) (the "Company" or "SouthGobi) today announced its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. All figures are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.
Significant Events and Highlights
The Company's significant events and highlights for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and subsequent period to November 12, 2015 are as follows:
OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL DATA AND FINANCIAL RESULTS
Summary of Operational Data
Overview of Operational Data
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
Market conditions and prices for coal remained weak in China through the third quarter of 2015. The Company sold 0.49 million tonnes of its coal products during the quarter. The Company is pacing production with current and expected demand, production was 0.71 million tonnes for the quarter as compared to 0.17 million tonnes for the third quarter of 2014.
The cash cost of product sold per tonne was $20.27 for the third quarter of 2015, which has significantly increased compared to $9.68 per tonne for the third quarter of 2014. The reason for the increase is primarily related to less idled mine costs being allocated during the quarter. (Nil for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2014 in which the Company placed approximately half of its workforces on furlough throughout the third quarter of 2014.)
The Company ended the third quarter of 2015 without a lost time injury. As at September 30, 2015, the Company has a lost time injury frequency rate of nil per 200,000 man hours based on a rolling 12 month average.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
During the first nine months of 2015, market conditions and prices for coal remained weak in China.
The production in the first nine months of 2015 was comparable to the first nine months of 2014. The Company paced the production with current demand for its coal product after the curtailment of the Company's mining operations through to March 30, 2015. During the first quarter of 2015 the Company sold through its existing stockpiles to preserve the Company's liquidity and therefore mining operations were curtailed. On March 30, 2015, the Company resumed mining operations allowing the Company to position itself to meet its commitments under existing and expected new coal offtake contracts.
Total cash costs of product sold were $19.03 per tonne in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $11.12 per tonne in the first nine months of 2014. The reason for the increase is primarily related to the decrease in sales volumes over which the fixed and variable costs are allocated. At a gross level, the mine administration cash costs of product sold in the first nine months of 2015 was $3.3 million compared to $4.6 million in the first nine months of 2014.
Summary of Financial Results
Royalty regime in Mongolia
The royalty regime in Mongolia is evolving and has been subject to change since 2012. The Government of Mongolia implemented a trial period from October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013, during which the royalty imposed on coal sales was determined using the actual contracted sales price per tonne. Subsequently, from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014, the royalty on all coal sales exported out of Mongolia was based on a set reference price per tonne published monthly by the Government of Mongolia.
The Government of Mongolia implemented a new royalty regime effective April 1, 2014, referred to as the "flexible tariff" royalty regime. From April 1, 2014, the royalty per tonne for export coal sales has been calculated based on the actual contracted sales price per tonne, whereby the contracted sales price includes the costs of transporting the coal to the Mongolia-China border. If transportation costs are not included in the contracted sales price between a buyer and seller, the following costs are required to be included in the contracted sales price for purposes of calculating the royalty per tonne: transportation costs and costs associated with transportation such as customs documentation fees, insurance, loading and unloading costs. In the event the actual contracted sales price calculated as described above differs by more than 10% from the contracted sales price of coal products with the same classification and quality being exported by other legal entities in Mongolia through the same border crossing, the calculated contracted sales price is deemed non-market under Mongolian tax law and the royalty per tonne is calculated based on a reference price that will be determined by the Government of Mongolia.
The Company currently sells coal from the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine ex mine gate and the coal is exported through the Shivee Khuren Border Crossing. The Company's average realized selling price excludes transportation costs.
On July 4, 2014, the Government of Mongolia made further amendments to the royalty regime. From July 4, 2014 onwards, the royalty is initially calculated and paid monthly based on the Government reference price. On a quarterly basis the royalty amount was adjusted to reflect the contracted sales price and additional documentation needs to be submitted to the Mongolian Tax Authority. Once the quarterly statement has been approved by the Mongolian Tax Authority, any adjustments between the monthly payments for the quarter and the quarterly submission were adjusted in the next months' royalty calculation.
On January 1 2015, this "flexible tariff" royalty regime ended and royalty payments reverted to the previous regime which is based on a set reference price per tonne published monthly by the Government of Mongolia.
On March 16, 2015, the Government of Mongolia issued an amendment resolution to the "flexible tariff" regime changing the coal classification methodology from which to base the royalty calculation. The resolution is effective from May 1, 2015 and the Government of Mongolia has published reference price classifications subdivided into additional classifications since that date. According to the resolution, Company's coal is mainly divided into 2 classifications depending on coal quality under raw coal type.
The Company and other Mongolian coal producers are actively engaging the Mongolian authorities to seek the continuation of the "flexible tariff" regime. See "Risk Factors - Company's Projects in Mongolia" in the MD&A issued on March 30, 2015 and available on SEDAR at .
Overview of Financial Results
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
The Company recorded a $14.9 million loss from operations in the third quarter of 2015 compared to a $19.0 million loss from operations in the third quarter of 2014. The operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 were impacted by continuing difficult market conditions and weak coal prices in China.
Revenue was $8.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $7.6 million in the third quarter of 2014. The Company sold 0.49 million tonnes of coal at an average realized selling price of $19.76 per tonne in the third quarter of 2015 compared to sales of 0.65 million tonnes at an average realized selling price of $13.87 per tonne in the third quarter of 2014. Despite the continued difficult market conditions, there was an increase in the average realized selling price which is attributed to a change in sales mix. The product mix for the third quarter of 2015 consisted of approximately 96% of Premium and Standard semi-soft coking coal and 4% of Thermal coal compared to approximately 48% of Premium and Standard semi-soft coking coal and 52% of Thermal coal in the third quarter of 2014.
The Company's revenue is presented after deduction of royalties and selling fees. The Company's effective royalty rate for the third quarter of 2015, based on the Company's average realized selling price of $19.76 per tonne, was 9.3% or $1.83 per tonne compared to 8.9% or $1.23 per tonne based on the average realized selling price of $13.87 per tonne in the third quarter of 2014.
Cost of sales was $22.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $23.9 million in the third quarter of 2014. Cost of sales comprises operating expenses, share-based compensation expense, equipment depreciation, depletion of mineral properties, coal stockpile inventory impairments and idled mine asset costs. Operating expenses in cost of sales reflect the total cash costs of product sold (a non-IFRS financial measure, see "Non-IFRS Financial Measure" section for further analysis) during the period.
