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HGM Highland Gold Mining Ld

299.60
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Last Updated: 01:00:00
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Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Highland Gold Mining Ld LSE:HGM London Ordinary Share GB0032360173 ORD 0.1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 299.60 299.80 300.00 0.00 01:00:00
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Highland Gold Mining Limited Interim Results Announcement for H1 2016 (7478K)

26/09/2016 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 7478K

Highland Gold Mining Limited

26 September 2016

HIGHLAND GOLD MINING LIMITED

Interim Results Announcement for H1 2016

26 September 2016

Highland Gold Mining Limited ("Highland Gold", the "Company" or "Group") today reports its unaudited financial results and production figures for the half year ended 30 June 2016 ("H1").

Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the associated PDF document.

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7478K_-2016-9-23.pdf

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 
 IFRS, US$000 (unless stated)        H1 2016   H1 2015 
 Gold sold (gold and gold eq. 
  oz)                                127,697   119,277 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total Group cash costs (US$/oz)*        444       538 
---------------------------------- 
 Group all-in sustaining costs 
  (US$/oz)*                              609       710 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Revenue                             147,097   130,740 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating profit                     50,420    18,778 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net profit                           37,052    14,466 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 EBITDA*                              79,720    54,885 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 EBITDA margin (%)*                      54%       42% 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings per share (US$)              0.113     0.044 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net cash inflow from operations      78,378    56,523 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure                  18,814    18,153 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net debt position*                  197,900   232,427 
 

* Definitions for non-IFRS terms are provided in the glossary to the Chief Financial Officer's Report below.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Highland Gold for the six months ended 30 June 2016 are set out below.

H1 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

Financial

-- Total first half revenue rose 13% year-on-year to US$147.1 million, reflecting improved metals prices and increased sales volumes during the period.

-- H1 2016 EBITDA was US$ 79.7 million, an increase of 45% over H1 2015, while EBITDA margin rose to 54%.

-- All-in sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce fell by 14% to US$609/oz, assisted by ongoing weakness in the rouble and strict cost controls.

-- Free cash flow (defined as net cash flows from operating activities less cash flows used in investing activities) was US$60.7 million

-- Net debt to EBITDA ratio reduced to 1.3 as of 30 June 2016 versus 1.7 as of 31 December 2016 as the Company directed free cash flow to debt repayment.

Operations

-- Total H1 2016 production of 128,671 oz of gold and gold equivalent at Mnogovershinnoye (MNV), Novoshirokinskoye (Novo), Belaya Gora, and Sredny Golgotay (Kaftan site), an increase of 6% from 121,242 oz in H1 2015.

-- MNV and Novo exceeded internal production targets for the quarter, while at Belaya Gora efforts to optimise operations were ongoing.

-- Exploration work continued on the Northern ore body at MNV, with reserves expected to receive approval from regulators by year-end.

   --     Work commenced on the planned expansion of processing capacity at the Novo mill. 

-- Pre-feasibility study completed for Kekura, and a subsequent fatal flaw review supported open pit and underground mine design plans.

-- Scoping studies initiated for the Baley Cluster Projects (Taseevskoye, Sredny Golgotay and ZIF-1 tailings) and Unkurtash, and a revised pre-feasibility study initiated for Klen.

POST HALF YEAR EVENTS

   --     Interim Dividend of GBP0.05 per share approved by the Board of Directors 

-- The Company affirms its forecast for total production of gold and gold equivalent of 255,000-265,000 oz for the full year.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

The Company will hold a simultaneous webcast and conference call to discuss the results, hosted by CEO Denis Alexandrov, on Monday, 26 September 2016 at 10:00 UK time (12:00 Moscow).

This event is being streamed. It is recommended that you listen via your computer speakers. The link for online registration is: http://engage.vevent.com/rt/webcasting/index.jsp?seid=746

To register to participate by telephone and to receive local dial-in numbers, please follow this link:

http://emea.directeventreg.com/registration/87650126

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

 
Highland Gold                    John Mann, Head of Communications 
                                  + 7 495 424 95 21 
                                  Duncan Baxter, Non-Executive Director 
                                  + 44 (0) 1534 814 202 
 
Numis Securities Limited         John Prior, James Black 
 (Nominated Adviser and Broker)   Paul Gillam 
                                  +44 (0) 207 260 1000 
Peat & Co                        Charlie Peat 
 (Joint Broker)                   +44 (0) 207 104 2334 
 

***

CEO STATEMENT

Denis Alexandrov, CEO of Highland Gold, said:

"Sadly, I have to begin by stating that, after the reporting period, on 10 September, the Company witnessed a fatality at our MNV underground mine. In light of this accident and an increase in minor incidents this year, we have undertaken urgent measures to strengthen and expand our HSE team and to update our safety standards across all of our operations. We have also initiated safety inspections of all underground shafts at MNV and Novo.

Overall, the Company witnessed a positive first half of 2016, with increased production, stronger gold prices, cost controls, and the weak rouble together contributing to improved earnings, lower costs and higher margins.

At the core of this progress were MNV and Novo, which both exceeded their six-month production targets. Work on reassessing MNV's reserves, as well as exploration of near-mine targets, continued apace with a target of extending life of mine. Novo increased mining and processing throughput while also advancing plans to expand the mill's capacity to 1.3 million tons over the next two years.

Belaya Gora continued to face challenges with both geology and metallurgy during the half, despite higher ore production and a reduction in tailings grade. The Company has initiated work, together with consultants SRK, to reassess the mine's reserves, to study the combined processing of Belaya Gora ores with those of the nearby Blagodatnoye deposit, and to upgrade the mill with CIL technology. This work will continue throughout the second half and be finalised early next year.

The Company also saw progress in its exploration and development projects, with over US$ 10 million spent on drilling programs at MNV, Kekura, Sredne Golgotay, and Blagodatnoye, as well as on a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for Klen, open pit dewatering at Taseevskoye, and a scoping study for Unkurtash. A PFS for Kekura was delivered in the second quarter and preparations for construction at the site are already underway. These efforts are laying the foundations for production growth in the years to come."

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Mnogovershinnoye (MNV), Khabarovsk Region, Russia

-- A re-evaluation of MNV's historical waste dumps resulted in 300,000 tonnes of ore being put on the balance sheet at a grade of just over 1.0 g/t.

   --     Significant improvement was seen in mined grades during H1. 
   --     Improvement in ore mining, recovery and total gold production over H1 2015 figures. 
 
           MNV              Units     H1 2015     H2 2015    H1 2016 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Waste stripping             m(3)    1,780,663   1,573,547   305,900 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Underground development      m          4,287       6,163     5,863 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Open-pit ore mined           t        289 420     448,548    22 067 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Open-pit ore grade          g/t          2.08        1.85      3.02 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Waste dumps ore mined        t          -           -       276 312 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Waste dumps ore grade       g/t         -           -          1.06 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Underground ore mined        t        330,329     434,890   351,336 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Underground ore grade       g/t          2.21        2.52      3.20 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total ore mined              t        619,749     883,438   649,715 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Average grade               g/t          2.15        2.18      2.28 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Ore processed                t        705,493     707,326   672,600 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Average grade               g/t          2.08        2.49      2.28 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Recovery rate                %           89.0        91.5     90.93 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Gold produced                oz        42,451      52,107    44,929 
-------------------------  -------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

Novoshirokinskoye (Novo), Zabaikalsky Region, Russia

-- Underground development, ore mining and processing continued to trend upward versus the previous two halves.

   --     Recovery rates remain stable at over 86%. 
 
           Novo             Units    H1 2015   H2 2015   H1 2016 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Underground development      m        5,312     5,625     5,808 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Ore mined                    t      327,629   373,790   401,983 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Average grade *             g/t         5.4       5.7       5.5 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Ore processed                t      331,551   359,733   371,945 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Average grade *             g/t         5.4       5.8       5.6 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Recovery rate *              %         85.3      86.6      86.5 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Gold produced *              oz      48,634    57,987    57,960 
-------------------------  -------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

* In gold equivalents at actual prices.

(Metal grade of mined ore = Au 3.09 g/t, Ag 86.08 g/t, Pb 2.63 %, Zn 0.71 %)

Preparatory construction work has commenced on the planned expansion of Novo's processing capacity to 1.3 million tonnes per annum. Geotechnical construction studies are being finalised at the site and design documentation is being developed. The mine and mill are expected to reach the new, increased capacity in late 2018.

