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ATYM Atalaya Mining Plc

447.00
-2.00 (-0.45%)
09 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Atalaya Mining Plc LSE:ATYM London Ordinary Share CY0106002112 ORD 7.5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -2.00 -0.45% 447.00 445.50 447.50 455.00 441.50 455.00 113,014 16:35:24
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Metal Mining Services 341.98M 38.77M 0.2772 16.09 623.86M

Atalaya Mining PLC 1st Quarter Financial Results (1053P)

24/05/2018 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMATYM

RNS Number : 1053P

Atalaya Mining PLC

24 May 2018

24 May 2018

Atalaya Mining Plc.

("Atalaya" and/or the "Group")

Interim Financial Statements for the three months ended 31 March 2018

Atalaya Mining Plc (AIM: ATYM; TSX: AYM) is pleased to announce its unaudited quarterly results for the three months ended 31 March 2018, together with the unaudited, condensed, interim consolidated financial statements.

Operational Highlights

Proyecto Riotinto

-- Copper production during the three months ended 31 March 2018 ("Q1 2018") was 9,441 tonnes, an increase of 7.2% compared with 8,805 tonnes produced during the three months ended 31 March 2017 ("Q1 2017").

-- Ore processed during Q1 2018 was 2,206,861 tonnes in line with Q1 2017 when ore processed was 2,196,299 tonnes.

   --      Copper recovery during the quarter was 88.47% significantly above Q1 2017 which was 84.63%. 

-- The Company maintains its previously stated copper production guidance for 2018 of 37,000 - 40,000 tonnes.

Expansion to 15Mtpa at Proyecto Riotinto

-- The expansion project to 15Mtpa is moving ahead according to schedule. Overall progress completion is 27% with procurement reporting 26% and engineering 60% completed. Civil engineering works at the new concentrate handling area are well advanced and earthworks at the flotation area are progressing according to internal expectations. The milling area is the critical path to completion.

   --      The expansion project is scheduled for mechanical completion for Q2 2019. 

Proyecto Touro

-- Key highlights of the pre-feasibility study completed in April 2018 for a proposed open pit copper mine and concentrator:

o Average yearly production of 30,000 tonnes of copper and 70,000 ounces of silver in concentrate.

o NPV post-tax at 8% discount rate of $180 million using long term copper price of US3.00/lb.

o Estimated average C1 cash cost of US$1.73/lb of payable Cu and AISC of US$1.85/lb of payable Cu net of silver credits.

o Pre-production capital expenditure of US$165 million with an additional expansion capital estimate of US$30 million in year eight.

o LOM sustaining capital expenditure of US$55 million.

o 2 years of development and 12 years of operation, with very clean high-grade copper concentrates.

Financial Highlights

   --      Revenues of EUR52.7 million for Q1 2018 compared with EUR25.6 million in Q1 2017. 

-- Cash costs during Q1 2018 were $2.27/lb of payable copper, a decrease from cash costs of $2.35/lb of payable copper in Q4 2017 but higher than Q1 2017 ($1.64/lb). The decrease was mainly to the result of lower processing costs and higher volume of copper concentrate sold. All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") during Q1 2018 amounted to $2.65/lb of payable copper, a decrease from $2.94/lb of payable copper during Q4 2017 but higher than Q1 2017 ($2.01/lb).

-- Management expects cash costs for the year to remain within the guidance range provided of $2.15/lb to $2.30/lb and AISC from $2.50/lb to $2.60/lb.

Financial Highlights (continued)

-- Positive Earnings Before Interest, Taxation, Depreciation and Amortisation ("EBITDA") of EUR15.0 million in Q1 2018 compared with EUR12.6 million in Q1 2017. The increase in EBITDA was mainly a result of the increase in the volume of copper concentrate sold and higher realised copper prices, partly offset by higher operating costs.

-- Q1 2018 profit after tax amounted to EUR8.8 million (or 6.5 cents per share on a fully diluted basis) compared with a profit for Q1 2017 of EUR5.7 million (or 4.8 cents per share on a fully diluted basis).

-- Inventories of concentrate at 31 March 2018 amounted to EUR0.7 million (EUR4.8 million at 31 December 2017).

-- Working capital surplus has positively increased over the quarter as a result of cash generated from operations. At the end of Q1 2018 working capital was EUR26.8 million, a EUR4.7 million increase from EUR22.1 million at the end of Q4 2017. Unrestricted cash balances as at 31 March 2018 amounted to EUR52.3 million.

-- Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital was EUR15.2 million for Q1 2018 compared with a cash flow of EUR12.3 million during Q1 2017.

-- Net cash flow from operating activities after changes in working capital was EUR18.4 million for Q1 2018 compared with a cash flow of EUR14.3 million during Q1 2017.

Corporate Highlights

-- As previously announced, on 13 February 2018, Atalaya agreed to issue 192,540 new ordinary shares to satisfy the first two instalments of the Rumbo royalty. On 5 April 2018, it agreed to issue a further 1,600,907 new ordinary shares to purchase the remaining royalty. There are now no ongoing obligations in relation to the Rumbo royalty.

-- On 9 and 10 May 2018, the appeal hearing for the Astor case took place in the Court of Appeal in London. The Company expects the ruling to be issued in the coming months.

Alberto Lavandeira, CEO commented:

"This quarter's financial results continue to reflect the steady improvement in performance of the Riotinto plant. This gives us confidence that the expansion project, which is well advanced, together with Proyecto Touro, will provide Atalaya with the growth it needs to establish itself as a mid-tier copper producer in Europe."

About Atalaya Mining Plc

Atalaya is an AIM and TSX listed mining and development group which produces copper concentrates and silver by-product at its wholly owned Proyecto Riotinto site in southwest Spain. In addition, the Group has a phased, earn-in agreement for up to 80% ownership of Proyecto Touro, a brownfield copper project in the northwest of Spain which is currently in the permitting stage. For further information, visit www.atalayamining.com

This announcement contains information which, prior to its publication constituted inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014.

Contacts:

 
 Newgate Communications        Charlie Chichester / James      +44 20 7680 
  (Financial PR)                Ash / James Browne              6550 
                                                               +44 20 3170 
 4C Communications             Carina Corbett                   7973 
                              ------------------------------  ------------ 
                               Martin Davison / Henry 
 Canaccord Genuity (NOMAD       Fitzgerald-O'Connor / James    +44 20 7523 
  and Joint Broker)             Asensio                         8000 
                              ------------------------------  ------------ 
 BMO Capital Markets (Joint    Jeffrey Couch / Neil Haycock    +44 20 7236 
  Broker)                       / Tom Rider                     1010 
                              ------------------------------  ------------ 
 

Management's review

(All amounts in Euro thousands unless otherwise stated)

For the three months to 31 March 2018 and 2017 - (Unaudited)

ATALAYA MINING PLC

MANAGEMENT'S REVIEW AND

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 March 2018

(UNAUDITED)

Notice to Reader

The accompanying unaudited, condensed, interim consolidated financial statements of Atalaya Mining Plc have been prepared by and are the responsibility of Atalaya Mining Plc's management. The unaudited, condensed, interim consolidated financial statements have not been reviewed by Atalaya's auditors.

Introduction

This report provides an overview and analysis of the financial results of operations of Atalaya Mining Plc and its subsidiaries ("Atalaya" and/or "Group"), to enable the reader to assess material changes in the financial position between 31 December 2017 and 31 March 2018 and results of operations for the three months ended 31 March 2018 and 2017.

This report has been prepared as of 23 May 2018. The analysis, hereby included, is intended to supplement and complement the unaudited, condensed, interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto ("Financial Statements") as at and for the three months ended 31 March 2018. The reader should review the Financial Statements in conjunction with the review of this report and with the audited, consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, and the unaudited, condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended 31 March 2017. These documents can be found on Atalaya's website at www.atalayamining.com.

Atalaya prepares its Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs"). The currency referred to in this document is the Euro, unless otherwise specified.

Forward-looking statements

This report may include certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions upon which such forward-looking statements are based include that all required third party regulatory and governmental approvals will be obtained. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Atalaya and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include changes in market

conditions and other risk factors discussed or referred to in this report and other documents filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities. Although Atalaya has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Atalaya undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

   1.     Description of the business 

Atalaya is a Cyprus based copper producer with mining interests in Spain. The Company is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange ("AIM") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX").

Proyecto Riotinto, wholly owned by the Company's subsidiary Atalaya Riotinto Minera, S.L.U., is located in Huelva, Spain. The Group operates the Cerro Colorado open-pit mine and its associated processing plant where copper in concentrate and silver by-product are produced. A brownfield expansion of the plant is in progress.

The Group has an initial 10% stake in Cobre San Rafael, S.L., the owner of Proyecto Touro, as part of an earn-in agreement which will enable the Group to acquire up to 80% of the copper project. Proyecto Touro is located in Galicia, north-west Spain.

   2.     Overview of operational results 

Proyecto Riotinto

The following table presents a summarised statement of operations of Proyecto Riotinto for the three months ended 31 March 2018 and 2017.