Operating expenses in cost of sales were $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $6.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. The overall increase in operating expenses is primarily the result of higher variable costs which are linked to the production level which are up to 0.71 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 0.17 million tonnes in the third quarter of 2014.
Cost of sales in the third quarter of 2015 and 2014 included coal stockpile impairments of $6.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of the Company's coal stockpiles to their net realizable value. The coal stockpile impairments recorded in both the third quarter of 2015 and 2014 reflected the challenging coal market conditions and primarily related to the Company's higher-ash products.
Cost of sales related to idled mine asset costs primarily consisted of period costs, which were expensed as incurred and included mainly depreciation expense. Cost of sales related to idled mine assets in the third quarter of 2015 included $2.8 million of depreciation expenses for idled equipment compared to $14.1 million in the third quarter of 2014.
Other operating income was $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to nil in the third quarter of 2014 as follows:
Administration expenses were $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2014 as follows:
Administration expenses were lower for the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014 primarily as a result of cost reduction measures.
Evaluation and exploration expenses were negligible in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2014. The Company continued to minimize evaluation and exploration expenditures in the third quarter of 2015 in order to preserve the Company's financial resources. Evaluation and exploration activities and expenditures in the third quarter of 2015 were limited to ensuring that the Company met the Mongolian Minerals Law requirements in respect of its mining and exploration licenses.
Finance costs were $5.4 million and $5.3 million respectively in the third quarter of 2015 and the third quarter of 2014. Finance costs primarily consisted of interest expense in respect of the $250.0 million CIC Convertible Debenture ($5.2 million for the third quarter of 2015 and $5.1 million for the third quarter of 2014).
Finance income was $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 which, primarily consists of an unrealized gain in respect of the embedded derivative in the CIC Convertible Debenture.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
The Company recorded a $61.8 million loss from operations in the first nine months of 2015 compared to a $53.2 million loss from operations in the first nine months of 2014. The operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were impacted by continuing difficult market conditions and weak coal prices in China. The results for the first nine months of 2015 were primarily impacted as a consequence of the tax investigation case in Mongolia which a provision of $18.0 million was recorded in respect of the tax penalty during the three months ended June 30, 2015.
Revenue was $13.2 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $19.4 million in the first nine months of 2014. The Company sold 0.87 million tonnes of coal at an average realized selling price of $17.77 per tonne in the first nine months of 2015 compared to sales of 1.67 million tonnes at an average realized selling price of $14.70 per tonne in the first nine months of 2014. The impact on revenue from the drop in tonnage was partially offset by the improved product mix for the first nine months of 2015 when compared to the first nine months of 2014. The product mix for the first nine months of 2015 consisted of approximately 76% of Premium and Standard semi-soft coking coal and 24% of Thermal coal compared to approximately 43% of Premium and Standard semi-soft coking coal and 57% of Thermal coal in the first nine months of 2014.
The Company's revenue is presented net of royalties and selling fees. With the changes affecting the royalty regime in Mongolia, the Company's effective royalty rate for the first nine months of 2015, based on the Company's average realized selling price of $17.77 per tonne, was 12.5% or $2.22 per tonne compared to 13.5% or $1.99 per tonne based on the average realized selling price of $14.70 per tonne in the first nine months of 2014.
Cost of sales was $51.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $62.4 million in the first nine months of 2014. Cost of sales comprises operating expenses, share-based compensation expense, equipment depreciation, depletion of mineral properties, coal stockpile inventory impairments and idled mine asset costs. Operating expenses in cost of sales reflect the total cash costs of product sold (a non-IFRS financial measure, see "Non-IFRS Financial Measure" section for further analysis) during the period.
Operating expenses in cost of sales were $16.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $18.6 million in the first nine months of 2014. The overall decrease in operating expenses is the result of both (i) different production profiles, in the first nine months of 2015 there was a period of curtailment until March 30, 2015 whilst in the first nine months of 2014 production was impacted by a decision by the Company in June 2014 in response to market conditions to reduce production and place approximately half of its workforce on furlough; and (ii) a greater increase in coal stockpiles during the first nine months of 2015 when compared to the first nine months of 2014.
Cost of sales in the first nine months of 2015 and the first nine months of 2014 included coal stockpile impairments of $9.1 million and $15.2 million, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of the Company's coal stockpiles to their net realizable value. The coal stockpile impairments recorded in both 2015 and 2014 reflect the challenging coal market conditions and primarily related to the Company's higher-ash products.
Cost of sales related to idled mine asset costs primarily consisted of period costs, which were expensed as incurred and primarily included depreciation expense. Cost of sales related to idled mine assets in the first nine months of 2015 included $18.6 million related to depreciation expenses for idled equipment (2014: $18.7 million).
Other operating expenses were $17.9 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $2.9 million in the first nine months of 2014.
The Company recognized an expense of $18.0 million for the provision of the tax penalty in respect of the tax investigation case in Mongolia.
The Company recognized an impairment loss of $3.4 million in the first nine months of 2014 related to prepaid toll washing fees under the contract with Ejinaqi Jinda Coal Industry Co. Ltd. ("Ejin Jinda"). The impairment charge was the result of the continued delay in starting the commercial operations at the wet washing facility and the continued soft coal market in China. No corresponding impairment charge was required in the first nine months of 2015.
In the first nine months of 2014, the Company completed the sale of the Tsagaan Tolgoi mining license. The gross proceeds of the sale were $2.0 million, indirect taxes and costs totaled $0.2 million and a withholding tax totaling $0.5 million was incurred. The net proceeds generated for the Company after taxes and costs were $1.3 million.
The Company's previous investment in Aspire Mining Limited ("Aspire") was accounted for as an available-for-sale financial asset and carried at its fair value. In the first nine months of 2014, Aspire's market capitalization fluctuated. The market capitalization decreased and an impairment charge of $1.8 million was initially recorded in the first quarter of 2014. In the second quarter of 2014, a gain of $0.4 million was recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company disposed of its entire investment in Aspire during 2014 and did not hold any Aspire shares as at December 31, 2014 or September 30, 2015.
