Platinum Group Metals Ltd 6-K, filed Nov 24, 2021
Platinum Group Metals Ltd (PLG)
About this 6-K
Platinum Group Metals Ltd filed this 6-K on November 24, 2021.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of: November 2021
Commission File Number: 001-33562
PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD.
Suite 788 - 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 2B5, CANADA
Address of Principal Executive Office
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover:
Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [ ]
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. | |
| /s/ Frank Hallam | |
| Date: November 24, 2021 | Frank Hallam |
| Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
Exhibit |
Description |
|
Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Year Ended August 31, 2021 |
|
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM OF PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021
Annual Information Form - November 24, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ITEM 2 PRELIMINARY NOTES
2.1 DATE OF INFORMATION
All information in this Annual Information Form ("AIF") of Platinum Group Metals Ltsd. ("Platinum Group" or the "Company") is as of August 31, 2021 unless otherwise indicated.
2.2 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY OF MINING TERMS
Attached hereto as Schedule "A" is a list of abbreviations and glossary of mining terms used in this AIF.
2.3 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Reference is made in this AIF to the consolidated audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended August 31, 2021 (the "Financial Statements"), a copy of which may be obtained online at www.sedar.com.
All financial information in this AIF is derived from Financial Statements which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
2.4 CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This AIF and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "Forward-Looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will, may, could or might occur in the future are Forward-Looking Statements. The words "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "could", "might", "will", "would", "should", "intend", "believe", "target", "budget", "plan", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "projection" or the negative of any of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-Looking Statements, although these words may not be present in all Forward-Looking Statements. Forward-Looking Statements included or incorporated by reference in this AIF include, without limitation, statements with respect to:
• the timely completion of additional required financings and potential terms thereof;
• the repayment, and compliance with the terms of, indebtedness;
• the completion of appropriate contractual smelting and/or refining arrangements with Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. ("Implats") or another third party smelter/refiner;
• the projections set forth or incorporated into, or derived from, the Waterberg DFS (as defined below), including, without limitation, estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, and projections relating to future prices of metals, commodities and supplies, currency rates, capital and operating expenses, production rate, grade, recovery and return, and other technical, operational and financial forecasts;
• the approval of a water use licence and environmental permits for, and other developments related to, a deposit area discovered by the Company on the Waterberg property (the "Waterberg Project") located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, approximately 85 km north of the town of Mokopane;
• the Company's expectations with respect to the outcome of appeals filed against the regulator's decision to grant the mining right for the Waterberg Project (the "Waterberg Mining Right");
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• the negotiation and execution of long term access agreements, on reasonable terms, with communities recognized as titled landowners of three farms where surface and underground mine infrastructure is planned, and rezoning for mining use
• the development of performance indicators to measure and monitor key environmental, social sustainability and governance activities at the Waterberg Project;
• compliance with the terms and conditions of our credit agreement with Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP ("Sprott")
• the impacts of COVID-19 on our operations;
• the adequacy of capital, financing needs and the availability of and potential for obtaining further capital;
• revenue, cash flow and cost estimates and assumptions;
• future events or future performance;
• development of next generation battery technology by the Company's new battery technology joint venture (described below);
• governmental and securities exchange laws, rules, regulations, orders, consents, decrees, provisions, charters, frameworks, schemes and regimes, including interpretations of and compliance with the same;
• developments in South African politics and laws relating to the mining industry;
• anticipated exploration, development, construction, production, permitting and other activities on the Company's properties;
• project economics;
• future metal prices and currency exchange rates;
• the identification of several large-scale water basins that could provide mine process and potable water for the Waterberg Project and local communities;
• the Company's expectations with respect to the outcomes of litigation;
• mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; and
• potential changes in the ownership structures of the Company's projects.
Forward-Looking Statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-Looking Statements in respect of capital costs, operating costs, production rate, grade per tonne and concentrator and smelter recovery are based upon the estimates in the technical report referred to in this AIF and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and ongoing cost estimation work, and the Forward-Looking Statements in respect of metal prices and exchange rates are based upon the three year trailing average prices and the assumptions contained in such technical report and ongoing estimates.
Forward-Looking Statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual events or results to differ materially from those discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements, and even if events or results discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things:
• the inability of the Company to generate sufficient additional cash flow to make payments on its indebtedness under the 2019 Sprott Facility (defined below) and the Notes (defined below), and to comply with the terms of such indebtedness, and the restrictions imposed by such indebtedness;
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• the Company's additional financing requirements;
• the Company's $20.0 million initial principal secured credit facility, as amended, (the "2019 Sprott Facility") (which has an outstanding principal balance of $3.6 million as of the date of this AIF) with Sprott and the other lenders party thereto (the "Sprott Lenders") is, and any new indebtedness may be, secured and the Company has pledged its shares of Platinum Group Metals (RSA) Proprietary Limited, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary located in South Africa ("PTM RSA"), and PTM RSA has pledged its shares of Waterberg JV Resources Proprietary Limited ("Waterberg JV Co.") and Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Mnombo"); to the Sprott Lenders under the 2019 Sprott Facility, which potentially could result in the loss of our interest in PTM RSA and the Waterberg Project, in the event of a default under the 2019 Sprott Facility or any new secured indebtedness;
• the Company's history of losses and expectations that will continue to incur losses;
• the Company's negative cash flow;
• the Company's ability to continue as a going concern;
• uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project;
• the Company's ability to bring properties into a state of commercial production;
• the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Company;
• discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production;
• fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Rand and the Canadian Dollar;
• volatility in metals prices;
• the possibility that the Company may become subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act");
• Implats or another third party may not enter into appropriate contractual smelting and/or refining arrangements with Waterberg JV Co.;
• the ability of the Company to acquire the necessary surface access rights on commercially acceptable terms or at all;
• the failure of the Company or the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project;
• any disputes or disagreements with the Company's other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo, a South African Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment company;
• the Company is subject to assessment by various taxation authorities, who may interpret tax legislation in a manner different from the Company, which may negatively affect the final amount or the timing of the payment or refund of taxes;
• the inability of Waterberg JV Co. to register the executed mining right for the Waterberg Project, for which it has received governmental approval, subject to appeals by several members of local groups of persons;
• the Company's ability to retain its key management employees;
• contractor performance and delivery of services, changes in contractors or their scope of work or any disputes with contractors;
• conflicts of interest among the Company's officers and directors;
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• any designation of the Company as a "passive foreign investment company" and potential adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders;
• "non-accelerated filer" status and the reduced disclosure requirements may make securities less attractive to investors;
• litigation or other legal or administrative proceedings brought against the Company, including the current litigation brought by Africa Wide Mineral Prospecting and Exploration (Pty) Limited ("Africa Wide"), the former 17.1% shareholder of Maseve Investments 11 Proprietary Limited ("Maseve"), the Appeals (defined below) brought by persons from certain host communities against the grant of the Waterberg Mining Right, a review application brought by a host community against the decision of the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (the "DFFE") not to condone the late filing of an appeal against the Environmental Authorization granted to Waterberg JV Co and an application for an urgent injunction to halt early works by Waterberg JV Co pending the outcomes of the various appeals and reviews;;
• actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption;
• exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, safety stoppages (whether voluntary or regulatory), pressures, mine collapses, cave ins or flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties;
• property zoning and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property;
• changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, South Africa or other countries in which the Company does or may carry out business in the future;
• equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire the necessary infrastructure for its mineral properties;
• environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences;
• extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry;
• delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits;
• any adverse decision in respect of the Company's mineral rights and projects in South Africa under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002 (the "MPRDA");
• risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation;
• the failure to maintain or increase equity participation by historically disadvantaged South Africans in the Company's prospecting and mining operations and to otherwise comply with the Amended Broad Based Socio Economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry, 2018 (the "Mining Charter 2018");
• certain potential adverse Canadian tax consequences for foreign-controlled Canadian companies that acquire common shares of the Company ("Common Shares" or "shares of Common Stock");
• socio economic instability in South Africa or regionally, including risks of resource nationalism;
• labour disruptions and increased labour costs;
• changes in South African state royalties;
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• interruptions, shortages or cuts in the supply of electricity or water;
• characteristics of and changes in the tax systems in South Africa;
• a change in community relations:
• South African foreign exchange controls impacting repatriation of profits;
• land restitution claims or land expropriation;
• restriction on dividend payments;
• the risk that the Common Shares may be delisted;
• volatility in the price of the Common Shares;
• the exercise of stock options or warrants resulting in dilution to the holders of Common Shares;
• future sales, conversion of senior subordinated notes or issuances of equity securities decreasing the value of the Common Shares, diluting investors' voting power, and reducing our earnings per share;
• enforcing judgements based on the civil liability provisions of United States federal securities laws;
• global financial conditions; and
• other risks disclosed under Item 5.5 Risk Factors in this AIF or in the Company's most recent Form 20-F annual report and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively.
These factors should be considered carefully, and investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's Forward-Looking Statements. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
The mineral resource and mineral reserve figures referred to in this AIF and the documents incorporated herein by reference are estimates and no assurances can be given that the indicated levels of platinum ("Pt"), palladium ("Pd"), rhodium ("Rh") and gold ("Au") will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. By their nature, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. Any inaccuracy or future reduction in such estimates could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
Any Forward-Looking Statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any Forward-Looking Statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
2.5 RESERVE AND MINERAL RESOURCE DISCLOSURE
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to inferred mineral resource estimates, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource estimate will be upgraded to an indicated or measured mineral resource estimate as a result of continued exploration. Confidence in an inferred mineral resource estimate is insufficient to allow meaningful application of the technical and economic parameters to enable an evaluation of economic viability sufficient for public disclosure, except in certain limited circumstances set out in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Inferred mineral resource estimates are excluded from estimates forming the basis of a feasibility study.
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Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
NI 43-101 requires mining companies to disclose reserves and resources using the subcategories of proven reserves, probable reserves, measured resources, indicated resources and inferred resources. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
A "mineral reserve" is the economically mineable part of a measured and/or indicated mineral resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, governmental and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction could reasonably be justified. A mineral reserve includes diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined or extracted. A "proven mineral reserve" is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. A "probable mineral reserve" is the economically mineable part of an indicated, and in some circumstances, a measured mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
A "mineral resource" is a concentration or occurrence of solid material in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling. A "measured mineral resource" is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation. An "indicated mineral resource" is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of technical and economic parameters in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade continuity between points of observation. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. An "inferred mineral resource" is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.
A "feasibility study" is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of applicable mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, governmental and other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable). The results of the study may serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project. A "preliminary feasibility study" or "pre-feasibility study" is a comprehensive study of a range of options for the technical and economic viability of a mineral project that has advanced to a stage where a preferred mining method, in the case of underground mining, or the pit configuration, in the case of an open pit, is established and an effective method of mineral processing is determined. It includes a financial analysis based on reasonable assumptions on the applicable mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, governmental and other relevant operational factors and the evaluation of any other relevant factors which are sufficient for a qualified person, acting reasonably, to determine if all or part of the mineral resource may be converted to a mineral reserve at the time of reporting. "Cutoff grade" means (a) in respect of mineral resources, the lowest grade below which the mineralized rock currently cannot reasonably be expected to be economically extracted, and (b) in respect of mineral reserves, the lowest grade below which the mineralized rock currently cannot be economically extracted as demonstrated by either a preliminary feasibility study or a feasibility study. Cutoff grades vary between deposits depending upon the amenability of ore to mineral extraction and upon costs of production and metal prices.
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Units of Conversion
The following table sets forth certain standard conversions from the International System of Units (metric units) to the Standard Imperial Units:
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Conversion Table |
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Metric |
|
Imperial |
|
1.0 millimetre (mm) |
= |
0.039 inches (in) |
|
1.0 metre (m) |
= |
3.28 feet (ft) |
|
1.0 kilometre (km) |
= |
0.621 miles (mi) |
|
1.0 hectare (ha) |
= |
2.471 acres (ac) |
|
1.0 gram (g) |
= |
0.032 troy ounces (oz) |
|
1.0 metric tonne (t) |
= |
1.102 short tons (ton) |
|
1.0 g/t |
= |
0.029 oz/ton |
2.6 CAUTIONARY NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS
Estimates of mineralization and other technical information included or incorporated by reference herein have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The definitions of proven and probable reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. As a result, the reserves reported by the Company in accordance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as "reserves" under SEC standards. In addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or prefeasibility studies, except in rare cases. See "Reserve and Mineral Resource Disclosure". Additionally, disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian securities laws; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measurements. Accordingly, information contained in this AIF and the documents incorporated by reference herein containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of SEC Industry Guide 7. The Company has not disclosed or determined any mineral reserves under the current SEC Industry Guide 7 standards in respect of any of its properties.
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On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule ("New Final Rule") that will replace Industry Guide 7 with new disclosure requirements that are more closely aligned with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101. The Company is not currently required to, nor does it, comply with the New Final Rule.
2.7 CURRENCY PRESENTATION AND EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION
All monetary amounts set forth in this AIF are expressed in United States Dollars ("U.S. Dollars" or "USD" or "$" or "US$"), except where otherwise indicated. The Parent Company's functional currency is the Canadian Dollar ("Canadian Dollar" or "CDN" or "C$" or "CAD") and is reported in a USD presentation currency. The Company's South African subsidiaries use the South African Rand ("Rand" or "R" or "ZAR") as a functional currency.
The following table sets forth the rate of exchange for the U.S. Dollars expressed in Canadian Dollars in effect at the end of each of the indicated periods, the average of the exchange rates in effect on the last day of each month during each of the periods indicated, and the high and low exchange rates during each of the periods indicated based on the average daily rate of exchange reported by the Bank of Canada for the conversion of U.S. Dollars into Canadian Dollars.
|
U.S. Dollar to Canadian Dollars |
Year Ended August 31, |
||
|
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
Rate at end of period |
C$1.2617 |
C$1.3042 |
C$1.3295 |
|
Average rate for period |
C$1.2688 |
C$1.3458 |
C$1.3255 |
|
High for period |
C$1.3396 |
C$1.4496 |
C$1.3642 |
|
Low for period |
C$1.2040 |
C$1.2970 |
C$1.2803 |
The daily average rate of exchange on November 19, 2021 as reported by the Bank of Canada for the conversion of U.S. Dollars into Canadian Dollars was $1.00 equals C$1.2639.
The following table sets forth the rate of exchange for the South African Rand expressed in Canadian Dollars in effect at the end of each of the indicated periods, the average of the exchange rates in effect on the last day of each month during each of the periods indicated, and the high and low exchange rates during each of the periods indicated based on the average daily rate of exchange as reported by the Bank of Canada for the conversion of South African Rand into Canadian Dollars.
|
South African Rand to Canadian Dollars |
Year Ended August 31 |
||
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
|
Rate at end of period |
R11.5115 |
R12.7052 |
R11.4403 |
|
Average rate for period |
R11.8256 |
R12.1219 |
R10.8127 |
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|
South African Rand to Canadian Dollars |
Year Ended August 31 |
||
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
|
High for period |
R12.8816 |
R13.5501 |
R11.7165 |
|
Low for period |
R11.1532 |
R10.7342 |
R10.1030 |
The daily average rate of exchange on November 19, 2020 as reported by the Bank of Canada for the conversion of South African Rand into Canadian Dollars was C$1.00 equals R12.4394.
Terms used and not defined in this AIF that are defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102") shall bear that definition. Other definitions are set out in National Instrument 14-101 - Definitions.
2.8 NOTICE REGARDING NON-GAAP MEASURES
This AIF may include certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We believe that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These non-GAAP measures should be read in conjunction with our financial statements.
2.9 SHARE CONSOLIDATIONS
On January 28, 2016 the Common Shares were consolidated on the basis of one new share for ten old shares (1:10) (the "2016 Share Consolidation").
On December 13, 2018, the Common Shares were further consolidated on the basis of one new share for ten old shares (1:10) (the "2018 Share Consolidation", and together with the 2016 Share Consolidation, the "Consolidations"). The purpose of the Consolidations was to increase the Common Share price to be in compliance with the NYSE American LLC's ("NYSE American") low selling price requirement.
The conversion rate of the Company's convertible senior subordinated $20 million aggregate principal amount of 6 7/8% convertible notes, issued June 30, 2017 and maturing on July 1, 2022 (the "Notes"), and the exercise prices of any outstanding options and warrants, and the number of Common Shares for which such securities are exercisable, were appropriately adjusted to give effect to the Consolidations, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of their governing instruments.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information included in this AIF, including, without limitation, all share and per share amounts, trading and per share prices, note conversion rates and option and warrant exercise prices, is presented after giving effect to the Consolidations.
ITEM 3 CORPORATE STRUCTURE
3.1 NAME, ADDRESS AND INCORPORATION
The Company is a corporation organized under the laws of British Columbia, Canada. The Company was formed by way of an amalgamation on February 18, 2002 under the Company Act (British Columbia) pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia approving an amalgamation between Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and New Millennium Metals Corporation. On January 25, 2005, the Company was transitioned under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"). The Company's British Columbia incorporation number is BC0642278.
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The Company's head office is located at Suite 838 - 1100 Melville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4A6. The Company's registered office is located at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, Suite 2300 - 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2B5.
Since its formation, the Company has been engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of platinum and palladium properties. PTM currently holds interests in platinum properties in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. The Company's business is currently conducted primarily in South Africa.
At present, the Company's sole material mineral property is the Waterberg Project. Results of a DFS targeting a large, thick PGM resource with the objective to model a large-scale, fully-mechanized mine was announced by the Company on September 24, 2019. A substantial portion of the Waterberg Project's prospecting area remains unexplored.
In 2019, the Company founded Lion Battery Technologies Inc. ("Lion Battery") in partnership with Anglo American Platinum Limited ("Amplats") to support the use of palladium and platinum in lithium battery applications.
3.2 PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
The Company's material subsidiaries are comprised of one wholly-owned company, a 49.9% holding in a second company and a direct and indirect 50.02% holding in a third company, all of which are incorporated under the company laws of the Republic of South Africa and a 53.7% holding in a fourth company incorporated in British Columbia. The following chart represents the Company's corporate organization as at the date of this AIF:
Notes
1. Remaining 46.3% interest owned by Anglo Platinum Marketing Ltd., a subsidiary of Anglo American.
2. Remaining interest owned as to 12.195% by Japan, Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, 9.755% by Hanwa Co. Ltd. and 15.0% by Implats.
3. Remaining 50.1% interest owned by Mlibo Gladly Mgudlwa and Luyanda Mgudlwa. Qualified BEE company.
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As at the date of filing of this AIF, the Company's only material mineral property is the Waterberg Project, which is comprised of two adjacent project areas formerly known as the Waterberg Joint Venture Project and the Waterberg Extension Project. The Waterberg Project is held by Waterberg JV Co. in which the Company is the largest owner, with a 50.02% beneficial interest, of which 37.05% is held directly by PTM RSA and 12.974% is held indirectly through PTM RSA's 49.9% interest in Mnombo, a BEE company which holds 26.0% of Waterberg JV Co. The remaining interests in Waterberg JV Co. are held as to 12.195% by a nominee of Japan, Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC"), 9.755% by Hanwa Co. Ltd. ("Hanwa") and 15.0% by Implats. PTM RSA is the manager of Waterberg JV Co. Waterberg JV Co. and its shares are governed by a shareholders agreement (the "Waterberg Shareholders Agreement") and memorandum of incorporation. To cause the board of directors of Waterberg JV Co. to take action, PTM RSA must generally obtain the approval of the board representatives of at least one other shareholder, which may be Mnombo, in which the Company has a 49.9% interest. In addition, certain matters must be approved by a majority, 80% or 90% vote of the Waterberg JV Co. shareholders, depending on the matter, or, in certain cases, by specific shareholders. The Waterberg Shareholders Agreement confirms the principles of BEE compliance and contemplates the potential transfer of equity and the issuance of additional equity to one or more broad based black empowerment partners, at fair value in certain circumstances, including a change in law or imposition of a requirement upon Waterberg JV Co. In certain circumstances, Mnombo may be diluted with equity transferred or issued to different black empowerment shareholders.