Belaya Gora, Khabarovsk Region, Russia

   --     Higher H1 processing volumes versus H1 2015 were offset by a fall in grades. 

-- The percentage recovery rate fell slightly due to the lower grades, but improvements in mill performance meant the amount of gold sent to tailings was actually reduced to 0.35 g/t from 0.45 g/t for the first half.

 
   Belaya Gora      Units     H1 2015     H2 2015     H1 2016 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Waste stripping     m(3)    1,557,257   2,160,512   3,294,701 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Ore mined            t        885,314   1,337,790     955,385 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Average grade       g/t          1.63        1.32        1.22 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Ore processed        t        674,985     876,303     833,509 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Average grade       g/t          1.87        1.47        1.29 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Recovery rate        %          75.89        74.9        72.7 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Gold produced        oz        30,157      31,149      25,349 
-----------------  -------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Studies continued on avenues for improving recovery rates at the mill, while outside consultants have been brought in to assist in optimising mining operations and reassessing gold reserves.

Sredny Golgotay (Kaftan Site), Zabaikalsky Region, Russia

A pilot project to mine ore from the Kaftan site of the Sredny Golgotay licence, initiated in Q1 of this year, resulted in 4,501 tonnes of ore being transported to the Novo mill for processing. The ore had an average grade of 3.6 g/t, somewhat below initial expectations.

To help to better understand the quantity and quality of reserves at Kaftan, contractor Sosnovgeo carried out part of a 7,900 metre grade control drilling programme at the site. As of June 30, 6,654 linear metres were drilled. Assay results were obtained for 6,610 samples. The drilling was completed in July and results are expected later this year.

 
 Sredny Golgotay (Kaftan)    Units    H1 2015    H2 2015    H1 2016 
--------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Underground development       m         -          -           766 
--------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Ore mined                     t         -          -        13,103 
--------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Average Grade                g/t        -          -          2.50 
--------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Ore processed                 t         -          -         4,501 
--------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Average Grade                g/t        -          -           3.6 
--------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Gold produced                 oz        -          -           433 
--------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Kekura, Chukotka Autonomous District, Russia

Work carried out at Kekura in H1 included completion of a pre-feasibility study (PFS) drafted by Wardell Armstrong; development by a Russian design institute of a methodology for calculation of losses and dilution; and development of design documentation for a mining and processing complex.

A Fatal Flaw Review of the Kekura PFS by RungePincockMinarco resulted in a positive opinion on mine designs for both the open pit and underground scenarios. Ore reserves were determined to be of high quality and the project was recognised as having a low sensitivity towards gold prices.

The work produced by RungePincockMinarco identified a pathway forward for further optimisation of technical solutions and improvement of the project's economic viability.

Preparations for 2017 construction and installation are underway, including the procurement of construction materials and the selection of contractors to build key infrastructure facilities.

In the second half of the year, the Company will focus on obtaining approval of project documentation from the main environmental and state expert review panels; receiving approval of design documentation; obtaining permits for construction; and further preparing for the commencement of construction and installation work.

Klen, Chukotka Autonomous District, Russia

In H1, the Company initiated a review of previous decisions on Klen with a view towards identifying a viable scenario to develop the project under current market conditions. International consultants Hatch were selected via tender to draft a new pre-feasibility study for a processing plant and infrastructure facilities at Klen. Initial indications are that opportunities do exist to improve and optimise previous options considered for the project.

The Company expects to receive a full financial and economic model for Klen and to make a decision on further project development in the second half of this year.

Lyubov, Zabaikalsky Region, Russia.

During the first half, the Company signed an agreement with an outside contractor to process ore from existing tailings at the Lyubov site. Impoundments, water intake and drainage ditches have been arranged, a processing plant has been installed, and commissioning is underway, with all of the necessary equipment and materials delivered to the site. A pilot programme to test the project's production potential is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year.

Baley Ore Cluster, Zabaikalsky Region, Russia.

(Taseevskoye, Sredny Golgotay and ZIF-1 tailings licences)

At Taseevskoye, a programme was initiated in H1 to evaluate oversized rock stockpiles with a view to confirming reserves for a potential heap leaching initiative. The Company drilled 19 holes for a total of 208.7 metres drilled in Q2. Results indicated that the rock massif is likely waste from previous mining and the resource has been estimated at 700,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.8 g/t.

On May 10, the Company began the process of dewatering the existing Taseevskoye open pit in order to provide drill platforms necessary for further evaluation, initially removing approximately 135,000 m3 of water. The programme will continue up until mid-November of this year.

At Sredny Golgotay, testwork was carried out on the first phase of R&D work on the development of a pilot X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) plant, which would enable the pre-concentration of gold-bearing ores from the site. Initial results indicate that XRF might be a feasible and effective solution, and a decision was made to continue to the second and third phases of the R&D programme.

EXPLORATION

Mnogovershinnoye, Khabarovsk Region, Russia.

The Company is close to completing the second stage of its exploration drilling programme at the Northern ore body (MNV Lower Horizon licence), which called for 11,000 m of diamond drilling this year. An ore zone of approximately 600 m in length with an average thickness of 1.2 m and average grade of 5.7 g/t has been identified on the Eastern flank of this ore body. An initial resource estimate from this drilling programme is expected in the fourth quarter.

Drilling and evaluation of the new reserves are ongoing. An additional 2,000 m on a 50x50 m grid were added to the programme to evaluate the Western flank of the ore body.

Also in H1, exploration drilling at underlying levels of the Southern and Flank ore bodies were initiated.

At the Chaynoye ore body (MNV Western Flank licence), trenching has commenced to verify anomalies identified during earlier exploration efforts.

Blagodatnoye, Khabarovsk Region, Russia.

In order to augment the mineral resource base for Belaya Gora, the Company has targeted further exploration of gold reserves at the nearby Blagodatnoye gold deposit. The licence has preliminarily measured (2) category reserves for open pit mining of about 10 million tonnes of ore and approximately 525,000 oz of gold. Initial metallurgical test work has supported gold recovery of up to 93% via cyanidation.

An exploration drilling programme of 15,000 m extended throughout H1 for the purpose of registering reserves with regulators and potentially adding measured and indicated reserves. Completion of the programme is expected in the fourth quarter. Additionally, processing samples of 3.1 tonnes of ore were extracted to develop a flowsheet for processing at the Belaya Gora mill.

Kekura, Chukotka Autonomous District.

A 25,000-metre exploration drilling programme, initiated early this year, continued throughout H1 with the goal of confirming and potentially increasing reserves intended for underground mining, which were not included in the JORC reserve audit results announced earlier this year.

As of June 30, a total of 16,900 metres had been drilled. Preliminary gold assay results continue to confirm the presence of commercial mineralisation with high gold grades in previously-explored ore zones. The programme is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter.

Sredny Golgotay, Zabaikalsky Region, Russia.

An exploration drilling programme of 15,000 m commenced in Q2 in order to validate state-registered reserves across the Sredny Golgotay licence; to check for potential additional resources from low-grade halos surrounding high-grade veins; and to identify reserves suitable for open pit mining. The results are expected by year-end.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT

The Company remains dedicated to ensuring occupational safety and managing production risks, as well as offering relevant training for its employees and encouraging them to take personal responsibility at the workplace.

The Lost Time Incident ("LTI") factor (defined as the number of lost time incidents for every 200,000 man hours) in the first half of this year was 0.31 (0.25 in H1 2015). Five incidents were recorded across the Company, including three at MNV and two at Novo. All of them were minor injuries.

By mid-year, a safety induction (1 day) course was given to 688 employees in 2016. Meanwhile, 98 managers and specialists passed self-tuition courses and testing using OlimpOKS software (without work disruption) and were certified on industrial safety (7-30 day programmes).

Auxiliary mine rescue teams are kept ready at mine sites to address emergency localisation and response.

The Company continues to observe environmental and regulatory requirements and no environmental incidents were reported. In 2016, environmental safety training had been provided to 688 employees as of 30 June.

INTERIM FINANCIAL REVIEW

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REPORT

Strong operational performances at Novo and MNV resulted in a 6.1% growth in production in the first half of 2016. Favourable macroeconomic conditions, such as improving gold prices, the weak Rouble and better access to liquidity in Russia, allowed the Company to demonstrate sustained growth, increased margins and robust cash flow. Highland Gold continues to keep production costs low and to adhere to its goals of maintaining a strong cash position and paying dividends.