Administration expenses were $5.4 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $7.0 million in the first nine months of 2014.
Administration expenses were lower in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the first nine months of 2014 reflecting the continued cost-cutting initiatives.
Evaluation and exploration expenses were $0.1 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $0.4 million in the first nine months of 2014. The Company continued to minimize evaluation and exploration expenditures in the first nine months of 2015 in order to preserve the Company's financial resources. Evaluation and exploration activities and expenditures in the first nine months of 2015 were limited to ensuring that the Company met the Mongolian Minerals Law requirements in respect of its mining and exploration licenses.
Finance costs were $15.7 million and $15.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014 respectively. This primarily consisted of interest expense on the CIC Convertible Debenture ($15.3 million for the first nine months of 2015 and $15.1 million for the first nine months of 2014).
Finance income for the first nine months of 2015 include $0.7 million in respect of the unrealized fair value gain of the embedded derivatives in the CIC Convertible Debenture as compare to $1.3 million in 2014. The fair value of the embedded derivatives in the CIC Convertible Debenture is driven by many factors including: the Common Share price, U.S. Dollar and Canadian Dollar exchange rates and share price volatility.
Income tax expense was negligible in the first nine months of 2015 compared to an expense of $0.5 million in the first nine months of 2014. The $0.5 million recognized in the first nine months of 2014 relates to taxes paid in respect of the sale of the Tsagaan Tolgoi mining license.
Summary of Quarterly Operational Data
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Capital Management
The Company has in place a planning, budgeting and forecasting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company's normal operations on an ongoing basis and its expansionary plans.
Swiss Life GP private placement
On July 14, 2015, the Company announced it had successfully closed the private placement with Swiss Life GP, raising $2.9 million for the issuance of 5 million Common Shares.
Novel Sunrise change in ownership
The Company notes the announcement by Novel Sunrise, the largest shareholder of the Company, on July 20, 2015 which reported that Cinda acquired ownership and control of all of the outstanding voting (ordinary) shares of Novel Sunrise through Hope Rosy Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cinda.
Interim Funding Loan Commitment
On June 17, 2015, the Company negotiated an interim loan ("Interim Loan") for up to $8 million from Mr. Wilson Chen (a former principal of Novel Sunrise), with immediate availability, intended to address funding obligations pending the closing of the private placements between the Company and CITIC Merchant and Swiss Life GP. In accordance with the terms of the agreement the advances will be in a minimum amount of $2 million, with interest at LIBOR + 12% per annum, payable in cash on a quarterly basis in arrears, and maturing on June 18, 2016. The loan is unsecured and is subject to mandatory repayment upon completion of $30 million of equity or other debt financing.
As at September 30, 2015, the Company had not drawn down any funds under the Interim Loan. The Company has requested a funding drawdown on the Interim Loan multiple times; however, to date the funding has not been received by the Company.
Turquoise Hill Loan Facility
On May 25, 2014, the Company announced it had obtained a $10 million revolving credit facility from Turquoise Hill to meet its short term working capital requirements. The terms and conditions of this facility were filed on SEDAR () on June 2, 2014. The key commercial terms of the facility were as follows:
On May 4, 2015, following the expiry of the Sale and Purchase agreement between Turquoise Hill and National United Resources Holdings Limited on April 30, 2015, Turquoise Hill agreed to a further limited deferral of repayment, subject to certain conditions and limitations, on the $3.8 million principal and accrued interest owing on the Turquoise Hill Loan Facility as follows:
On September 2, 2015, Turquoise Hill agreed to a further limited deferral of repayment, subject to certain conditions and limitations, on the $3.8 million principal and accrued interest owing on the Turquoise Hill Loan Facility as follows:
On September 11, 2015, Turquoise Hill agreed to another further limited deferral of repayment, subject to certain conditions and limitations, on the $3.8 million principal and accrued interest owing on the Turquoise Hill Loan Facility as follows:
On October 27, 2015, Turquoise Hill agreed to and signed a Deferral Letter Agreement with the Company, in which Turquoise Hill agreed to a limited and circumscribed deferral of repayment of all remaining amounts and obligations now and hereafter owing under the Turquoise Hill Loan Facility to the Second Limited Deferral Date. In the event that Turquoise Hill signs a definitive and binding agreement with a third party for the sales by Turquoise Hill to such party of no less than 49.1 million Common Shares and completes all of the transactions thereunder by no later than November 30, 2015, then Turquoise Hill agrees that the Second Limited Deferral Date shall be deferred for a further six months to October 24, 2016. The key terms and conditions are as follows:
At September 30, 2015 in addition to the principal of $3.8 million, the Company owed accrued interest of $0.5 million under this facility (December 31, 2014 the Company had drawn $3.8 million and owed accrued interest of $0.1 million).
Short-term Bridge loan
On October 27, 2015, the Company executed a $10 million bridge loan agreement with an independent Asian based private equity fund. The key commercial terms of the loan are as follows:
The Company drew down $6.3 million on October 30, 2015 and expects to draw down the remaining $3.7 million by mid November 2015.
Funding Plan
The Company has commenced the implementation and execution of the Funding Plan with the intention of improving cash flow for the Company and support its business strategy and operations in a difficult market, with the goal of positioning the Company with a strong future as a coal producer.
On June 22, 2015, the Company announced a progress update with respect to the Funding Plan. This included the Swiss Life GP private placement, the Interim Loan, the Revolving Loan all of which are described above and an offtake agreement with a China-based buyer for the sale of 1.8 million tonnes of coal from July 2015 to July 2016. No sales have been made under this offtake agreement up to November 12, 2015.
Subsequent to the change in ownership of Novel Sunrise, the Company held discussions with Cinda who confirmed to the Company its continuing support for the Funding Plan. Therefore the Company continues with the implementation of the Funding Plan, which includes expanding its customer base further inland in China, securing longer-term coal offtake arrangements, thereby allowing the Company to ramp up production to capacity and obtaining additional loans as required to meet existing obligations and expected further working capital requirements.
At present the Company has decided to pursue the Funding Plan described above rather than additional equity placements.