ITEM 4 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
4.1 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
| Post August 2021 | Sprott Facility |
| Monthly interest payments totaling $1.59 million were paid to Sprott in the year ended August 31, 2021, with a further $0.17 million in interest paid subsequent to year end. The Sprott Facility requires a cash sweep of 50% of the Company’s net proceeds from equity offerings or new debt securities be applied to repayment of the Sprott Facility. However, from the aggregate net proceeds of the 2020 ATM, the October 2020 Private Placement and the December 2020 Private Placement, Sprott allowed the Company to pay Sprott a reduced amount of $4.8 million, with the balance of what would otherwise be due to Sprott of $3.39 million being retained by the Company for working capital and to settle $2.89 million of deferred bank advisory fees. Looking forward, 50% of the net proceeds from the 2021 ATM are to be repaid to Sprott. |
4.2 THREE-YEAR HISTORY
The following is a summary of the Company's noteworthy developments over the last three fiscal years.
Fiscal 2019 Developments
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October 2018 |
Mining Right Application |
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On October 10, 2018, the Company announced the acceptance of a mining right application for the Waterberg Project by the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ("DMRE"). The application consists of a mining work program, social and labour plan and applicable environmental applications. The mining right application is supported by the Company and all of the Waterberg joint venture partners including Implats, JOGMEC, Hanwa and Mnombo. The process of consultation under the MPRDA and environmental assessment regulations for the mining right application has commenced. Updated Mineral Resource Estimate On October 25, 2018, the Company reported an updated independent 4E resource estimate for the Waterberg Project. |
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November 2018 |
Updated Technical Report |
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On November 16, 2018, Platinum Group filed a technical report on the Waterberg Project (the "October 2018 Waterberg Report"). |
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December 2018 |
Share Consolidation |
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On December 13, 2018, the Company completed the 2018 Share Consolidation by consolidating the Common Shares on the basis of one new share for ten old shares (1:10). |
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February 2019 |
Non-Brokered Private Placement |
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On February 4, 2019, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of Common Shares at price of US $1.33 each. An aggregate of 3,124,059 Common Shares were subscribed for and issued, including a 124,059 Common Share increase to the announced offering size, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of US $4.155 million (the "February 2019 Private Placement"). A 6% cash finder's fee in the amount of US $71,590 was paid in cash on a portion of the February 2019 Private Placement. Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited ("HCI"), a South African Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Company, an existing major shareholder of the Company, subscribed for 2,141,942 Common Shares through its subsidiary Deepkloof Limited ("Deepkloof"). |
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March 2019 |
Hanwa's Acquisition of Interest |
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On March 7, 2019, the Company announced the completion of the transaction between JOGMEC and Hanwa pursuant to which Hanwa acquired a 9.755% interest in the Waterberg Project from JOGMEC. In February 2018, JOGMEC held a public tender to transfer 9.755% of JOGMEC's 21.95% interest in the Waterberg Project. Hanwa successfully won the bid, whereupon Hanwa and JOGMEC started the process required to complete and finalize the transfer. On October 24, 2018, Hanwa and JOGMEC officially entered into a transfer agreement. Upon the grant of approval from the government of the Republic of South Africa, the entire transfer procedure was completed in March 2019. JOGMEC continues to be an active joint venture partner. Under the terms of the transaction, Hanwa also acquired the marketing right to solely purchase all the metals produced from the Waterberg Project at market prices. |
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June 2019 |
Non-Brokered Private Placement |
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On June 28, 2019, the Company reported the closing of a non-brokered private placement with HCI for gross proceeds of US$1.3 million (the "June 2019 Private Placement"). In connection with the June 2019 Private Placement, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,111,111 Common Shares to Deepkloof, a subsidiary of HCI, at a price of US$1.17 per Common Share. |
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July 2019 |
Lion Battery Technologies Inc. |
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On July 12, 2019, Platinum Group, together with an affiliate of Amplats, launched a new venture through a jointly owned company, Lion Batteries Technologies Inc. (''Lion'') to accelerate the development of next generation battery technology using platinum and palladium. The global automotive industry accounts for approximately 86% of palladium demand and approximately 37% of platinum demand. Lion will explore a role for platinum group metals in other batteries. Amplats and the Company have agreed to invest up to a total of $4.0 million, subject to certain conditions, in exchange for preferred shares of Lion at a price of $0.50 per share over approximately a three to four year period. Each party has invested an initial $550,000 into Lion in exchange for 1,100,000 preferred shares each. In addition, the Company has invested $4,000 as the original founder's round into Lion in exchange for 400,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.01 per share. |
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Agreement with Florida International University Following the formation of Lion, on July 12, 2019, Lion entered into an agreement with Florida International University ("FIU") to further advance a research programme that uses platinum and palladium to unlock the potential of Lithium Air and Lithium Sulfur battery chemistries to increase their discharge capacities and cyclability. Under the agreement with FIU, Lion will have exclusive rights to all intellectual property developed and will lead all commercialisation efforts. Lion is also currently reviewing several additional and complementary opportunities focused on developing next-generation battery technology using platinum and palladium. Thanks to considerably higher energy density, Lithium Oxygen and Lithium Sulfur batteries can perform better, by orders of magnitude, than the best-in-class Lithium-ion batteries currently on the market or under development. This new generation of lightweight, powerful batteries has the potential to grow to scale on the back of the attractiveness of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the use of lithium batteries in other applications beyond mobility. |
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August 2019 |
Launch of Concurrent Transactions |
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On August 15, 2019, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with BMO Capitals Markets ("BMO") under which BMO agreed to buy on a bought deal basis in the United States 8,326,957 Common Shares of the Company at a price of US$1.25 per share for gross proceeds of approximately US$10.41 million (the "BMO Public Offering"). In addition, on August 15, 2019, the Company entered into the following agreements, through which, together with the proceeds from the above public offering, it repaid the LMM Facility in full:
A new credit agreement with Sprott and the Sprott Lenders pursuant to which the Sprott Lenders provided a US$20.0 million principal amount senior secured credit facility advance to the Company. The maturity date of the 2019 Sprott Facility was 24 months from August 14, 2019. The Company also had the option to extend the maturity date by one year in exchange for a payment in Common Shares or cash of three percent of the outstanding principal amount of the 2019 Sprott Facility two business days prior to the original maturity date. The Company elected to extend the maturity date by one year to August 14, 2022 on $10 million and paid a $0.3 million cash to Sprott as the required fee. Amounts outstanding under the 2019 Sprott Facility will bear interest at a rate of 11.00% per annum, compounded monthly. Under the 2019 Sprott Credit Facility, the Sprott Lenders have a first priority lien on (i) the issued shares of PTM RSA and Waterberg JV Co. held, directly or indirectly, by the Company (and such other claims and rights described in the applicable pledge agreement); and (ii) all of the Company's present and after-acquired personal property. The 2019 Sprott Facility is also guaranteed by PTM RSA. In connection with the US$20.0 million advance, the Company issued the Sprott Lenders 800,000 Common Shares of the Company at a price of $1.25 per share, representing a value of 5.0% of the principal amount of the 2019 Sprott Facility.
A subscription by Deepkloof with respect to the private placement of 6,940,000 Common Shares of the Company at a price of US$1.32 per share for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of US$9,160,800 (the "Deepkloof Private Placement").
A payout agreement with respect to the full settlement of the LMM Facility and a subscription agreement with LMM with respect to the private placement of 7,575,758 of the Common Shares at a price of US$1.32 per share for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of US$10.0 million (the "LMM Private Placement"). |
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Closing of Concurrent Transactions |
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On August 21, 2019, the Company announced the closing of the BMO Public Offering, the Deepkloof Private Placement, the LMM Private Placement and the settlement in full of the balance due on the LMM Facility of $43.0 million. No Common Shares offered under the BMO Public Offering were offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Canada or to any resident in Canada. The Company intends to use the remaining net proceeds from the concurrent transactions for working capital and general corporate purposes. |
Fiscal 2020 Developments
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September 2019 |
Positive results of DFS Published On September 24, 2019, the Company reported the positive results of a DFS for the Waterberg Project targeting a large, thick PGM resource with the objective to model a large scale, fully mechanized mine. An updated independent 4E resource estimate for the Waterberg Project was also announced at the same time as the DFS, representing a small increase in resources based on minor infill drilling since the prior independent 4E resource estimate for the Waterberg Project as reported on October 25, 2018. |
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Updated Mineral Resource Estimate |
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The Waterberg DFS (as defined below) estimated 6.44 million 4E ounces in the higher confidence measured category (versus 6.26 million 4E ounces in the October 2018 Waterberg Report). Mineral resources estimated in the combined measured and indicated categories, at a 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off grade, increased slightly to 26.35 million 4E ounces in 242.4 million tonnes at 3.38 g/t 4E (versus 26.34 million 4E ounces in 242.5 million tonnes at 3.38 g/t in the October 2018 Waterberg report). Inferred mineral resources at a 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off grade totaled 7.0 million 4E ounces (the same as in the October 2018 Waterberg Report). The updated measured and indicated 2019 mineral resource totaling 26.35 million 4E ounces is comprised of 63.0% palladium, 29.1% platinum, 6.4% gold and 1.5% rhodium. The T zone measured and indicated resources increased in grade from 4.51 g/t 4E in the September 2018 Waterberg Report to 4.53 g/t 4E in the Waterberg DFS. For more details about the Waterberg DFS see Item 5.3 Mineral Property Interests - Waterberg Project. |
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October 2019 |
DFS Technical Report |
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On October 7, 2019, Platinum Group filed a NI 43-101 technical report on the above DFS and updated mineral resource estimate entitled "Independent Technical Report, Waterberg Project Definitive Feasibility Study and Mineral Resource Update, Bushveld Complex, South Africa" dated October 4, 2019 with an effective date of resources and reserves of September 4, 2019 (the "Waterberg DFS"). The Waterberg DFS was prepared by Charles J Muller, B. Sc. (Hons) Geology, Pri. Sci. Nat. of CJM Consulting (Pty) Ltd.; Gordon Ian Cunningham, B. Eng. (Chemical), Pr. Eng., FSAIMM of Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd.; and Michael Murphy, P. Eng. of Stantec Consulting Ltd. In addition, a SAMREC 2016 compliant Mineral Resource statement has been prepared and signed-off by the Independent Geological Qualified Person. Mineral resources in the Waterberg DFS are classified in accordance with the SAMREC 2016 standards. There are certain differences with the "CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves"; however, in this case the Independent Qualified Person responsible for mineral resource estimation in the Waterberg DFS believes the differences are not material and the two standards may be considered the same. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability but there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Inferred mineral resources have a high degree of uncertainty. Readers are directed to review the full text of the Waterberg DFS, which is incorporated by reference herein and is available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. |
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December 2019 |
Waterberg DFS Approval by Joint Venture Partners |
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On December 5, 2019, the Company reported the approval of the DFS by the shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. The Waterberg DFS was provided to the shareholders on September 4, 2019. The DFS was managed by Waterberg JV Co. representing the joint venture partners and owners, being Platinum Group, Implats, JOGMEC, Hanwa and Mnombo. |
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Non-Brokered Private Placement |
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On December 19, 2019, the Company reported the closing of a non-brokered private placement of Common Shares at price of $1.24 each. An aggregate of 3,225,807 Common Shares were subscribed for and issued resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $4.0 million (the "December 2019 Private Placement"). A 6% cash finder's fee in the amount of $54,232 was paid in cash on a portion of the December 2019 Private Placement. HCI, an existing major shareholder of the Company, subscribed for 1,612,931 Common Shares through its subsidiary Deepkloof. |
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March 2020 |
Amendment to Implats Option |
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On November 6, 2017, the Company, along with Waterberg JV Co., JOGMEC and Mnombo completed the first phase of a transaction involving the Waterberg Project initially announced on October 16, 2017 with Implats (the "Implats Transaction") whereby Implats purchased an aggregate 15.0% equity interest in Waterberg JV Co. for $30 million. Implats also acquired a right to increase its stake in Waterberg JV Co. (the "Purchase and Development Option") from 15% to 50.01% by purchasing an additional 12.195% equity interest from JOGMEC for $34.8 million and earning a further 22.815% interest by making a firm commitment to an expenditure of $130.0 million in development work. On March 31, 2020, the Implats' Purchase and Development Option was amended and restated by formal agreement (the "Amended Call Option Agreement"), to extend the termination date from April 17, 2020 to ninety calendar days following receipt of an executed mining right for the Waterberg Project. In consideration for the amendment, Implats agreed to fund an implementation and optimization work program (the "2020 Work Program") budgeted to cost up to Rand 55 million and aimed at assessing risks and increasing confidence in specific areas of the Waterberg DFS, while awaiting the grant of a mining right and Environmental Authorization. |
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June 2020 |
Receipt of Implats' Notice of Not to Exercise Option |
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On June 15, 2020, Implats delivered a formal notice (the "Election Notice") to the shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. stating their election not to exercise the Purchase and Development Option. Implats stated that notwithstanding the positive progress achieved on the 2020 Work Program to date, and the strategic alignment between the Waterberg asset and Implats' stated portfolio objectives, the unprecedented events brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated Implats to re-evaluate the impact of the increased economic uncertainty on Implats' strategy and risk appetite in the short, medium and long term. Pursuant to the Amended Call Option Agreement, Implats responsibility to fund the 2020 Work Program ended on September 15, 2020, which was 90 days after the delivery of the Election Notice. Implats reiterated their support of both the Waterberg Project and the joint venture partners and plans to remain an active 15% participant, including funding of their share of costs, subject to future considerations. |
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Non-Brokered Private Placement |
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On June 17, 2020, the Company announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement of Common Shares at a price of $1.40 each. An aggregate of 1,221,500 Common Shares were subscribed for and issued resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $1.71 million. A 6% cash finder's fee of $37,926 was paid in cash on a portion of the Private Placement. HCI, an existing major shareholder of the Company, subscribed for 500,000 Common Shares through its subsidiary Deepkloof. |
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Finalization of Income Tax Audit |
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On June 30, 2020, the Company received a letter from SARS reporting the finalization of an income tax audit of the Company's South African 100% subsidiary PTM RSA for tax years 2014, 2015 and 2016 with no reassessment or adjustment to the Company's tax returns for the years audited. |
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August 2020 |
Delivery of Subscription Failure Notice to Implats |
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As a result of the Implats Election Notice and pursuant to the Amended Call Option Agreement, the board of Waterberg JV Co. passed a resolution to issue and deliver a subscription failure notice (the "Subscription Failure Notice") to formalize the termination of the Purchase and Development Option. The Subscription Failure Notice was delivered to Implats on August 11, 2020. |
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Termination of Implats' Offtake Negotiation Period |
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On August 11, 2020, the board of Waterberg JV Co. also passed a resolution to record the termination of the exclusive offtake negotiation period with Implats as a result of the parties not reaching a concentrate offtake agreement within the Amended Call Option Agreement's 30-day prescribed period. The Company will continue to discuss and negotiate for offtake terms with Implats; however, it is now also allowed to carry on discussions with other potential concentrate offtake parties, subject to Implats right to match. |
Fiscal 2021 Developments
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September 2020 |
At-The-Market Offering Sales Agreement |
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On September 4, 2020, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with BMO to sell Common Shares from time to time for up to $12.0 million in aggregate sales proceeds in "at-the-market" transactions (the "2020 ATM"). No offers or sales of Common Shares were made in Canada, on or through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") or other trading markets in Canada, or to anyone known by BMO to be a resident of Canada. |
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Lion Battery Granted U.S. Patent |
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On September 14, 2020, the Company reported that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. 10,734,636 B2 entitled "Battery Cathodes for Improved Stability" to FIU. Under a sponsored research agreement ("SRA"), Lion Battery has exclusive rights to all technology being developed by FIU including the patents granted. The patent includes the use of platinum group metals and carbon nanotubes and other innovations in a lithium battery. |
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October 2020 |
Non-Brokered Private Placement |
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On October 15, 2020, the Company reported the closing of a non-brokered private placement of Common Shares with major shareholder HCI, through its subsidiary Deepkloof Limited ("Deepkloof"), at a price of $2.18 each (the "October 2020 Private Placement"). An aggregate of 1,146,790 Common Shares were subscribed for and issued resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $2.5 million. The October 2020 Private Placement allowed HCI to maintain its interest in the Company at over 31%. |
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November 2020 |
At-The-Market Offering Completed |
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On November 30, 2020, the Company announced the completion of the 2020 ATM with the sale of 5,440,186 Common Shares at an average price of $2.21 (the "December 2020 Private Placement") for gross proceeds of US $12.0 million. The final sales settled on December 2, 2020. No offers or sales of Common Shares were made in Canada, to anyone known to be a resident of Canada or on or through the facilities of the TSX or other trading markets in Canada. |
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December 2020 |
Non-Brokered Private Placement |
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On December 8, 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of 1,121,076 Common Shares at a price of $2.23 per share with HCI through its subsidiary Deepkloof, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $2.5 million and allowing HCI to maintain approximately a 31% interest in the Company as they held prior to the 2020 ATM completed by the Company on November 30, 2020, as described above. |
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Lion Battery Granted Second U.S. Patent |
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On December 8, 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. 10,682,103 B2 entitled "Battery Cathodes for Improved Stability" to FIU. Under the SRA, the patent is licensed to Lion and covers a preparation method using PGM catalysts in carbon materials for use as cathodes in lithium batteries, including lithium-ion, lithium-air, and lithium-sulfur batteries. The new patent broadens protection for US patent 10,734,636 B2. |
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January 2021 |
Waterberg Mining Right Granted |
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On January 28, 2021, the DMRE granted Waterberg JV Co. the Waterberg Mining Right. |
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February 2021 |
At-The-Market Offering Sales Agreement |
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On February 5, 2021, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with BMO to sell its Common Shares from time to time for up to $50.0 million in aggregate sales proceeds in "at-the-market" transactions (the "2021 ATM"). For the period ended August 31, 2021, the Company sold 2,502,790 Common Shares at an average price of $4.3754 for net proceeds of $10.68 million after fees and expenses of $0.27 million. Subsequent to August 31, 2021, as of November 24, 2021, the Company has issued an additional 4,433,448 Common Shares at an average price of $2.63 pursuant to the 2021 ATM for net proceeds of $11.4 million after fees and expenses of $0.29 million. No offers or sales of Common Shares were made in Canada, to anyone known to be a resident of Canada or on or through the facilities of theTSX or other trading markets in Canada. |
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March 2021 |
Waterberg Mining Right Notices |
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On March 5, 2021, the Company received notice of an appeal to the decision by the DMRE granting the Waterberg Mining Right (the "March 2021 Notice"). The notice was filed by a small group of four individual appellants from a local community. Later in April 2021, the Company received notice of two similar appeals (together with the March 2021 Notice, the "Appeals"). |
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April 2021 |
Waterberg Mining Right Notarially Executed |
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On April 13, 2021, representatives of the DMRE and Waterberg JV Co. completed a notarial execution of the Waterberg Mining Right. |
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May 2020 |
Waterberg Mining Right Notices (cont'd) |
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In May 2021, the Company also received notice of an application for an order in the High Court of South Africa (the "High Court") to review and set aside the decision by the Minister of the DFFE to dismiss an application for condonation for the late filing of an appeal against the Environmental Authorization granted for the Waterberg Mine on November 10, 2020 (the "Review"), and in August 2021, received notice that the Mining and Environmental Justice Community Network of South Africa, claiming to be a community networking body, together with a group of residents from certain communities located near planned surface infrastructure associated with the Waterberg Mine (the "Applicants"), intend to apply for an order (the "Application for Motion") in the High Court restraining Waterberg JV Co. from carrying on mining related activities on portions of the farms Goedetrouw and Ketting pending the finalization of the Appeals and the Review and the grant of various regulatory authorizations. The Company believes that all requirements specified under the MPRDA have been complied with and that the DMRE correctly granted the Waterberg Mining Right. Counsel acting for Waterberg JV Co. has filed formal rebuttals to the Appeals, is opposing the Review, and has filed answering papers to the Application for Motion. The Ketting Community has applied to join the Application for Motion as a party, and another host community submitted a confirmatory affidavit, both in support of Waterberg JV Co. The Ketting Community joinder application was filed on November 16, 2021 but a time frame for the hearing of the interdict application is uncertain or may never occur. The Company continues to work in a climate of mutual respect with recognized municipal and local community leadership. |
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June 2021 |
Lion Battery Granted Third Patent |
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On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. 11,038,160 B2 entitled "Battery Cathodes for Improved Stability" to FIU. The patent covers a preparation method using PGM catalysts in carbon materials for use as cathodes with increased emphasis on lithium sulphur batteries and broadens protection for US patent 10,734,636 B2 covering the composition of carbon cathodes containing PGMs. |
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July 2021 |
Waterberg Mining Right Registered |
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On July 6, 2021, Waterberg JV Co. completed the registration of the Waterberg Mining Right at the Mineral and Petroleum Titles Registration Office. |
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Lion Battery Agreements Amended |
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On July 6, 2021 the Company and Anglo agreed to increase the planned funding to Lion by a further $2.73 million, to a total of up to $6.73 million, in order to allow the acceleration of certain research and commercialization activities. On the same date, Lion Battery agreed to increase the planned amount of research funding to FIU by a further amount of $1.0 million, for a total of up to $4.0 million. If the Company should fail to contribute its share of a required subscription to Lion Battery, it would be in breach of its agreement with Lion Battery and its interest in Lion Battery may be subject to dilution. |
4.3 SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS
The Company has not made any significant acquisitions during its most recently completed financial year for which disclosure is required under Part 8 of NI 51-102.