 
                                                                Three months   Three months ended   Three months ended 
  Units expressed in accordance with the                               ended          31 Mar 2017          31 Dec 2017 
  international system of units (SI)                 Unit        31 Mar 2018 
 
  Ore mined                                           t            2,559,201            2,312,590            2,509,288 
  Ore processed                                       t            2,206,861            2,196,299            2,271,683 
 
  Copper ore grade                                    %                 0.48                 0.48                 0.44 
  Copper concentrate grade                            %                22.25                21.91                22.29 
  Copper recovery rate                                %                88.47                84.63                86.11 
 
  Copper concentrate                                  t               42,429               40,182               38,684 
  Copper contained in concentrate                     t                9,441                8,805                8,622 
  Payable copper contained in concentrate             t                9,016                8,403                8,235 
  Cash cost*                                    $/lb payable            2.27                 1.64                 2.35 
  All-in sustaining cost*                       $/lb payable            2.65                 2.01                 2.94 
 

(*) Refer to Section 5 of this Management's Review

Note: The numbers in the above table may slightly differ among them due to rounding.

Three months operational review

Copper production at Proyecto Riotinto for Q1 2018 has increased to 9,441 tonnes from 8,805 tonnes reported in Q1 2017, and 8,622 tonnes in Q4 2017, representing an increase of 7.1% and 9.5%, respectively. This is Atalaya's second highest quarterly production on record. Ore milled was consistent with previous quarters and in line with management's expectations. Copper head grade reported an improvement versus Q4 2017, in line with expectations. The increase in copper production during the quarter is mainly attributable to a record average recovery of 88.47%.

Mining operations are running at similar levels to previous quarters. On a combined basis, ore, waste and marginal ore amounted to 3.0Mm(3) in Q1 2018 versus 3.1Mm(3) in Q4 2017. During the first three weeks of March 460 litres/m(2) of rainfall were registered, which for such a short period of time was significant in the region. The open pit lower benches were partially affected by this heavy rainfall. Mining operations were rescheduled and mine planning was adjusted with no impact on production. Improvements to the processing plant reported not only higher copper recovery but also better utilisation rates.

The Company's continuous improvements programme reported the installation of an additional secondary cone crusher with completion estimated during Q2 2018. Modifications to current screening and crushing arrangements are under evaluation as part of a de-bottlenecking exercise. Structural steel fabrication of the dome to cover the coarse ore stockpile is well advanced, with construction scheduled to commence in Q2 2018. Completion of the dome is estimated by mid Q3 2018.

Dewatering of the Atalaya pit is ongoing as previously reported. Dewatering of Cerro Colorado has been restarted after the heavy rainfall in March and was completed at the end of April 2018.

During Q1 2018, the Group sold 48,682 tonnes of concentrates, compared with 39,925 tonnes in Q4 2017 and 22,103 tonnes in Q1 2017. On-site concentrate inventories at the end of the quarter were approximately 1,121 tonnes. All concentrate in stock at the beginning of the quarter and produced during the quarter was delivered to the port at Huelva.

Exploration has successfully performed a validation process of the Cerro Colorado drill hole database. The database incorporates all exploration drilling completed since April 2016. An updated resources and reserves estimate is well advanced and is expected to be released before the end of Q2 2018. Results of the VTEM survey have been received, with targets prioritised for drilling in the coming months.

The archaeological exploration programme under way in a section of the northern wall of Cerro Colorado pit remains on schedule, and is expected to last for the duration of 2018.

   2.    Overview of operational results (continued) 

Expansion to 15Mtpa at Proyecto Riotinto

The expansion project to 15Mtpa is progressing according to schedule. Overall progress completion is 27% with procurement reporting 26% and engineering 60% completed. Civil engineering works at the new concentrate handling area are well advanced while earthworks at the flotation area are progressing according to internal expectations. The milling area is the critical path to completion.

The expansion project is scheduled for mechanical completion at the end of Q2 2019.

Proyecto Touro

Findings of the pre-feasibility study completed in April 2018 for a proposed copper open pit mine and concentrator are summarised as follows:

Strong Project Economics

   --      NPV post-tax at 8% discount rate of $180 million using long term copper price of US3.00/lb 
   --      Unlevered IRR of 20.5% 
   --      Total free cash flow of $489 million 
   --      Annual average free cash flow of $60m from commercial production 

Low cost Operations

   --      Estimated average C1 cash costs of US$1.73/lb of payable Cu net of silver credits 
   --      All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of US$1.85/lb of payable Cu net of silver credits 

Capital Costs and Infrastructure

-- Pre-production capital expenditure of $165 million with an additional expansion capital estimate of $30 million in year eight

   --      Low LOM sustaining capital expenditure of $55 million 

Project Parameters

-- Contained copper, within P&P reserves only, is estimated at 392,000 tonnes and 2.1 million ounces of silver

   --      2 years of development and 12 years of operation 

-- Average yearly production of 30,000 tonnes copper and 70,000 ounces of silver in concentrate

   --      Shallow open pit mining with low waste-to-ore ratio of 2.43 
   --      Very clean high-grade copper concentrates 

Permitting of Proyecto Touro continues as anticipated. Detailed reports have been expanded to address certain project improvements and recommendations received from the public hearing process. These reports will be submitted to the authorities during Q2 2018.

Geological mapping and geochemistry are ongoing on exploration concessions around Proyecto Touro. Results of the VTEM survey were received and are under internal assessment.

   3.     Outlook 

The forward-looking information contained in this section is subject to the risk factors and assumptions contained in the cautionary statement on forward-looking statements included in the introduction note of this report.

Operational guidance

Proyecto Riotinto operational guidance for 2018 remains as follows:

 
                                              Range 
                            Unit               2018 
  Ore processed        million tonnes           9.6 
  Contained copper         tonnes         37,000 - 40,000 
 

Copper head grade for 2018 was budgeted to average between 0.47% and 0.50% Cu, with a recovery rate of approximately 84% to 86%. Cash operating costs for 2018 are expected to be in the range of $2.15/lb - $2.30/lb, and AISC is estimated to be in the range of $2.50/lb - $2.60/lb.

   4.     Overview of the financial results 

The following table presents summarised consolidated income statements for the three months ended 31 March 2018, with comparatives for the three months ended 31 March 2017.

 
                                      Three months ended       Three months ended 
                                             31 Mar 2018    31 Mar 2017 *restated 
   (Euro 000's) 
 
  Sales                                           52,676                   25,648 
  Total operating costs                         (36,426)                 (11,507) 
  Corporate expenses                             (1,053)                  (1,409) 
  Exploration expenses                             (199)                    (133) 
  Other income                                         -                        4 
                                     -------------------  ----------------------- 
  EBITDA                                          14,998                   12,603 
  Depreciation/amortisation                      (4,100)                  (4,516) 
  Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)                   170                    (274) 
  Net finance cost                                   (7)                    (249) 
  Tax charge                                     (2,271)                  (1,867) 
                                     -------------------  ----------------------- 
                                                   8,790                    5,697 
                                     -------------------  ----------------------- 
 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

Three months financial review

Revenues for the three month period ended 31 March 2018 amounted to EUR52.7 million (Q1 2017: EUR25.6 million). Higher revenues, compared with the same quarter in the previous year, were mainly driven by higher volumes of concentrate sold and an increase in copper prices.

Realised prices of $3.03/lb copper during Q1 2018 compared with $2.48/lb copper in Q1 2017. All concentrates were sold under offtake agreements in place. The Group did not enter into any hedging agreements in Q1 2018.

Operating costs for the three month period ended 31 March 2018 amounted to EUR36.4 million, compared with EUR11.5 million in Q1 2017. The increase was mainly due to higher mining and processing variable costs directly attributable to the higher volume of concentrates sold in the period in addition to significantly lower capitalised stripping costs.

Cash costs of $2.27/lb payable copper during Q1 2018 compared with $1.64/lb payable copper in the same period last year. Cash costs were impacted by higher mining and maintenance costs due to a higher copper production in the period and lower capitalised stripping costs compared with Q1 2017. Capitalised stripping costs during Q1 2018 amounted to EUR0.3 million compared with EUR3.8 million in Q1 2017. All-in sustaining costs in the reporting quarter were $2.65/lb payable copper compared with $2.01/lb payable copper in Q1 2017. The increase in AISC compared with Q1 2018 mainly related to higher cash costs.

Sustaining capex for Q1 2018 amounted to EUR2.7 million compared with EUR0.6 million in Q1 2017. Sustaining capex related to continuous development programmes at the tailings storage facilities, optimisation of the flotation circuit and other processing systems.

Corporate expenses amounted to EUR1.1 million (Q1 2017: EUR1.4 million) and include non-operating costs of the Cyprus office, corporate legal and consultancy costs, on-going listing costs, officers and directors' emoluments, and salaries and related costs of the corporate office.

Exploration costs at Proyecto Riotinto for the three month period ended 31 March 2018 amounted to EUR0.2 million compared with EUR0.1 million in Q1 2017. All exploration costs at Proyecto Touro are capitalised.

EBITDA for the three months ended 31 March 2018 amounted to EUR15.0 million as compared to Q1 2017 of EUR12.6 million.

The main item below the EBITDA line is depreciation and amortisation of EUR4.1 million (Q1 2017: EUR4.5 million). Net financing costs for Q1 2018 amounted to EUR7k compared with EUR249k in Q1 2017.