While it is the Company's intention to continue to implement and execute the Funding Plan, the Funding Plan is dynamic and subject to change based on a number of factors beyond its control. Such factors include but not limited to, China's economic growth and coal demand growth, market prices of coal, the availability of credit and market interest rates, and exchange rates of currencies of countries where the Company operates. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to execute the Funding Plan, or that it will be able to do so in sufficient time to satisfy the TSX's delisting review or to continue as a going concern. In such event, the Company is likely to be unable to meet its obligations, which could result in voluntary or involuntary insolvency proceedings involving the Company (including bankruptcy) as discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the December 31, 2014 MD&A issued on March 30, 2015 and available on SEDAR at .
Going concern considerations
Notwithstanding the provision of the completed private placement, the coal prepayments received from customers, the Turquoise Hill Loan Facility and the Short term Bridge Loan, the Company continues to experience negative impacts on its margins and liquidity and there can be no assurance that the Company will have sufficient funding to be able to continue as a going concern.
The Company anticipates that coal prices in China will remain under pressure in 2015 and early 2016, which will continue to impact the Company's margins and liquidity. Therefore the Company is actively seeking prepaid coal offtake agreements and other additional sources of financing to continue operating and meet its business objectives, while continuing to be focused on minimizing uncommitted capital expenditures and preserving the Company's growth options. The Company, together with its new strategic partner, Novel Sunrise, has developed and continues to implement the Funding Plan in order to pay the interest due under the CIC Convertible Debenture, meet its obligations as they fall due, achieve its business objectives in 2015 and beyond. These obligations include the remaining amounts under the tax penalty (refer to section "Regulatory Issues and Contingencies" for details). However, there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to continue to implement and execute this Funding Plan or secure other sources of financing. If it fails to do so, or is unable to secure additional capital or otherwise restructure or refinance its business in order to address its cash requirements through September 30, 2016, then the Company is unlikely to have sufficient capital resources or cash flows from mining operations in order to satisfy its ongoing obligations and future contractual commitments, including cash interest payments due on the CIC Convertible Debenture (approximately $16.3 million on November 19, 2015). Therefore, the Company is actively seeking additional sources of financing to continue operating and meet its objectives.
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Company will continue operating until at least September 30, 2016, and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations as they come due; however, in order to continue as a going concern, the Company must generate sufficient operating cash flows, secure additional capital or otherwise pursue a strategic restructuring, refinancing or other transaction to provide it with additional liquidity. If it fails to do so, or is unable to secure additional capital or otherwise restructure or refinance its business in order to address its cash requirements through September 30, 2016, then the Company is unlikely to have sufficient capital resources or cash flows from mining operations in order to satisfy its ongoing obligations and future contractual commitments, including cash interest payments due on the CIC Convertible Debenture, it may not be able to continue as a going concern.
If for any reason, the Company is unable to secure the additional sources of financing and continue as a going concern, then this could result in adjustments to the amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities in the Company's consolidated financial statements and such adjustments could be material.
While the Company intends to secure additional sources of financing as soon as possible, a continued delay in securing additional financing could ultimately result in an event of default of the CIC Convertible Debenture, which if not cured within applicable cure periods in accordance with the terms of such debenture, may result in the principal amount owing and all accrued and unpaid interest becoming immediately due and payable upon notice to the Company by CIC.
The Company is also subject to a remedial delisting review by the TSX in connection with its reliance on the financial hardship exemption from approval by its shareholders of the private placement with Novel Sunrise as announced on February 24, 2015. Refer to the below section "TSX Financial Hardship Exemption Application and Status of Listing on TSX" for details. The failure by the Company to clear the TSX delisting review may result in the delisting of the Common Shares from the TSX which may result in an event of default under the CIC Convertible Debenture. An event of default may result in the principal amount owing and all accrued and unpaid interest becoming immediately due and payable upon notice to the Company by CIC.
Factors that impact the Company's liquidity are being closely monitored and include, but are not limited to, Chinese economic growth, market prices of coal, production levels, operating cash costs, capital costs, exchange rates of currencies of countries where the Company operates and exploration and discretionary expenditures.
At September 30, 2015, the Company had cash of $1.4 million compared to cash of $3.8 million at December 31, 2014. Working capital (excess current assets over current liabilities) was negative $34.1 million at September 30, 2015 compared to positive $3.4 million at December 31, 2014. At November 12, 2015, the Company had cash of $2.0 million.
At September 30, 2015, the Company's gearing ratio was 0.24 (December 31, 2014: 0.23), which was calculated based on the Company's long term liabilities to total assets. At September 30, 2015, the Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
TSX Financial Hardship Exemption Application and Status of Listing on TSX
On February 25, 2015, the TSX confirmed that the Company had been placed on remedial delisting review in connection with its reliance on the financial hardship exemption from approval by its shareholders of the private placement with Novel Sunrise. A delisting review is customary practice under TSX policies when a listed company relies on the financial hardship exemption; refer to the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2014 available on SEDAR at for additional detail.
On October 30, 2015, following extension requests by the Company to address delays in full execution of its Funding Plan, a meeting of the TSX Committee has been deferred until November 23, 2015 to consider whether the Company has met the listing requirements of the exchange or delist the Common Shares.
The Company believes the extension will provide sufficient time for the implementation of the next stage of the Funding Plan, which will allow it to meet its short term financing needs, and that it will be compliant with the continued listing requirements of the TSX; however, no assurance can be provided that the Funding Plan will be successfully executed or to the outcome of the remedial delisting review when it occurs and the Common Shares may become subject to delisting from the TSX.
CIC Convertible Debenture
In November 2009, the Company entered into a financing agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of CIC for $500 million in the form of a secured, convertible debenture bearing interest at 8.0% (6.4% payable semi-annually in cash and 1.6% payable annually in the Common Shares) with a maximum term of 30 years. The CIC Convertible Debenture is secured by a charge over the Company's assets and certain subsidiaries. The financing was required primarily to support the accelerated investment program in Mongolia and up to $120 million of the financing could also be used for working capital, repayment of debt due on funding, general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes. The Company's actual use of financing has been in accordance with the above.
On March 29, 2010, the Company exercised its right to call for the conversion of up to $250.0 million of the CIC Convertible Debenture into approximately 21.5 million Common Shares at a conversion price of $11.64 (Cdn$11.88) per Common Share. As at September 30, 2015, CIC owned, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, approximately 15.4% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.