ITEM 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS
5.1 OVERVIEW
The Company is a platinum and palladium focused exploration, development and operating company conducting work primarily on mineral properties it has staked or acquired by way of option agreements or applications in the Republic of South Africa.
The Company's sole material mineral property is the Waterberg Project, which was the subject of the DFS completed in 2019 as described in this AIF. The Company continues to evaluate exploration opportunities both on currently owned properties and on new prospects.
The Company currently conducts no product sales, does not currently distribute any product and does not have any source of operating revenues at this time. The Company will be required to source additional financing by way of private or public offerings of equity or debt or the sale of project or property interests in order to have sufficient working capital for continued exploration and development on the Waterberg Project, as well as for general working capital purposes and compliance with, and repayment of, its existing indebtedness.
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Principal Product
Our principal product from the Waterberg Project, in accordance with the Waterberg DFS, is planned to be a PGM bearing concentrate. The concentrate will contain certain amounts of eight elements payable to the Company's account comprised of platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, ruthenium, iridium, copper and nickel. Pursuant to the Implats Transaction, Implats has acquired a right of first refusal to enter into an offtake agreement, on commercial arms-length terms, for the smelting and refining of mineral products from the Waterberg Project.
Implats Transaction
On November 6, 2017, the Company, along with Waterberg JV Co., JOGMEC and Mnombo completed the first phase of the Implats Transaction whereby Implats purchased an aggregate 15.0% equity interest in Waterberg JV Co. for $30 million. The Company received consideration of $17.2 million from Implats for the sale of an 8.6% interest in the Waterberg Project and JOGMEC received $12.8 million for the sale of a 6.4% interest in the Waterberg Project.
Pursuant to the Implats Transaction, Implats acquired a right to increase its stake in Waterberg JV Co. to 50.01% by purchasing an additional 12.195% equity interest from JOGMEC for $34.8 million and earning into the remaining interest by making a firm commitment to an expenditure of $130.0 million in development work (the "Purchase and Development Option"). Implats also acquired a right of first refusal to smelt and refine Waterberg concentrate. The positive results of the DFS were announced on September 24, 2019 and the Waterberg Project Definitive Feasibility Study and Mineral Resource Update Technical Report dated September 4, 2019 (the "DFS") was delivered to the Waterberg JV Co. shareholders on October 4, 2019 for review and approval. After approval by Waterberg JV Co. or Implats of the DFS, Implats had an option within 90 business days to elect to exercise the Purchase and Development Option.
Pursuant to the Implats Transaction, Implats also acquired a right of first refusal ("ROFR") to enter into an offtake agreement, on commercial arms-length terms, for the smelting and refining of mineral products from the Waterberg Project. Hanwa will retain a right to receive platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, ruthenium, iridium, copper and nickel in refined mineral products at the volume produced from the Waterberg Project.
On March 31, 2020, the Implats' Purchase and Development Option was amended and restated by formal agreement (the "Amended Call Option Agreement"), to extend the termination date from April 17, 2020 to ninety calendar days following receipt of an executed mining right for the Waterberg Project.
In consideration for the amendment, Implats agreed to fund the 2020 Work Program. The 2020 Work Program, budgeted to cost up to Rand 55 million, was aimed at increasing confidence in specific areas of the Waterberg DFS while awaiting the grant of a mining right and Environmental Authorization.
On June 15, 2020, Implats delivered an Election Notice stating their election not to exercise the Purchase and Development Option. Implats stated that notwithstanding the positive progress achieved on the 2020 Work Program to date, and the strategic alignment between the Waterberg asset and Implats stated portfolio objectives, the unprecedented events brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated Implats to re-evaluate the impact of the increased economic uncertainty on Implats' strategy and risk appetite in the short, medium and long term. Implats reiterated their support of both the Waterberg Project and the joint venture partners and plans to remain an active 15% participant, including funding of their share of costs, subject to future considerations.
On August 11, 2020, further to Implats Election Notice and pursuant to the Amended Call Option Agreement, Waterberg JV Co. delivered to Implats the Subscription Failure Notice to formalize the termination of the Purchase and Development Option. Waterberg JV Co. also recorded the termination of the offtake negotiation period with Implats as a result of the parties not reaching a concentrate offtake agreement within the 30-day prescribed period. The Company continues to discuss and negotiate for offtake terms with Implats; however, the Company is also carrying on discussions with other potential concentrate offtake parties, subject to Implats' ROFR.
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Specialized Skill and Knowledge
Various aspects of our business require specialized skills and knowledge, including the areas of geology, engineering, operations, drilling, metallurgy, permitting, logistical planning and implementation of exploration programs as well as legal compliance, finance and accounting. We face competition for qualified personnel with these specialized skills and knowledge, which may increase our costs of operations or result in delays. The Company has found that it has been able to locate and retain employees or engage consulting experts with the required skills as described above when needed.
Competitive Conditions
The global PGM mining industry has benefited from long-term rising demand from the global automotive and fabrication sectors. In 2020 South Africa's PGM mining sector represented approximately 66% of global platinum mine supply and 29% of global palladium mine supply. From mid-2012 until early 2019 global economic uncertainty, increased supply from recycling and slower growth created a weak market for PGMs. Lower market prices for PGMs combined with labour unrest caused stoppages and closures of some higher cost platinum mines and shafts in South Africa. The market for PGMs, palladium and rhodium in particular, has improved in since 2019, resulting in a higher overall metal basket price. In 2021, the impact of a global shortage of semi-conductor chips resulted in reduced global automotive production. The concurrent reduction in demand for PGMs resulted in prices for each of the PGMs to fall from their zeniths, which occurred in approximately February to April of 2021. Almost all South African platinum and palladium supply comes from the geographic constraints of the Western, Northern and Eastern Limbs of the Bushveld Complex, resulting in a high degree of competition for mineral rights and projects. South Africa's PGM mining sector remains beholden to economic developments in the global automotive industry, which in 2020 accounted for approximately 37% of the total global demand for platinum and 80% of the total global demand for palladium. A prolonged downturn in global automobile and light truck sales, resulting in depressed platinum prices, often results in declining production as unprofitable mines are shut down. Alternatively, strong automobile and light truck sales combined with strong fabrication demand for platinum, most often results in a more robust industry, creating competition for resources, including funding, labour, technical experts, power, water, materials and equipment. Since late 2015 to early 2021, the price of palladium more than quadrupled due to rising gasoline automotive sector demand, while platinum prices are at about the same price now as they were in 2015, having rebounded somewhat from very low price levels experienced in late 2018. The South African industry is dominated by three or four producers, who also control smelting and refining facilities. As a result, there is general competition for access to these facilities on a contract basis. If the Company moves towards production on the Waterberg Project, it will become exposed to many of the risks of competition described herein. See "Item 5.5 Risk Factors".
Employees and Contractors
The Company's current complement of officers, staff and consultants in Canada consists of 5 individuals. In July 2021, the Company's CEO resigned. As a component to a separation agreement, the former CEO is to be available as a consultant to the Company until December 31, 2021. The Waterberg Project is operated by the Company utilizing its own staff and personnel. Contract drilling, geotechnical, engineering and support services are utilized as required. Operations at the Waterberg Project are funded by Waterberg JV Co and its shareholders. The Company's complement of managers, staff, consultants, security and casual workers in South Africa consists of approximately 9 individuals, inclusive of 2 individuals active at the Waterberg Project conducting exploration and engineering activities related to the execution of DFS' recommendations before a possible decision by Waterberg JV Co.
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Foreign Operations
The Company conducts its business in South Africa which hosts a large and well-developed mining industry. This, among other factors, means the infrastructure in many areas is well-established, with well-maintained roads and highways as well as electricity distribution networks, water supply and telephone and communication systems. Electrical generating capacity has been strained by demand in recent years in South Africa, but additional capacity is currently under construction. Additional water infrastructure will also be required. See "Item 5.5 Risk Factors".
There is also access to materials and skilled labour in South Africa due to the existence of many platinum, chrome, gold and coal mines. Smelter complexes and refining facilities are also located in South Africa. South Africa has an established government, police force and judiciary as well as financial, health care and social institutions, although such institutions underwent significant change following the fall of apartheid and free elections in 1994 and are continuing to be developed. The system of mineral tenure was overhauled by new legislation in 2002, which came into force in 2004. Since 1994, South Africa has been considered an emerging democracy. See "Item 5.5 Risk Factors".
5.2 SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
Corporate Social Responsibility
Being a responsible corporate citizen means protecting the natural environment associated with our business activities, providing a safe workplace for our employees and contractors, and investing in infrastructure, economic development, and health and education in the communities where we operate so that we can enhance the lives of those who work and live there beyond the life of such operations. We take a long-term view of our corporate responsibility, which is reflected in the policies that guide our business decisions, and in our corporate culture that fosters safe and ethical behaviour across all levels of Platinum Group. Our goal is to ensure that our engagement with our stakeholders, including our workforce, industry partners, and the communities where we operate, is continued, mutually beneficial and transparent. By building such relationships and conducting ourselves in this manner, we can address specific concerns of our stakeholders and work cooperatively and effectively towards achieving this goal.
Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG")
ESG Approach
The Company and Waterberg JV Co. are committed to conducting business in a responsible and sustainable manner. Our core ESG values are:
- to maximize the positive effect of our projects and operations for all stakeholders;
- caring for the environment in which we operate;
- contributing to both the short-term and long-term development of our host communities;
- ensuring safe and secure workplaces for our employees;
- contributing to the welfare of our employees and local communities; and
- promoting good corporate governance, through openness, transparency, and accountability.
We are working to develop a set of performance indicators to measure and monitor key environmental, social sustainability and governance activities at the Waterberg Project. We wish to achieve a high level of understanding and commitment from those who carry out our day-to-day activities. Our social performance indicators aim to cover social risk management, grievance management and community investment. Our environmental performance indicators aim to cover environmental impact mitigation, audits, water, energy, greenhouse gas emissions ("GHG") and environmental remediation and rehabilitation. Health and safety performance indicators are also to be recorded and monitored.
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ESG Reporting and Assessment
We have partnered with Digbee Ltd. ("Digbee") to utilize an industry approved set of frameworks to assess and disclose our ESG metrics. Platinum Group completed its inaugural ESG disclosure submission with Digbee in October, 2021. Digbee, a United Kingdom based company, is a new mining-focused expert network and ESG disclosure platform with a goal to provide improved disclosure and better access to capital markets for mining companies involved with strong ESG practices. Digbee has been endorsed by leading financial firms who support the Digbee ESG initiative such as Blackrock Inc., BMO, and Dundee Corporation.
The Digbee ESG platform amalgamates over thirty initiatives and reporting standards to generate an appropriate ESG score for development stage mining companies. The Digbee reporting framework encompasses widely recognized ESG standards including, the Equator Principles, the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, the sustainability accounting standards of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the recommendations for more effective climate-related disclosures established by the Task Force on Climate Related Disclosure. Digbee provides a reporting framework to assist financial institutions in their own assessment of environmental and social risks in projects.
The Company's ESG submission was based on both corporate level and project level disclosure. As part of the Waterberg Mining Right application process the Company developed a wide ranging set of studies and plans in relation to potential ESG impacts. These studies and specialists were leveraged to form the basis of the Digbee ESG disclosure and subsequent outcomes.
Based on the information provided, Platinum Group achieved an overarching score from Digbee of BB with a range of CC to AA as of September 2021.
High Level Positive Outcomes from Digbee Assessment
- The commodities expected to be produced from this asset are recognized as being critical to the global energy transition.
- The original layout for the mining operation has been altered to reduce its potential impact on local communities, a sign that Platinum Group is listening and reacting to stakeholder engagement.
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- Robust Impact Assessments have been completed providing good baselines for ongoing ESG monitoring.
High Level Potential Risks and Opportunities from Digbee Assessment
- The asset is located in an arid environment with the need to manage all water sources, pathways and receptors very carefully.
- While immediate local communities are generally supportive of the project, interaction between communities and mining companies in the larger region have led to civil dissatisfaction in the past.
- Information submitted pertaining to the Tailings Storage Facility indicates that further studies are required to optimize the management of all related risks.
ESG Objectives
We are continuing to work on enhancements to our community engagement processes for all our mining and environmental matters. We consider all stakeholders and confirm our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and surrounding communities. Health and safety also remain a top priority. Our ESG objectives include:
- reducing planned water consumption;
- achieving full compliance with regulations and reporting of GHG emissions;
- achieving minimum impact on vegetation and supporting and enabling local biodiversity;
- reducing planned industrial waste;
- resolving individual community member grievances;
- continuing and improving stakeholder communication and engagement programs; and
- achieving zero significant environmental incidents.
Environmental
We have commissioned independent environmental site inspections and environmental management program compliance assessments at the Waterberg Project for all our prospecting rights areas. Annual environmental reports are filed with regulators. To date, there have been no significant environmental incidents at our Waterberg operation since exploration began on the property in 2011. As a requirement to the grant of the Waterberg Mining Right an EIA and EMP were filed with governmental regulators after a comprehensive consultation process with communities, regulators, environmental institutions, and other stakeholders over the last ten years. Several independent, third-party specialist consultants completed component studies as a part of the application process. The EIA and EMP were subsequently approved by the relevant regulators.
During 2020 an environmental rehabilitation bond was established for the future costs of mine closure and environmental restoration. As the operations at the Waterberg Project increase, so too will the size of this bond.
During 2020 a study examining the use of battery electric equipment for the Waterberg Project was completed and a study examining possible water use reduction and dry stacking solutions for tailings was completed.
Furthermore, the mineral resources targeted at the Waterberg Project are mineable platinum group metals, being mainly palladium, platinum, and rhodium. These metals are important elements in terms of reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engines. Platinum is a critical element in fuel cells and the "hydrogen economy" in general, highlighting the mine's potential to contribute to a cleaner future.
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Social
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided and delivered approximately US$5,000 in hygiene supplies, medical supplies, and personal protection equipment to local communities near the Waterberg Project. We ensured safe operation of exploration and office facilities during the government mandated and recommended activity suspensions. To date, work at the Waterberg Project has been related to exploration and engineering activities. Overall safety performance has been very good and strict safety protocols are followed.
We maintain an open communication policy with communities near the Waterberg Project. We responded to concerns raised by individuals regarding water resources, roadways, heritage sites and planned infrastructure locations by thoroughly investigating each reported concern or claim. Meetings were held with community leaders and site inspections occurred with local community members accompanied by independent consultants, NGOs, government agencies and regulators. Although no material issues or events of regulatory non-compliance by the Company have been identified after these investigations, the Company remains committed to operating in a responsible manner and continues to work with local community leadership to ensure any identified issues are resolved in an appropriate and professional manner and in compliance with governing regulations. Based on community meetings and direct feedback, and in part due to the Company's efforts to engage and support local communities, we believe local community residents support the development of the Waterberg Project and understand the expected economic benefits. Nonetheless, a number of parties within the local community filed the Appeals in 2021 objecting to the grant of the Waterberg Mining Right. Waterberg JV Co. has responded to each appeal and will follow the appropriate regulatory process in each instance.
Governance and Nomination Committee
Composition
The Governance and Nomination Committee has been comprised of Timothy Marlow (Chair), Diana Walters and Stuart Harshaw since February 2020. All three members of the Governance and Nomination Committee are independent.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Governance and Nomination Committee include but are not limited to:-
review and make recommendations to the board of directors of the Company respecting corporate governance in general and regarding the Board’s stewardship role in the management of the Company;
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review, approve and report to the Board on:
- the establishment of appropriate processes for the regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board and its members and its committees and their charters;
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in conjunction with the Chair of the Board, the performance of individual directors, the Board as a whole, and committees of the Board;
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the performance evaluation of the Chair of the Board and the Chair of each Board committee; and
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regularly, the performance evaluation of the CEO, including performance against corporate objectives.
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CEO succession planning;
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oversee compliance with the Code of Conduct, monitor compliance with the Code of Conduct, investigate any alleged breach or violation of the Code of Conduct, authorize any waiver granted in connection with the Code of Conduct; and
oversee compliance with any rules, regulations or guidelines promulgated by regulatory authorities relating to corporate governance.
Environmental, Health, Safety and Technical Advisory Committee
Composition
The Environmental, Health, Safety and Technical Advisory (EHST) Committee was established on April 30, 2021 and has been comprised of Stuart Harshaw (Chair), Diana Walters and Timothy Harlow since August 9, 2021. All three members of the EHST Committee are independent.
Responsibilities
The EHST Committee is responsible for providing environmental and safety oversight, advisory support, guidance and assistance to management in respect of construction, commissioning and operation of the Company’s mines, and assisting the Board in providing project oversight. In carrying out its responsibility, the EHST Committee will review, monitor and report and make recommendations to the Board on:
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the timing, scope and execution of any preliminary or definitive feasibility study that the Committee or the Board has determined to be material to the Company;
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the Company entering any new material contracts (i.e., > US$5.0 Million), including, but not limited in relation to, engineering, procurement and construction, project financing and concentrate offtake;
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the progress of any material construction undertaken, including material construction costs and the status of material contract related to construction and any dispute or litigation which may arise;
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the steps being taken towards preparing for new operations, including the commissioning plan and the implementation of that plan, as well as the fulfillment of ongoing human resource needs;
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the mine production plan, as proposed and revised from time to time, and the implementation of such plan;
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mine operations and production;
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any risks associated with any of the foregoing and originating appropriate risk management strategies for consideration by the Board;
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overseeing the development of work practices that provide safe, healthy working conditions for all personnel including contract employees, protecting public safety, and compliance with all occupational health and safety laws and regulations;
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work with management to develop systems for gathering of safety statistics and reporting safety results for the purpose of monitoring and managing safety performance;
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the assessment of environmental risks and the Company’s risk management programs;
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evaluation of the Company’s environmental performance from a best practices point of view including performance by the Company’s contractors;
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review of any material variances and non-compliance issues; and
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any other matter deemed important by the EHST Committee.
The Company is subject to anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the Canadian Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and certain restrictions applicable to U.S. reporting companies imposed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and similar anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in South Africa, that prohibit companies from bribing or making other prohibited payments to public officials in order to obtain or retain an advantage in the course of business.
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The Company has previously adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code of Conduct"), a Claw Back Policy, and a Whistle Blower Policy, amongst other customary codes and committees. During 2021 we established an Environmental, Health, Safety and Technical Committee comprised of cross-disciplinary directors.
We also adhere to the corporate governance policies of the TSX and the NYSE American.
Social and Labour Plans
The Waterberg Social and Labour Plan (the "Waterberg SLP") was developed pursuant to DMRE guidelines for social and labour plans and submitted in accordance with section 46 of the MPRDA together with the Waterberg Mining Right application which was granted on January 28, 2021 and registered on July 6, 2021. The objective of the Waterberg SLP is to align the Company's social and labour principles with the related requirements established under the Mining Charter 2018. These requirements include promoting employment and avoiding retrenchments, advancement of the social and economic welfare of all South Africans, contributing toward the transformation of the mining industry and contributing towards the socio-economic development of the communities proximal to the Waterberg Project. Contractors will be required to comply with the Waterberg SLP and policies, including commitment to employment equity and BEE, proof of competence in terms of regulations, commitment to undertake training programs, compliance with all policies relating to recruitment, training, health and safety, etc. In terms of human resources training, the Waterberg SLP will establish objectives for adult-based education training, learnerships and development of skills required by mining industry, portable skills training for transition into industries other than mining, education bursaries and internships. The Waterberg SLP will also plan to establish local economic development objectives for projects such as community centre refurbishment, high school refurbishment, water and reticulation projects, housing development, establishment of recreational parks and various other localized programs for small scale industry, agriculture, entrepreneurship and health and education.