Overall Group revenue was US$147.1 million in H1 2016 compared to US$130.7 million in H1 2015. A 7.1% increase in the sales volume of gold and gold equivalents (GE), accompanied by slightly higher gold prices, resulted in 12.5% growth in revenue. Over the reporting period, the Company sold 127,697 ounces of gold and gold equivalents compared to 119,277 ounces in H1 2015. Novo and MNV increased their sales volumes, with Novo's sales growing to 57,787 eq. oz (up 16.2% y-o-y), accounting for 45.3% of the total, while MNV increased its sales volume by 7.2% to 44,902 ounces in H1 2016 for a 35.2% share. BG, with its share at 19.6%, saw its sales volume slip to 25,008 ounces (H1 2015: 27,675 oz), a decrease of 9.6%.

The Group continued its "no hedge" policy in H1 2016. The average realised price of gold for MNV and Belaya Gora (net of commission) was US$1,225 per oz, in line with the average market price (average H1 2016 LBMA price was US$1,222 per oz) and a slight increase of 1.9% y-o-y. Due to higher gold prices and the improved quality of concentrates, the average price of gold equivalents realised by Novo increased to US$1,044 per eq. oz in H1 2016, compared to US$928 per eq. oz in H1 2015. The average price at Novo is based on the spot price for metals contained in the concentrates (gold, lead, zinc and silver), net of fixed processing and refining costs at third-party plants.

The Company's cost of sales net of depreciation decreased by 11.7% to US$58.0 million in H1 2016 (H1 2015: US$65.6 million). The positive effect of the Russian Rouble's weakness enabled the Company to offset the negative impact of overall inflation and an increase in prices for energy and some major consumables. Depreciation was US$28.8 million, down 20.3% y-o-y, mainly resulting from the extension of life-of-mine at all operational assets.

Cash Operating Costs

 
                                        H1 2016    H1 2015     y-o-y 
                                         US$000     US$000     change, 
                                                                  % 
                                       ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Cost of sales                            86,737    101,699    (14.7%) 
 - depreciation, depletion 
  and amortisation                      (28,753)   (36,057)    (20.3%) 
 
 Cost of sales, net of depreciation, 
  depletion and amortisation              57,984     65,642    (11.7%) 
 
 Breakdown per item: 
 Labour                                   20,472     20,918     (2.1%) 
 Consumables and spares                   22,350     23,976     (6.8%) 
 Power                                     4,264      4,368     (2.4%) 
 Movement in ore stockpiles, 
  finished goods and stripping 
  assets                                 (8,503)    (4,696)      81.1% 
 Maintenance and repairs                  11,289     12,435     (9.2%) 
 Taxes other than income tax               8,112      8,641     (6.1%) 
 

Total cash costs ([1]) (TCC) decreased by a significant 17.6% to US$444 per oz, some 16.5% below the industry average. Breaking it down by business unit, total cash costs at our low-cost producer Novo were US$248 per eq. oz, falling by 25.9% from the first half of the previous year and reflecting the rise in production volumes, and improved grades and recoveries. MNV, our oldest mine, also saw considerably lower total cash costs of US$602 per oz (H1 2015: US$813 per oz) due to increases in the average grade and recovery rate. As a result of lower grades and recovery rates, total cash costs at Belaya Gora increased from US$489 per oz to US$613 per oz y-o-y.

All-in sustaining costs ([2]) (AISC) per ounce dropped by 14.3% to US$609 in H1 2016 from US$710 in H1 2015.

TCC and AISC Calculations

 
                                      H1 2016  H1 2015   y-o-y 
                                       US$000   US$000   change, 
                                                            % 
                                      -------  -------  -------- 
 
Cost of sales, net of depreciation, 
 depletion and amortisation            57,984   65,642   (11.7%) 
- ost of other sales                  (1,312)  (1,424)    (7.9%) 
 
Total cash costs (TCC)                 56,672   64,218   (11.8%) 
 
 + administrative expenses              7,048    6,652      6.0% 
 + accretion and amortisation 
  on site restoration provision           827    1,153   (28.3%) 
 + sustaining capital expenditure      13,195   12,708      3.8% 
                                                        -------- 
Total all-in sustaining costs 
 (AISC)                                77,742   84,731    (8.2%) 
 
Gold sold (gold and gold eq.oz)       127,697  119,277      7.1% 
TCC (US$/oz)                              444      538   (17.6%) 
AISC (US$/oz)                             609      710   (14.3%) 
 

The Group's administrative expenses grew by 6.0% y-o-y, to $7.0 million.

Higher sales volumes, cost control initiatives and the weaker Rouble resulted in a 45.2% increase in EBITDA ([3]) , to US$79.7 million in H1 2016 from US$54.9 million in H1 2015. The EBITDA margin ([4]) rose from 42.0% to 54.2%, within range of the world's most efficient gold miners. Broken down by business unit, EBITDA margin was 73.5% at Novo (H1 2015: 59.7%), 40.8% at MNV (H1 2015: 24.8%) and 49.1% at BG.

HGML EBITDA Bridge, million US$

 
 H1 2014                     48 
 H1 2015                     55 
           Exchange Rate    +16 
           Metal Prices      +7 
           Volume of 
            Sales            +6 
           Cost of Sales     -3 
           G&A               -1 
 H1 2016                     80 
 

The Company analysed internal and external indicators of impairment or reversal of previously recognised impairment losses. Management came to the conclusion that there were no such items as of 30 June 2016.

In H1 2016, the Group recorded a net finance loss of US$3.5 million compared to a US$0.4 million loss in H1 2015. The fair value of bonds held by the Company decreased by US$1.4 million (mainly due to a weaker Pound sterling) whereas in H1 2015 the company recognised a gain of US$2.1 million. Interest expense on bank loans was recorded in the amount of US$1.3 million in H1 2016 versus US$1.4 million in H1 2015.

A foreign exchange gain of US$1.9 million (H1 2015: loss of US$1.8 million) resulted from the settlement of foreign currency transactions and the transfer of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies such as Russian Roubles into US Dollars.

Income tax charges totalled US$11.8 million in H1 2016 compared to US$2.1 million in H1 2015. The tax figure is comprised of US$17.5 million of current tax expenses (US$9.9 million at Novo, US$7.5 million at MNV and other US$0.1 million) and US$5.7 million (H1 2015: release of US$7.7 million) of deferred tax release.

Net profit for the first half of 2016 was US$37.1 million, compared to a profit of US$14.5 million in H1 2015, mainly reflecting higher revenue, lower cost of sales and foreign exchange gain due to the devaluation of the Russian Rouble. Earnings per share more than doubled to US$0.113 (H1 2015: US$0.044).

The Group's cash inflow from operating activities totalled US$78.4 million (H1 2015: US$56.5 million).

Capital expenditures in H1 remained flat y-o-y, totalling US$18.8 million versus US$18.2 million in H1 2015. They included US$6.0 million at MNV, US$3.8 million at Novo, US$1.3 million at Belaya Gora, US$5.4 million at Kekura, US$1.6 million at Taseevskoye, and US$0.7 million related to other exploration and development projects within the Group. Capital expenditures were funded by operating cash flow.

The amounts drawn down under the bank facilities decreased by 15.0% to US$215.5 million as of 30 June 2016 (31 December 2015: US$253.4 million). The Company's debt is denominated in USD with an effective annual interest rate of 5.09%. Despite the higher LIBOR, the interest rate was reduced by 0.40% since the end of 2015.

Gross Debt Breakdown, thousand US$

(6/30/2016)

Gross debt breakdown by business unit

 
 MNV       46,000    21% 
 Novo      97,500    45% 
 BG        72,000    33% 
 Total    215,500   100% 
 

Gross debt breakdown by lender

 
 Gazprom      118,000    55% 
 Sberbank      12,500     6% 
 UniCredit     50,000    23% 
 Alfa          35,000    16% 
 Total        215,500   100% 
 

The Group's net debt position ([5]) as of 30 June 2016 was US$197.9 million, compared to US$231.4 million as of 31 December 2015. Cash and cash equivalents (GBP-denominated bonds) as of 30 June 2016 amounted to US$19.8 million, compared to US$24.2 million as of 31 December 2015.