Under certain conditions, including the non-payment of interest amounts as the same become due, amounts outstanding under the CIC Convertible Debenture may be accelerated. Bankruptcy and insolvency events with respect to the Company or its material subsidiaries will result in an automatic acceleration of the indebtedness under the CIC Convertible Debenture. Subject to notice and cure periods, certain events of default under the CIC Convertible Debenture will result in acceleration of the indebtedness under such debenture at the option of CIC. Such other events of default include, but are not limited to, non-payment, breach of warranty, non-performance of obligations under the CIC Convertible Debenture, default on other indebtedness and certain adverse judgments.
Mongolian IAAC Investigation
In the first quarter of 2013, the Company was subject to orders imposed by Mongolia's Independent Authority against Corruption (the "IAAC") which placed restrictions on certain of the Company's Mongolian assets. The orders were imposed on the Company in connection with the IAAC's investigation of the Company and were continued to be enforced by the Mongolian State Investigation Office (the "SIA"). The restrictions on the assets were reaffirmed in the Tax Verdict and form part of the tax penalty payable by the Company.
The orders relate to certain items of operating equipment and infrastructure and the Company's Mongolian bank accounts. The orders related to the operating equipment and infrastructure restricts the sale of these items; however, the orders do not restrict the use of these items in the Company's mining activities. The orders related to the Company's Mongolian bank accounts restrict the use of in-country funds. While the orders restrict the use of in-country funds pending outcome of the investigation, they are not expected to have any material impact on the Company's activities.
Following a review by the Company and its advisers, it is the Company's view that the orders placing restrictions on certain of the Company's Mongolian assets did not result in an event of default as defined under the terms of the CIC Convertible Debenture. However, the enforcement of the orders could ultimately result in an event of default of the Company's CIC Convertible Debenture, which if remains uncured for ten business days, would result in the principal amount owing and all accrued and unpaid interest will become immediately due and payable upon notice to the Company by CIC.
Ovoot Tolgoi Mine Impairment Analysis
Unchanged from the assessment made in several prior quarters, the Company has determined that an indicator of impairment existed for its Ovoot Tolgoi Mine cash generating unit as at September 30, 2015. The impairment indicator was the continued weakness in the Company's share price during the third quarter of 2015 and the fact that the market capitalization of the Company, as at September 30, 2015, was less than the carrying value of its net assets.
Therefore, the Company conducted an impairment test whereby the carrying value of the Company's Ovoot Tolgoi Mine cash generating unit was compared to its "fair value less cost of disposal" using a discounted future cash flow valuation model. The Company's cash flow valuation model has been updated to take into consideration the latest available information to the Company, including but not limited to, sales price, sales volumes and washing assumptions, operating cost assumptions and life of mine coal production assumptions as at September 30, 2015. The Company's Ovoot Tolgoi Mine cash generating unit carrying value was $321.6 million as at September 30, 2015.
Key estimates and assumptions incorporated in the valuation model included the following:
Key sensitivities in the valuation model are as follows:
The impairment analysis did not result in the identification of an impairment loss and no charge was required as at September 30, 2015. A decline of more than 1% in the long term price estimates, an increase of more than 1% in the post-tax discount rate or an increase of more than 1% in the cash mining cost estimates may trigger an impairment charge on the cash generating unit. The Company believes that the estimates and assumptions incorporated in the impairment analysis are reasonable; however, the estimates and assumptions are subject to significant uncertainties and judgments.
The Company and the qualified persons will review its mine plan for the Ovoot Tolgoi project. Changes to the mine plan may have an impact on the quantities of measured and/or indicated resources and reserves of the Ovoot Tolgoi project.
REGULATORY ISSUES AND CONTINGENCIES
Governmental and Regulatory Investigations
The Company was subject to investigations by the IAAC regarding allegations of breaches of Mongolia's anti-corruption laws (the "Anti-Corruption Case"), tax evasion and money laundering (the "Tax Evasion Case"). On March 18, 2013 the Prosecutor's Office decided to split the Tax Evasion Case from the Anti-Corruption Case and on April 12, 2013, the Public Prosecutor of Capital city Prosecutor's Office issued a resolution that the jurisdiction to conduct the investigation on Tax Evasion Case was with the SIA and not the IAAC, and the Tax Evasion Case was transferred to SIA.
While the IAAC has not made any formal accusations against any current or former employee of the Company or the Company under the Anti-Corruption Case, administrative penalties were imposed on certain of the Company's Mongolian assets in connection with the investigation, including the Restricted Funds held in bank accounts in Mongolia. The Company has been informed that the Anti-Corruption Case has been suspended; however, it has not received formal notice that the investigation is completed and the restriction on the Restricted Funds remains in place. The Restricted Funds are included within the prepaid expenses and deposits balance in the Company's financial statements. This restriction may have a material impact on the Company's activities in light of the tax penalty (MNT 35.3 billion as declared by the Tax Verdict).
Investigations under the Tax Evasion Case included investigations of three of the Company's former employees (the "Former Employees"). On December 30, 2014, the Capital City Prosecutor's Office (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) dismissed the allegations of money laundering as not having been proven during the investigation. The Former Employees were indicted for tax evasion by the Prosecutor General on March 14, 2014. The case was sent to the First Instance Second District Criminal Court of Justice (the "District Court"). The Company was advised on May 12, 2014 that the appointed judge of the District Court concluded that the investigation of the Tax Evasion Case initiated by IAAC and continued by SIA was incomplete and ordered the case to be returned to the Prosecutor General for additional investigation. The additional investigation was subsequently completed and the case was sent to the District Court again on June 4, 2014. The trial took place on August 25 and 26, 2014. A panel of three judges appointed to the case returned the case to the Prosecutor General once again for further investigation due to insufficient evidence presented by the prosecutor.