Realised copper prices

The average prices of copper for the three months ended 31 March 2018 and 2017 are summarised below:

 
                                                Three months ended   Three months ended 
                                                       31 Mar 2018          31 Mar 2017 
   (USD) 
 
 Realised copper price per lb                                 3.03                 2.48 
 Market copper price per lb (period average)                  3.16                 2.64 
 

Realised copper prices for the reporting period noted above have been calculated using payable copper and including provisional invoices and final settlements of quotation periods ("QPs") together. Lower realised prices than market averages are mainly due to the final settlement of invoices where QP was fixed in the previous quarter due to a short open period when copper prices were lower. The realised price of shipments during the quarter excluding QP was approximately $3.12/lb.

The Group had no hedges during the three month period ended 31 March 2018.

   5.     Non-GAAP Measures 

Atalaya has included certain non-IFRS measures including "EBITDA", "Cash Cost per pound of payable copper", "All In Sustaining Costs" ("AISC") and "realised prices" in this report. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardised meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for indicators prepared in accordance with IFRS.

EBITDA includes gross sales net of penalties and discounts and all operating costs, excluding finance, tax, impairment, depreciation and amortisation expenses.

Cash Cost per pound of payable copper includes cash operating costs, including treatment and refining charges ("TC/RC"), freight and distribution costs net of by-product credits. Cash Cost per pound of payable copper is consistent with the widely accepted industry standard established by Wood Mackenzie and is also known as the C1 cash cost.

AISC per pound of payable copper includes C1 Cash Costs plus royalties and agency fees, expenditures on rehabilitation, capitalised stripping costs, exploration and geology costs, corporate costs and sustaining capital expenditures.

During the final quarter of 2017, Atalaya carried out an exhaustive analysis of the methodology applied to the C1 cash cost and AISC. As a result of the analysis, management changed the methodology used when calculating C1 and AISC in the first three quarters of 2017. A full reconciliation including Q1 2017 is included in section iii of the performance review in 2017 Annual Report.

Realised price per pound of payable copper is the value of the copper payable included in the concentrate produced before deducting the penalties, discounts, credits and other features governed by the offtake agreements of the Group and all discounts or premiums provided in commodity hedge agreements with financial institutions, expressed in USD per pound of payable copper. Realised price is consistent with the widely accepted industry standard definition.

   6.     Liquidity and capital resources 

Atalaya monitors factors that could impact its liquidity as part of Atalaya's overall capital management strategy. Factors that are monitored include, but are not limited to, the market price of copper, foreign currency rates, production levels, operating costs, capital and administrative costs.

The following is a summary of Atalaya's cash position and cash flows as at 31 March 2018 and 31 December 2017.

Liquidity information

 
                                            31 March 2018   31 December 
                                                                   2017 
   (Euro 000's) 
 
 Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents            52,290        42,606 
 Restricted cash                                      250           250 
 Working capital surplus                           26,827        22,137 
 

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents as at 31 March 2018 increased to EUR52.3 million from EUR42.6 million at 31 December 2017. The increase in cash balances is the result of net cash flow incurred in the period. Cash balances are unrestricted and include balances at operational and corporate level, including the proceeds of the capital raise in Q4 2017.

Restricted cash remains at EUR0.3 million as at 31 March 2018 and mainly relates to deposit bond guarantees.

   6.   Liquidity and capital resources (continued) 

As of 31 March 2018, Atalaya reported a working capital surplus of EUR26.8 million, compared with a working capital surplus of EUR22.1 million at 31 December 2017. The surplus results from the equity raised in Q4 2017. The main liability of the working capital is trade payables. The principal trade payable account relates to the main contractor where the Group has reached certain agreements to reduce the amount due progressively during 2018.

In June 2017, the Group completed repayment of EUR16.9 million to the Social Security's General Treasury in Spain. The debt liability was incurred by the former owners of the assets. Repayment was completed according to the agreed repayment schedule.

In 2016, the Group entered into a US$14 million copper concentrate prepayment agreement with Transamine Trading, S.A. an independent and privately owned commodity trader company based in Geneva. The duration of the prepayment was from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 with terms at market conditions and the settlement was agreed to be paid through deductions form payments received for each shipment. On 15 September 2017, the Group fully settled the prepayment ahead of schedule. During December 2017, the Group decided not to extend the contract on the same terms during 2018 as permitted under the original agreement.

Overview of the Group's cash flows

 
                                              Three months ended   Three months ended 
                                                     31 Mar 2018          31 Mar 2017 
   (Euro 000's) 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities                     18,377               14,275 
 Cash flows used in investing activities                 (8,741)              (5,399) 
 Cash flows from financing activities                         48                    - 
                                             -------------------  ------------------- 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                 9,684                8,876 
                                             ===================  =================== 
 

Three months cash flows review

Cash and cash equivalents increased by EUR9.7 million during the three months ended 31 March 2018. This was due to the net results of cash from operating activities amounting to EUR18.4 million, cash used in investing activities amounting to EUR8.7 million and cash from financing activities amounting to EUR0.1 million.

Cash generated from operating activities before working capital changes was EUR15.2 million. Atalaya increased its trade receivables in the period by EUR1.0 million, decreased its inventory levels by EUR4.1 million and increased its trade payables by EUR0.1 million.

Investing activities during the quarter consumed EUR8.7 million, relating mainly to the expansion project Capex and sustaining capex for the tailings deposits perimetric channel.

Foreign exchange

Foreign exchange rate movements can have a significant effect on Atalaya's operations, financial position and results. Atalaya's sales are denominated in U.S. dollars ("USD"), while Atalaya's operating expenses, income taxes and other expenses are mainly denominated in Euros ("EUR"), and to a much lesser extent in British Pounds ("GBP").

Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rates can potentially impact the results of operations and carrying value of assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.

During the three months ended 31 March 2018, Atalaya recognised a foreign exchange profit of EUR0.2 million. Foreign exchange losses mainly related to change in the period end EUR and USD conversion rates, as all sales are cashed and occasionally held in USD.

The following table summarises the movement in key currencies versus the EUR:

 
                                  Three months ended   Three months ended 
                                         31 Mar 2018          31 Mar 2017 
 Average rates for the periods 
   GBP - EUR                                  0.8833               0.8607 
   USD - EUR                                  1.2292               1.0655 
 Spot rates as at 
   GBP - EUR                                  0.8749               0.8620 
   USD - EUR                                  1.2321               1.0736 
 

In February 2017, the Group entered into certain foreign exchange hedging contracts to offset the agreements in force as at 31 December 2016. During Q1 2018, Atalaya did not have any currency hedging agreements.

Further information on the hedging agreements is disclosed in the unaudited, condensed interim consolidated financial statements that follow (Note 15).

   7.   Rumbo royalty and deferred consideration 

Rumbo royalty

In July 2012, Atalaya Riotinto Minera, S.L. signed a royalty agreement with Rumbo 5 Cero, S.L. ("Rumbo"), at which Rumbo was entitled to receive a royalty payment of up to US $250,000 per quarter if the average copper sales price or LME price for the period is equal or upper $2.60/lb for ten years up to a maximum amount of US$10,000,000. As the average copper price for the third and fourth quarters of 2017 were above $2.60/lb, the company needed to pay a royalty amounting to $500,000 to Rumbo. On 8 February 2018, the companies agreed to satisfy this payment through an issuance of 192,540 new ordinary shares at GB GBP7.5p.

On 5 April 2018, the Company signed with Rumbo a contract to purchase the remaining royalty agreement for a total consideration of US$4,750,000 to be paid through the issuance of 1,600,907 new ordinary shares of GB GBP7.5p.

Deferred consideration - Astor case

On 6 March 2017, judgment in the case (the "Astor Case") brought by Astor Management AG ("Astor") was handed down in the High Court of Justice in London (the "Judgment"). On 31 March 2017, declarations were made by the High Court which gave effect to the Judgment.

In summary, the High Court found that the deferred consideration of EUR43.8 million (the "Deferred Consideration"), potentially payable to Astor under the master agreement entered into in 2008 between inter alia the Company and Astor (the "Master Agreement"), did not start to become payable when permit approval was granted for Proyecto Riotinto. In addition, the intra-group loans by which funding for the restart of mining operations was made available to the Company's subsidiary, Atalaya Riotinto Minera S.L. did not constitute a "Senior Debt Facility" so as to trigger payment of the Deferred Consideration. Accordingly, the first instalment of the Deferred Consideration has not fallen due.

Astor failed to show that there had been a breach of the all reasonable endeavours obligation contained in the Master Agreement to obtain a senior debt facility or that the Group had acted in bad faith in not obtaining a senior debt facility. While the Court confirmed that the Group was not in breach of any of its obligations, the Master Agreement and its provisions remain in place. Accordingly, other than up to US$10 million a year which may be required for non-Proyecto Riotinto related expenses, Atalaya Riotinto Minera S.L. cannot make any dividend, distribution or any repayment of the money lent to it by companies in the Group until the consideration under the Master Agreement (including the Deferred Consideration) has been paid in full.