The ratio of net debt to EBITDA was 1.3 on 30 June 2016, which is substantially lower than the ratio of 1.7 as of 31 December 2015 and well within the Board of Directors' debt policy.

Cash Position Bridge, million US$

 
 Cash & bonds (01.01.2016)                 24.0 
 Net cash flow from operations            +78.0 
 Cash capital expenditure                 -19.0 
 Increase in stripping activity assets     -6.0 
 Interest and leasing                      -7.0 
 Net loan repayment                       -38.0 
 Dividends paid                           -12.0 
 Cash & bonds (30.06.2016)                 20.0 
 

Management reaffirms its intention to continue operational improvements and to improve margins, therefore allowing us to maintain a strong cash position and to continue to pay dividends.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

In August 2016, the Group signed additional agreements with Alfa Bank and Raiffeisen Bank. The new agreements are long-term credit facilities with an overall limit of US$102.0 million, providing an extension of the final maturity until December 2019.

PAYMENT OF DIVIDS

The Board has approved an interim dividend of GBP0.05 per share. The interim dividend will be paid on 21 October 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 October 2016. The ex-dividend date is 6 October 2016.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Group is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties which in most cases are relevant to the entire gold mining industry. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from expected or historical results.

Main risks and uncertainties are disclosed in the Group's 2015 Annual Report (Pages 18-23) and have not changed during the first half of 2016. The Group's management considered these risks likely to be the same risks faced for the rest of 2016 and the Group at the moment does not foresee any additional principal risks.

Rounding of figures may result in computational discrepancies

Glossary

Interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the six months ended 30 June

 
                                                2016         2015 
                                           unaudited    unaudited 
                                  Notes       US$000       US$000 
                                         -----------  ----------- 
 
 Revenue                            3        147,097      130,740 
 Cost of sales                      3       (86,737)    (101,699) 
                                         -----------  ----------- 
 Gross profit                                 60,360       29,041 
 
 Administrative expenses                     (7,048)      (6,652) 
 Other operating income                          197          173 
 Other operating expenses                    (3,089)      (3,784) 
                                         -----------  ----------- 
 Operating profit                             50,420       18,778 
 
 Foreign exchange gain/ (loss)                 1,928      (1,781) 
 Finance income                    4.1            70        2,175 
 Finance costs                     4.2       (3,579)      (2,558) 
                                         -----------  ----------- 
 Profit before income tax                     48,839       16,614 
 
 Current income tax expense         5       (17,452)      (9,847) 
 Deferred income tax release        5          5,665        7,699 
                                         -----------  ----------- 
 Total income tax expense           5       (11,787)      (2,148) 
 
 Profit for the period                        37,052       14,466 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                              37,052       14,466 
                                         ===========  =========== 
 
 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent                 36,815       14,160 
 Non-controlling interests                       237          306 
 
 Earnings per share (US$ per 
  share) 
 -- Basic, for the profit for 
  the period attributable to 
  ordinary equity holders of 
  the parent                       14          0.113        0.044 
 -- Diluted, for the profit 
  for the period attributable 
  to ordinary equity holders 
  of the parent                    14          0.113        0.044 
 

The Group does not have any items of other comprehensive income or any discontinued operations.

Interim consolidated statement of financial position

as at

 
 
                                            30 June   31 December      30 June 
                                               2016          2015         2015 
                                          unaudited       audited    unaudited 
                                 Notes 
                                             US$000        US$000       US$000 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Exploration and evaluation 
  assets                           6         84,922       309,101      309,413 
 Mine properties                   6        559,080       318,068      326,715 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                        6        308,912       320,986      337,776 
 Intangible assets                 3         70,365        70,365       87,119 
 Inventories                       9         15,020        16,372       13,487 
 Other non-current 
  assets                                      2,970         3,845        3,252 
 Deferred income tax 
  asset                                           4             -           18 
 Total non-current 
  assets                                  1,041,273     1,038,737    1,077,780 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                       9         59,307        67,758       58,541 
 Trade and other receivables                 33,751        31,188       29,518 
 Income tax prepaid                             133         3,770        2,591 
 Prepayments                                  1,706           888        3,576 
 Financial assets                  7          7,779        21,150       33,618 
 Cash and cash equivalents        10         11,995         3,058        6,164 
 Other current assets                           439           602          422 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total current assets                       115,110       128,414      134,430 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total assets                             1,156,383     1,167,151    1,212,210 
                                        ===========  ============  =========== 
 
 Equity and liabilities 
 Equity attributable 
  to equity holders 
  of the parent 
 Issued capital                   12            585           585          585 
 Share premium                              718,419       718,419      718,419 
 Assets revaluation 
  reserve                                       832           832          832 
 Retained earnings                           43,764        18,176       51,762 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total equity attributable 
  to equity holders 
  of the parent                             763,600       738,012      771,598 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Non-controlling interests                    1,072         1,566        2,876 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total equity                               764,672       739,578      774,474 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans 
  and borrowings                  11        121,651       183,000      193,959 
 Provisions                                  19,142        16,026       19,971 
 Liability under finance 
  lease                                       1,364         1,526          978 
 Long-term accounts 
  payable                                       260           223          318 
 Deferred income tax 
  liability                                 129,795       135,457      121,272 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total non-current 
  liabilities                               272,212       336,232      336,498 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                    23,330        20,201       23,325 
 Interest-bearing loans 
  and borrowings                  11         93,807        70,375       76,852 
 Liability under finance 
  lease                                         852           749          420 
 Income tax payable                           1,510            16          641 
 Total current liabilities                  119,499        91,341      101,238 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total liabilities                          391,711       427,573      437,736 
                                        -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total equity and liabilities             1,156,383     1,167,151    1,212,210 
                                        ===========  ============  =========== 
 

Interim consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the six months ended 30 June 2016

 
                                                Attributable to equity holders 
                                                         of the parent 
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                            Issued      Share          Asset    Retained      Total   Non-controlling      Total 
                           capital    premium    revaluation    earnings                     interest     equity 
                                                     reserve 
                  Notes     US$000     US$000         US$000      US$000     US$000            US$000     US$000 
                         ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 31 December 
  2015                         585    718,419            832      18,176    738,012             1,566    739,578 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period                     -          -              -      36,815     36,815               237     37,052 
 Novo shares 
  purchase         13            -          -              -         643        643             (731)       (88) 
 Dividends 
  paid to 
  equity 
  holders 
  of the parent                  -          -              -    (11,870)   (11,870)                 -   (11,870) 
                         ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 30 June 
  2016 
  (unaudited)                  585    718,419            832      43,764    763,600             1,072    764,672 
                         =========  =========  =============  ==========  =========  ================  ========= 
 
 

for the six months ended 30 June 2015

 
                                               Attributable to equity holders 
                                                        of the parent 
                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                           Issued      Share          Asset    Retained      Total   Non-controlling      Total 
                          capital    premium    revaluation    earnings                     interest     equity 
                                                    reserve 
                           US$000     US$000         US$000      US$000     US$000            US$000     US$000 
                        ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 31 December 
  2014                        585    718,419            832      47,698    767,534             2,570    770,104 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period                    -          -              -      14,160     14,160               306     14,466 
 Dividends 
  paid to 
  equity holders 
  of the parent                 -          -              -    (10,096)   (10,096)                 -   (10,096) 
                        ---------  ---------  -------------  ----------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 30 June 
  2015 (unaudited)            585    718,419            832      51,762    771,598             2,876    774,474 
                        =========  =========  =============  ==========  =========  ================  ========= 
 

Interim consolidated cash flow statement

for the six months ended 30 June

 
                                                     2016         2015 
                                                unaudited    unaudited 
                                       Notes       US$000       US$000 
                                              -----------  ----------- 
 Operating activities 
 Profit before income tax                          48,839       16,614 
 