On October 7, 2014, based on the District Court verdict, the SIA ordered a re-investigation (the "Fourth Investigation") into allegations of violations of Mongolian tax laws by the Former Employees. Following the completion of the Fourth Investigation, the Former Employees were indicted again on December 31, 2014 and were subsequently tried in the District Court. On January 30, 2015, the panel of appointed judges from the District Court found the Former Employees guilty of tax evasion and imposed sentences on the Former Employees ranging from 5 years and 6 months to 5 years and 10 months of imprisonment in the correctional facilities of strict regimen in Mongolia. The Former Employees were immediately imprisoned. The Company was informed that, following the receipt of the Tax Verdict, the Former Employees requested pardons from the President of Mongolia and waived their right of appeal. On February 26, 2015 the President of Mongolia issued a decree to pardon to the Former Employees. The Former Employees were released from imprisonment following the decree and departed Mongolia.
The Tax Verdict declared SouthGobi Sands LLC ("SGS"), the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, to be financially liable as a "civil defendant" the tax penalty of MNT35.3 billion (approximately $17.7 million on September 30, 2015), the corresponding balance was provided for in the second quarter of 2015. The Company firmly rejects this conclusion.
On February 18, 2015, the Company appealed the Tax Verdict (the "Tax Verdict Appeal") on the grounds that it has prepared its financial statements, including those of SGS, in compliance with IFRS, and lodged all its tax returns in the required format under Mongolian tax law. The hearing of the Tax Penalty Appeal took place on March 25, 2015 at the 10th Appeal Court for Criminal Case of Mongolia (the "Court of Appeal") and a panel of three appointed judges decided to uphold the Tax Verdict and dismissed the Tax Verdict Appeal by the Company. It is the view of the Company that there is a lack of evidence to support both the Tax Verdict and the Appeal Verdict. The Company received the written version of the Appeal Court's verdict ("Appeal Verdict") on April 10, 2015. The Company lodged a final appeal with the Supreme Court of Mongolia on April 22, 2015. In accordance with Mongolia's criminal procedure law, SGS filed the appeal with the Supreme Court of Mongolia through the Second District Criminal Court of Justice.
On April 29, 2015 the Second District Criminal Court refused to advance SGS's appeal to the Supreme Court. Following an immediate protest by SGS, the Second District Criminal Court delivered SGS's appeal to the Supreme Court of Mongolia.
On May 20, 2015, SGS was informed that the Supreme Court had refused to hear the appeal and had returned the appeal to the Second Criminal Court of Justice. The Supreme Court based its decision on a restrictive reading of Article 342 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Mongolia which stipulates that "the defendant, person acquitted, the victim, and their respective defense counsel have the right to lodge a complaint to the Supreme Court". The Supreme Court concluded that the omission of a specific reference to a civil defendant in Article 342, in and of itself denies SGS, in such capacity, the right to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court.
In its decision, the Supreme Court did not address other provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law and the Law on Courts of Mongolia, which provide that civil defendants have standing to appeal to the Supreme Court and that no judicial proceedings or decisions in Mongolia are outside of the scope of supervision by the Supreme Court.
On May 21, 2015, SGS sent an official letter of protest to the Presiding Justice of the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court (the "Presiding Justice"), challenging the decision to refuse to hear the tax case on appeal. On June 2, 2015, SGS received a formal response from the Presiding Justice, confirming the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the tax case. In the letter, the Presiding Justice reaffirmed the restrictive interpretation of Article 342 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
With the refusal by the Supreme Court to hear the case on appeal, the Tax Verdict has entered into force. The Tax Verdict is, however, not immediately payable and enforceable against SGS absent further actions prescribed by the laws of Mongolia. In particular, SGS has not received a copy of the bailiff's resolution on execution of the Tax Verdict, as required under the Law of Mongolia on Execution of Court Decisions in order for any judgment execution process to happen. However, the Company made a corresponding provision for the court case penalty of $17.7 million as at September 30, 2015 given the Tax Verdict has entered into force.
The Company continues to believe that there is a lack of evidence to support the Tax Verdict and that the Tax Verdict and the subsequent decisions of the higher courts on appeal were substantively and procedurally in error under the laws of Mongolia.
On October 6, 2015, the Company was informed by the banks (where the Restricted Funds were placed) that they have received an official request from CDIA to transfer the Restricted Funds to CDIA according to the court decision. $1.2 million was transferred out to CDIA from the frozen bank accounts subsequently in October and November 2015.
While the Company had various additional legal avenues available to it to continue defending itself, it has decided to and is currently seeking to resolve amicably the dispute giving rise to the Tax Verdict in a manner that is both appropriate having regard to the Company's limited financial resources and supportive of a positive environment for foreign investment in Mongolia. There can be no assurance, however, that any such resolution can be successfully negotiated by the Company either at all or on favourable terms, or that the terms of any resolution to which the Government would be prepared to agree would not be materially adverse to the Company. In such case, this may result in an event of default under the Debenture held by CIC and CIC would have the right to declare the full principal and accrued interest owing thereunder immediately due and payable. Such an event of default under the Debenture or the Company's inability to pay the penalty could result in voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving the Company (including bankruptcy) as discussed under the heading Risk Factors in the MD&A issued on March 30, 2015 and available on SEDAR at . However, with the Presiding Justice having upheld the decision to refuse to hear the case on appeal, this exhausts the legal appeals available to the Company in Mongolia.
Internal Investigations
Commencing in September 2012, through its Audit Committee (comprised solely of independent directors), the Company has conducted an internal investigation into possible breaches of law, internal corporate policies and codes of conduct arising from the allegations which have been raised through the investigations in Mongolia. The former Chair of the Audit Committee of the Company, the Chair of the Audit Committee of Turquoise Hill and a representative of Rio Tinto have participated in a tripartite committee, which focused on the investigation of a number of those allegations, including possible violations of anti-corruption laws. The tripartite committee substantially completed the investigative phase of its activities during the third quarter of 2013. There have been no significant developments in respect of the internal investigations since the completion of the investigative phase during the third quarter of 2013.
The investigations referred to above could result in one or more Mongolian, Canadian, United States or other governmental or regulatory agencies taking civil or criminal action against the Company, its affiliates or its current or former employees. The likelihood or consequences of such an outcome are unclear at this time but could include financial or other penalties, which could be material, and which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Refer to the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is available on SEDAR at , section 14 risk factors, "the Company is subject to continuing governmental, regulatory and internal investigations, the outcome of which is unclear at this time but could have a material adverse effect on the Company".