As a consequence, the Judgment requires that, in accordance with the Master Agreement, Atalaya Riotinto Minera S.L. must apply any excess cash (after payment of operating expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, any senior debt service requirements and up to US$10 million (for non-Proyecto Riotinto related expenses)) to pay the consideration due to Astor (including the Deferred Consideration and the amount of EUR9.1 million payable under the loan assignment agreement between the parties) early. The Court confirmed that the obligation to pay consideration early out of excess cash does not apply to the up-tick payments of up to EUR15.9 million (the "Up-tick Payments") and the Judgment notes that the only situation in which the Up-tick Payments could ever become payable is in the unlikely event that mining operations stop at Proyecto Riotinto and a senior debt facility is then secured for a sum sufficient to restart mining operations. Accordingly, the Group has recorded the liability of EUR53 million.

On 25 April 2017, Atalaya and Astor applied for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. On 11 August 2017, the Court of Appeal granted permission to both parties to appeal (although it rejected three of Astor's seven grounds). The Appeal has taken place on 9 and 10 May 2018 and the Group expects the ruling to be issued in the coming months.

More details on the Astor Case are included in Note 14 of the unaudited, condensed, interim, consolidated financial statements that follow.

   8.   Risk factors 

Due to the nature of Atalaya's business in the mining industry, the Group is subject to various risks that could materially impact the future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to Atalaya. Readers are encouraged to read and consider the risk factors detailed in Atalaya's audited, consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

   9.   Critical accounting policies, estimates and accounting changes 

The preparation of Atalaya's Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Financial Statements and accompanying notes. There is a full discussion and description of Atalaya's critical accounting policies in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

10. Other information

Additional information about Atalaya Mining Plc. is available at www.atalayamining.com

 
 Condensed interim consolidated income                     Three months             Three 
  statements                                                      ended            months 
  (All amounts in Euro thousands unless                        31 March             ended 
  otherwise stated)                                                2018          31 March 
  For the three months to 31 March 2018            Notes                   2017 *restated 
  and 2017 - (Unaudited) 
 
 Gross sales                                                     52,676            25,648 
 Realised gains on derivative financial                                                 - 
  instruments held for trading 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 Sales                                                           52,676            25,648 
 Operating costs and mine site administrative 
  expenses                                                     (36,392)          (11,498) 
 Mine site depreciation and amortization                        (4,100)           (4,513) 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 Gross income                                                    12,184             9,637 
 Corporate expenses                                             (1,049)           (1,402) 
 Corporate depreciation                                               -               (3) 
 Share based benefits                                              (38)              (16) 
 Exploration expenses                                             (199)             (133) 
 Operating profit                                                10,898             8,083 
 Other income                                                         -                 4 
 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)                                   170             (274) 
 Net finance costs                                                  (7)             (249) 
 Profit before tax                                               11,061             7,564 
 Tax charge                                                     (2,271)           (1,867) 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 Profit for the period                                            8,790             5,697 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 
 Profit for the period attributable 
  to: 
 
        *    Owners of the parent                                 8,857             5,697 
                                                                   (67)                 - 
        *    Non-controlling interests 
                                                                  8,790             5,697 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 Earnings per share from operations 
  attributable to equity holders of 
  the parent during the period : 
 Basic earnings per share (expressed 
  in cents per share)                               5               6.5               4.9 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 Fully diluted earnings per share (expressed 
  in cents per share)                               5               6.5               4.8 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 
 Profit for the period 
 Other comprehensive income:                                      8,790             5,697 
 Change in value of available-for-sale 
  investments                                                         3              (34) 
 
 Total comprehensive profit for the 
  period                                                          8,793             5,663 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 
 Total comprehensive profit for the 
  period attributable to: 
 
        *    Owners of the parent                                 8,860             5,663 
                                                                   (67)                 - 
        *    Non-controlling interests 
                                                                  8,793             5,663 
                                                          =============  ================ 
 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

The notes on pages 12 to 26 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 
 Condensed interim consolidated statements            31 March  31 December 
  of financial position                         Note      2018         2017 
  (All amounts in Euro thousands unless 
  otherwise stated) 
  As at 31 March 2018 and 31 December 
  2017 - (Unaudited) 
 
  (Euro 000's) 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                  6      205,064      199,458 
 Intangible assets                              7       73,151       73,700 
 Trade and other receivables                    9          218          212 
 Deferred tax asset                                     10,064       10,130 
                                                      ========  =========== 
                                                       288,497      283,500 
                                                      ========  =========== 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                    8        9,594       13,674 
 Trade and other receivables                    9       35,163       34,213 
 Available-for-sale investments                            132          129 
 Cash and cash equivalents                              52,540       42,856 
                                                      ========  =========== 
                                                        97,429       90,872 
                                                      ========  =========== 
 Total assets                                          385,926      374,372 
                                                      ========  =========== 
 Equity and liabilities 
 Equity attributable to owners of the 
  parent 
 Share capital                                  10      13,211       13,192 
 Share premium                                  10     310,032      309,577 
 Other reserves                                 11      11,228        6,137 
 Accumulated losses                                   (82,720)     (86,527) 
                                                      ========  =========== 
                                                       251,751      242,379 
 Non-controlling interests                               4,407        4,474 
                                                      --------  =========== 
 Total equity                                          256,158      246,853 
                                                      --------  =========== 
 
 Liabilities 
  Non-current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                       12          63           74 
 Provisions                                     13       6,103        5,727 
 Deferred consideration                         14      53,000       52,983 
                                                      ========  =========== 
                                                        59,166       58,784 
                                                      ========  =========== 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                       12      67,644       67,983 
 Current tax liabilities                                 2,958          752 
                                                        70,602       68,735 
                                                      ========  =========== 
 Total liabilities                                     129,768      127,519 
                                                      ========  =========== 
 Total equity and liabilities                          385,926      374,372 
                                                      ========  =========== 
 

The notes on pages 12 to 26 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements

.

 
 Condensed interim 
 consolidated 
 statements of changes in 
 equity 
 (All amounts in Euro 
 thousands 
 unless otherwise stated) 
 For the three months to 
 31 
 March 2018 and 2017 - 
 (Unaudited) 
                                 Share       Share       Other        Accum.               Non-controlling       Total 
 (Euro 000's)                  capital     premium    reserves        losses       Total          interest      equity 
                                                                                          ---------------- 
 
   At 1 January 2017 
   restated                     11,632     277,238       5,667     (104,316)     190,221                 -     190,221 
 Profit for the period 
  *restated                          -           -           -         5,967       5,967                 -       5,967 
 Change in value of 
  available-for-sale 
  investment                         -           -        (34)             -        (34)                 -        (34) 
 Depletion factor                    -           -         450             -         450                 -         450 
 Recognition of share 
  based 
  payments                           -           -          16             -          16                 -          16 
                            ==========  ==========  ==========  ============  ==========  ----------------  ========== 
 At 31 March 2017 restated      11,632     277,238       6,099      (98,349)     196,620                 -     196,620 
 Profit for the period 
  restated                           -           -           -        12,272      12,272              (28)      12,244 
 Issue of share capital          1,560      33,182           -             -      34,742                 -      34,742 
 Share issue costs                   -       (843)           -             -       (843)                 -       (843) 
 Depletion factor                    -           -           -         (450)       (450)                 -       (450) 
 Change in value of 
  available-for-sale 
  investment                         -           -        (98)             -        (98)                 -        (98) 
 Recognition of share 
  based 
  payments                           -           -         136             -         136                 -         136 
 Non-controlling interests           -           -           -             -           -             4,502       4,502 
                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 31 December 2017/1 
  January 
  2018                          13,192     309,577       6,137      (86,527)     242,379             4,474     246,853 
 Profit for the period               -           -           -         8,857       8,857              (67)       8,790 
 Issue of share capital             19         455           -             -         474                 -         474 
 Change in value of 
  available-for-sale 
  investment                         -           -           3             -           3                 -           3 
 Depletion factor                    -           -       5,050       (5,050)           -                 -           - 
 Recognition of share 
  based 
  payments                           -           -          38             -          38                 -          38 
 At 31 March 2018               13,211     310,032      11,228      (82,720)     251,751             4,407     256,158 
                            ==========  ==========  ==========  ============  ==========  ================  ========== 
 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

The notes on pages 12 to 26 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 
 Condensed interim consolidated statements                     Three months             Three 
  of cash flows                                                       ended            months 
  (All amounts in Euro thousands unless otherwise                  31 March             ended 
  stated)                                              Notes           2018          31 March 
  For the three months to 31 March 2018 and                                    2017 *restated 
  2017 - (Unaudited) 
  (Euro 000's) 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
                                                        2 
                                                       (i) 
 Profit before tax                                     (c)           11,061             7,564 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment          6             3,070             3,526 
 Amortisation of intangibles                            7             1,030               990 
 Recognition of share-based payments                   11                38                16 
 Interest income                                        4              (20)              (16) 
 Interest expense                                       4                 1               241 
 Rehabilitation cost                                    4                26                24 
 Unrealised foreign exchange loss on financing 
  activities                                                           (45)              (75) 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 Cash inflows from operating activities 
  before working capital changes                                     15,161            12,270 
 Changes in working capital: 
 Inventories                                            8             4,080          (13,239) 
 Trade and other receivables                            9             (956)             8,359 
 Trade and other payables                              12                76             7,150 
 Deferred consideration                                14                17                 - 
 Provisions                                                               -              (24) 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 Cash flows from operations                                          18,378            14,516 
 Interest paid                                                          (1)             (241) 
 Net cash from operating activities                                  18,377            14,275 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                          (8,280)           (4,294) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                          7             (481)           (1,131) 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                               -                10 
 Interest received                                      4                20                16 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 Net cash used in investing activities                              (8,741)           (5,399) 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Proceeds from issue of shares                                           48                 - 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 Net cash flows from financing activities                                48                 - 
 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                            9,684             8,876 
 Cash and cash equivalents: 
 At beginning of the period                                          42,856             1,135 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 At end of the period                                                52,540            10,011 
                                                              =============  ================ 
 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

The notes on pages 12 to 26 are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

Notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

(All amounts in Euro thousands unless otherwise stated)

For the three months to 31 March 2018 and 2017 - (Unaudited)

   1.   Incorporation and summary of business 

Country of incorporation

Atalaya Mining Plc (the "Company") was incorporated in Cyprus on 17 September 2004 as a private company with limited liability under the Companies Law, Cap. 113 and was converted to a public limited liability company on 26 January 2005. Its registered office is at 1 Lampousa Street, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The Company was listed on AIM of the London Stock Exchange in May 2005 under the symbol ATYM and on the TSX on 20 December 2010 under the symbol AYM. The Company continued to be listed on AIM and the TSX as at 31 March 2018.