To support the DMRE approved Waterberg SLP for affected communities near the Waterberg Project, we have budgeted expenditures amounting to R 335.6 million ($23.11 million at August 31, 2021) over a five-year period. Expenditures are subject to the grant of all required permits and the commencement of development activities on site. At the end of each five-year period a new SLP will be established, considering actual expenditures to date and changes to adjust for community feedback, needs and preferences. The current Waterberg SLP includes the following provisions:
- Human Resource Development
Waterberg JV Co. is aware of the importance of human resources to accomplish its business objectives. Skills development is the foundation for attaining competent and productive employees who can contribute to meeting the mine's business objectives and also contribute to the upliftment of their communities through their own personal economic success. The skills development plan for the Waterberg Project budgets R 4.98 million ($0.34 million at August 31, 2021) for the achievement of future career development opportunities within the mining industry and beyond the needs of the mine's operational requirements. The skills development plan seeks to achieve portable skills through accredited qualification by certified training providers and programs. Emphasis is to be applied to employment equity and to participation by historically disadvantaged South Africans and women. Learnership, internship, bursary and youth training programs are planned. Targets have been established for procurement and employment levels for women and for people from the local community.
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- Local Economic Development
The Local Economic Development ("LED") program will seek to enable local communities to become economically stronger by improving infrastructure, business skills, entrepreneurship, job creation and income. An amount of R 320.6 million ($22.07 million at August 31. 2021) has been budgeted for LED projects seeking to amplify opportunities as well as alleviate poverty within the surrounding communities of the mine. Programs are to include infrastructure and educational support to local schools, mine and community bulk water supply and reticulation, extension and equipping of existing clinic/health facilities, and road construction.
- Management of Downscaling
A budget of R 10.0 million ($0.69 million at August 31, 2021) has been established for training and skills development. We conducted a social audit and needs and skills assessment of the communities near the Waterberg Project to learn about these communities and to help direct our efforts towards the matters of importance to them. This work will guide our long-term training programs intended to increase skilled employment opportunities for local community members. Investment in human resource development and facilitation of training during the lifetime of the Waterberg Project intends to sustain skills that will support employment for workers beyond the life of the mine. The mine intends to comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Department of Labour's Social Plan Guidelines with the goal of establishing skills that will be of value to employees at a future time of downscaling and retrenchment.
Labour in South Africa
The gold and platinum mining industries in South Africa witnessed significant labour unrest in recent years and demands for higher wages by certain labour groups. Both legal and illegal or "unprotected" strikes have occurred at several mines since the beginning of August 2012. In June 2014, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union accepted a negotiated wage settlement to end a five-month long strike affecting a significant proportion of the platinum industry. To date, the Company has seen no adverse labour action on its operations in South Africa and the retrenchment processes at the Maseve Mine were peaceful and orderly. See "Item 5.5 Risk Factors".
Environmental Compliance
The Company's current and future exploration and development activities, as well as future mining and processing operations, if warranted, are subject to various state, provincial and local laws and regulations in the countries in which the Company conducts its activities. These laws and regulations govern the protection of the environment, prospecting, development, production, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, mine safety, hazardous substances and other matters. Company management expects to be able to comply with those laws and does not believe that compliance will have a material adverse effect on the Company's competitive position. The Company intends to obtain and maintain all licences and permits required by all applicable regulatory agencies in connection with its mining operations and exploration activities. The Company intends to maintain standards of compliance consistent with contemporary industry practice.
5.3 MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS
Under IFRS, the Company capitalizes all acquisition, exploration and development costs related to mineral properties. The recoverability of these amounts is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development of the property, and any future profitable production; or alternatively upon the Company's ability to dispose of its interests on an advantageous basis.
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The Company's key development project and exploration targets are located in the Bushveld Complex. The Bushveld Complex is comprised of a series of distinct layers or reefs, three of which contain the majority of the economic concentrations of PGMs, and the subset of 4E PGMs consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, (or the subset of 3E PGMs consisting of platinum, palladium and gold) within the Bushveld Complex: (i) the Merensky Reef ("Merensky" or "MR"), which occurs around the Western Limb of the Bushveld Complex, (ii) the Upper Group 2 Layer or Reef ("UG2"), which occurs around the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex and (iii) the Platreef ("Platreef"), found within the Northern Limb. These reefs exhibit extensive geological continuity and predictability and have an established history of economic PGM production. The Merensky, UG2 and Platreef have been producing PGMs since the 1920s, 1970s and 1990s, respectively.
Overview of the Bushveld Complex
(Map not drawn to scale)
Material Mineral Property Interest - Waterberg Project
The Waterberg Project is located 85 km north of the town of Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus) in the province of Limpopo, South Africa, approximately 330 km NNE from Johannesburg. Elevation ranges from approximately 880 to 1365 metres above sea level.
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The property currently covers an aggregate total of 79,188 hectares and is approximately centred on UTM coordinate (Latitude 23°21′53" S, Longitude 28°48′ 23" E). Of the total project area 20,532 hectares are covered by the Waterberg Mining Right. A further 58,655 hectares are covered by active and applied for prospecting rights. Waterberg JV Co. is currently in process to apply for closure on inactive prospecting rights located north of the known mineralized area.
The Waterberg Project is derived from a group of exploration projects that came from a regional target initiative by the Company conceived in 2007 and 2008. The Waterberg prospect targeted a previously unproven extension to the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa that was overlain by a sequence of sedimentary rocks. The Company selected this target from a list of new ideas provided by a team of South African geoscientists. Detailed geophysical and other work indicated potential for a package of Bushveld Complex rocks under the sedimentary Waterberg formation cover rocks. Previous mineral exploration activities in the area were limited due to the extensive sedimentary cover. Exploration by the Company therefore progressed through preliminary exploration activities to delineate initial drill targets to primarily drilling focused work now that a deposit has been discovered.
The Waterberg Project is managed and explored according to a joint technical committee and is currently planned for development according to the objective of achieving a "best outcome" scenario for shareholders and stakeholders.
On September 21, 2017, the Company completed the planned corporatization of the Waterberg Project by the transfer of all Waterberg Project prospecting rights held by PTM RSA on behalf of the joint venture participants into Waterberg JV Co.
Effective September 21, 2017, Waterberg JV Co. owned 100% of the prospecting rights comprising the entire Waterberg Project area and Waterberg JV Co. was owned 45.65% by PTM RSA, 28.35% by JOGMEC and 26% by Mnombo, giving the Company total direct and indirect ownership of 58.62% at that time.
On October 16, 2017, Implats entered into definitive agreements with the Company, JOGMEC, Mnombo and Waterberg JV Co., whereby Implats purchased shares of Waterberg JV Co. representing a 15.0% interest in the Waterberg Project from PTM RSA (8.6%) and JOGMEC (6.4%) for $30.0 million, giving the Company total direct and indirect ownership of 50.02%.
On November 6, 2017, the Company (along with JOGMEC and Mnombo) closed the Initial Purchase with Implats and Implats acquired the Purchase and Development Option. Further details on this transaction can be found above.
On March 8, 2018, JOGMEC announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding for the transfer of 9.755% of its 21.95% interest in Waterberg JV Co. to Hanwa, which was the result of Hanwa winning JOGMEC's public tender held on February 23, 2018. JOGMEC and Hanwa have implemented the transfer of interest to Hanwa, including Hanwa securing the right to a supply of certain metals produced at the Waterberg Project. JOGMEC has commenced a process to dispose of its remaining shareholding in Waterberg JV Co.
In July 2021, JOGMEC advised the Waterberg JV Co. partners that they would begin a process seeking tenders, first from Japanese companies, for the purchase of JOGMEC's 12.195% interest in the Waterberg Project. The division of JOGMEC that holds the shares in Waterberg JV Co. is limited by its mandate to only investing in exploration companies. With Waterberg JV Co. advancing to the development stage, JOGMEC must seek potential purchasers for its shares in Waterberg JV Co. As of the date of this Form 20-F, JOGMEC has not advised the Waterberg JV Co. partners of any pending transaction. Should JOGMEC propose a sale of any or all of its interests in Waterberg JV Co. to a non-Japanese company, PTM and Mnombo would have pro rata rights of first refusal to acquire a portion of the shares proposed for sale at the proposed sale price.
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As of the date of filing of this AIF, Waterberg JV Co. owns 100% of the Waterberg Mining Right and prospecting rights comprising the entire Waterberg Project area. Waterberg JV Co. is owned 37.05% by PTM RSA, 12.195% by JOGMEC, 9.755% by Hanwa, 26% by Mnombo and 15% by Implats, giving the Company total direct and indirect ownership of 50.02% of the Waterberg Project.
Technical Report - Waterberg DFS
Technical information in this AIF regarding the Waterberg Project is derived from the Waterberg DFS. In addition to the Waterberg DFS, a SAMREC 2016 compliant technical report has been prepared and signed-off by the Independent Qualified Persons. The Independent Qualified Persons for the Waterberg DFS and the companion SAMREC technical report are Charles J Muller, B. Sc. (Hons) Geology, Pri. Sci. Nat. of CJM Consulting (Pty) Ltd.; Gordon Ian Cunningham, B. Eng. (Chemical), Pr. Eng., FSAIMM of Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd.; and Michael Murphy, P. Eng. of Stantec Consulting Ltd.
The Waterberg DFS supersedes the Company's prior technical report, the October 2018 Waterberg Report, as well as the earlier 2016 pre-feasibility study, with respect to the Waterberg Project. Prior technical reports and studies relating to the Waterberg Project should no longer be relied upon.
The Waterberg DFS has been evaluated and prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to comply with the requirements for a definitive feasibility study. The Waterberg DFS complies with disclosure and reporting requirements set forth in the TSX Manual, NI 43-101, Companion Policy 43-101CP to NI 43-101, and Form 43-101F1 of NI 43-101. The Waterberg DFS includes measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources. Only measured and indicated resources have been incorporated into the DFS mine plan and financial model. The reader is cautioned that all estimates of mineral resources have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Company has not disclosed or determined any mineral reserves under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards.
The following summary is qualified in its entirety with reference to the full text of the Waterberg DFS, which is incorporated by reference herein. The use of "US$" in the Waterberg DFS denotes USD.
Waterberg Project Summary
(Excerpted from the Waterberg DFS)
1. Summary
1.1 Introduction
This report was compiled for Waterberg Joint Venture (JV) Resources (Pty) Ltd. (Waterberg JV Resources), a company owned by Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (PTM), Impala Platinum (Implats), Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), Hanwa Co. Ltd. (Hanwa) and Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. (Mnombo). PTM is listed on the Toronto stock exchange under the symbol "PTM" and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PLG.A."
The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the Mineral Resource estimate, update to the Mineral Reserve, and publish the results of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Waterberg Project. The Waterberg Project is the development of a platinum group metals (PGM) mine and Concentrator Plant in the Province of Limpopo, South Africa.
This report was prepared in accordance with disclosure and reporting requirements set forth in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101), Companion Policy 43-101CP to NI 43-101, and Form 43-101F1 of NI 43-101.
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The estimated Mineral Resources for the Waterberg Project at a 2.5 grams per tonne (g/t) platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), and gold (Au) (4E) cutoff grade include a combined 242.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 3.38 g/t 4E, 0.10% copper (Cu) and 0.18% nickel (Ni) in the measured and indicated (M&I) categories, and an additional 66.7 million tonnes at an average grade of 3.27 g/t 4E, 0.11% Cu, and 0.15% Ni in the inferred category.
The estimated Mineral Reserve for the Waterberg Project at a 2.5 g/t 4E cutoff grade includes a combined 187.5 million tonnes at an average grade of 3.24 g/t 4E, 0.09% Cu, and 0.18% Ni in the proven and probable categories. The estimated Mineral Reserves contains a total of 19.5 million ounces of Pd, Pt, Rh, and Au.
The key outcome of the DFS is the development of one of the largest and lowest cash cost underground PGM mines globally. The shallow, decline-accessed mine will be fully mechanized and produce approximately 4.8 million tonnes of ore and 420,000 combined ounces of Pd, Pt, Rh, and Au in concentrate per year at steady state. The mine will produce for approximately 45 years. Additional outcomes include:
• Estimated project capital of approximately Rand 13.1 billion [United States dollar (US$874 million) plus Rand 3.5 billion in capitalized operating costs to achieve 70% of steady-state production.
• Peak funding of Rand 9.26 billion (US$617 million).
• Payback period of approximately 11.4 years at 3-year average prices and 8.4 years at spot prices.
• After tax net present value (NPV) of Rand 5.62 billion (US$333 million) at an 8% discount rate (three-year average price US$931 per oz Pt, US$1 055 per oz Pd, US$1 930 per oz Rh, US$1 318 per oz Au, US$2.87 per pound Cu and US$5.56 per pound Ni, US$/South African Rand (ZAR) 15.95).
• After tax NPV of Rand 14.7 billion (US$982 million) at an 8% discount rate (spot prices 04 September 2019 - US$980 per oz Pt, US$1 546 per oz Pd, US$5 036 per oz Rh, US$1 548 per oz Au, US$2.56 per pound Cu and US$8.10 per pound Ni, US$/ZAR 15.00).
• After tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 13.3% (three year trailing average price).
• After tax IRR of 20.7% (Spot Prices 04 September 2019).
1.2 Property Description and Location
1.2.1 Property and Title
The Waterberg Project is located 85 kilometres (km) north of the town of Mokopane in the province of Limpopo, South Africa, approximately 330 km NNE from Johannesburg. The total project area, active prospecting rights (PRs), and mining right application area covers a total area of 99 244 hectare (ha). Elevation ranges from approximately 880 to 1 365 metres (m) above sea level.
1.2.2 Holdings Structure
Platinum Group Metals (RSA) (Pty) Ltd (PTM RSA) is the operator of the Waterberg Project, with JV partners being Japanese Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), Hanwa Co. (Hanwa), Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd (Implats) and Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. (Mnombo). 0-1 shows the holdings of the Waterberg Project.
Figure 0-1: Waterberg Project Holdings
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1.3 Geological Setting and Mineralisation
The Bushveld and Molopo Complexes in the Kaapvaal Craton are two of the most well-known mafic / ultramafic layered intrusions in the world. The Bushveld Complex was intruded about 2 060 million years ago into rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup, largely along an unconformity between the Magaliesberg quartzite of the Pretoria Group and the overlying Rooiberg felsites. It is estimated to exceed 66 000 square kilometres (km2) in extent, of which about 55% is covered by younger formations. The Bushveld Complex hosts several layers rich in PGM, chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V), and constitutes the world's largest known Mineral Resources of these metals.
Waterberg is situated off the northern end of the previously known Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, where the mafic rocks have a different sequence to those of the Eastern and Western Limbs of the Bushveld Complex.
PGM mineralisation within the Bushveld package underlying Waterberg is hosted in two main layers: T Zone and F Zone.
The T Zone occurs within the Main Zone just beneath the contact of the overlaying Upper Zone. Although the T Zone consists of numerous mineralised layers, three potential economical layers were identified, TZ, T1, and T0 - Layers. They are composed mainly of anorthosite, pegmatoidal gabbros, pyroxenite, troctolite, harzburgite, gabbronorite, and norite.
The F Zone is hosted in a cyclic unit of olivine rich lithologies towards the base of the Main Zone towards the bottom of the Bushveld Complex. This zone consists of alternating units of harzburgite, troctolite, and pyroxenites. The F Zone was divided into the FH (harzburgite) and FP (pyroxenite) layers. The FH layer has significantly higher volumes of olivine in contrast with the lower lying FP layer, which is predominately pyroxenite.
1.4 Deposit Types
The mineralised layers of the Waterberg Project meet some the criteria for Platreef-type deposits, where the mineralisation is hosted by sulphides that are magmatic in origin. The mineralised layers can be relatively thick, often greater than 10 m.
- 36 -
The other criteria relating to the Platreef have yet to be demonstrated. Consequently, this mineralisation is deemed to be similar, i.e. Platreef-like, but its stratigraphic position, geochemical and lithological profiles suggest a type of mineralisation not previously recognised in the Bushveld Complex.
1.5 Exploration Data / Information
The Waterberg Project is an advanced project that has undergone preliminary economic evaluations, a prefeasibility study (PFS) and resulted in this DFS. Drilling to date has given the confidence to classify Mineral Resources as inferred, indicated, and measured.
1.6 Drilling
The data from which the structure of the mineralised horizons were modelled and grade values estimated were derived from a total of 362 293 m of diamond drilling. This report updates the Mineral Resource Estimate using this dataset. The drill hole dataset consists of 441 drill holes and 583 deflections at the date of drill data cutoff (01 December 2018).
The management of the drilling programs, logging, and sampling were undertaken from multiple facilities: one at the town of Marken in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and the other on the farm Goedetrouw 366LR within the PR area, or at an exploration camp on the adjacent farm Harriet's Wish.
1.7 Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security
The sampling methodology concurs with Waterberg JV Resources' protocol based on industry best practice. The quality of the sampling is monitored and supervised by a qualified geologist. The sampling is done in a manner that includes the entire potentially economic unit with enough shoulder sampling to ensure the entire economic zones are assayed.
Waterberg JV Resources instituted a complete quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) programme, including the insertion of blanks and certified reference materials as well as referee analyses. The programme is being followed and is to industry standard. The data is as a result, considered reliable in the opinion of the qualified person (QP).
1.8 Data Verification
Printed logs for 90% of the holes were checked with the drilled core. The depths of mineralisation, sample numbers and widths, and lithologies were confirmed. The full process from core logging to data capturing into the database were reviewed at the two exploration sites. Collar positions of a few random selected drill holes were checked in the field and found to be correct. The average specific gravity (SG) values were generated for each individual lithological type and missing SG values were inserted according to the lithological unit. Assay certificates were checked on a test basis. The data was reviewed for statistical anomalies.
The individuals in Waterberg JV Resources' senior management and certain directors of the company, who completed the tests and designed the processes, are non-independent mining or geological experts. The QP's opinion is that the data is adequate for use in Mineral Resource Estimation.
1.9 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing
Metallurgical testing of the F Zone and T Zone on selected drill core samples was completed at accredited metallurgical laboratories in South Africa with all analyses being performed with appropriate QA/QC oversight. The economic minerals will be recovered by flotation techniques into a flotation concentrate suitable as feed stock to a smelter and followed by further downstream processing at a precious metals refinery, typical of the PGM industry.
- 37 -
The PFS programme selected the most appropriate metallurgical process for the optimized recovery of the 4E elements and the associate base metals and this was confirmed during the DFS variability and production blend evaluations.
The ore is hard and is not amenable to semi-autogenous milling; therefore, a three-stage crushing followed by two-stage ball milling circuit was selected for comminution.
The testwork programme was used to develop a grade-recovery relationship targeting 80 g/t 4E in the flotation concentrate as feed to a smelter. The concentrate is expected to contain 2.5% Cu and 2.7% Ni in addition to the contained 4E elements (Pt, Pd, Rh, and Au). The grade recovery relationship was developed for each of the six economic metals with 4Es at 81%, Cu at 82%, and Ni at 48% for the first 13 years of production with the corresponding life of mine recoveries being 79%, 83%, and 48%, respectively.
1.10 Mineral Resource Estimates
This report documents the Mineral Resource Estimate - effective date: 04 September 2019. Infill drilling over portions of the Waterberg Project area and new estimation methodology made it possible to estimate a new Mineral Resource Estimate and upgrade portions of the Mineral Resource to the measured category. All the JV partners were involved in the development of the latest Mineral Resource Model, appropriate cutoff grades, economic parameters, and Mineral Resource Model criteria. It was determined in relation to basic working costs and in consideration of the overall resource envelope for the deposit, that at a 2.0 grams per tonne (g/t) cutoff grade, the deposit has a reasonable prospect of economic extraction. The Mineral Resource Statement is summarised in Table 0-1. For purposes of the DFS, sensitivity analysis and comparison to the 2016 PFS, which utilised a 2.5 g/t Pt, Pd, Rh, Au for the (4E) cutoff grade, a Mineral Resource Estimate at a 2.5 g/t cutoff grade is the preferred scenario as shown in Table 0-2.