 Adjustments to reconcile 
  profit before income tax 
  to net cash flows from operating 
  activities: 
 Depreciation of mine properties 
  and property, plant and equipment      6         28,753       36,057 
 Movement in raw materials 
  and consumables obsolescence 
  provision                              9            562           50 
 Write-off of mine properties 
  and property, plant and equipment      6            218        1,236 
 (Gain)/ loss on disposal 
  of property, plant and equipment                   (22)          107 
 Bank interest receivable               4.1          (64)         (45) 
                                       4.1, 
 Bonds fair value movement               7          1,381      (2,123) 
 Interest expense on bank 
  loans                                 4.2         1,286        1,442 
 Accretion expense on site 
  restoration provision                 4.2           801        1,096 
 Net foreign exchange (gain)/ 
  loss                                            (1,928)        1,781 
 Other non-cash expenses                              220          918 
 Working capital adjustments: 
 Increase in trade and other 
  receivables and prepayments                     (4,436)      (4,195) 
 Decrease in inventories                            9,960       12,454 
 Increase in trade and other 
  payables                                          4,688        1,198 
 
 Income tax paid                                 (11,880)     (10,067) 
                                              -----------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows from operating 
  activities                                       78,378       56,523 
 
 Investing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of property, 
  plant and equipment                                  57           16 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                          3       (18,814)     (18,153) 
                                        3, 
 Capitalised interest paid               6        (5,288)      (6,290) 
 Increase in stripping activity 
  assets                                 6        (5,554)      (5,865) 
 Interest received from deposits                       64           45 
 Interest received from bonds            7              -        1,373 
 Purchase of investments - 
  bonds                                  7              -      (3,818) 
 Novo shares purchase                   13           (88)            - 
 Sale of investments - bonds             7         11,990       13,907 
                                              -----------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows used in investing 
  activities                                     (17,633)     (18,785) 
 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds from borrowings                         177,500      311,424 
 Repayment of borrowings                        (215,500)    (344,453) 
 Dividends paid to equity 
  holders of the parent                          (11,870)     (10,096) 
 Payment under finance lease, 
  including interest                                (533)            - 
 Interest paid                                    (1,284)      (1,385) 
 Net cash flows used in financing 
  activities                                     (51,687)     (44,510) 
 
 Net (decrease)/ increase 
  in cash and cash equivalents                      9,058      (6,772) 
 Effects of exchange rate 
  changes                                           (121)         (10) 
                                              -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at 1 January                                      3,058       12,946 
                                              -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at 30 June                                       11,995        6,164 
                                              ===========  =========== 
 
   1.       Corporate information 

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Highland Gold Mining Limited for the six months ended 30 June 2016 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 23 September 2016.

Highland Gold Mining Limited is a public company incorporated and domiciled in Jersey. The registered office is located at 26 New Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3RA. Its ordinary shares are traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

The principal activity is building a portfolio of gold mining operations within the Russian Federation and Kyrgyzstan.

   2.       Basis of preparation and accounting policies 

Basis of preparation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2016 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union. The annual financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2015 were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements as at 31 December 2015.

Having made relevant enquiries, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements in view of the fact that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The impact of seasonality or cyclicality on operations is not considered significant to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Changes in accounting policies and presentation rules

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015, except for the adoption of new standards and interpretations effective as of 1 January 2016. Although these new standards and amendments apply for the first time in 2016, they do not have a material impact on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group and are not expected to have a material impact on the annual consolidated financial statements of the Group.

The Group has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

   3.       Segment information 

For management purposes, the Group is organised into business units based on the nature of their activities, and has four reportable segments as follows:

   --      Gold production; 
   --      Polymetallic concentrate production; 
   --      Development and exploration; and 
   --      Other. 

The gold production reportable segment comprises two operating segments, namely Mnogovershinnoye (MNV) and Belaya Gora (BG) at which level management monitors its results for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and evaluating the effectiveness of its activity. MNV and BG have been aggregated into one reportable segment as they exhibit similar long-term financial performance and have similar economic characteristics: nature of products (gold and silver), nature of the production processes, type of customer for their products (banks), methods used to distribute their products and nature of the environment (both are located in the Khabarovsk region).

The polymetallic concentrate production segment, namely Novoshirokinskoye (Novo), is analysed by management separately due to the fact that the nature of its activities differs from the gold production process.

The development and exploration segment contains entities which hold licenses in the development and exploration stages: Kekura, Klen, Taseevskoye, Unkurtash, Lubov, and related service entities: Zabaykalzolotoproyekt (ZZP) and BSC.

The 'other' segment includes head office, management company and other non-operating companies which have been aggregated to form the reportable segment.

Segment performance is evaluated based on EBITDA (defined as operating profit excluding depreciation and amortisation, impairment losses, movement in ore stockpiles obsolescence provision, movement in raw materials and consumables obsolescence provision and gain on settlement of contingent consideration). The development and exploration segment is evaluated based on the life of mine models in connection with the capital expenditure spent during the reporting period.

The following tables present revenue, EBITDA and assets information for the Group's reportable segments. The segment information is reconciled to the Group's profit after tax for the period.

The finance costs, finance income, income taxes, foreign exchange gains/ (losses) are managed on a group basis and are not allocated to operating segments.

Transfer prices between operating segments are on an arm's length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties.

The accounting policies used by the Group in reporting segments internally are the same as those described in Note 2 of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from several customers was greater than 10% of total revenues.

In the first half of 2016 the gold and silver revenue reported in the gold production segment was received from sales to Gazprombank (US$86.6 million) in the territory of the Russian Federation.

In the first half of 2015 the gold and silver revenue reported in the gold production segment was received from sales to Gazprombank (US$84.4 million) in the territory of the Russian Federation.

In the first half of 2016 the concentrate revenue reported in the polymetallic concentrate production segment in the amount of US$60.3 million was received from sales to Kazzinc in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan (H1 2016: US$53.6 million; H1 2015: US$46.1 million) and to Hyosung corporation in the territory of the People's Republic of China (H1 2016: US$6.7 million; H1 2015: Nil).

Other third-party revenues in both H1 2016 and H1 2015 were received in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Inter-segment revenues mostly represent management services.

 
 Period ended 30                         Polymetallic 
  June 2016                       Gold    concentrate 
                            production     production     Development 
                               segment        segment   & exploration     Other   Eliminations       Total 
                                US$000         US$000          US$000    US$000         US$000      US$000 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Revenue 
 Gold revenue                   85,620              -               -         -              -      85,620 
 Silver revenue                    995              -               -         -              -         995 
 Concentrate revenue                 -         60,320               -         -              -      60,320 
 Other third-party                  76             78               8         -              -         162 
 Inter-segment                      24              -               -     5,586        (5,610)           - 
 Total revenue                  86,715         60,398               8     5,586        (5,610)     147,097 
                          ============  =============  ==============  ========  =============  ========== 
 
 Cost of sales                  62,798         23,631             255        53              -      86,737 
 EBITDA                         37,717         44,416           (554)   (1,859)              -      79,720 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Other segment 
 information 
 Depreciation                 (19,376)        (9,310)            (16)      (51)              -    (28,753) 
 Movement in raw 
  materials and 
  consumables 
  obsolescence provision         (562)              -               -         -              -       (562) 
 Individual impairment                                                                                  15 
 Finance income                                                                                         70 
 Finance costs                                                                                     (3,579) 
 Foreign exchange 
  gain                                                                                               1,928 
 
 Profit before income 
  tax                                                                                               48,839 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Income tax                                                                                       (11,787) 
 
 Profit for the 
  period                                                                                            37,052 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Segment assets 
  at 30 June 2016 
 Non-current assets 
        Capital 
         expenditure*          207,178        165,763         579,467       506              -     952,914 
        Goodwill                22,253          5,134          42,978         -              -      70,365 
        Other 
         non-current 
         assets                 15,464          1,666             566       298              -      17,994 
 Current assets**               80,394         37,027           4,577     9,736       (16,624)     115,110 
 Total assets                                                                                    1,156,383 
                                                                                                ========== 
 
 Capital expenditure 
  - addition during 
  the first half 
  of 2016***, including:        13,942          4,463          13,015         7              -      31,427 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
           Stripping 
            activity 
            assets               5,554              -               -         -              -       5,554 
           Capitalised 
            interest                 -              -           5,288         -              -       5,288 
           Unpaid/ 
            (settled) 
            accounts 
            payable              1,072            664              83      (48)              -       1,771 
           Cash capital 
            expenditure          7,316          3,799           7,644        55              -      18,814 
 
 

* Capital expenditure is the sum of exploration and evaluation assets, mine properties and property, plant and equipment.

** Current assets at 30 June 2016 include corporate cash and cash equivalents of US$12.0 million, investments of US$7.8 million, inventories of US$59.3 million, trade and other receivables of US$33.8 million and other assets of US$2.2 million. Eliminations relate to intercompany accounts receivable.