Additional information about Atalaya Mining Plc is available at www.atalayamining.com as per requirement of AIM rule 26.

Change of name and share consolidation

Following the Company's Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") on 13 October 2015, the change of name from EMED Mining Public Limited to Atalaya Mining Plc became effective on 21 October 2015. On the same day, the consolidation of ordinary shares came into effect, whereby all shareholders received one new ordinary share of nominal value Stg GBP0.075 for every 30 existing ordinary shares of nominal value Stg GBP0.0025.

Summary of business

The Company owns and operates through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Proyecto Riotinto, an open-pit copper mine located in the Pyritic belt, in the Andalusia region of Spain, approximately 65 km northwest of Seville. A brownfield expansion of this mine is in progress.

In addition, the Company has a phased earn-in agreement for up to 80% ownership of Proyecto Touro, a brownfield copper project in northwest Spain, which is currently at the permitting stage.

The Company's and its subsidiaries' business is to explore for and develop metals production operations in Europe, with an initial focus on copper.

The strategy is to evaluate and prioritise metal production opportunities in several jurisdictions throughout the well-known belts of base and precious metal mineralisation in Spain and the Eastern European region.

   2.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies 

2.1 Basis of preparation

   (a)           Overview 

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). IFRS comprise the standard issued by the International Accounting Standard Board ("IASB"), and IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRICs") as issued by the IASB. Additionally, the consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with the IFRS as adopted by the European Union (EU), using the historical cost convention.

These condensed interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited and include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings. They have been prepared using accounting bases and policies consistent with those used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Group for the year ended 31 December 2017. These condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required for annual financial statements, and accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other information set out in the Company's 31 December 2017 Annual Report. The accounting policies are unchanged from those disclosed in the annual consolidated financial statements.

The Directors have formed a judgment at the time of approving the financial statements that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate available resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

   2.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies (continued) 
   (b)           Going concern 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern which assumes that the Group will realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Management has carried out an assessment of the going concern assumption and has concluded that the Group's will generate sufficient cash and cash equivalents to continue operating for the next twelve months.

   (c)           2016 Restatement 

Deferred consideration (Note 14)

At the end of 2017 the discount rate used to value the liability for the deferred consideration was re-assessed to apply a risk free rate as required by IAS 37. The discounted amount, when applying this discount rate, was not considered significant and the Group has measured the liability for the deferred consideration on an undiscounted basis. The value of the liability is in line with the court ruling issued on 6 March 2017. Full details of the restatement to 2016 full year comparatives are set out in the audited, consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 available from the Atalaya website at www.atalayamining.com.

The Q1 2017 comparatives have been restated in line with this re-assessment as follows:

 
31 March 2017                                           The Group 
                                          -------------------------------------- 
                                               Q1 2017                   Q1 2017 
  (Euro 000's)                             as reported    Adjustments   restated 
Income statement 
Mine site depreciation and amortization        (4,392)      (121)((1)    (4,513) 
Gross margin                                     9,758                     9,637 
Operating profit                                 8,204                     8,083 
Finance costs                                    (833)        584((1)      (249) 
Profit before tax                                7,101                     7,564 
Tax charge                                     (1,858)         (9)(1)    (1,867) 
Basic earnings per share                           4.5                       4.9 
Fully diluted earnings per share                   4.4                       4.8 
----------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  --------- 
 

(1) The discount rate was re-assessed considering a risk free rate for the relevant periods as required by IAS 37. Discounting the provision using the risk free rate would not result in a significant impact to the financial statements and the Group has measured the liability on an undiscounted basis. The amount of the provision is in line with the court ruling. Finance costs have been revised to exclude the unwinding of discount and amortisation charge revised based on the restated carrying amount of Intangible assets

2.2 Fair value estimation

The fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amounts at the reporting date.

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets, such as publicly traded trading and available--for--sale financial assets is based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the current bid price. The appropriate quoted market price for financial liabilities is the current ask price.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Company uses a variety of methods, such as estimated discounted cash flows, and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at the reporting date.

Fair value measurements recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position

   2.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies (continued) 

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

-- Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

-- Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

-- Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

 
 
   Financial assets 
 (Euro 000's)                           Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
 31 March 2018 
 Available for sale financial assets        132         -         -     132 
                                       --------  --------  --------  ------ 
 Total                                      132         -         -     132 
                                       --------  --------  --------  ------ 
 31 December 2017 
 Available for sale financial assets        129         -         -     129 
                                       --------  --------  --------  ------ 
 Total                                      129         -         -     129 
                                       --------  --------  --------  ------ 
 

2.3 Use and revision of accounting estimates

The preparation of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements requires the making of estimations and assumptions that affect the recognised amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

2.4 Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)

The Group has adopted all the new and revised IFRSs and International Accounting Standards (IASs) which are relevant to its operations and are effective for accounting periods commencing on 1 January 2018. The adoption of these Standards did not have a material effect on the condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

-- IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers and Clarifications to IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. New standard for recognising revenue (replaces IAS 11, IAS 18, IFRIC 13, IFRIC 15, IFRIC 18 and SIC 31). The Company has adopted IFRS 15 as of January 1, 2018.

-- IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments and subsequent amendments. This standard replaces the classification, measurement, recognition and derecognition in accounts of financial assets and liabilities, hedge accounting, and impairment set out in IAS 39 Financial instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The Company has adopted IFRS 9 as of January 1, 2018.

-- IFRS 16 - Leases. The new standard on leases that replaces IAS 17, IFRIC 4, SIC-15 and SIC-27. Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Early adoption is permitted for entities that apply IFRS 15 at or before the date of initial application of IFRS 16. IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet lease accounting model for lessees. A lessee recognises a right-of-use asset representing it right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payment. There are recognition exemptions for short-term leases and leases of low-value items. Lessor accounting remains similar to the current standard - i.e. lessor continue to classify leases as finance or operating leases. The Company will adopt IFRS 16 as of 1 January 2019.

   2.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies (continued) 

2.5 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The fair values of the Group's financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amounts at the reporting date. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are unchanged from those disclosed in the annual consolidated financial statements.

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount can be made. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

   3.   Business and geographical segments 

Business segments

The Group has only one distinct business segment, being that of mining operations, mineral exploration and development. Copper concentrates produced by the Group are sold to three offtakers as per the relevant offtake agreement (Note 17.3)

Geographical segments

The Group's mining activities are located in Spain. The commercialisation of the copper concentrates produced in Spain is carried out in Cyprus. Corporate costs and administration costs are based in Cyprus. Intercompany transactions within the Group are on arm's length basis in a manner similar to transaction with third parties.

 
                                                 Cyprus       Spain   Other       Total 
  (Euro 000's) 
Three months ended 31 March 2018 
Sales                                            52,676           -       -      52,676 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ========== 
Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation 
 and Amortisation (EBITDA)                       49,711    (34,708)     (5)      14,998 
Depreciation/amortisation charge                      -     (4,100)       -     (4,100) 
Finance income                                       20           -       -          20 
Finance cost                                          -        (27)       -        (27) 
Foreign exchange (loss) / gain                      454       (284)       -         170 
Profit/(Loss) for the period before 
 taxation                                        50,185    (39,119)     (5)      11,061 
                                              =========  ==========  ====== 
Tax charge                                                                      (2,271) 
                                                                             ========== 
Net profit for the period                                                         8,790 
                                                                             ========== 
 
Total assets                                     59,608     326,118     200     385,926 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ========== 
Total liabilities                              (12,598)   (117,112)    (58)   (129,768) 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ========== 
Depreciation of property, plant and 
 equipment                                            -       3,070       -       3,070 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ========== 
Amortisation of intangible assets                     -       1,030       -       1,030 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ========== 
Total net additions of non-current assets             -       9,096       -       9,096 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ========== 
 
 
Three months ended 31 March 2017 *restated 
Sales                                            25,648           -       -        25,648 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ============ 
Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation 
 and Amortisation (EBITDA)                       23,734    (11,140)       9        12,603 
Depreciation/amortisation charge                    (3)     (4,513)       -       (4,516) 
Finance income                                        -          16       -            16 
Finance cost                                      (175)        (90)       -         (265) 
Foreign exchange (loss) / gain                    (292)          18       -         (274) 
Profit/(loss) for the period before 
 taxation                                        23,264    (15,709)       9         7,564 
                                              =========  ==========  ====== 
Tax charge                                                                        (1,867) 
                                                                             ============ 
Net profit for the period                                                           5,697 
                                                                             ============ 
 