Mining Prohibition in Specified Areas Law
In July 2009, Mongolia promulgated the Law on Prohibiting Mineral Exploration and Extraction Near Water Sources, Protected Areas and Forests (the "Mining Prohibition in Specified Areas Law"). Pursuant to the Mining Prohibition in Specified Areas Law, the Government of Mongolia has defined the boundaries of certain areas in which exploration and mining is purportedly prohibited. A list of licenses has been prepared that overlap with the prohibited areas described in the law based on information submitted by water authority agencies, forest authority agencies and local authorities for submission to the Government of Mongolia.
In order to address the issues facing its implementation, in February, 2015 the Parliament of Mongolia adopted an amendment to the Law on Implementation of the Mining Prohibition in Specified Areas Law (the "Amended Law on Implementation"). The Amended Law on Implementation provides an opportunity for license holders covered within the scope of application of the Mining Prohibition in Specified Areas Law to continue their mining operations subject to advance placement of funds to cover 100% of the future environmental rehabilitation costs. A model contract and a specific Government regulation on this requirement will be adopted by the Government. The license holders must also apply within 3 months after the amendment to the Law on Implementation comes into effect for permission to the Mineral Resource Authority of Mongolia (the "MRAM") to resume activities. The Company submitted its application with respect to its mining licenses before the deadline set on June 16, 2015 and hasn't yet received any communication from the MRAM on the status of its application.
Pursuant to the Mongolian Law "To prohibit mineral exploration and mining operations at headwaters of rivers, water protection zones and forested areas", the government administrative agency has notified the Company that special license area 12726A is partly overlapping with a water reservoir. The Company has inspected the area together with the Cadastral Division of the Mineral Resource Authority as well as through the cadastral registration system of the Ministry of Environment, it is determined that 29 hectares of Sukhait Bulag is partly overlapping with a water reservoir, of which has been partly handed over. (Resolution No.6/7522 issued on September 29, 2015 by the Head of Cadastral Division of the Mineral Resource Authority)
In accordance with Article 22.3 of Law of Mongolia on Water, 5,602.96 hectares of land, including Sukhaityn Bulag, Uvur Zadgai, and Zuun Shand pertaining to exploration license 9443X, is overlapping with protected area boundary. It has been officially handed over to the local administration. (Resolution No.688 issued on September 24, 2015 by the Head of Cadastral Division of the Mineral Resource Authority)
In connection with the nullification of Annex 2 of the government order No.194 "On determining boundary" issued on June 5, 2012, area around the water reservoir located at MV-016869 license area and Soumber mining license 9449X has been annulled from the Specified Area Law.
Therefore, mining license 12726A, MV-016869 and exploration licenses 9443X, 9449X were removed from the list of licenses that is overlapping with the prohibited areas described in the law.
The potential impact of the Mining Prohibition in Specified Areas Law on the mineral exploration licenses 13779X and 5267X is unclear pending the adoption by the Government of the relevant regulations pursuant to the Amended Law on implementation. The Company will continue to monitor the developments and ensure that it follows the necessary steps in the Amended Law on Implementation to secure its operations and licenses and is fully compliant with Mongolian law.
Special Needs Territory in Umnugobi
On February 13, 2015, the whole of the Soumber mining license and a portion of SGS' exploration license No.9443X (the "License Areas") were included into a special protected area (to be further referred as Special Needs Territory "SNT") newly set up by the Umnugobi Aimag's Civil Representatives Khural (the "CRKh") to establish a strict regime on the protection of natural environment and prohibit mining activities in the territory of the SNT.
In March 2015, SGS filed a complaint with the 12th Court for Administrative Cases of First Instance (the "Administrative Court") seeking the annulment of CRKh's decision to the extent it impacted the License Areas. In parallel, SGS initiated negotiations with the CRKh in order to reach an acceptable solution.
On July 8, 2015, SGS and the Chairman of the CRKh, in his capacity as the respondent's representative, reached an agreement (the "Amicable Resolution Agreement") to exclude the License Areas from the territory of the SNT in full, subject to confirmation of the Amicable Resolution Agreement by the session of the CRKh. The parties formally submitted the Amicable Resolution Agreement to the appointed judge of the Administrative Court for her approval and requested a dismissal of the case in accordance with the Law of Mongolia on Administrative Court Procedure. On July 10, 2015, the judge issued her order approving the Amicable Resolution Agreement and dismissing the case, while reaffirming the obligation of CRKh to take necessary actions at its next session to exclude the License Areas from the SNT and register the new map of the SNT with the relevant authorities. The Company has not yet received any indication on the timing of the next session of the CRKh.
Commercial arbitration in Hong Kong
On June 24, 2015, First Concept Logistics Limited ("First Concept") served Notice on SGS in respect of the Coal Supply Agreement. The arbitral proceedings (the "Arbitration") are deemed to have commenced on June 24, 2015, as the date when the respondent received the Notice.
According to the Notice, First Concept: alleged, inter alia, (i) that SGS had failed and/or wrongfully refused to sell any coal to First Concept; (ii) expressed its wish to have the dispute settled in an arbitration to be administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre; and (iii) sought the repayment of the prepayment, in the sum of $11.5 million, it made to SGS under the Coal Supply Agreement, as well as any and all damages that may be due to it.
Under the Coal Supply Agreement, SGS agreed to sell coal to First Concept between May 22, 2014 and May 31, 2015 for a total consideration of $11.5 million. It was also agreed that that First Concept would pre-pay the $11.5 million. While First Concept fulfilled its payment obligation under the contract, it totally failed to fulfill its obligation to collect and transport the coal. Pursuant to the Coal Supply Agreement that obligation fell squarely on First Concept, while SGS was only obliged to make the coal available at its stockpile. The sole reason for the lack of coal sales to First Concept was the continued failure of First Concept to complete the necessary legal requirements for collection and transportation of coal and to provide a pickup schedule in accordance with industry practice. Contrary to the allegation by First Concept that SGS "wrongfully refused" to sell the coal, SGS has repeatedly advised First Concept of its willingness, ability and readiness to make available the coal for collection at its stockpile. In fact, SGS, at all times during the term of the Coal Supply Agreement, had more than sufficient coal at its stockpile to meet its obligations.