*** Capital expenditure for the first half of 2016 includes additions to property, plant and equipment of US$26.9 million (Note 7) and capitalised interest of US$5.3 million (Note 7), less prepayments previously made for property, plant and equipment of US$0.8 million.

Non-current assets at 30 June 2016 are located in the Russian Federation (US$ 998.1 million) and in the Kyrgyz Republic (US$43.2 million). Current assets at 30 June 2016 are located in the Russian Federation.

 
 Period ended 30                         Polymetallic 
  June 2015                       Gold    concentrate 
                            production     production     Development 
                               segment        segment   & exploration     Other   Eliminations       Total 
                                US$000         US$000          US$000    US$000         US$000      US$000 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Revenue 
 Gold revenue                   83,640              -               -         -              -      83,640 
 Silver revenue                    801              -               -         -              -         801 
 Concentrate revenue                 -         46,110               -         -              -      46,110 
 Other third-party                 101             81               7         -              -         189 
 Inter-segment                      47              -              62     5,900        (6,009)           - 
 Total revenue                  84,589         46,191              69     5,900        (6,009)     130,740 
                          ============  =============  ==============  ========  =============  ========== 
 
 Cost of sales                  74,215         26,983             461        40              -     101,699 
 EBITDA                         31,679         27,588         (2,909)   (1,473)              -      54,885 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Other segment 
 information 
 Depreciation                 (25,726)       (10,271)            (22)      (38)              -    (36,057) 
 Movement in raw 
  materials and 
  consumables 
  obsolescence provision          (50)              -               -         -              -        (50) 
 Finance income                                                                                      2,175 
 Finance costs                                                                                     (2,558) 
 Foreign exchange 
  loss                                                                                             (1,781) 
 
 Profit before income 
  tax                                                                                               16,614 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Income tax                                                                                        (2,148) 
 
 Profit for the 
  period                                                                                            14,466 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
 
 Segment assets 
  at 31 December 
  2015 
 Non-current assets 
        Capital 
         expenditure*          210,489        170,688         566,426       552              -     948,155 
        Goodwill                22,253          5,134          42,978         -              -      70,365 
        Other 
         non-current 
         assets                 18,959            387             544       327              -      20,217 
 Current assets**               83,545         26,101           4,098    28,656       (13,986)     128,414 
 Total assets                                                                                    1,167,151 
                                                                                                ========== 
 
 Capital expenditure 
  - addition during 
  the first half 
  of 2015***, including:        13,293          3,423          13,902        14              -      30,632 
                          ------------  -------------  --------------  --------  -------------  ---------- 
           Stripping 
            activity 
            assets               5,865              -               -         -              -       5,865 
           Capitalised 
            interest                 -              -           6,290         -              -       6,290 
           Unpaid/ 
            (settled) 
            accounts 
            payable                443             77            (91)     (105)              -         324 
           Cash capital 
            expenditure          6,985          3,346           7,703       119              -      18,153 
 
 

* Capital expenditure is the sum of exploration and evaluation assets, mine properties and property, plant and equipment.

** Current assets at 31 December 2015 include corporate cash and cash equivalents of US$3.1 million, investments of US$21.2 million, inventories of US$67.8 million, trade and other receivables of US$31.2 million and other assets of US$5.1 million. Eliminations relate to intercompany accounts receivable.

*** Capital expenditure for the first half of 2015 includes additions to property, plant and equipment of US$24.8 million (Note 7) and capitalised interest of US$6.3 million (Note 7), less prepayments previously made for property, plant and equipment of US$0.5 million.

Non-current assets at 31 December 2015 are located in the Russian Federation (US$995.7 million) and in the Kyrgyz Republic (US$43.0 million). Current assets at 30 June 2015 are located in the Russian Federation.

   4.       Finance income and costs 
   4.1       Finance income 
 
                                      For the six 
                                      months ended 
                                        30 June 
                                   ---------------- 
                                      2016     2015 
                                    US$000   US$000 
                                   -------  ------- 
 
 Bonds fair value movement (Note 
  8)                                     -    2,123 
 Bank interest                          64       45 
 Other finance income                    6        7 
 Total finance income                   70    2,175 
                                   =======  ======= 
 
   4.2       Finance costs 
 
                                            For the six 
                                            months ended 
                                              30 June 
                                         ---------------- 
                                            2016     2015 
                                          US$000   US$000 
                                         -------  ------- 
 
 Accretion expense on site restoration 
  provision                                  801    1,096 
 Interest expense on bank loans            1,286    1,442 
 Interest expense on finance lease           111       20 
 Bonds fair value movement (Note 
  8)                                       1,381        - 
 Total finance costs                       3,579    2,558 
                                         =======  ======= 
 
   5.       Income tax 

The major components of income tax expense in the interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income are:

 
                                            For the six 
                                            months ended 
                                              30 June 
                                        ------------------ 
                                            2016      2015 
                                          US$000    US$000 
                                        --------  -------- 
 Current income tax 
 Current income tax charge                17,452     9,847 
 Adjustments in respect of prior 
  year current/deferred tax                    -         - 
 Deferred income tax 
 Relating to origination of temporary 
  differences                            (5,665)   (7,699) 
 Income tax expense                       11,787     2,148 
                                        ========  ======== 
 

There are no tax amounts recognised directly in equity during the first half of 2016 (H1 2015: Nil).

The majority of the Group entities are Russian tax residents. Tax for the six months ended 30 June 2016 is charged at 24.6% (H1 2015: 12.9%), representing the best estimate of the average annual effective tax rate expected for the full year, applied to the pre-tax income of the six months period. The effective tax rate in the first half of 2016 is higher than the statutory rate of 20% mainly due to the lower tax rates on overseas losses.

The actual tax expense differs from the amount which would have been determined by applying the statutory rate of 20% for the Russian Federation to profit before income tax as a result of the application of relevant jurisdictional tax regulations, which disallow certain deductions which are included in the determination of accounting profit.

   6.       Mine properties, exploration and evaluation assets, and property, plant and equipment 

Reconciliation of fixed assets for the period ending 30 June 2016

 
                    Mining   Exploration    Freehold        Plant   Construction   Stripping       Total 
                    assets           and    building          and    in progress    activity 
                              evaluation                equipment                     assets 
                                  assets 
                    US$000        US$000      US$000       US$000         US$000      US$000      US$000 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cost 
 At 31 December 
  2015             460,703       323,117     205,277      218,437         67,343      17,225   1,292,102 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Additions           4,455         6,846           -        1,325          8,673       5,554      26,853 
 Transfers         253,856     (252,151)         892        6,295        (9,325)           -       (433) 
 Write-off*              2             -       (591)      (2,396)              -           -     (2,985) 
 Disposals               -             -           -        (299)              -           -       (299) 
 Capitalised 
  depreciation         553         1,822           -            -            406          64       2,845 
 Capitalised 
  interest**             -         5,288           -            -              -           -       5,288 
 Change in 
  estimation 
  - site 
  restoration 
  asset***           2,328             -           -            -              -           -       2,328 
 At 30 June 
  2016             721,897        84,922     205,578      223,362         67,097      22,843   1,325,699 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Depreciation 
 and impairment 
 At 31 December 
  2015             151,128        14,016      65,935      102,565          1,571       8,732     343,947 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Provided 
  during the 
  period            10,444             -       6,156       11,138              -       1,015      28,753 
 Transfers          14,016      (14,016)         (7)        (311)          (115)           -       (433) 
 Write-off*              -             -       (565)      (2,202)              -           -     (2,767) 
 Disposals                                                  (264)                                  (264) 
 Capitalised 
  depreciation         325             -         971        1,549              -           -       2,845 
 Capitalised 
  to inventory           -             -         125          593              -           -         718 
 Other 
  adjustments            -             -           -            -           (14)           -        (14) 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 30 June 
  2016             175,913             -      72,615      113,068          1,442       9,747     372,785 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Net book 
  value: 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 31 December 
  2015             309,575       309,101     139,342      115,872         65,772       8,493     948,155 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 30 June 
  2016             545,984        84,922     132,963      110,294         65,655      13,096     952,914 
                  ========  ============  ==========  ===========  =============  ==========  ========== 
 
 

* Write-off for the first half of 2016 in the amount of US$0.2 million relates to retirement of old inefficient equipment.