Total assets                                      1,852     324,921       7       326,780 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ============ 
Total liabilities                              (27,602)   (103,263)    (19)     (130,884) 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ============ 
Depreciation of property, plant and 
 equipment                                            3       3,523       -         3,526 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ============ 
Amortisation of intangible assets                     -         990       -           990 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ============ 
Total net additions of non-current assets             -       5,770       -         5,770 
                                              =========  ==========  ======  ============ 
 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

4. Net finance cost

 
                                                     Three months       Three months 
                                                            ended              ended 
                                                         31 March           31 March 
                                                             2017     2017 *restated 
   (Euro 000's) 
 Interest expense : 
     Debt to department of social security and 
      other interest                                            1                172 
     Interest on copper concentrate prepayment(1)               -                 69 
     Unwinding of discount on mine rehabilitation 
      provision (Note 13)                                      26                 24 
 Interest income                                             (20)               (16) 
                                                                7                249 
                                                    -------------  ----------------- 
 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

(1) Interest rate US$ 3 months LIBOR + 2.75%

5. Earnings per share

The calculation of the basic and fully diluted loss per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company is based on the following data:

 
                                                  Three months             Three 
                                                         ended            months 
                                                      31 March             ended 
                                                          2018          31 March 
   (Euro 000's)                                                   2017 *restated 
 Parent company                                            142             (782) 
 Subsidiaries                                            8,715             6,479 
                                                 -------------  ---------------- 
 Profit attributable to equity holders of 
  the parent                                             8,857             5,697 
                                                 -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Weighted number of ordinary shares for the 
  purposes of basic earnings per share (000's)         135,590           116,680 
                                                 -------------  ---------------- 
 Basic profit/(loss) per share (cents)                     6.5               4.9 
                                                 -------------  ---------------- 
 
 Weighted number of ordinary shares for the 
  purposes of fully diluted earnings per share 
  (000's)                                              137,202           118,445 
                                                 -------------  ---------------- 
 Fully diluted profit per share (cents)                    6.5               4.8 
                                                 -------------  ---------------- 
 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

At 31 March 2018 there are 262,569 warrants (Note 10) and 1,334,333 options (Note 11) (2017: 262,569 warrants and 1,400,000 options) which have been included when calculating the weighted average number of shares for 2018.

6. Property, plant and equipment

 
 
                                        Plant                                   Deferred 
    (Euro 000's)       Land              and         Assets                       mining   Other 
                        and buildings    machinery    under construction(2)     costs(3)    assets(4)   Total 
  Cost 
  At 1 January 
   2017                        40,188      144,930                      566       13,848          838   200,370 
  Additions                    334(1)            -                      543        3,751            -     4,628 
  Disposals                         -            -                        -            -         (53)      (53) 
  At 31 March 
   2017                        40,522      144,930                    1,109       17,599          785   204,945 
  Additions                     73(1)            -                   11,208        4,718            -    15,999 
  Reclassifications               400          472                    (872)            -            -         - 
  At 31 December 
   2017                        40,995      145,402                   11,445       22,317          785   220,944 
  Additions                       370            -                    8,021          285            -     8,676 
  Reclassifications                 -           70                     (70)            -            -         - 
  At 31 March 
   2018                        41,365      145,472                   19,396       22,602          785   229,620 
                      ---------------  -----------  -----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 
  Depreciation 
  At 1 January 
   2017                         1,736        5,073                        -        1,758          423     8,990 
  Charge for the 
   period                         556        2,068                        -          876           26     3,526 
  At 31 March 
   2017                         2,292        7,141                        -        2,634          449    12,516 
  Charge for the 
   period                       1,784        6,324                        -          835           71     9,014 
  Disposals                         -            -                        -            -         (44)      (44) 
  At 31 December 
   2017                         4,076       13,465                        -        3,469          476    21,486 
  Charge for the 
   period                         589        2,102                        -          364           15     3,070 
  At 31 March 
   2017                         4,665       15,567                        -        3,833          491    24,556 
                      ---------------  -----------  -----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 
  Net book value 
  At 31 March 
   2018                        36,700      129,905                   19,396       18,769          294   205,064 
                      ---------------  -----------  -----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
  At 31 December 
   2017                        36,919      131,937                   11,445       18,848          309   199,458 
                      ---------------  -----------  -----------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

(1) Mine rehabilitation asset (Note 13).

(2) Net of pre-commissioning sales

(3) Stripping costs

(4) Includes motor vehicles, furniture, fixtures and office equipment which are depreciated over 5-10 years.

The above fixed assets are located mainly in Spain.

7. Intangible assets

 
 
      (Euro 000's)                            Permits     Licences, 
                                               of Rio       R&D and 
                                        Tinto Project      software     Goodwill     Total 
    Cost 
    At 1 January 2017                          71,521         1,685        9,333    82,539 
    Additions                                       -         1,131            -     1,131 
                                      ---------------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
    At 31 March 2017                           71,521         2,816        9,333    83,670 
    Additions from acquisition 
     of subsidiary                              5,000           126            -     5,126 
    Additions                                       -         1,563            -     1,563 
    At 31 December 2017                        76,521         4,505        9,333    90,359 
    Additions                                      17           464            -       481 
    At 31 March 2018                           76,538         4,969        9,333    90,840 
                                      ---------------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
  Amortisation 
    On 1 January 2017                           3,072           123        9,333    12,528 
    Charge for the period *restated               976            14            -       990 
                                      ---------------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
    At 31 March 2017                            4,048           137        9,333    13,518 
    Charge for the period *restated             3,097            44            -     3,141 
    At 31 December 2017                         7,145           181        9,333    16,659 
    Charge for the period                       1,019            11            -     1,030 
    At 31 March 2018                            8,164           192        9,333    17,689 
                                      ---------------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 
  Net book value 
    At 31 March 2018                           68,374         4,777            -    73,151 
                                      ---------------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
    At 31 December 2017                        69,376         4,324            -    73,700 
                                      ---------------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 
   (1)         This addition relates to the deferred consideration as at 1 February 2016 (Note 14) 

(*) Refer to Note 2.1. (c)

The useful life of the intangible assets is estimated to be not less than fourteen years from the start of production (the revised Reserves and Resources statement which was announced in July 2016 has increased the life of mine to 16 1/2 years).

The ultimate recovery of balances carried forward in relation to areas of interest or all such assets including intangibles is dependent on successful development, and commercial exploitation, or alternatively sale of the respective areas.

The Group conducts impairment testing on an annual basis unless indicators of impairment are not present at the reporting date. In considering the carrying value of the assets at Proyecto Riotinto, including the intangible assets and any impairment thereof, the Group assessed that no indicators were present as at 31 December 2017 and thus no impairment has been recognised.

Goodwill of EUR9,333,000 arose on the acquisition of the remaining 49% of the issued share capital of Atalaya Riotinto Minera S.L.U. ("ARM") back in September 2008. This amount was fully impaired on acquisition, in the absence of the mining license back in 2008.

Permits include additions in 2017 amounting to EUR5,000,000 related to the Touro Project mining rights.

8. Inventories

 
                           31 March   31 Dec 
   (Euro 000's)                2018     2017 
 Finished products              720    4,797 
 Materials and supplies       7,684    8,003 
 Work in progress             1,190      874 
                          ---------  ------- 
                              9,594   13,674 
                          ---------  ------- 
 

8. Inventories (continued)

Materials and supplies relate mainly to machinery spare parts. Work in progress represents ore stockpiles, which is ore that has been extracted and is available for further processing.

As of 31 March 2018, copper concentrate produced and not sold amounted to 1,121 tonnes. Accordingly, the inventory for copper concentrate was EUR0.7 million (31 Dec 2017: EUR4.8 million). During the period the Group recorded cost of sales amounting to EUR40.5 million (31 March 2017: EUR15.4 million).

9. Trade and other receivables

 
                                                 31 March   31 Dec 
   (Euro 000's)                                      2018     2017 
 Non-current 
 Deposits                                             218      212 
                                                ---------  ------- 
                                                      218      212 
                                                ---------  ------- 
 Current 
 Trade receivables                                 16,989   12,113 
 Receivables from related parties (Note 17.3)           -       56 
 Receivables from shareholders (Note 17.3)          1,039    1,556 
 Deposits and prepayments                             224      221 
 VAT                                               13,699   17,804 
 Tax advances                                       1,712    1,716 
 Other receivables                                  1,500      747 
                                                ---------  ------- 
                                                   35,163   34,213 
                                                ---------  ------- 
 

Trade receivables are shown net of any interest applied to prepayments. Payment terms are aligned with offtake agreements and market standards and generally are 7 days on 90% of the invoice and the remaining 10% at the settlement date which can vary between 1 to 5 months.

The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate to their carrying amounts as presented above.