Table 0-1: Summary of Mineral Resource Estimate Effective 04 September 2019 on a 100% Project Basis at 2.0 g/t Cutoff
|
Total T Zone at 2.0 g/t (4E) Cutoff |
||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cutoff |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
||||||||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
||||||||
|
g/t |
t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Million |
||||||
|
Measured |
2.0 |
4 892 193 |
1.12 |
2.01 |
0.04 |
0.85 |
4.02 |
0.16 |
0.08 |
19 667 |
0.632 |
|||||
|
Indicated |
2.0 |
21 479 925 |
1.23 |
2.09 |
0.03 |
0.78 |
4.13 |
0.19 |
0.09 |
88 712 |
2.852 |
|||||
|
M+I |
2.0 |
26 372 118 |
1.21 |
2.08 |
0.03 |
0.79 |
4.11 |
0.18 |
0.09 |
108 379 |
3.484 |
|||||
|
Inferred |
2.0 |
25 029 695 |
1.17 |
1.84 |
0.03 |
0.60 |
3.64 |
0.14 |
0.07 |
91 108 |
2.929 |
|||||
|
Mineral |
Prill Split |
|||||||||||||||
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
|||||||||||||
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
|||||||||||||
|
Measured |
27.9 |
50.0 |
1.0 |
21.1 |
||||||||||||
- 38 -
|
Indicated |
29.8 |
50.6 |
0.7 |
18.9 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
29.5 |
50.6 |
0.7 |
19.2 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
32.1 |
50.5 |
0.8 |
16.6 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
F Zone at 2.0 g/t (4E) Cutoff |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cutoff |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
g/t |
t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
2.0 |
75 332 513 |
0.82 |
2.00 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
3.01 |
0.08 |
0.19 |
226 833 |
7.293 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
2.0 |
273 272 480 |
0.80 |
1.85 |
0.04 |
0.14 |
2.83 |
0.07 |
0.18 |
772 103 |
24.824 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
2.0 |
348 604 993 |
0.80 |
1.88 |
0.04 |
0.14 |
2.87 |
0.08 |
0.18 |
998 936 |
32.117 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
2.0 |
121 535 227 |
0.70 |
1.62 |
0.04 |
0.13 |
2.50 |
0.07 |
0.16 |
303 722 |
9.765 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Prill Split |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
27.2 |
66.4 |
1.7 |
4.7 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
28.3 |
65.4 |
1.4 |
4.9 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
28.0 |
65.7 |
1.4 |
4.9 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
28.1 |
65.1 |
1.6 |
5.2 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Waterberg Aggregate Total 2.0 g/t Cutoff |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cutoff |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
g/t |
t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
2.0 |
80 224 706 |
0.84 |
2.00 |
0.05 |
0.18 |
3.07 |
0.08 |
0.18 |
246 500 |
7.925 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
2.0 |
294 752 405 |
0.83 |
1.87 |
0.04 |
0.19 |
2.92 |
0.08 |
0.17 |
860 815 |
27.676 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
2.0 |
374 977 111 |
0.83 |
1.90 |
0.04 |
0.19 |
2.96 |
0.08 |
0.18 |
1 107 315 |
35.601 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
2.0 |
146 564 922 |
0.78 |
1.66 |
0.04 |
0.21 |
2.69 |
0.08 |
0.15 |
394 830 |
12.694 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Prill Split |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
27.3 |
65.1 |
1.6 |
6.0 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
28.4 |
63.9 |
1.3 |
6.4 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
28.1 |
64.3 |
1.3 |
6.3 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
29.0 |
61.7 |
1.5 |
7.8 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Notes:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- 39 -
Table 0-2: Summary of Mineral Resource Estimate effective 04 September 2019 on a 100% Project Basis at 2.5 g/t (4E) Cutoff
|
T Zone at 2.5 g/t (4E) Cutoff |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cutoff |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
||||||||||||||||||
|
g/t |
t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
2.5 |
4 443 483 |
1.17 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.87 |
4.20 |
0.15 |
0.08 |
18 663 |
0.600 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
2.5 |
17 026 142 |
1.37 |
2.34 |
0.03 |
0.88 |
4.61 |
0.20 |
0.09 |
78 491 |
2.524 |
|||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
2.5 |
21 469 625 |
1.34 |
2.29 |
0.03 |
0.88 |
4.53 |
0.19 |
0.09 |
97 154 |
3.124 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
2.5 |
21 829 698 |
1.15 |
1.92 |
0.03 |
0.76 |
3.86 |
0.20 |
0.10 |
84 263 |
2.709 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Prill Split |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
27.8 |
50.4 |
1.2 |
20.6 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
29.7 |
50.7 |
0.6 |
19.0 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
29.5 |
50.4 |
0.7 |
19.4 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
29.8 |
49.7 |
0.8 |
19.7 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
F Zone at 2.5 g/t (4E) Cutoff |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cutoff |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
||||||||||||||||||
|
g/t |
t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
2.5 |
54 072 600 |
0.95 |
2.20 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.36 |
0.09 |
0.20 |
181 704 |
5.842 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
2.5 |
166 895 635 |
0.95 |
2.09 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.24 |
0.09 |
0.19 |
540 691 |
17.384 |
|||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
2.5 |
220 968 235 |
0.95 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.27 |
0.09 |
0.19 |
722 395 |
23.226 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
2.5 |
44 836 851 |
0.87 |
1.92 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
2.98 |
0.06 |
0.17 |
133 705 |
4.299 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Mineral Resource Category |
Prill Split |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
28.3 |
65.4 |
1.5 |
4.8 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
29.3 |
64.4 |
1.6 |
4.7 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M+I |
29.1 |
64.8 |
1.5 |
4.6 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
29.2 |
64.4 |
1.7 |
4.7 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Waterberg Aggregate Total 2.5 g/t Cutoff |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- 40 -
|
Mineral |
Cutoff |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
|||||||||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
|||||||||
|
g/t |
t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
|||||||
|
Measured |
2.5 |
58 516 083 |
0.97 |
2.19 |
0.05 |
0.21 |
3.42 |
0.09 |
0.19 |
200 367 |
6.442 |
||||||
|
Indicated |
2.5 |
183 921 777 |
0.99 |
2.11 |
0.05 |
0.22 |
3.37 |
0.10 |
0.18 |
619 182 |
19.908 |
||||||
|
M+I |
2.5 |
242 437 860 |
0.98 |
2.13 |
0.05 |
0.22 |
3.38 |
0.10 |
0.18 |
819 549 |
26.350 |
||||||
|
Inferred |
2.5 |
66 666 549 |
0.96 |
1.92 |
0.04 |
0.34 |
3.27 |
0.11 |
0.15 |
217 968 |
7.008 |
||||||
|
Mineral |
Prill Split |
||||||||||||||||
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
||||||||||||||
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
||||||||||||||
|
Measured |
28.2 |
64.0 |
1.5 |
6.3 |
|||||||||||||
|
Indicated |
29.4 |
62.6 |
1.5 |
6.5 |
|||||||||||||
|
M+I |
29.1 |
63.0 |
1.5 |
6.4 |
|||||||||||||
|
Inferred |
29.5 |
58.9 |
1.2 |
10.4 |
|||||||||||||
|
Notes:
|
|||||||||||||||||
Following are the parameters for the Mineral Resources.
• Mineral Resources are classified in accordance with the South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC) 2016 standards. Certain differences exist with the "Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves;" however, in this case the company and QP believe the differences are not material and the standards may be considered the same. Inferred Mineral Resources have a high degree of uncertainty.
• Mineral Resources are provided on a 100% project basis. Inferred and indicated categories are separate. The estimates have an effective date of 04 September 2019.
• A cutoff grade of 2.0 g/t and 2.5 g/t 4E is applied to the selected Base Case Mineral Resources.
• Cutoff grade for the T Zone and the F Zone considered costs, smelter discounts, concentrator recoveries from the previous and ongoing engineering work completed on the property by the company, and its independent engineers. Spot and three-year trailing average prices and exchange rates are considered for the cutoff considerations. The upper and lower bound metal prices used in the determination of cutoff grade for resources estimated are as follows: US$983/oz-US$953/oz Pt, US$993/oz-US$750/oz Pd, US$1 325/oz-US$1 231/oz Au, US$1 923US/oz-US$972/oz Rh, US$6.08/lb-US$4.77/lb Ni, US$3.08/lb-US$2.54/lb Cu, and US$/ZAR15-US$/ZAR12. These metal prices are based on the estimated 3-year trailing average prices and the spot prices at the time of commencement of the Mineral Resource Estimate modelling. The lower cutoff was tested against the higher metal price in the range and the higher cutoff was tested against the lower price in the range.
- 41 -
The objective of the cutoff grade estimation was to establish a minimum grade for working break even. Following the PFS, the following factors were used for the calculation of cutoff at 2.0 g/t 4E at higher potential prices and 2.5 g/t 4E at more conservative lower prices listed above.
• Working cost mining of US$25.00, R379 per tonne, life-of-mine (LOM) average total operating costs (OpEx) US$38 574 Rand average LOM.
• 80 g/t concentrate, 82% recoveries of the PGM's, 88% of the Cu and 49% of the Ni.
• 85% payability of the PGM's from a third-party smelter, 73% for Cu and 68% for Ni.
These costs recoveries and pay abilities were updated in the DFS for the consideration of Mineral Reserves.
• Charles Muller of CJM Consulting (South Africa) Pty Limited (CJM) completed the Mineral Resource Estimate.
• Mineral Resources were estimated using ordinary kriging (OK) and simple kriging (SK) methods in Datamine Studio3 from 441 mother holes and 583 deflections in mineralisation. A process of geological modelling and creation of grade shells using indicating kriging (IK) was completed in the estimation process.
• The estimation of Mineral Resources considered environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socioeconomic, marketing, and political factors. The Mineral Resources may be materially affected by metals prices, exchange rates, labour costs, electricity supply issues, or many other factors detailed in the company's annual information form.
• Estimated grades and quantities for byproducts are included in recoverable metals and estimates in the DFS. Cu and Ni are the value byproducts recoverable by flotation and for M&I Mineral Resources are estimated at 0.18% Cu and 0.09% Ni in the T Zone and 0.08% Cu and 0.18% Ni in the F Zone.
The data that formed the basis of the estimate are the drill holes drilled by Waterberg JV Resources, which consist of geological logs, the drill hole collars, the downhole surveys, and the assay data, all of which were validated by the QP. The area where each layer was present was delineated after examination of the intersections in the various drill holes.
1.11 Mineral Reserve Estimates
The effective date for the Mineral Reserve estimate contained in this report is 04 September 2019.
The Waterberg Project Mineral Reserve Estimate was based on the M&I Mineral Resource material contained in the T Zone and Super F Zone (F Zone) resource block models. The F Zone is comprised of the five sub-zones listed below.
• Super F-South Zone (F-South)
• Super F-Central Zone (F-Central)
• Super F-North Zone (F-North)
• Super F-Boundary North Zone (F-Boundary North)
• Super F-Boundary South Zone (F-Boundary South)
- 42 -
A 2.5 g/t 4E stope cutoff grade was used for mine planning for both the T Zone and F Zone.
The mine design is based on using the sublevel longhole stoping mining method with paste backfill. Sublevel intervals and stope dimensions were established from evaluating mineral resource geometry and continuity, geomechanical study design parameters, and optimizing production rate and resource extraction. Individual stope mining shapes were created using mineable shape optimizer (MSO) software. Stope sill development designs were prepared for all stopes and the Mineral Resources contained in development has been separated from the stopes. The in situ Mineral Resource contained in the stope shapes and development designs were extracted from the resource models and include all planned dilution. Modifying factors applied to the in situ Mineral Resource include geological losses, external overbreak dilution, and mining losses.
The reference point for the estimated Mineral Reserves is delivery of run-of-mine (ROM) ore to the processing plant.
The estimated proven, probable, and total Waterberg Project Mineral Reserves at 2.5 g/t 4E cutoff effective as of 04 September 2019 are summarized in Table 0-3, Table 0-4 and Table 0-5.
Table 0-3: Proven Mineral Reserve Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E Cutoff effective 04 September 2019
|
Zone |
Tonnes |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E Metal |
|
|
|
|
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(kg) |
(Moz) |
|
T Zone |
3 963 694 |
1.02 |
1.84 |
0.04 |
0.73 |
3.63 |
0.13 |
0.07 |
14 404 |
0.463 |
|
F-Central |
17 411 606 |
0.94 |
2.18 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
3.31 |
0.07 |
0.18 |
57 738 |
1.856 |
|
F-South |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.000 |
|
F-North |
16 637 670 |
0.85 |
2.03 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.09 |
0.10 |
0.20 |
51 378 |
1.652 |
|
F-Boundary North |
4 975 853 |
0.97 |
2.00 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.18 |
0.10 |
0.22 |
15 847 |
0.509 |
|
F-Boundary South |
5 294 116 |
1.04 |
2.32 |
0.05 |
0.18 |
3.59 |
0.08 |
0.19 |
19 020 |
0.611 |
|
F Zone Total |
44 319 244 |
0.92 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.25 |
0.09 |
0.20 |
143 982 |
4.629 |
|
Waterberg Total |
48 282 938 |
0.93 |
2.10 |
0.05 |
0.20 |
3.28 |
0.09 |
0.19 |
158 387 |
5.092 |
Table 0-4: Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E Cutoff effective 04 September 2019
- 43 -
|
Zone |
Tonnes |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E Metal |
|
|
|
|
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(kg) |
(Moz) |
|
T Zone |
12 936 870 |
1.23 |
2.10 |
0.02 |
0.82 |
4.17 |
0.19 |
0.09 |
53 987 |
1.736 |
|
F-Central |
52 719 731 |
0.86 |
1.97 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
3.02 |
0.07 |
0.18 |
158 611 |
5.099 |
|
F-South |
15 653 961 |
1.06 |
2.03 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.29 |
0.04 |
0.13 |
51 411 |
1.653 |
|
F-North |
36 984 230 |
0.90 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.23 |
0.09 |
0.20 |
119 450 |
3.840 |
|
F-Boundary North |
13 312 581 |
0.98 |
1.91 |
0.05 |
0.17 |
3.11 |
0.10 |
0.23 |
41 369 |
1.330 |
|
F-Boundary South |
7 616 744 |
0.92 |
1.89 |
0.04 |
0.13 |
2.98 |
0.06 |
0.18 |
22 737 |
0.731 |
|
F Zone Total |
126 287 248 |
0.91 |
2.01 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.12 |
0.08 |
0.18 |
393 578 |
12.654 |
|
Waterberg Total |
139 224 118 |
0.94 |
2.02 |
0.05 |
0.21 |
3.22 |
0.09 |
0.18 |
447 564 |
14.390 |
Table 0-5: Total Estimated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve at 2.5 g/t Cutoff effective as of 04 September 2019
|
Zone |
Tonnes |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E Metal |
|
|
|
|
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
(kg) |
(Moz) |
|
T Zone |
16 900 564 |
1.18 |
2.04 |
0.03 |
0.80 |
4.05 |
0.18 |
0.09 |
68 391 |
2.199 |
|
F-Central |
70 131 337 |
0.88 |
2.02 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
3.09 |
0.07 |
0.18 |
216 349 |
6.956 |
|
F-South |
15 653 961 |
1.06 |
2.03 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.29 |
0.04 |
0.13 |
51 411 |
1.653 |
|
F-North |
53 621 900 |
0.88 |
2.09 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.18 |
0.10 |
0.20 |
170 828 |
5.492 |
|
F-Boundary North |
18 288 434 |
0.98 |
1.93 |
0.05 |
0.17 |
3.13 |
0.10 |
0.23 |
57 216 |
1.840 |
|
F-Boundary South |
12 910 859 |
0.97 |
2.06 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.23 |
0.07 |
0.19 |
41 756 |
1.342 |
|
F Zone Total |
170 606 492 |
0.91 |
2.04 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.15 |
0.08 |
0.19 |
537 560 |
17.283 |
|
Waterberg Total |
187 507 056 |
0.94 |
2.04 |
0.05 |
0.21 |
3.24 |
0.09 |
0.18 |
605 951 |
19.482 |
Notes:
-
A stope cutoff grade of 2.5 g/t 4E was used for mine planning for the mineral reserves estimate
-
Tonnage and grade estimates include planned dilution, geological losses, external overbreak dilution, and mining losses
-
Metal prices assumed for cutoff grade estimates were: Pt = $US 960/oz, Pd = $US 993/oz, Rh = $US 1 923/oz, Au = $US 1 325/oz, Cu = $US 6 795/tonne, Ni = $US 13 395/tonne and ZAR:$US 12.04
-
4E = PGE (Pt + Pd + Rh) and Au.
-
Numbers may not add due to rounding.
1.12 Mining Methods
The Waterberg Project will be a 400 000 tonnes per month (tpm) [400 kilo tonnes per month (ktpm)] mechanized underground mining operation accessed via declines. The mine design is based on using the Sublevel Longhole Stoping mining method (Longhole) and backfilling the mined voids with paste backfill.
The Waterberg Project was divided into the following three mining complexes.
- 44 -
• The South Complex that includes T Zone and F-South
• The Central Complex that includes F-Central
• The North Complex that includes F-North, F-Boundary North, and F-Boundary South
A plan view with the production areas projected to surface is shown in Figure 0-2 and a longitudinal view of the zones, looking approximately northwest (looking from the footwall), is shown in Figure 0-3.
Figure 0-2: Surface Plan View Showing Mineral Resource Extents
Source: Background - Google Maps
Figure 0-3: Longitudinal View of Waterberg Complexes (Looking Northwest)
- 45 -
There will be a box cut and portal at each complex, each with twin declines (service decline and conveyor decline) developed to access and service the complex for the LOM.
1.12.1 Geomechanical
Geomechanics core logging and laboratory test data from the PFS and additional data collected as part of this DFS were combined in a database and used to develop a geomechanical model and for use in rock mass classifications systems to develop rock mechanics parameters for the mine design. The analysis utilised several common empirical models and was validated with numerical modelling in several instances.
Support requirements for development headings were developed and are in line with both empirical calculation methods and common support types. Generally, primary ground support will consist of patterned rock bolts and screen, with application of shotcrete in areas deeper in the mine.
A numerical modelling exercise was undertaken to evaluate the evolution of rock mass damage and paste backfill performance as mining progresses. The principal findings of the modelling exercise are listed below.
• No requirement exists for substantial designed regional ore pillars.
• No major rock mass damage (stopes and rock pillars) was developed above around 300 m below surface. Moderate to major rock mass damage developed in stope abutments and secondary stope cores towards end of the sequence, especially below 1 000 m.
• Paste backfill dilution in wider parts of the ore body is expected, principally affecting secondary transverse stopes. In general, paste backfill dilution is anticipated to increase with depth and towards completion of the mining level and has been reflected in the dilution estimates
Backfill stability was assessed primarily using empirical-analytical methods with developed backfill strength requirements validated by benchmarking and limited three-dimensional (3D) finite element modelling.
1.12.2 Mine Development
All decline and lateral excavations will be developed using drill and blast methods and mechanized diesel-powered mobile equipment. A summary of the development totals by complex is included in Table 0-6 and the development profile is shown in Figure 0-4.
Table 0-6: Development Quantities by Complex
|
Item |
Central |
South |
North |
Waterberg |
|
Decline |
22 316 |
37 197 |
33 398 |
92 911 |
|
Lateral Sublevel and Infrastructure |
160 963 |
112 766 |
225 750 |
499 479 |
|
Total |
183 279 |
149 963 |
259 148 |
592 390 |
Figure 0-4: Lateral Development Profile
- 46 -
1.12.3 Production
Mining blocks will be established at 100 m vertical intervals and will consist of two sublevels spaced at 40 m (40 m stope height) and one sublevel spaced at 20 m (20 m uppers stope that will be mined beneath the backfilled stopes in the block above). Individual stopes will be 20 m along strike and a combination of transverse and longitudinal approaches will be used to accommodate the varying ore body thickness. Within each mining block, stopes have been sequenced and there will be multiple stopes in the active stope cycle. To achieve the production profile, there will be multiple mining blocks in production simultaneously.
The production plan focuses on optimizing the ramp-up period and maximizing productivity. Each complex was scheduled independently as a stand-alone operation. The breakdown of tonnes and grade recovered by mining approach and zone is summarised in Table 0-7.