The Company, therefore, firmly rejects the allegations of First Concept in the Notice as lacking any merit. On October 26, 2015, the Company received the Statement of Claim from First Concept and will vigorously defend itself in the Arbitration, including claiming the relevant fees and damages from First Concept. The trial dates of the Arbitration are scheduled to be held in the fourth quarter of 2016.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will prevail in the Arbitration. Should SGS be unsuccessful in the Arbitration, the Company may not be able to re-pay the sum of $11.5 million. In such case, this may result in an event of default under the Debenture held by CIC and CIC would have the right to declare the full principal and accrued interest owing thereunder immediately due and payable. Such an event of default under the Debenture or the Company's inability to re-pay the $11.5 million to First Concept could result in voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving the Company.
Class Action Lawsuit
On or about January 6, 2014, Siskinds LLP, a Canadian law firm, filed a proposed securities class action against the Company, certain of its former senior officers and current directors, and its former auditors, Deloitte LLP, in the Court in relation to the Company's restatement of financial statements as previously disclosed in the Company's public filings.
For more details in respect of the class action lawsuit, refer to the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 available on SEDAR at , and, in particular, the sub-section on "Contingencies - Class Action Lawsuit" of the "Regulatory Issues and Contingencies".
To commence and proceed with the Action, the plaintiff was required to bring preliminary motions to the Leave Motion and the Certification Motion. The Court rendered its decision on the Leave Motion on November 5, 2015.
The Court dismissed the plaintiff's Leave Motion as against each of the former senior officers and former and current directors of the Company named in the Action on the basis that the "large volume of compelling evidence" proved the defence of reasonable investigation on the balance of probabilities and provided the basis for dismissing the Leave Motion as against them.
The Court granted the preliminary Leave Motion against the Company on the basis that, at this stage, the plaintiff met the low legal standard of "reasonable possibility of success". In granting leave, however, the Court acknowledged the "... compelling evidence of the defendant company ... that may prevail at trial ...". The Court refused an award of costs for both the Leave and Certification Motions to the plaintiff.
The Company disputes and is vigorously defending itself against these claims through independent Canadian litigation counsel retained by the Company and the other defendants for this purpose. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, it is not possible to predict the outcome of the Motions, the final outcome of the Action, or determine the amount of any potential losses, if any. However, the Company has judged a provision for this matter at September 30, 2015 is not required.
Notice of claim by former Chief Executive Officer
On June 30, 2015, the Company was served with a Notice of Civil Claim filed by the Company's former President and Chief Executive Officer, Alexander Molyneux, in the British Columbia Supreme Court. The claim relates to alleged breaches of Mr. Molyneux's employment agreement by the Company. In addition to the Company, Turquoise Hill, the Company's largest shareholder at the time of Mr. Molyneux's employment, was also named in the claim.
Mr. Molyneux acted as the Company's President (from April 2009) and Chief Executive Officer (from October 2009) until September 2012, when the Company terminated his employment.
Mr. Molyneux is seeking damages in excess of $1 million in his Notice of Claim. The Company considers the action is without merit. SouthGobi intends to vigorously defend the action and reserves its right to pursue all legal rights and remedies available to it in connection with the proceedings.
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
On August 2, 2011, the State Property Committee of Mongolia awarded the tender to construct a paved highway from the Ovoot Tolgoi Complex to the Shivee Khuren Border Crossing (the "Paved Highway") to consortium partners NTB LLC and SGS (together referred to as "RDCC LLC"). The Company has an indirect 40% shareholding in RDCC LLC through its Mongolian subsidiary SGS.
On October 26, 2011, RDCC LLC signed a concession agreement with the State Property Committee of Mongolia. RDCC LLC has the right to conclude a 17 year build, operate and transfer agreement under the Mongolian Law on Concessions.
On May 8, 2015, the commercial operation of the Paved Highway commenced and subsequently the unpaved highway which was previously used to transport coal through the Shivee Khuren Border Crossing was closed. The Paved Highway is expected to significantly increase the safety of coal transportation, reduce environmental impacts and improve efficiency and capacity of coal transportation.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, RDCC LLC recognized toll fee revenue of $1.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively (2014: nil).
On September 17, 2015, the Invest Mongolia Agency signed an amendment to concession agreement with RDCC LLC to extend the exclusive right of ownership to 30 years.
The paved highway is expected to have a carrying capacity in excess of 20 million tonnes of coal per year.
OUTLOOK
The outlook for Mongolian coal exports remains dependent on the Chinese economy. Market conditions and prices for coal remained weak in China during the nine months of 2015.
The Company anticipates that coal prices in China will remain under pressure through the remainder of 2015 and early 2016, which will continue to impact the Company's margins and liquidity. The Company continues to strive for further cost reductions and where possible will delay expenditures. In addition, the Company entered into the transaction with Novel Sunrise as a new significant shareholder and strategic partner intending to bring its operational and marketing expertise to the Company. Novel Sunrise has agreed to assist the Company in implementing the Funding Plan intended to improve cash flow for the Company and support its business strategy and operations in a difficult market, with the goal of positioning the Company with a strong future as a coal producer. The Funding Plan includes introducing potential customers in China to the Company to allow the Company to expand its customer base further inland in China, and helping the Company to secure longer-term coal offtake arrangements, thereby allowing the Company to ramp up production to capacity. Novel Sunrise also inten
Themen in dieser Pressemitteilung:
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 12.11.2015 - 13:30 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 434109
Anzahl Zeichen: 0
contact information:
Town:
HONG KONG, CHINA
Kategorie:
Mining & Metals
Diese Pressemitteilung wurde bisher 155 mal aufgerufen.
Die Pressemitteilung mit dem Titel:
"SouthGobi Resources Announces Third Quarter 2015 Financial and Operating Results"
steht unter der journalistisch-redaktionellen Verantwortung von
SouthGobi Resources Limited (Nachricht senden)
Beachten Sie bitte die weiteren Informationen zum Haftungsauschluß (gemäß TMG - TeleMedianGesetz) und dem Datenschutz (gemäß der DSGVO).