10. Share capital and share premium

 
                                                               Share         Share 
                                                Shares       Capital       premium              Total 
                                                 000's    StgGBP'000    StgGBP'000         StgGBP'000 
 Authorised 
 Ordinary shares of Stg GBP0.075 
  each*                                        200,000        15,000             -               15,000 
                                         -------------  ------------  ------------      --------------- 
 
 Issued and fully paid                           000's          Euro          Euro                 Euro 
                                                               000's         000's                000's 
 Balance at 1 January 2017 and 
  31 March 2017                                116,679        11,632       277,238              288,870 
 7 Dec 2017 Share placement at 
  GBP1.67                                       18,575         1,560        33,182               34,742 
                    Share issue costs                -             -         (843)                (843) 
                                         -------------  ------------  ------------      --------------- 
 Balance at 31 December 2017                   135,254        13,192       309,577              322,769 
 13 Feb 2018 Shares issued to 
  Rumbo at GBP1.87                                 193            16           410                  426 
  13 Feb 2018 Exercised share 
   options at GBP1.44                               29             3            45                   48 
                                         -------------  ------------  ------------      --------------- 
 Balance at 31 March 2018                      135,476        13,211       310,032              323,243 
                                         -------------  ------------  ------------      --------------- 
 
 

10. Share capital and share premium (continued)

Authorised capital

The Company's authorised share capital is 200,000,000 ordinary shares of Stg GBP0.075 each.

Issued capital

2018

On 13 February 2018, the Company issued equity to satisfy both the payment of amounts due under the royalty agreement with Rumbo and the exercise of options by certain employees.

The Company issued 192,540 new ordinary shares of 7.5p to Rumbo at a price of 186.7p, thus creating a share premium of EUR410,146.

The Company was notified that certain employees exercised options over 29,000 ordinary shares of 7.5p at a price of 144p, thus creating a share premium of EUR44,576.

Warrants

The Company has issued warrants to advisers to the Group. Warrants, noted below, expire three years after the grant date and have exercise price Stg GBP1.425.

Details of share warrants outstanding as at 31 March 2018:

 
                                                             Number of warrants 
 Outstanding warrants at 1 January 2018 and 31 March 2018               262,569 
                                                             ------------------ 
 

On 20 February 2018, the Company received the notification from one of the warrants holders to exercise 233,184 warrants at an exercise price of 142.5 pence per share. As of the date of this Report, the shares are yet to be allotted, as the holder did not transfer the exercise price to the Group. The expiration date of the warrants is 24 June 2018.

11. Other reserves

 
 
                                            Share    Bonus     Depletion   Available-for-sale 
   (Euro 000's)                            option    share        factor           investment     Total 
 At 1 January 2017                          6,384      208             -                (925)     5,667 
 Change in value of available-for-sale 
  investment                                    -        -             -                 (34)      (34) 
 Recognition of share based 
  payments                                     16        -             -                    -        16 
 Recognition of the Depletion 
  factor                                        -        -           450                    -       450 
                                         --------  -------  ------------  -------------------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2017                           6,400      208           450                (959)     6,099 
 Change in value of available-for-sale 
  investment                                    -        -             -                 (98)      (98) 
 Recognition of share based 
  payments                                    136        -             -                    -       136 
                                         --------  -------  ------------  -------------------  -------- 
 At 31 December 2017                        6,536      208           450              (1,057)     6,137 
 Change in value of available-for-sale 
  investments                                   -        -             -                    3         3 
 Recognition of share based 
  payments                                     38        -             -                    -        38 
 Recognition of the Depletion 
  factor                                        -        -         5,050                    -     5,050 
                                         --------  -------  ------------  -------------------  -------- 
 At 31 March 2018                           6,574      208         5,500              (1,054)    11,228 
                                         --------  -------  ------------  -------------------  -------- 
 

Share options

During the three month period there were no options granted to either employees or directors.

11. Other reserves (continued)

In general, option agreements contain provisions adjusting the exercise price in certain circumstances including the allotment of fully paid ordinary shares by way of a capitalisation of the Company's reserves, a sub division or consolidation of the ordinary shares, a reduction of share capital and offers or invitations (whether by way of rights issue or otherwise) to the holders of ordinary shares.

Details of share options outstanding as at 31 March 2018:

 
                                                  Number of share options 000's 
 Outstanding options at 1 January 2018                                    1,400 
      - Exercised during the reporting period                              (29) 
      - Cancelled during the reporting period                              (37) 
                                                 ------------------------------ 
 Outstanding options at 31 March 2018                                     1,334 
                                                 ------------------------------ 
 

12. Trade and other payables

 
 (Euro 000's)                 31 March   31 Dec 2017 
                                  2018 
 Non-current 
 Land options                       63            74 
                             ---------  ------------ 
                                    63            74 
                             ---------  ------------ 
 Current 
 Trade payables                 63,410        64,234 
 Land options and mortgage         791           791 
 Accruals                        3,371         2,660 
 VAT payable                         -             7 
 Other                              72           291 
                             ---------  ------------ 
                                67,644        67,983 
                             ---------  ------------ 
 

The fair values of trade and other payables due within one year approximate to their carrying amounts as presented above.

13. Provisions

 
                                              Rehabilitation 
   (Euro 000's)                 Legal costs            costs     Total costs 
 1 January 2017                           -            5,092           5,092 
 Additions                              129              334             463 
 Finance cost                             -               24              24 
 At 31 March 2017                       129            5,450           5,579 
 Additions                               84               73             157 
 Revision of discount rate                -             (98)            (98) 
 Finance cost                             -               89              89 
                             --------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 At 31 December 2017                    213            5,514           5,727 
 Additions                                -              396             396 
 Reversal of provision                 (20)                -            (20) 
 At 31 March 2018                       193            5,910           6,103 
                             --------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 

13. Provisions (continued)

 
 (Euro 000's)    31 March   31 Dec 
                     2018     2017 
 Non-current        6,103    5,727 
 Current                -        - 
                ---------  ------- 
 Total              6,103    5,727 
                ---------  ------- 
 

Rehabilitation provision

Rehabilitation provision represents the accrued cost required to provide adequate restoration and rehabilitation upon the completion of production activities. These amounts will be settled when rehabilitation is undertaken, generally over the project's life.

The discount rate used in the calculation of the net present value of the provision as at 31 March 2018 was 1.87%, which is the 15-year Spain Government Bond rate (31 December 2017: 1.87%, which is the 15-year Spain Government Bond rate). An inflation rate of 1.5% is applied on annual basis.

Legal provision

The Group has been named a defendant in several legal actions in Spain, the outcome of which is not determinable as at 31 March 2018. Management has reviewed individually each case and made a provision of EUR193 thousand for these claims, which has been reflected in these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

14. Deferred consideration

In September 2008, the Group moved to 100% ownership of Atalaya Riotinto Minera, S.L. ("ARM") (and thus full ownership of Proyecto Riotinto) by acquiring the remaining 49% of the issued capital of ARM. At the time of the acquisition, the Group signed a Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement") which included deferred consideration of EUR43.8 million (the "Deferred Consideration") and potential up-tick payments of up to EUR15.9 million depending on the price of copper (the "Up-tick Payment"), in consideration of (a) all parties accepting the legal structure of ARM (formerly Emed Tartessus); (b) the validity of various agreements entered into prior to the Master Agreement; and (c) the provision of indemnities by Astor and its agreement not to pursue litigation.

The obligation to pay the Deferred Consideration and the Up-tick Payments is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions (the "Conditions"): (a) all authorisations to restart mining activities in Proyecto Riotinto having been granted by the Junta de Andalucía ("Permit Approval"); and (b) the Group securing a senior debt finance facility for a sum sufficient to restart mining operations at Proyecto Riotinto ("Senior Debt Facility") and being able to draw down funds under the Senior Debt Facility. At the time of acquisition, the possible outcome for the obligation to pay the deferred consideration could not be determined.

Subject to satisfaction of the Conditions, the Deferred Consideration and the Up-tick Payments are payable over a period of six or seven years (the "Payment Period"). In addition to satisfaction of the Conditions, the Up-tick Payments are only be payable if, during the relevant period, the average price of copper per tonne is US$6,614 or more (US$3.00/lb).

The Company also entered into a credit assignment agreement with a related company of Astor, Shorthorn AG, pursuant to which the benefit of outstanding loans were assigned to the Company in consideration for the payment of EUR9.1 million to Shorthorn (the "Loan Assignment"). Payment under the Loan Assignment is also subject to satisfaction of the Conditions and is payable in instalments over the Payment Period.

As security, inter alia, for the obligation to pay the Deferred Consideration, the Up-tick Payments and the Loan Assignment to Astor, Atalaya Riotinto Project (UK) Limited has granted pledges over the issued capital of ARM and the Company has provided a parent company guarantee.

As at the date of this report, the Permit Approval condition has been satisfied. However, the Group has not entered into arrangements in connection with a Senior Debt Facility and, in the absence of drawdown of funds by the Group pursuant to a Senior Debt Facility, the Conditions have not been satisfied.

On 6 March 2017, judgment in the case brought by ("Astor Case") was handed down in the High Court of Justice in London (the "Judgment"). On 31 March 2017, declarations were made by the High Court which give effect to the Judgment.

In summary, the High Court found that the Deferred Consideration did not start to become payable when Permit Approval was granted. In addition, the intra-group loans by which funding for the restart of mining operations was made available to ARM did not constitute a Senior Debt Facility so as to trigger payment of the Deferred Consideration. Accordingly, the first instalment of the Deferred Consideration has not fallen due.