Initial production will come from the simultaneous operation of the Central and South Complexes, with the North Complex phased in once production in the Central and South Complexes begins to ramp down. There will be approximately five years of ramp up from the start of the decline development in 2021 to achieve sustainable 70% of steady-state production in January 2026. Steady-state production of 400 ktpm will be achieved in Q1 2027 with 300 ktpm from the Central Complex and 100 ktpm from the South Complex. Later in the mine life, the North Complex will ramp up to maintain 400 ktpm production. The ramp-up and steady-state production tonnage profiles are shown in Figure 0-5 and Figure 0-6
Table 0-7: Life-of-Mine Production Summary
|
|
T Zone |
F-Central |
F-South |
F-North |
F-Boundary |
F-Boundary |
|
Ore Tonnes - Stope Total |
15 610 201 |
65 326 918 |
14 482 019 |
50 274 701 |
16 888 572 |
11 922 776 |
|
Ore Tonnes - Transverse |
1 689 200 |
46 538 873 |
2 302 529 |
38 755 421 |
7 318 698 |
508 303 |
|
Ore Tonnes - Longitudinal |
13 921 001 |
18 788 045 |
12 179 491 |
11 519 279 |
9 569 874 |
11 414 473 |
|
Ore Tonnes - Development |
1 290 363 |
4 804 419 |
1 171 942 |
3 347 199 |
1 399 862 |
988 084 |
|
Ore Tonnes - Total |
16 900 564 |
70 131 337 |
15 653 961 |
53 621 900 |
18 288 434 |
12 910 859 |
- 47 -
|
|
T Zone |
F-Central |
F-South |
F-North |
F-Boundary |
F-Boundary |
|
Grade 4E (g/t) |
4.05 |
3.09 |
3.29 |
3.18 |
3.13 |
3.23 |
|
Grade Pt (g/t) |
1.18 |
0.88 |
1.06 |
0.88 |
0.98 |
0.97 |
|
Grade Pd (g/t) |
2.04 |
2.02 |
2.03 |
2.09 |
1.93 |
2.06 |
|
Grade Rh (g/t) |
0.03 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
|
Grade Au (g/t) |
0.80 |
0.14 |
0.15 |
0.16 |
0.17 |
0.15 |
|
Grade Cu (%) |
0.18 |
0.07 |
0.04 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.07 |
|
Grade Ni (%) |
0.09 |
0.18 |
0.13 |
0.20 |
0.23 |
0.19 |
Notes:
- 4E = PGE (Pt + Pd + Rh) and Au.
- Totals may not add due to rounding.
Figure 0-5: Production Tonnage by Month during Ramp-up
Figure 0-6: Annual Production Tonnage Profile
- 48 -
1.12.4 Ventilation and Mine Air Refrigeration
The underground mobile equipment will be diesel powered. The required ventilation flow will be 1 124 cubic metres per second (m3/s), 688 m3/s, and 1 229 m3/s for the Central, South, and North Complexes, respectively.
Ventilation to each complex will be provided by surface fresh air and return air ventilation raises and the portals / declines. The ventilation systems will be a "pull" system with large surface fans located at the exhaust raises. Ventilation in the conveyor declines will have fresh air pulled from the portals and exhausted without being used to ventilate other mine workings.
The underground heat loads will be countered by a combination of refrigerated air and uncooled air. The cooling requirement will be 20 megawatts refrigeration (MWR), 10 MWR, and 20 MWR for the Central, South, and North Complexes, respectively. Mine air cooling will not be required until mining depths reach 700 m below surface in 2030.
1.13 Recovery Methods
The process design for the Waterberg Concentrator Plant was developed based on the extensive metallurgical test work results and previous studies. The testwork programme developed during the PFS and the DFS identified that the mill-float-mill-float (MF2) configuration following three stage crushing is the most appropriate recovery technique for the PGE and the base metals for the F Zone and the T Zone ores. The plant design makes provision for the controlled blending of the two ore types in the crushing circuit. The blending of the ores does not require a conceptual change to the MF2 flowsheet, but the controlled blending is considered advantageous in providing a consistent feed composition to the process. Further optimisation of the reagent addition during operation to achieve the optimal concentrate grade and recovery can be completed.
The flotation concentrator will produce a concentrate containing 80 g/t 4E with a mass pull of approximately 3.1%. The concentrator was designed to process 4.8 Mtpa (400 ktpm) of ROM and will produce 155 kilo tonnes per annum (ktpa) of concentrate to be shipped by road to a smelter. The concentrate will contain 12% moisture while the tailings will be directed to either the backfill plant for placing as cemented fill underground or to the surface tailings storage facility (TSF).
The plant production rate is aligned with mine production and plant production will commence in January 2024 with ramp-up continuing until steady state is reached December 2026 as indicated in Figure 0-7.
Figure 0-7: Annual Mill Feed Profile Summary
- 49 -
The concentrate production and contained 4E elements approaching 425 000 ounces per annum is indicated in Figure 0-8 along with anticipated the base metal content in tonnes per annum (tpa).
Figure 0-8: Annual Metal Production Summary
1.14 Project Infrastructure
- 50 -
The Waterberg Project is located in a rural area with limited existing infrastructure apart from gravel roads, drill hole water, and 22 kilovolts (kV) rural power distribution with limited capacity. Upgrading is planned for all existing infrastructure, including the upgrading of 34km of the gravel roads to the N11 national road.
In addition to three mining complexes and one processing facility, the Waterberg Project infrastructure required for a successful operation will include the construction of a new 132 kV electrical supply from the ESKOM Burotho 400/132 kV main transmission station 74 km south of the site. The development and equipping of a local well field spread over 20 km to provide water.
At the site, a lined TSF, ore stockpile and waste rock storage facilities, backfill preparation and distribution system, and the necessary surface infrastructure to support mining and processing operations will be constructed.
The project will require 90 mega volt amps (MVA) of electrical power and 6.2 ML/day of industrial water.
1.15 Market Studies and Contracts
One of the JV partners of the Waterberg Project is Implats; therefore, no formal marketing study was commissioned for the DFS.
Metal price movements for the economic metals associated with the project (Pt, Pd, Rh, Au, Ni, and Cu) were reviewed for the preceding three years and show that there was a significant change in the market for the major contributors to income generation. The metal prices for the period to 04 September 2019 normalised to 01 July 2019 are detailed in Table 0-8.
Table 0-8: Pricing for all Economic Metals
|
Period |
Pd |
Pt |
Au |
Ni |
Cu |
Rh |
|
US$/oz |
US$/oz |
US$/oz |
US$/tonne |
US$/tonne |
US$/oz |
|
|
Three-year Trailing |
$ 1 055 |
$ 931 |
$ 1 318 |
$ 12 248 |
$ 6 333 |
$ 1 930 |
|
Two-year Trailing |
$ 1 174 |
$ 891 |
$ 1 322 |
$ 13 034 |
$ 6 530 |
$ 2 427 |
|
One-year Trailing |
$ 1 338 |
$ 841 |
$ 1 318 |
$ 12 666 |
$ 6 146 |
$ 2 942 |
|
04 September 2019 Spot |
$ 1 546 |
$ 980 |
$ 1 548 |
$ 17 855 |
$ 5 646 |
$ 5 036 |
Source - 'Johnson Matthey Metal Prices' BMO
Considering these metal prices and the production profile for the Waterberg Project, contributors to income are summarized in Table 0-9. The first 13 years of the production profile is treating about 25% from the T Zone with a different prill spilt to the F Zone ore.
Table 0-9: Economic PGEs and Base Metals for first 13 Years and Life of Mine
- 51 -
|
Metal |
Approximate Percent of Revenue |
Approximate Percent of Revenue |
||
|
First 13 years |
LOM |
First 13 years |
LOM |
|
|
Pd |
54.3% |
55.8% |
59.4% |
60.6% |
|
Pt |
23.2% |
22.1% |
18.2% |
17.2% |
|
Au |
8.3% |
6.1% |
7.3% |
5.3% |
|
Ni |
8.7% |
10.5% |
9.5% |
11.3% |
|
Cu |
4.1% |
4.0% |
2.7% |
2.6% |
|
Rh |
1.5% |
1.5% |
2.9% |
3.0% |
No off-take agreement was negotiated for the concentrate but Implats has right of first refusal to develop the Waterberg Project and further treat the concentrate produced. It is anticipated that the payability for the contained metal in concentrate will be 85% for all 4E elements, 73% for Cu, and 68% for Ni. These net-smelter-return factors are fully inclusive of all smelting and refining costs, apart from delivery to the smelter.
It is anticipated that the metal pipeline between delivery of concentrate and payment will be 12 weeks. The Project finances are based on prefunding of the concentrate with an 85% value payment received in Month 1 and the 15% balance paid after the 3 months, incurring an interest charge (as defined in Section 21).
The concentrate from Waterberg Project will be very low in chromitite, which will make this material attractive for blending with other concentrates; however, the contained iron (Fe) and sulphur (S) with high base metals may require further optimization of the smelting and base metal refining protocols. No penalties are expected to be placed upon the concentrate.
1.16 Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Social or Community Impact
In consultation with the community, the mine footprint was planned to exclude areas significant to the community, including prime grazing areas.
Table 0-10 shows key environmental and social licenses and permit applications are required for the Waterberg Project.
Table 0-10: Status of Environmental Licenses and Permits Required for the Waterberg Project
|
License / Permit Application |
Authority |
Reference Number |
Status |
|
Mining Right (with Social and Labour Plan (SLP) |
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) |
LP 30/5/1/2/2 /2/10161MR |
Submitted |
|
Environmental Authorisation (EA) [includes Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) and Closure Plan] |
DMRE |
LP 30/5/1/2/2 /2/10161EM |
Granted |
- 52 -
|
License / Permit Application |
Authority |
Reference Number |
Status |
|
Waste Management Licence |
DMRE |
LP 30/5/1/2/2 /2/10161MR |
Submitted |
|
Water Use Licence |
DHSWA |
Imminent Application |
Imminent Application |
|
Heritage Resources Consent for Development |
South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) |
LP 30/5/1/2/2 /2/10161MR - 12878 |
Submitted |
From an environmental and social perspective, the greatest impacts from mining are anticipated in the eastern (plant footprint) and south-east-central areas of the proposed mining right area. This area is where surface infrastructure is planned as this is the shallowest access for underground mining and is topographically relatively flat. The findings of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner and specialists' assessments have shown that the Waterberg Project may result in both negative and positive impacts to the environment; however, adequate mitigation measures are included into the EMPr to reduce the significance of the identified negative impacts.
The Social and Labour Plan ("SLP") forms part of the mining right in South Africa. It is a commitment to sustainable social development and was submitted, as required, with the mining right application. Local landowners, land users, local authorities and communities were consulted and updated from the prospecting stage and are well aware of the project plans. Land use agreements are currently being concluded with the Goedetrouw Community, the Ketting Community, and individual property owners on the farms traversed by the proposed water pipeline and powerlines.
Specific training needs were identified and a detailed training programme is being developed with an internationally recognised organisation to provide the structure and services required for the initial and ongoing needs of the Waterberg Project.
1.17 Capital and Operating Costs
Capital costs to 70% of steady-state production are estimated predominantly in ZAR, with all cost estimates expressed in ZAR real July 2019 terms. Modelled costs are converted to US$ at a long-term real exchange rate of 15.00 (ZAR/US$). The real escalation of costs (in ZAR terms) is estimated to be offset, over time, by the future devaluation of the ZAR against the US$. Estimated capital expenditure is R13 105 M for the Waterberg Project plus R3 453 M for capitalized operating costs to achieve the 70% of steady-state production as detailed in Table 0-11.
Table 0-11: Waterberg Project Capital Cost
|
Cost Area |
ZAR Total (ZAR M) |
USD Total (US$ M) |
|
Underground Mining |
R6 097 |
$406 |
|
Concentrator |
R2 580 |
$172 |
|
Shared Services and Infrastructure |
R682 |
$45 |
- 53 -
|
Cost Area |
ZAR Total (ZAR M) |
USD Total (US$ M) |
|
Regional Infrastructure |
R1 229 |
$82 |
|
Site Support Services |
R234 |
$16 |
|
Project Delivery Management |
R654 |
$44 |
|
Other Capitalised Costs |
R331 |
$22 |
|
Contingency |
R1 298 |
$87 |
|
Total Project Capital (excluding Capitalised OpEx) |
R13 105 |
$874 |
|
Capitalised Operating Costs |
R3 453 |
$230 |
|
Total Project Capital (including Capitalised OpEx) |
R16 559 |
$1 104 |
The SIB expenditure covers all expenditure of a capital nature following the achievement of 70% of the steady-state production. This includes all ongoing underground waste development, construction of the North Complex, and the required infrastructure plus mobile equipment replacement and other items of a capital nature associated with the concentrator and general mine infrastructure. The total stay-in-business (SIB) contingency is R21.6 billion spread over the more than 40 years of mine life.
The overall life of mine capital expenditure profile for the Project is shown in Figure 0-9.
Figure 0-9: Capital Expenditure Profile for Life of Mine
- 54 -
The LOM operating costs following achievement of 70% of steady-state production and excluding SIB expenditure is summarised in Table 0-12.
Table 0-12: Waterberg Project Operating Cost
|
Cost Area |
LOM Average (ZAR/t milled) |
LOM Average (US$/t milled) |
|
Mining |
R345 |
$23.01 |
|
Milling and Processing |
R132 |
$8.79 |
|
Engineering and Infrastructure |
R116 |
$7.76 |
|
General and Administration |
R19 |
$1.25 |
|
Total On-site Operating Costs |
R612 |
$40.80 |
The cash cost per 4E ounce is estimated at US$640 (spot prices) and US$554 (three-year trailing prices), respectively. The cash cost includes the smelter discount as a cost, as well as byproduct credits from Cu and Ni sales; therefore, the indicated cash costs are dependent on the prevailing metal price assumptions as detailed in Table 0-13.
Table 0-13: Waterberg Project Cash and All-In-Cost
|
Metric |
Spot Prices |
Three-year |
|
On-site Operating Costs |
$487 |
$456 |
|
Smelting, Refining, and Transport Costs |
$302 |
$227 |
|
Royalties and Production Taxes |
$88 |
$54 |
|
Less Byproduct Base Metal Credits |
$(236) |
$(184) |
|
Total Cash Cost |
$640 |
$554 |
|
Sustaining Capital |
$94 |
$88 |
|
Total All-in Sustaining Cost |
$734 |
$642 |
|
Project Capital |
$34 |
$32 |
|
Total All-in Cost |
$767 |
$674 |
1.18 Economic Analysis
Key features of the Waterberg Project are listed below.
• The Waterberg Project capital expenditure (CapEx) (exclusive of sustaining capital) is estimated at R16 559 M (US$1 104 M). The Waterberg Project CapEx includes capitalised operating costs of R3 453 M up to 70% of steady-state production.
- 55 -
• The LOM average OpEx unit cost (exclusive of capitalised OpEx) is estimated at R612 / t milled.
• The Waterberg Project produces a positive business case in both the spot and three-year trailing average metal price scenarios. At spot prices, the Waterberg Project yields a post-tax NPV8.0% of R14 736 M (US$982 M), at an IRR of 20.7%, an undiscounted payback period of 8.4 years, and a peak funding requirement of R9 255 M (US$617 M). At three-year trailing average metal prices, the project yields a post-tax NPV8.0% of R5 616 M (US$333 M), at an IRR of 13.3%, an undiscounted payback period of 11.2 years, and a peak funding requirement of R10 261 M (US$667 M).
• At the two pricing scenarios (spot and three-year trailing average) the project generates LOM average cash costs of US$640 / 4E oz and US$554 / 4E oz, respectively, which places Waterberg firmly within the lowest quartile of regional PGE producers.
1.19 Adjacent Properties
Numerous mineral deposits have been outlined along the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. The main projects in the area include Mogalakwena Mine, Aurora Project, Akanani Project, Boikgantsho Project, Hacra Project, and Platreef Project.
1.20 Project Implementation
The project schedule assumes a start date of January 2020 with the commencement of the detailed engineering and aims to achieve the following key milestones:
• Start of Project - January 2020
• Start of Construction of Central / South Mining Complex - June 2020
• Start of Decline Development - January 2021
• Completion of the 132 kV Bulk Electrical Supply - April 2022
• Start of Ore Processing in Concentrator- January 2024
• Achievement of 70% of Steady-state Capacity - September 2025
• Completion of Capital Period - December 2025
The project schedule is summarised graphically in Figure 0-10.
- 56 -
Figure 0-10: High-level Implementation Schedule
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- 57 -
1.21 Interpretations and Conclusions
The database used for the Mineral Resource estimate consisted of 441 drill holes and 583 deflections. The Mineral Resource estimate was completed using geostatistics best practices and the M&I Mineral Resources are at an appropriate level of confidence to be considered in the DFS for mine planning.
The geometry and continuity of the mineral resource and the rock mass quality of the mineralized zones and surrounding rock mass make the Waterberg zones amenable to extraction using the Sublevel Longhole Stoping mining method using paste backfill. The mine design includes all development and infrastructure required to access the Central, South, and North Complexes and mine the estimated Mineral Reserves. A full 3D mine model was created for each complex and a LOM development and production schedule was prepared to determine the estimated tonnes, average grade, and metals profile mined and delivered to surface. Individual stope and development mining shapes were created and include planned dilution and modifying factors to account for geological losses, external overbreak dilution, and mining losses. The estimated Mineral Reserves are supported by a mine plan and economic analysis and demonstrate positive economics.
The development methods and mining methods are safe and highly mechanized and use common equipment and processes that are proven and used successfully in the global mining industry. The successful execution of these methods to achieve planned underground mine development and production at the Waterberg Project will require the operation to establish a culture focused on worker health and safety, investment and emphasis on worker skills training geared toward the equipment and technology used, and structured mine planning.
The metallurgical process selected is proven technology and is appropriate for the ore to be treated and will produce a concentrate containing about 80 g/t 4E at a recovery approaching 80%.
The economics show that the Waterberg Project is financially robust with peak funding at R9 255 M and a payback of 8.4 years for spot prices and R10 261 M with a payback of 11.2 years for three-year trailing prices. The cash cost estimate shows that the Waterberg Project will be in the lower quartile of PGM mining operations in the southern African region.
1.22 Recommendations
The key recommendations related to the Mineral Resource are summarized below.
• It is recommended that dedicated Mineral Resource definition drilling from both surface and underground be completed during the access period to upgrade some of the indicated Mineral Resources to measured Mineral Resources.
• Currently, only the larger geological structures have been modelled. It is recommended that a detailed structural analysis is conducted and modelled.
The key recommendations related to the mine design and Mineral Reserves are summarised below.
• There is Mineral Resource below the stope cutoff that is not included in the mine plan but is adjacent to planned development and stoping areas. A lower cutoff grade could potentially bring this material into the mine plan with incremental additional development and add to the Mineral Reserves. It is recommended to evaluate the potential for reducing the stope cutoff grade.
- 58 -
• There is Mineral Resource that is above cutoff that could not be included in a longhole stope shape due to local geometry. This material could be amenable to mining using Cut and Fill or Board and Pillar methods. It is recommended to determine the stoping cutoff for this material and evaluate the potential to include some of this material in the mine plan and add to the Mineral Reserves.
• It is recommended to monitor the progress and application of battery-powered mobile equipment technology and evaluate the opportunities this technology could present to the Waterberg Project.
• It is recommended that further geotechnical and geomechanical work be completed as part of project execution to validate mine design assumptions and support the detailed design for underground and surface infrastructure.
The following metallurgical test work is recommended during project execution.
• Further flotation testwork to confirm the effect of the available groundwater on flotation performance and to determine what adjustments to the raw water circuit would be required (if any)
• Concentrate thickening and filtration testwork.
• Further tailings thickening and filtration testwork for confirmation of backfill plant design criteria.
It is recommended Waterberg JV Resources continue their current permitting strategy to develop positive community support and streamline final project approval as outlined below.
• Maintain regular consultation activities with all appropriate national, provincial, and local regulatory agencies and officials.
• Maintain engagement with local communities.
Waterberg JV Resources has a programme of work in place to comply with the necessary environmental, social, and community requirements. Following is key work that should continue.
• Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) in accordance with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
• Public Participation Process in accordance with the NEMA.
• Specialist investigations in support of the ESHIA.
• Integrated Water Use License (WUL) Application in compliance with the National Water Act.
• Integrated Waste Management License (WML) in compliance with the National Environmental Management Waste Act.
If the permits are received for construction and operation the project is recommended to move into the detailed design and planning for project implementation.
It is recommended that the concentrate off-take discussions be initiated with the JV partner (and others) to confirm the net smelter return payabilities for the economic metals in the concentrate to be sold by Waterberg, as this will have a material impact on the overall finances.
- 59 -
Based on the positive economics from the technical inputs and the financial analysis, it is recommended that the Waterberg Project be considered by the members of the Waterberg JV for an investment decision.