** Capitalised interest for the first half of 2016 includes US$5.3 million of borrowing costs capitalised at Kekura at interest rates between 4.2% and 6.5%.

*** During the first half of 2016 there was a change in the rehabilitation estimate associated with the change in volumes of expected site restoration activities, discount and inflation rates. The net present value of the increase in the cost estimate is US$2.3 million (increase of US$0.8 million at MNV, increase of US$0.7 million at Novo, increase of US$0.7 million at BG and increase of US$0.1 million at Kekura) which was booked as an increase to mining assets and non-current provisions.

No plant and equipment has been pledged as security for bank loans in the first half of 2016.

Mine properties in the interim consolidated statement of financial position comprise mining assets and stripping activity assets.

Property, plant and equipment in the interim consolidated statement of financial position comprise freehold building, plant and equipment and construction in progress.

Reconciliation of fixed assets for the period ending 30 June 2015

 
                    Mining   Exploration    Freehold        Plant   Construction   Stripping       Total 
                    assets           and    building          and    in progress    activity 
                              evaluation                equipment                     assets 
                                  assets 
                    US$000        US$000      US$000       US$000         US$000      US$000      US$000 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cost 
 At 31 December 
  2014             438,385       296,739     202,881      204,545         77,835      36,032   1,256,417 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Additions           3,002         4,598           -        1,605          9,710       5,865      24,780 
 Transfers          10,272         (668)     (6,899)        3,544        (7,497)           -     (1,248) 
 Write-off*          (132)             -       (284)      (3,435)          (592)     (3,646)     (8,089) 
 Disposals               -             -         (5)         (99)           (76)           -       (180) 
 Capitalised 
  depreciation         408         2,454           -            -          1,219           -       4,081 
 Capitalised 
  interest**             -         6,290           -            -              -           -       6,290 
 Change in 
  estimation 
  - site 
  restoration 
  asset***           3,186             -           -            -              -           -       3,186 
 At 30 June 
  2015             455,121       309,413     195,693      206,159         80,599      38,251   1,285,236 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Depreciation 
 and impairment 
 At 31 December 
  2014             124,372             -      43,209       82,013            573      28,638     278,805 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Provided 
  during the 
  period            10,773             -       8,216       12,378              -       4,690      36,057 
 Transfers           1,904             -       (374)      (2,778)              -           -     (1,248) 
 Write-off*          (117)             -           -      (2,590)          (500)     (3,646)     (6,853) 
 Disposals               -             -         (4)         (53)              -           -        (57) 
 Capitalised 
  depreciation          43             -       2,000        2,038              -           -       4,081 
 Capitalised 
  to inventory           -             -         155          373              -           -         528 
 Other 
  adjustments            -             -           -            -             19           -          19 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 30 June 
  2015             136,975             -      53,202       91,381             92      29,682     311,332 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Net book 
  value: 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 31 December 
  2014             314,013       296,739     159,672      122,532         77,262       7,394     977,612 
                  --------  ------------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 30 June 
  2015             318,146       309,413     142,491      114,778         80,507       8,569     973,904 
                  ========  ============  ==========  ===========  =============  ==========  ========== 
 
 

* Write-off for the first half of 2015 in the amount of US$1.2 million relates to retirement of old inefficient equipment.

** Capitalised interest for the first half of 2015 includes US$6.3 million of borrowing costs capitalised at Kekura at a 5.2% interest rate.

*** During the first half of 2015 there was a change in the rehabilitation estimate associated with the change in volumes of expected site restoration activities, discount and inflation rates. The net present value of the increase in the cost estimate is US$3.2 million (increase of US$0.6 million at MNV, increase of US$1.4 million at Novo, increase of US$1.0 million at BG, increase of US$0.1 million at Klen and increase of US$0.1 million at Kekura) which was booked as an increase to mining assets and non-current provisions.

No plant and equipment has been pledged as security for bank loans in the first half of 2015.

Mine properties in the interim consolidated statement of financial position comprise mining assets and stripping activity assets.

Property, plant and equipment in the interim consolidated statement of financial position comprise freehold building, plant and equipment and construction in progress.

   7.       Financial assets and liabilities 

Fair values

The current values of the financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their fair values. The fair value of the financial assets and liabilities is included at the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:

-- The carrying amounts of financial instruments, such as cash and short-term deposits, short-term accounts receivable and payable and other current liabilities approximate their fair value.

-- Fixed-rate interest-bearing loans and borrowings are evaluated based on current market interest rates.

   --      The fair value of the embedded derivative is based on quoted market prices 

Coupon bonds

During the first half of 2016 the Group received US$12.0 million as a result of selling some bonds.

The bonds are treated as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Fair value of those bonds was determined based on quoted bid prices (source: Bloomberg). The table below contains bonds fair value movement.

 
                                   30 June   31 December     30 June 
                                      2016          2015        2015 
                                 unaudited       audited   unaudited 
                                    US$000        US$000      US$000 
                                ----------  ------------  ---------- 
 Fair value of bonds at 
  the beginning of the period       21,150        42,957      42,957 
 Fair value (loss)/ gain             (840)            14         234 
 Foreign exchange (loss)/ 
  gain                             (1,174)       (1,271)         404 
 Coupon interest income 
  accrued                              633         2,503       1,485 
 Bonds fair value movement         (1,381)         1,246       2,123 
                                ==========  ============  ========== 
 Coupon interest income 
  received                               -       (2,534)     (1,373) 
 Bonds sold                       (11,990)      (24,337)    (13,907) 
 Bonds purchased                         -         3,818       3,818 
 Fair value of bonds at 
  the end of the period              7,779        21,150      33,618 
                                ==========  ============  ========== 
 

Fair value hierarchy

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

 
 Assets measured at fair         30 June    Level     Level 
  value                             2016        1         2 
                                  US$000   US$000    US$000 
                                --------  -------  -------- 
 Coupon bonds                      7,779    7,779         - 
 Trade receivables (embedded 
  derivative)                      2,068        -     2,068 
 
                                  31 Dec    Level     Level 
                                    2015        1         2 
                                  US$000   US$000    US$000 
                                --------  -------  -------- 
 Coupon bonds                     21,150   21,150         - 
 Trade receivables (embedded 
  derivative)                      1,261        -     1,261 
 
                                 30 June    Level     Level 
                                    2015        1         2 
                                  US$000   US$000    US$000 
                                --------  -------  -------- 
 Coupon bonds                     33,618   33,618         - 
 Trade receivables (embedded 
  derivative)                    (2,402)        -   (2,402) 
 

There have been no transfers between fair value levels during the reporting period.

   8.       Commitments and contingencies 

Capital commitments

At 30 June 2016, the Group had commitments of US$10.2 million (at 31 December 2015: US$5.8 million, at 30 June 2015: US$11.0 million) principally relating to development assets and US$4.9 million (at 31 December 2015: US$1.9 million, at 30 June 2015: US$1.4 million) for the acquisition of new machinery.

Contingent liabilities

Management has identified possible tax claims within the various jurisdictions in which the Group operates totalling US$3.4 million at 30 June 2016 (at 31 December 2015: US$2.3 million, at 30 June 2015: US$3.1 million).

   9.       Inventories 
 
                                     30 June   31 December      30 June 
                                        2016          2015         2015 
 Non-current*                      unaudited       audited    unaudited 
                                      US$000        US$000       US$000 
                                 -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Ore stockpiles                       16,986        21,101       18,096 
                                 -----------  ------------  ----------- 
                                      16,986        21,101       18,096 
 
 Ore stockpile obsolescence 
  provision                          (1,966)       (4,729)      (4,609) 
                                 -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total non-current inventories        15,020        16,372       13,487 
                                 ===========  ============  =========== 
 

* The portion of the ore stockpiles that is to be processed in more than 12 months from the reporting date is classified as non-current inventory.