14. Deferred consideration (continued)

Astor failed to show that there had been a breach of the all reasonable endeavours obligation contained in the Master Agreement to obtain a Senior Debt Facility or that the Group had acted in bad faith in not obtaining a Senior Debt Facility. While the Court confirmed that the Group was not in breach of any of its obligations, the Master Agreement and its provisions remain in place. Accordingly, other than up to US$10.0 million a year which may be required for non-Proyecto Riotinto related expenses, ARM cannot make any dividend, distribution or any repayment of the money lent to it by companies in the Group until the consideration under the Master Agreement (including the Deferred Consideration) has been paid in full.

As a consequence, the Judgment requires that, in accordance with the Master Agreement, ARM must apply any excess cash (after payment of operating expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, any senior debt service requirements and up to US$10.0 million (for non-Proyecto Riotinto related expenses)) to pay the consideration due to Astor (including the Deferred Consideration and the amount of EUR9.1 million payable under the Loan Assignment) early. The Court confirmed that the obligation to pay consideration early out of excess cash does not apply to the Up-tick Payments and the Judgment notes that the only situation in which the Up-tick Payments could ever become payable is in the unlikely event that mining operations cease at Proyecto Riotinto and a Senior Debt Facility is then secured for a sum sufficient to restart mining operations.

While the Judgment confirms that the cash sweep provisions of the Master Agreement require ARM to repay the Loan Assignment early, it does not extend to the credit assignment agreement which is governed by Spanish law. The Judgment therefore does not provide any clarity on whether the Conditions have been met in respect of payment of the Loan Assignment and there remains significant doubts concerning the legal obligation to pay the Loan Assignment pursuant to the terms of the credit assignment agreement.

Previously, the Group had not recognised the Deferred Consideration in the initial purchase price allocation on the basis that the payment of the amounts was not considered probable. The High Court judgment of 6 March 2017 required the Group to revisit its estimates and assumption to book the liability.

As at 31 March 2018, the Group has not generated any excess cash and, consequently, no consideration has been paid.

As at the reporting date, the Group has presented the deferred consideration in the consolidated and standalone financial statements to reflect the Company's best estimate of the liability and the excess cash flows in the future years in the view of the High Court ruling of March 2017 and in line with IAS 37.

The nominal amount of the liability recognised is EUR53 million. In 2017 the discount rate used to measure the liability for the deferred consideration was re-assessed to apply a risk free rate for the relevant periods, as required by IAS 37. The effect of discounting, when applying this risk free rate, was considered insignificant and the Group has measured the liability for the deferred consideration on an undiscounted basis. The value of the liability for the Group and Company is in line with the court ruling issued on 6 March 2017 amounting to EUR53 million and EUR9.1 million respectively. For details on the restatement of the deferred consideration liability as at 31 December 2017, refer to 2017 Annual Report Note 2.1(c).

On 25 April 2017, Atalaya and Astor applied for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. On 11 August 2017 the Court of Appeal granted permission to both parties to appeal (although it rejected three of Astor's seven grounds).

The Appeal took place on 9(th) and 10(th) May 2018 and the Group is expecting the ruling in the coming months.

15. Derivative instruments

15.1. Foreign exchange contract

As at 31 December 2016, Atalaya had certain short term foreign exchange contracts with the following relevant information:

Foreign exchange contracts - Euro/USD

 
 Period               Contract type    Amount in USD   Contract rate   Strike 
-------------------  ---------------  --------------  --------------  ------- 
 June 2016 - March    FX Forward 
  2017                 - Put               5,000,000          1.0955      n/a 
  FX Forward 
   - Call                                 10,000,000          1.0955   1.0450 
 

The counter parties of the foreign exchange agreements are third parties.

In February 2017, the Group entered into certain foreign exchange hedging contracts to offset the agreements noted above before its expiration date. The contracts were signed with the same financial institution and resulted in a loss of EUR9,000 which was recorded as financial expense during the quarter.

During Q1 2018 the Group did not entered into any foreign exchange hedging contract.

15.2. Commodity contract

During the three months ended 31 March 2018, the Company had not entered into any hedging contract.

16. Acquisition, incorporation and disposal of subsidiaries

On 14 February 2018, Atalaya Servicios Mineros, S.L. was incorporated. Atalaya Riotinto Project (UK) Limited is its sole shareholder.

17. Related party transactions

The following transactions were carried out with related parties:

17.1 Compensation of key management personnel

The total remuneration and fees of Directors (including Executive Directors) and other key management personnel was as follows:

 
                                           Three months  Three months 
  (Euro 000's)                                    ended         ended 
                                               31 March      31 March 
                                                   2018          2017 
Directors' remuneration and fees                    256           180 
Share option-based benefits to directors              7             2 
Key management personnel remuneration               119            93 
Share option-based and other benefits to 
 key management personnel                             -             9 
                                           ------------  ------------ 
                                                    382           284 
                                           ------------  ------------ 
 

17.2 Share-based benefits

The directors and key management personnel have not been granted any options during the three month period ended 31 March 2018 (Q1 2017: 900,000 options were granted).

17.3 Transactions with related parties/shareholders

i) Transaction with shareholders

 
                                                  Three months  Three months 
  (Euro 000's)                                           ended         ended 
                                                      31 March      31 March 
                                                          2018          2017 
Trafigura- Sales of goods                                9,576         9,687 
Orion Mine Finance (Master) Fund I LP ("Orion") 
 - Sales of goods                                            -           (4) 
                                                  ------------  ------------ 
                                                         9,576         9,683 
                                                  ------------  ------------ 
 

XGC was granted an offtake over 49.12% of life of mine reserves as per the NI 43-101 report issued in September 2016. Similarly, Orion was granted an offtake over 31.54% and Trafigura 19.34% respectively of life of mine reserves as per the same NI 43-101 report.

In November 2016, the Group was notified and consented the novation of the Orion offtake agreement as Orion reached an agreement with a third party to transfer the rights over the concentrates. Similarly, in December 2017, XGC notified to the Group the novation of the offtake agreements with a third party.

ii) Period-end balances with related parties

 
 
  (Euro 000's)                        31 March    31 Dec 2017 
                                          2018 
Receivables from related parties: 
Recursos Cuenca Minera S.L.                  -             56 
Total (Note 9)                               -             56 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 

The above balances bear no interest and are repayable on demand.

17. Related party transactions (continued)

iii) Period-end balances with shareholders

 
 
  (Euro 000's)                  31 March     31 Dec 2017 
                                    2018 
Trafigura - Debtor balance         1,039           1,556 
Total (Note 9)                     1,039           1,556 
                             -----------  -------------- 
 

The above debtor balance arising from sales of goods and other balances bear no interest and is repayable on demand.

18. Contingent liabilities

Judicial and administrative cases

In the normal course of business, the Group may be involved in legal proceedings, claims and assessments. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Legal fees for such matters are expensed as incurred and the Group accrues for adverse outcomes as they become probable and estimable.

The Junta de Andalucía notified the Group of another disciplinary proceeding for unauthorised discharge in 2014. The Group submitted the relevant defence arguments on 10 March 2015 but has had no response or feedback from the Junta de Andalucía since the submissions. Based on the time that has lapsed without a response, it is expected that the outcome of this proceedings will also be favourable for the Group. Once the necessary time has lapsed, the Group will ask for the Administrative File to be dismissed.

19. Commitments

There are no minimum exploration requirements at Proyecto Riotinto. However, the Group is obliged to pay municipal land taxes which currently are approximately EUR235,000 per year in Spain and the Group is required to maintain the Riotinto site in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

20. Significant events

Rumbo royalty

In July 2012, Atalaya Riotinto Minera, S.L. signed a royalty agreement with Rumbo 5 Cero, S.L. ("Rumbo"), at which this last was entitled to receive a royalty payment of up to US $250,000 per quarter if the average copper sales price or LME price for the period is equal or upper $2.60/lb for ten years up to a maximum amount of US$10,000,000. As the average copper price for the third and fourth quarter of 2017 were above $2.60/lb, the company needed to pay a royalty amounted to $500,000 to Rumbo. On 8 February 2018, the companies agreed to satisfy this payment through an issuance of 192,540 new ordinary shares at GB GBP7.5p.

After Atalaya announced on 13 February 2018 the issuance of new ordinary shares in the Company to satisfy the first two instalments generated on the third and fourth quarters of 2017, under the Royalty Agreement, Atalaya agreed the purchase of the royalty.

On 5 April 2018, the Company signed with Rumbo a contract to purchase the royalty agreement for a total consideration of US$4,750,000 to be paid through the issuance of 1,600,907 new ordinary shares of GB GBP7.5p.

21. Events after the reporting period

The following events occurred after the reporting period:

-- On 5 April 2018, Atalaya agreed to issue 1,600,907 new ordinary shares to purchase the Rumbo royalty agreement (Note 20).

-- On 23 April 2018, the Company announced the completion of a pre-feasibility study for Proyecto Touro (Management`s review Note 2). The Ni 43-101 report was filed on SEDAR and the Company's website on 21 May 2018.

-- On 9 and 10 May 2018, the appeal hearing of Astor took place in the Court of Appeal in London (Note 14).

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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