Additional Information
During the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021, the Waterberg Project incurred and capitalized a total of $3.7 million (year ended August 31, 2020 - $3.0 million) of exploration, engineering and development costs for the Waterberg Project, of which $0.2 million was 100% paid for by Implats with the remaining $3.5 million being covered on a pro-rata basis by the Company, Mnombo, JOGMEC and Implats.
At August 31, 2021, the Company had capitalized $44.0 million in accumulated net costs to the Waterberg Project. Total expenditures on the property since inception, and before cost reimbursements by other Waterberg Project Partners, are approximately $77.5 million.
The DFS was completed in September 2019 under the direction of the Technical Committee appointed by Waterberg JV Co. comprised of members representing the Company and all other Waterberg Project Partners - Implats, JOGMEC, Hanwa and Mnombo.
Prior to completion of the DFS, an earlier mineral resource estimate was completed by an Independent Geological Qualified Person for the Waterberg Project in the October 2018 Waterberg Report. Subsequent to the completion of the October 2018 Waterberg Report, the joint venture, at the direction of its Technical Committee, completed a further 4,127 metres of infill drilling in 4 new drill holes targeting the T Zone. An additional 5 deflections from the mother holes were also drilled. A total of approximately 523 new assay samples were completed along with 101 QA/QC reference samples and quality control blanks. New assay data and geological information from this additional drilling was used to generate an updated mineral resource estimate (effective September 4, 2019), which was then utilized as an input to the DFS as reported in the Waterberg DFS.
The true width of the shallow dipping (30° to 35°) mineralized zones at the Waterberg Project are approximately 82% to 87% of the reported interval from the vertical intercepts drilled. For the efficient application of bulk mining methods and for mine planning, vertical intercepts of 3 metres or more are desirable. Increased grade thickness zones associated with minor footwall troughs or bays along the 13 km long layered complex have recently been identified.
As a result of its shallow depth, good grade and a fully mechanized mining approach, the Waterberg Project has the opportunity to be a safe mine within the lowest quartile of the Southern Africa PGE industry cost curve.
Waterberg JV Co. applied for the Waterberg Mining Right in August 2018 and an EA in July of 2019. Detailed consultation with communities, local municipalities, the Limpopo Provincial government and South African national authorities was completed. The EA was granted on August 12, 2020, subject to a public notice period and finalization of issues raised by affected parties, which process was completed with the issue of the final EA on November 10, 2020. The Waterberg Mining Right was granted by the DMRE on January 28, 2021 and its notarial execution was completed on April 13, 2021.
Detailed infrastructure planning has commenced for the Waterberg Project. Detailed hydrological work and test drilling for water has also been completed to study the planned utilization of known sources for significant volumes of ground water. A co-operation agreement between Waterberg JV Co. and the local Capricorn Municipality for the cooperative development of water resources has resulted in the identification of water supplies and the preliminary design of distribution infrastructure. Hydrological work has identified several large-scale aquifers and test drilling had indicated these are able to provide mine process and potable water for the Waterberg Project and local communities. Test drilling of these water basins was completed in 2019 and 2020 and additional drilling is planned as a pre-implementation objective. An earlier work and drilling program conducted by the Capricorn District Municipality identified both potable and high mineral unpotable water resources in the district. Several boreholes proximal to the Waterberg Project identified large volumes of high mineral unpotable water not suitable for human consumption. Hydrological and mill process specialists investigated the use of this water as mine process water. In general, ground water resources identified proximal to the Waterberg Project have potential for usage for both mining and local communities.
- 60 -
The establishment of servitudes for power line routes and detailed planning and permitting for an ESKOM electrical service to the project is well advanced. Power line environmental and servitude work is being completed by TDxPower in coordination with ESKOM. TDxPower has progressed electrical power connection planning for approximately a 74 km, 137MVA, 132kV overhead line to the project.
DFS engineering work on the Waterberg Project included resource modelling, metallurgical work, optimization of the metallurgical flow sheet using South African and Japanese expertise, bulk services design and mechanized mine planning. Optimization of the mine plan in 2019 included the use of paste backfill in order to allow for a higher mining extraction ratio as mining can be completed next to backfilled stopes without leaving internal pillars. DRA Projects SA (Proprietary) Limited and Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd. were appointed for DFS work on metallurgy, plant design, infrastructure and cost estimation. Stantec Consulting Ltd. was appointed for DFS work on underground mining engineering and design and reserve estimation. Charles Muller of CJM Consulting (Pty) Ltd. was appointed as Independent Geological and Geostatistical Qualified Person.
Subsequent to the completion of the DFS, the 2020 Work Program funded by Implats until September 15, 2020 completed the following optimization and risk mitigation studies:
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Dry stacking of tailings to reduce water use and reduce tailings impoundment footprint.
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Confirmation of portal positions and detailed designs.
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Review of initial mining method, stope and sub level designs.
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Detailed benchmarking to comparable operations around the world and specifically in Africa.
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Detailed simulation of underground mining and surface systems.
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Possible use of battery electric underground vehicles and resulting reduced ventilation and cooling requirements, reduced electrical power requirements, and opex/capex implications.
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Possible use of Mobile Tunnel Boring.
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Review of water demand and supply and test drilling to confirm water resources.
Total cost of the 2020 Work Program funded by Implats amounted to approximately Rand 24.7 million.
Planned geo-technical drilling of boxcuts/portals and along planned decline pathways budgeted at approximately R 15.0 million and proposed geological infill drilling budgeted at approximately R 12.0 million, was not completed as a part of the 2020 Work Program, as such work first required the grant of a mining right. Subsequent to the January 28, 2021, grant of the Waterberg Mining Right, the planned geo-technical drilling was completed during the months of July to October of 2021 at a cost of approximately R 15.8 million. The geotechnical drilling campaign consisted of 46 boreholes drilled along the planned centerline of two sets of twin declines and box-cut positions. Approximately 11 holes were drilled vertically, and the remaining holes were inclined out of the plane to intersect all possible discontinuities. A total of 5,966 metres of drill core were recovered and a total of 2,696 metres of core were geotechnically logged from within the zone of interest. All boreholes except those in the planned box-cut areas were backfilled with cement upon completion. Downhole geophysical surveys were conducted consisting of optical and/or acoustic televiewer and gamma probes as well as caliper probes. Three packer tests were conducted in boreholes where groundwater strikes were encountered. Core samples of all the major geotechnical units encountered were collected and subjected to laboratory testing. The results of the drilling campaign confirm that the box-cut positions are in sandstone, and the central and southern declines transition from sandstone into a dolerite sill and back into sandstone before cutting into the igneous rocks of the Bushveld Complex. In general, results are as expected, and the rock mass is competent. Also as expected, some support will be required for both tunnel sets. No problem areas, where special mining methods or non-standard support would be required, have been identified. Groundwater inflow is also not considered a risk. The standard practice of probe drilling ahead of decline tunnel development will be important to monitor rock quality and identify correct support standards ahead of development. Geotechnical qualified persons monitoring the drill program have stated that in general, the rock mass encountered along both decline routes can support the planned excavations with no major problem areas expected. Additional work is also now underway related to environmental baseline studies and the surveying of infrastructure locations, roadways, power and water servitudes, etc. Final documentation for the application for a water use license is ready for filing with the Department of Water and Sanitation, subject to the Kgatlu community’s landowners consent.
The Company is also assessing the possibility of constructing a dedicated furnace for the processing of Waterberg Project concentrate to produce an upgraded product for sale in the market without the need for treatment by a third party offtaker. An internal pre-feasibility study for such a Waterberg matte furnace was completed for the Company by industry experts in late 2021. The pre-feasibility study assesses the construction and operation of a 20 MW smelting furnace with two off air-blown converters capable of producing a matte suitable as feed to a standard base metal refinery in South Africa or elsewhere. The Company is in process to complete further studies examining the optimal location for such a furnace as well as downstream marketing considerations, permitting and power and water requirements. The Company is also researching the economic feasibility of acquiring an existing furnace in South Africa that may be refurbished and modified to process Waterberg Project concentrate.
Engineering refinement of steady state power requirements has resulted in a reduced demand of approximately 90MvA at steady state. Bulk power design and costing work for steady state requirements has commenced. ESKOM is engaged with project engineers to determine electrical power sources and availability. A temporary power line for the construction period from the nearby grid at Bochum is being designed and costed. Community engagement regarding power line routes and completion of an EIA for the power line routes is in process.
- 61 -
Non-Material Mineral Property Interests
The non-material mineral property interests of the Company include prospecting rights located in South Africa. These non-material property interests are not, individually or collectively, material to the Company.
5.4 SOUTH AFRICAN REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Company is subject to South African government regulations that affect all aspects of the Company's operations. Accordingly, the sections below set out the primary laws and regulatory concepts to which the Company is subject.
Black Economic Empowerment in the South African Mining Industry
The transition from an apartheid regime to a democratic regime brought with it a commitment by the South African state, as enshrined in the Constitution, to take legislative and other measures to redress the results of past racial discrimination against black South Africans, or as the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act ("MPRDA") defines them, "HDPs". Under the MPRDA, the concept includes any association, the majority of whose members are HDPs as well as juristic persons if HDPs own and control the majority of the shares and control the majority of the shareholders' votes.
This concept and process to take legislative and other measures to redress the results of past racial discrimination against black South Africans is known in South Africa as broad-based black economic empowerment, or "BEE". The mining industry was one of many industries identified by the South African government as requiring reform to bring about equitable benefit from South Africa's mineral industry to all South Africans and to promote local and rural development and social upliftment of communities affected by mining.
The regulatory regime governing the South African mining industry has therefore fundamentally changed over the past decade. Legislation governing mining and BEE within the mining sector includes, among other laws regulations and policies, the MPRDA, the Mining Codes and the Standards pursuant to the MPRDA, the Mining Charter, the Mining Charter Scorecard and the Mining Titles Registration Act No. 16 of 1967 (as amended). The aforementioned legislation and policies, however, are industry specific and the generic BEE regulatory framework in South Africa is regulated in terms of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003 (the "BEE Act"), which sets outs the South African government's policy in respect of the promotion of BEE. The BEE Act also permits the Minster of Trade, Industry and Competition to publish generic BEE Codes of Good Practice ("Generic BEE Codes"), being codes of good practice that address, among other things, the indicators to measure BEE and the weightings to be attached to such indicators, as well as sector specific codes of good practice (refer to discussion below on sector codes).
- 62 -
The Generic BEE Codes were originally published in 2007 and set out seven indicators or elements in terms of which BEE compliance is measured. Each element has a scorecard in terms of which various sub-elements are set out, together with a target for compliance with each sub-element and a corresponding number of weighting points. An entity's BEE compliance is measured in terms of each of these scorecards and the aggregate score will then determine that entity's BEE compliance level. Independent BEE verification agencies are authorized to verify an entity's compliance and provide it with a verification certificate which will set out its score and confirm its BEE compliance level. The seven elements of BEE compliance set out in the original Generic BEE Codes are ownership (which measures the extent to which black people own the measured entity), management control (which measures the extent to which black people form part of the board of directors and top management of the entity), employment equity (which measures the extent to which black people are employed with the various management levels of the entity), skills development (which measures the extent to which the entity has undertaken skills training for the benefit of its black employees), preferential procurement (which measures the extent to which the entity procures goods and services from BEE compliant and black-owned companies), enterprise development (which measures the extent to which the entity has contributed towards the development of black-owned or BEE compliant companies), and socio-economic development (which measures the extent to which the entity has contributed towards the economic development of black people).
The original Generic BEE Codes were substantially amended on October 11, 2013 and such amendments became effective from May 1, 2015. Generally speaking, the amended Generic BEE Codes seek to make BEE compliance more onerous to achieve. The total number of points required to achieve certain levels of BEE compliance have been increased. The elements of management control and employment equity have been consolidated into a single element referred to only as management control, and the elements of preferential procurement and enterprise development have been consolidated into a single element referred to as enterprise and supplier development. The elements of ownership, skills development and enterprise and supplier development are classified as priority elements to which minimum thresholds of compliance attach and subjects an entity to a penalty of a reduction in its BEE compliance status by one level if the entity fails to achieve any of such minimum thresholds. The Generic BEE Codes were amended again on May 31, 2019 to make certain changes to clarify how small and medium enterprises should be assessed for BEE compliance and to amend the targets and points for certain elements.
In addition, the BEE Act was amended by The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, No. 46 of 2013 (the "BEE Amendment Act"), which came into operation on October 24, 2014.
The provisions of section 3(2) set out in the BEE Amendment Act states that "in the event of any conflict between this Act and any other law in force immediately prior to the date of commencement of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2013, this Act prevails if the conflict specifically relates to a matter dealt with in this Act" (the "Trumping Provision"). The BEE Amendment Act provides that section 3(2) will come into effect one year after the date on which the President proclaims the BEE Amendment Act into law and therefore became operative on October 24, 2015. However, on October 30, 2015 the Minister of Trade and Industry exempted the DMRE from applying the Trumping Provision until October 31, 2016 on the basis that the alignment of the Mining Charter with the BEE Act and the BEE Codes is still ongoing. There has not been a further extension of this exemption.
Section 10(1)(a) set out in the BEE Amendment Act provides that "every organ of state and public entity must apply any relevant code of good practice issued in terms of this Act in determining qualification criteria for the issuing of licences, concessions or other authorizations in respect of economic activity in terms of any law". This will require all governmental bodies to apply the Generic BEE Codes or other relevant codes of good practice when procuring goods or services or issuing licenses or other authorizations under any other laws, and to penalize fronting or misrepresentation of BEE information.
- 63 -
The provisions of section 3(2) and 10(1)(a) indicate that the DMRE would be obliged to apply the provisions of the BEE Act and of any BEE code of good practice gazetted in terms of the BEE Act when issuing rights, permissions or permits in terms of the MPRDA in the future.
A code of good practice refers to the Generic BEE Codes or any sector-specific code of good practice which has been developed and gazetted in terms of the provisions of the BEE Act after consultation with the relevant industry stakeholders and the Department of Trade and Industry. It does not include the Mining Charter. The implications of the above provisions of the BEE Amendment Act are that unless a mining sector code is developed and gazetted, or unless a further exemption is granted by Ministers of Trade and Industry, the DMRE would not be entitled to apply the Mining Charter when issuing rights, permissions or permits (after commencement of the abovementioned sections of the BEE Amendment Act) and would be required to apply the Generic BEE Codes. While the target for ownership under the Generic BEE Codes is the same as in the Mining Charter 2010 i.e. 26% (as opposed to the current Mining Charter 2018's 30%), the remaining elements of the Generic BEE Codes in terms of which BEE compliance is measured are materially different from those set out in the Mining Charter 2018. In addition, the extent of BEE compliance is determined under the Generic BEE Codes with reference to an entity's overall score and corresponding BEE compliance level, and the Mining Charter 2018's scorecard does not contain the same methodology. Thus, if the Generic BEE Codes were to apply to the mining industry, it would place the industry at a disadvantage and create uncertainty.
Section 10(2)(a) set out in the BEE Amendment Act provides that "the Minister may, after consultation with the relevant organ of state or public entity, exempt the organ of state or public entity from a requirement contained in subsection (1) or allow a deviation therefrom if particular objectively verifiable facts or circumstances applicable to the organ of state or public entity necessitate a deviation". Such an exemption or deviation is required to be published in the government gazette. It seems possible, but it is not certain whether the DMRE could apply for such an exemption in respect of the mining industry.
The DMRE and industry bodies are aware of the implications of the Trumping Provision. Notwithstanding that there has been no further extension of the exemption in respect of the Trumping Provision, to date, the DMRE continues to apply the provisions of the Mining Charter and not the Generic BEE Codes.
It is important to bear in mind that none of the Mining Charter, the Mining Charter Scorecard or the Mining Codes are drafted as legislative documents. They are instruments of policy and as such are frequently ambiguous, loosely worded and difficult to interpret with precision.
The MPRDA seeks to facilitate participation by HDPs in mining ventures. Complying with the HDSA regime is a prerequisite for being granted and maintaining prospecting and mining rights. Every application for a mining right under the MPRDA must demonstrate that the granting of such right will:
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substantially and meaningfully expand opportunities for HDPs, including women, to enter the mineral and petroleum industry in order to benefit from the exploitation of the nation's mineral and petroleum resources; and
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promote employment and advance the social and economic welfare of all South Africans.
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The Mining Charter
The original mining charter was developed to give substance and guidance to the empowerment provisions under MPRDA, which came into effect on May 1, 2004. The original mining charter set out a number of targets which were to be achieved by mining companies by 2009 and 2014. Among other targets, mining companies had to achieve a 15% historically HDP ownership by 2009 and a 26% HDP ownership by 2014. Ownership relates to ownership of mining assets, whether through the holding of equity, partnership, joint venture or direct holding.
Notwithstanding the uncertainties in BEE legislation applicable to mining companies with regard to the measurement of HDP ownership, it is accepted practice (as confirmed in section 2.1.2 of the Mining Codes) that the so-called flow-through and modified flow-through principles are applicable to the calculation of indirectly held HDP interests (i.e. where there is partial HDP ownership in a corporate structure above the level of the company holding the prospecting or mining right). In terms of the flow-through principle, the level of indirect ownership, proportionally reduced to reflect partial HDP shareholding in intermediate companies, would be calculated to determine the proportional indirect HDP shareholding in the company holding the right. Under the modified flow-through principle, a company with more than 51% HDP ownership (defined as a Historically Disadvantaged Persons Owned and Controlled Company in Mining Charter 2018) may, at any one level in a corporate structure, attribute 100% HDP ownership to that company for the purposes of applying the flow-through principle.
On September 13, 2010, the current Mining Charter 2010 came into effect setting targets (some of which remain the same as those in the previous mining charter) to be achieved by mining companies by December 31, 2014 (the implementation of which needs to be reported to the DMRE by mining companies in 2015), which targets include:
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Ownership: this entails 26% meaningful economic participation by HDPs and 26% full shareholder rights for HDPs. The Mining Charter refers to BEE entities as opposed to HDP companies but retains the 26% ownership target.
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Housing and living conditions: occupancy rate of employee accommodations of one person per room and all conversion of employee hostels must be fully achieved.
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Employment equity: 40% HDP participation at Board level, at executive committee level, in middle management, in junior management and 40% HDP participation within core skills.
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Human resource development: 5% human resource development expenditure focused on HDPs as a percentage of total annual payroll.
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Mine community development: implementation of approved community projects.
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Sustainable development and growth:
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implementation of approved EMP measured annually against the approved plans;
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implementation of action plans on health and safety measured annually against the approved plans; and
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utilization of South African based research facilities for the analysis of all South African sourced mineral samples.
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Beneficiation: contribute a percentage of additional production volume towards local beneficiation of mineral commodities in accordance with the beneficiation strategy introduced pursuant to the terms of section 26 of the MPRDA. No such strategy has yet been finalized.
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- Reporting: submission of annual reports to the DMRE in respect of compliance with the Mining Charter 2010.
Mining Charter 2010 included targets, measures and weightings by which mining right holders are assessed against the obligations according to the Mining Charter 2010 Scorecard.
On September 27, 2018, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy (the "Minister") announced the implementation of Mining Charter 2018 which sets out new and revised targets to be achieved by mining companies, the most pertinent of these being the revised BEE ownership shareholding requirements for mining rights holders. Mining Charter 2018 provides for the publication of 'Implementation Guidelines' by November 27, 2018. This creates greater uncertainty in measuring a mining right holder's progress towards, and compliance with, its commitments under Mining Charter 2018.
On March 27, 2019, the Minerals Council South Africa announced that it had launched review proceedings against the Minister to set aside certain provisions of Mining Charter 2018. Essentially the review concerned a requirement in the Mining Charter 2018 that mining firms re-empower themselves in order to renew mining licenses or transfer mining rights, contrary to the so-called 'once empowered, always empowered' principle. Judgment in favour of the Minerals Council South Africa was handed down on September 21, 2021 but the Minister has indicated that he intends to appeal the judgment. The court confirmed the 'once empowered, always empowered' principle, confirmed that the Mining Charter 2018 was a policy document and not subordinate legislation and held that a breach of the Mining Charter 2018, of itself, could not result in cancellation of a mining right.
The Waterberg Mining Right was adjudicated upon and granted in accordance with the ownership requirements of Mining Charter 2010, given that it was lodged and accepted prior to the coming into force of the current Mining Charter 2018.