 
                                     30 June   31 December      30 June 
                                        2016          2015         2015 
                                   unaudited       audited    unaudited 
 Current                              US$000        US$000       US$000 
                                 -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Raw materials and consumables        53,027        66,195       57,796 
 Ore stockpiles                       14,531         6,661        4,118 
 Gold in progress                      5,121         5,195        6,465 
 Finished goods                          783           896          880 
                                 -----------  ------------  ----------- 
                                      73,462        78,947       69,259 
 
 Raw materials and consumables 
  obsolescence provision            (11,392)      (11,189)     (10,718) 
 Ore stockpile obsolescence 
  provision                          (2,763) 
                                 -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total current inventories            59,307        67,758       58,541 
                                 ===========  ============  =========== 
 

Movement in raw materials and consumables obsolescence provision amounted to US$0.6 million in the first half of 2016 (H1 2015: US$0.05 million). US$0.4 million of materials provided in prior periods were sold in H1 2016. No inventory has been pledged as security.

   10.     Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank earns interest at fixed rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between one day and three months depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. The deposits are placed with banks with credit rating Ba2 (Moody's). The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is equal to the carrying value.

For the purpose of the interim consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following:

 
                                30 June   31 December      30 June 
                                   2016          2015         2015 
                              unaudited       audited    unaudited 
                                 US$000        US$000       US$000 
                            -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Cash in hand and at bank         7,638         3,058        4,164 
 Short term deposits              4,357             -        2,000 
                            -----------  ------------  ----------- 
                                 11,995         3,058        6,164 
                            ===========  ============  =========== 
 
   11.     Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
 
                                           30 June   31 December      30 June 
                Effective                     2016          2015         2015 
                 interest                unaudited       audited    unaudited 
                   rate %    Maturity       US$000        US$000       US$000 
               ----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Current 
 Sberbank                   September 
  loan (1)            4.2        2016       12,458        37,375       49,833 
 Gazprombank                    March 
  loan (2)            4.0        2017       46,000        33,000        9,500 
                 5.0, 7.0 
                     from 
 Gazprombank     18 March      August 
  loan (3)           2015        2015            -             -       17,519 
 Gazprombank     6.5, 5.7    December       32,571             -            - 
  loan (5)           from        2018 
                  30 June 
                     2016 
 UniCredit                   December 
  loan (6)            5.5        2018        2,778             -            - 
                                            93,807        70,375       76,852 
                                       ===========  ============  =========== 
 
 Non-current 
 Sberbank                   September 
  loan (1)            4.2        2016            -             -       12,458 
 Gazprombank                    March 
  loan (2)            4.0        2017            -        22,500       60,000 
 Gazprombank                 November 
  loan (4)            7.9        2015            -             -       80,000 
                 6.5, 5.7 
                     from 
 Gazprombank      30 June    December 
  loan (5)           2016        2018       39,429        80,000            - 
 UniCredit                   December 
  loan (6)            5.5        2018       47,222        50,000            - 
 Alfa-bank                   December 
  loan (7)            5.3        2018       35,000        30,500       41,501 
                                           121,651       183,000      193,959 
                                       ===========  ============  =========== 
 Total                                     215,458       253,375      270,811 
                                       ===========  ============  =========== 
 
 
 

(1) In September 2013 the Group raised financing with Sberbank at a 3.8% interest rate (at a 4.2% effective interest rate) with the draw period set till 2 September 2016. The loan is repayable in instalments between December 2014 and September 2016. The drawn down loan payable balance under the agreement at 30 June 2016 is US$12.5 million. The outstanding bank debt is subject to the following covenant: the ratio of net debt to EBITDA should be equal to or lower than 4.0.

(2) In March 2014 the Group secured a revolving facility with Gazprombank with the draw period set till 31 March 2016. The interest rate is set for every instalment separately. Every instalment is repayable in one year, with the final repayment in March 2017. The drawn down loan payable balance under the agreement at 30 June 2016 is US$46.0 million. The outstanding bank debt is subject to the following covenant: the ratio of total debt to EBITDA should be equal to or lower than 4.0.

(3) In March 2015 the interest rate was changed to 7.0%. The loan was repaid in August 2015.

(4) The loan was repaid in November 2015.

(5) In November 2015 the Group raised financing with Gazprombank at a 6.5% interest rate with the draw period set till 18 February 2016. In June 2016 the interest rate was changed to 5.7%. The loan is repayable in instalments between April 2017 and December 2018. The drawn down loan payable balance under the agreement at 30 June 2016 is US$72.0 million. The outstanding bank debt is subject to the following covenant: the ratio of total debt to EBITDA should be equal to or lower than 4.0.

(6) In December 2015 the Group raised financing with UniCredit bank at a LIBOR USD 1M + 5.0% interest rate with the draw period set till 17 January 2016. The loan is repayable in instalments between June 2017 and December 2018. The drawn down payable balance obtained under the agreement at 30 June 2016 is US$50.0 million. The outstanding bank debt is subject to the following covenant: the ratio of net debt to EBITDA should be equal to or lower than 3.5.

(7) In April 2015 the Group raised financing with Alfa-Bank with the draw period set till 31 December 2018. The interest rate is set for every instalment separately. The loan is repayable in December 2018. The drawn down loan payable balance under the agreement at 30 June 2016 is US$35.0 million. The outstanding bank debt is subject to the following covenant: the ratio of net debt to EBITDA should be equal to or lower than 4.0.

The total outstanding bank debt of the Group at 30 June 2016 is US$215.5 million. There were no covenant breaches as at 30 June 2016.

   12.     Share Capital 

The total amount of the authorised ordinary shares of GBP0.001 each remained unchanged and equalled 750,000,000.

Ordinary shares issued and fully paid amounted to 325,222,098 shares, representing US$585 thousand.

   13.     Related party transactions 

During the first half of 2016 the Group acquired 0.54% of OJSC Novo-Shirokinsky Rudnik's shares for cash consideration of US $88 thousand, which resulted in a decrease of non-controlling interest of US $731 thousand.

   14.     Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the exercise of share options into ordinary shares.

The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

 
                                          For the six months 
                                             ended 30 June 
                                        ---------------------- 
                                              2016        2015 
                                            US$000      US$000 
 
 Net profit attributable to 
  ordinary equity holders of 
  the parent                                36,815      14,160 
 
                                         Thousands   Thousands 
 Weighted average number of 
  ordinary shares for basic earnings 
  per share                                325,222     325,222 
                                        ----------  ---------- 
 Weighted average number of 
  ordinary shares adjusted for 
  the effect of dilution                   325,222     325,222 
                                        ==========  ========== 
 

There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date of completion of these financial statements.

   15.     Impairment of goodwill and non-current assets 

In accordance with the Group's accounting policy, goodwill is tested for impairment annually and when circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired.

When there is an indicator of impairment of non-current assets within a cash-generating unit (CGU) or a group of CGUs containing goodwill, non-current assets are tested for impairment first at each CGU and any impairment loss on the non-current assets is recognised before testing the groups of CGUs for a potential goodwill impairment. Impairment is recognised when the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

Non-current assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The assessment is done at the CGU level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets.

In the first half of 2016 there was no indicator of impairment of non-current assets, including goodwill.

   16.     Events after the reporting period 

In August 2016, the Group signed additional agreements with Alfa Bank and Raiffeisen Bank. The new agreements are long-term credit facilities with an overall limit of US$102.0 million, providing an extension of the final maturity until December 2019.

The Board has approved an interim dividend of GBP0.05 per share (H1 2015: GBP0.02 per share). The interim dividend will be paid on 21 October 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 October 2016. The ex-dividend date will be 6 October 2016.

[1] Total cash costs include mine site operating costs such as mining, processing, administration, royalties and production taxes, but are exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortisation, capital and exploration costs. Total cash costs are then divided by ounces sold to arrive at the total cash costs of sales. This data provides additional information and is a non-GAAP measure.

[2] In line with guidance issued by the World Gold Council, the formula used to define all-in sustaining cash costs measure commences with total cash costs per ounce sold and then adds sustaining capital expenditures, corporate general and administrative costs, mine site exploration and evaluation costs and environmental rehabilitation costs. This data seeks to represent the total costs of producing gold from current operations, and therefore it does not include capital expenditures attributable to projects or mine expansions, exploration and evaluation costs attributable to growth projects, income tax payments, interest costs or dividend payments.

[3] EBITDA is defined as operating profit/ (loss) excluding depreciation and amortisation, impairment losses, movement in ore stockpiles obsolescence provision, movement in raw materials and consumables obsolescence provision, result of disposal of a non-core entity and gain on settlement of contingent consideration

[4] EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by total revenue

[5] Net debt is defined as cash at bank, deposits and bonds, decreased by any bank borrowing and lease obligations

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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