Under Mining Charter 2018, new mining rights holders will be required to have a minimum 30% BEE shareholding (a 4% increase from the required 26% under the Mining Charter 2010) which shall include economic interest plus a corresponding percentage of voting rights, per right or in the mining company which holds the right. Waterberg JV Co. has a period of 5 years from April 13, 2021 within which to increase its BEE shareholding to 30%, given that its application was accepted prior to September 27, 2018. Mining Charter 2018 remains unclear as to whether such shareholding will be required to be distributed amongst employees, communities and black entrepreneurs as detailed below, and if so, in what percentages. Waterberg has obtained an opinion from senior counsel advising that such distribution is not required. Holders of existing mining rights who achieved a minimum of 26% BEE shareholding, or who achieved a 26% BEE shareholding but whose BEE shareholders exited prior to September 27, 2018 will be recognized as BEE ownership compliant for the duration of the mining right and for any period of renewal thereof.A new mining right granted after the coming into effect of Mining Charter 2018 (other than where the application for the right was accepted by the DMRE before September 27, 2018) must have a minimum of 30% BEE shareholding, applicable for the duration of the mining right, which must be distributed as to (i) a minimum of 5% non-transferable carried interest to qualifying employees; (ii) a minimum of 5% non-transferrable carried interest to host communities, or a minimum 5% equity equivalent benefit; and (iii) a minimum of 20% effective ownership in the form of shares to a BEE entrepreneur, a minimum of 5% which must preferably be for women.
The carried interest of 5% to each of the community and the employees must be issued to them at no cost and free of encumbrance. The costs to the right holder of such issue can be recovered from the development of the mineral asset.
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The equity equivalent benefit relating to communities refers to a 5% equivalent of the issued share capital, at no cost to a trust or similar vehicle set up for the benefit of host communities. The intention behind introducing this alternative is so that communities accessing the benefit of ownership will not be delayed. The host community would receive an economic benefit as if it was the holder of a 5% equity interest.
Mining right holders may claim an equity equivalent ownership offset for beneficiation in accordance with a DMRE approved Beneficiation Equity Equivalent Plan.
The Mining Charter 2018 also sets deadlines by which the BEE Shareholding must vest for new rights, namely a minimum of 50% must vest within two thirds of the duration of a mining right; and the prescribed minimum 30% target shall apply for the duration of a mining right.
A mining right holder will be required to invest in Human Resource Development by paying 5% of the "leviable amount", being the levy payable under the South African Skills Development Act, No. 97 of 1998, (excluding the mandatory statutory skills levy) towards essential skills development activities such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics skills as well as artisans, internships, apprentices, bursaries, literacy and numeracy skills for employees and non-employees (community members), graduate training programs, research and development of solutions in exploration, mining, processing, technology efficiency (energy and water use in mining), beneficiation as well as environmental conservation and rehabilitation.
Mining right holders must promote economic development through developing and/or nurturing small, medium and micro enterprises and suppliers of mining goods and services. Within 6 months of implementation of the Mining Charter 2018, right holders must submit a 5-year plan indicating incremental implementation of inclusive procurement targets.
A minimum of 70% of a holder's total research and development budget must be spent on South African based research and development entities, either in the public or private sector and only South African based companies or facilities can be utilized for the analysis of all mineral samples across the mining value chain.
Mining Charter 2018 also provides for minimum employment equity thresholds at various levels of management. These include:
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Board - a minimum of 50% are HDP's, 20% of which must be women.
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Executive Management - a minimum of 50% are HDP's at the executive director level as a percentage of all executive directors proportionally represented, 20% of which must be women.
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Senior Management - a minimum of 60% are HDP's proportionally represented, 25% of which must be women.
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Middle Management - a minimum of 60% are HDP's, proportionally represented, 25% of which must be women.
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Junior Management - a minimum of 70% are HDP's proportionally represented, 30% of which must be women.
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Employees with disabilities - a minimum of 1.5% employees with disabilities as a percentage of all employees, reflective of national or provincial demographics.
Mining right holders must also develop and implement a career progression plan (aligned with its Social and Labour Plan) consistent with the demographics of South Africa, which plan must provide for (i) career development matrices of each discipline (inclusive of minimum entry requirements and timeframes); (ii) develop individual development plans for employees; (iii) identify a talent pool to be fast tracked in line with needs; and (iv) provide a comprehensive plan with targets, timeframes and how the plan would be implemented.
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Mining right holders must meaningfully contribute towards Mine Community Development with a bias in favour of mine communities both in terms of impact as well as in keeping with the principles of the social license to operate. This element, together with the ownership element are ring-fenced and require 100% compliance at all times. In consultation with relevant municipalities, mine communities, traditional authorities and affected stakeholders, mining right holders must identify developmental priorities of mine communities and make provision for such priorities in prescribed and approved SLPs, to be be published in English and one or two other languages commonly used within the mine community. Mining right holders who operate in the same area may collaborate on certain identified projects to maximize the socio-economic development impact in line with SLPs.
Holders must implement 100% of their SLP commitments in any given financial year of the mining right holder. Any amendments and/or variations to commitments set out in SLPs (including budgets) shall require approval in terms of section 102 of the MPRDA, and right holders will be required to consult with mine communities.
Housing and living conditions for mine workers as stipulated in the Housing and Living Conditions Standards, developed in terms of section 100(1)(a) of the MPRDA, including decent and affordable housing, provision for home ownership, provision for social, physical and economic integration of human settlements, secure tenure for the employees in housing institutions, proper health care services, affordable, equitable and sustainable health system and balanced nutrition. Under Mining Charter 2018, holders must submit housing and living conditions plans to be approved by the DMRE after consultation with organized labor and the Department of Human Settlement. To provide clear targets and timelines for purposes of implementing the aforesaid housing and living condition principles the DMRE released the reviewed Housing and Living Conditions Standard for the Minerals Industry on December 11, 2019.,
Mining Charter 2018 provides, for the first time, a regime for junior miners who meet the qualifying criteria and grants such companies exemption from certain elements/targets. The regime for junior mining companies is limited to mining right holders who, either through holding a single or multiple mining rights, have a combined annual turnover of less than Rand 150 million.
Mining right holders who have a turn-over of less that Rand 10 million per annum are exempt from the following elements/targets set out in the Mining Charter 2018: Employment Equity Targets (if they have less than 10 employees); Inclusive Procurement Targets; as well as Enterprise and Supplier Development Targets, and are required to only comply with the following elements/targets Ownership element (but undefined as to composition of BEE shareholding); Employment Equity Targets (if they have more than 10 employees); Human Resource Development Targets; and Mine Community Development Targets.
Mining right holders who have a turn-over of between Rand 10 million and Rand 50 million per annum are required to comply with the following elements/target: Ownership element (but undefined as to composition of BEE shareholding); Human Resource Development Targets; Employment Equity Targets (at group level); and Mine Community Development Targets.
New Order Mining and Prospecting Rights Under the MPRDA
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All of the Company's prospecting rights as well as the Waterberg Mining Right are so-called new order rights (i.e. rights granted under the MPRDA) as opposed to old order rights, being rights granted under pre-MPRDA legislation. Under the MPRDA, mining companies operating in South Africa were required to apply for conversion of old order rights into new order prospecting and mining rights issued by the South African state in terms of the MPRDA. New order rights in respect of mining are granted for a maximum period of 30 years, with renewals of up to 30 years at a time. Prospecting rights are valid for a period of five years, with one renewal of up to three years. Furthermore, the MPRDA provides for a retention period after prospecting of up to three years with one renewal of up to two years, subject to certain conditions. The holder of a prospecting right granted under the MPRDA has the exclusive right to apply for and, subject to compliance with the requirements of the MPRDA, to be granted, a mining right in respect of the prospecting area in question.
The new order rights are transferable only with the approval of the Minister and are subject to various terms and conditions, including commencement of operations within specified periods, maintenance of continuing and active operations and compliance with work programs, social and labour plans, EMPs and empowerment requirements.
New order rights can be suspended or cancelled by the Minister if a holder has breached its obligations under the terms of the rights and has failed to remedy such breach after written notice of the breach from the Minister and after being given an opportunity to respond. In addition, mining rights could potentially be cancelled for non-compliance with the Mining Charter 2018.
Resource Nationalism
The concept of resource nationalism encompasses a range of measures, such as expropriation or taxation, whereby governments increase their economic interest in corporate entities exploiting natural resources, with or without compensation. The current South African government has publicly stated that it does not intend to nationalize the mining industry.
At its 53rd national conference in December 2012, the ANC rejected wholesale nationalization. It was resolved that state intervention in the economy would focus on beneficiation. Strategic minerals, which include platinum group metals, coal and iron ore, will be identified and special public policy measures may be put in place. Further state interventions could include "state ownership" through the state mining company, and mineral resource rents through the imposition of new taxes or a super-profits tax.
Environment
South Africa has a comprehensive and constantly evolving environmental regulatory framework, particularly relating to mining. The Constitution entrenches the right to an environment that is not harmful to human health or well-being and imposes a duty to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures. The Constitution and National Environmental Management Act ("NEMA"), as well as various other related laws, grant legal standing to a wide range of people and interest groups to bring legal proceedings to enforce their environmental rights, such that claims can be made against private and public entities and the South African government.
Environmental impacts of mineral resource operations (including prospecting and mining of mineral resources and exploration and production of petroleum) are, at present, primarily regulated by four pieces of legislation, namely, the MPRDA, NEMA, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act ("NEMWA") and the National Water Act ("NWA").
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South African environmental law is largely permit-based and requires businesses whose operations may have an environmental impact to obtain licenses and authorizations from the DMRE and DMRE, Department of Water and Sanitation ("DWS") and the DFFE, which often contain stringent conditions relating to construction and operational requirements, as well as monitoring and reporting obligations.
Environmental legislation also stipulates general compliance requirements. It incorporates a "polluter pays" principle and also imposes a duty on a group of specified parties wider than the actual polluter to take reasonable measures to assess, prevent and address pollution (even that which was authorized by law). This duty is retrospective in its application. A failure to take such measures may result in governmental authorities taking measures against, and recovering costs from, a wider range of parties than the one on whom the duty primarily rests. This latter group includes a successor in title to a property and based on international jurisprudence, is wide enough to include a lender or a shareholder of a company who caused the pollution, although the potential liability of shareholders and lenders has not yet been considered by South African courts.
NEMA provides for the appointment of Environmental Management Inspectors and Environmental Mineral Resource Inspectors at the DFFE and DMRE respectively. These inspectors have wide-ranging powers and can undertake both announced and unannounced inspections and investigations. Criminal prosecutions have been initiated and directives and compliance notices issued following a number of these inspections.
Under NEMA, it is a criminal offence for any person unlawfully and intentionally or negligently to commit any act or omission which causes, has caused or is likely to cause significant environmental pollution or degradation or unlawfully and intentionally or negligently commit any act or omission which detrimentally affects or is likely to affect the environment in a significant manner. A maximum criminal fine of up to Rand 10 million and/or a prison term of up to ten years may be imposed for such an offence. The NWA establishes a similar criminal offence in relation to water pollution and various offences in terms of other environmental legislation, such as the NEWA, will constitute criminal offences under NEMA.
Directives or compliance notices can also be issued under NEMA, the MPRDA or the NWA for the temporary or permanent shut down of facilities at a mining operation or the entire mining operation, due to environmental transgressions. NEMA also provides that directors and certain company officers can also be held liable in their personal capacity for the cost of rehabilitating environmental pollution or degradation.
The environmental regulation of mining underwent a recent transition. NEMA is now the primary environmental legislation regulating mining and not the MPRDA. Due to this transition, the majority of the MPRDA's environmental regulation provisions were deleted ("Pre-MPRDA Amendment Act Environmental Provisions") and the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act, No. 25 of 2014 ("NEMLAA") introduced specific provisions regulating mining into NEMA. The Minister has however retained the bulk of his environmental regulation competencies under the NEMLAA's amendments, to be undertaken in accordance with NEMA. This transition has created some gaps as some provisions were repealed but all of the necessary amendments have yet to commence under the MPRDA and the necessary regulations under NEMA are outstanding.
Under the Pre-MPRDA Amendment Act Environmental Provisions, before 8 December 2014, environmental management plans and environmental management programs ("EMPs") were required to be approved by the relevant delegated authority at the DMRE before a prospecting right or mining right respectively became effective.
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In addition to requiring that an EMP be approved under the MPRDA, an environmental authorization ("EA") was required for certain activities that are incidental to mining, listed in a series of EIA Regulations published under the NEMA. This includes vegetation clearance; construction of roads, facilities in proximity to a watercourse and facilities that may cause pollution; and storage of dangerous goods, where the activities exceeded specified thresholds ("Listed Activities"). An EA was not required for mining or prospecting activities.
This position changed on 8 December 2014 when the 2014 EIA Regulations commenced under NEMA, replacing the 2010 EIA Regulations. Mining and prospecting activities that commenced after this date required an EA, as do associated infrastructure, structures and earthworks directly related to the prospecting and extraction of a mineral resource.
There are presently no provisions in force in the MPRDA or NEMA deeming EMPs approved under the MPRDA to be EAs issued under the NEMA, which creates gaps in relation to the obligations of mineral right holders with an approved EMP. Certain 2013 amendments to the MPRDA (following the implementation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act No. 49 of 2008 ("MPRDA Amendment Act, 2008") introduced a deeming provision however it has not yet commenced. This provision provides that an EMP approved under the MPRDA before and at the time of the NEMA coming into force will be deemed to have been approved and an EA issued in terms of NEMA. A similar provision was proposed in previous iterations of the National Environmental Laws Amendment Bill B14D-2017 ("NEMA Bill"), which was first introduced to the National Assembly in May 2017. Whilst this is still an object of the NEMA Bill, the relevant provision has not been included in the latest iteration. There are also no transitional provisions deeming approvals to EMP applications that were submitted before NEMLAA and approved after NEMLLA to be deemed to be EAs. This has created the situation where strictly speaking applicants for mineral rights are now required to submit an application for an EA, despite an application for EMP approval being previously submitted. In practice however, the DMRE views EMPs submitted under the MPRDA to be EAs. Aligned with this approach by the DMRE, the 2014 EIA Regulations were recently amended to include a transitional arrangement regulating the auditing requirements in respect of EMPs for mineral rights approved prior to 8 December 2014 and still in effect.
NEMA requires an EA before Listed Activities commence and it is a criminal offence to commence such Listed Activity without the required EA. A person who has commenced a Listed Activity without an EA may apply for rectification of this state of affairs but would be required to pay a maximum administrative fine of R5 million and may face criminal penalties. Recent amendments to the 2014 EIA Regulations now also require that landowner consent be obtained in applying for an EA for mining related activities, which aligns with recent case law on the matter. Prior to the amendment, an applicant for a mineral right and associated activities was only required to consult with landowners as part of the thorough public participation process prescribed under the 2014 EIA Regulations.
Under the NWA, water cannot be owned, but is instead held in trust for the people of South Africa under the State's custodianship. A water use licence ("WUL") is required to undertake certain water uses specified in the NWA. This includes water storage; abstraction; disposal of wastewater into the environment; dewatering a mine; and impacting on watercourse's flow. Generally, large scale water users, such as mines, are required to either apply for WULs or, in certain cases, only to register water uses if small water volumes are abstracted or stored or the impacts to watercourses are low. In certain instances, an entity may continue with a water use that was conducted lawfully prior to 1998 under the predecessor to the NWA, the Water Act, No. 54 of 1956, without the requirement for a WUL. A water use without the required WUL is considered unlawful.
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Regulations published under the NWA regulate water use in relation to mining activities, providing for limitations on the location of mining infrastructure and requirements for separation of dirty and clean water systems. If a water use or water management is unlawful, the DWS may issue administrative directives to enforce the NWA's provisions or stop the unlawful water use. Criminal proceedings can also be instituted. Penalties for offences are a maximum fine and/or imprisonment of Rand 200,000 and five years, respectively. Upon a second conviction, the maximum fine and/or imprisonment are Rand 400,000 and ten years, respectively. Progress has been made by the DWS in addressing the backlog of pending WUL applications, firstly with the publication of regulations prescribing a 300-day application process, a backlog remains, and more recently with the revision of the online WUL portal E-WULAAS that reduces the DWS' decision-making period to 90 days. Official amendments capturing this truncated time period have not; however, been gazetted as yet. Feedback from the DWS to the mining industry has also indicated that, owing to capacity constraints, this timeline is unlikely to be adhered to.
The National Environmental Management Air Quality Act No. 39 of 2004 ("AQA") regulates air pollution in South Africa and prohibits the undertaking of activities listed under AQA, including certain mining related and processing activities, without an atmospheric emission license ("AEL"). Minimum emission standards have been set for each Listed Activity. Facilities that were operational before these regulations came into force were afforded a "grace period" within which to comply with the more stringent air emission standards contained in the Regulations until 2015. If a facility did not comply with the 2015 air emission standards, upgrading of the facilities was necessary. Such facilities will need to comply with even more stringent air emission standards from 2020. Additional upgrades may therefore also be required before 2020 to comply with the 2020 air emission standards, for which significant capital expenditures ("CAPEX") may be required. Alternatively, an application for a once-off postponement of the time period for compliance with air emission standards may be possible but the grant of any postponement cannot be guaranteed. The Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations published on April 2017 and amended in September 2020 require certain industries, including mining and prospecting activities, to register as emitters with the DFFE and to report annually on their GHG emissions.
In relation to climate change considerations and compliance, there has been no movement on the promulgation of the Climate Bill (defined below), which was introduced to Parliament in June 2018. The DFFE did, however, publish South Africa's draft updated Nationally Determined Contributions ("Draft Updated NDC") in March 2021 in terms of the Paris Agreement, of which it is a signatory. The Draft Updated NDC sets out South Africa's GHG emission targets, finance support requirements and long-term decarbonisation plans, and makes provision for the implementation of National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy interventions for certain priority sectors, including the mining sector. Further, in June 2021 DFFE published the draft National Guideline for Consideration of Climate Change Implications ("Draft Guideline") for comment. The Draft Guideline is intended to formulate a consistent approach for all sectors in respect of climate change impact assessments ("CCIAs") undertaken for purposes of an EA, AEL and waste management licence ("WMLs") application, providing for minimum requirements and generic principles for involving climate change specialists in the EIA process; defining the roles of the environmental assessment practitioner, specialists and other stakeholders; and outlining the extent and content of CCIAs.
NEMWA regulates the storage, treatment, recycling and disposal of waste, among other things, including waste generated by the mining sector. Its provisions are also relevant generally to the Company's operations. WMLs are required for certain waste management activities, dependent on certain thresholds in relation to the waste. Although WMLs are not required for waste storage, such activities must comply with certain norms and standards. Residue stockpiles and deposits relating to prospecting, mining, exploration or production activities regulated under the MPRDA were previously exempt from NEMWA. This was changed by amendments under the NEMLAA and WMLs were required from the Minister for residue stockpiles and deposits since September 2, 2014, if they constitute "waste" and if they fall above the thresholds for which a WML is required, unless an entity "lawfully conducted" these activities prior to September 2, 2014. The NEMA Bill has proposed amendments to NEMWA such that the regulation of residue stockpiles and deposits are removed from NEMWA and will be regulated by NEMA. Having previously lapsed, the NEMA Bill was revived by the National Council of Provinces in October 2019 and as of the end of August 2021 was still under consideration by the provinces and Select Committee on Land, Environment, Mineral Resources and Energy. It is not certain when it can be expected to be passed by the National Council of Provinces. If so passed, it will thereafter be signed into law by the President and WMLs will not be required for residue stockpiles and deposits. In terms of the 2014 EIA Regulations, an EA would however be required.
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Both the MPRDA and NEMA have provisions regulating rehabilitation and closure, which are not entirely consistent. The MPRDA provides that a mineral right holder remains liable for any environmental liability, pollution, ecological degradation, the pumping and treatment of extraneous water, compliance to the conditions of the EA and the management and sustainable closure of a mine, until the Minister has issued a closure certificate ("Rehabilitation and Closure Liability"). NEMA provides that a mineral right holder remains responsible for Rehabilitation and Closure Liability notwithstanding the issue of a closure certificate.
Under the MPRDA and NEMA, when the Minister issues a closure certificate, he may retain any portion of such financial provision for latent and residual safety, health or environmental impact which may become known in the future.
The Pre-MPRDA Amendment Act Environmental Provisions required that financial provision for environment rehabilitation and closure costs must be provided by an applicant for a mineral right prior to the approval of an EMP. NEMA now requires that this financial provision must be made prior to the issuing of an EA under NEMA.
New Financial Provision Regulations in regard to rehabilitation were published under NEMA on November 20, 2015 ("2015 FP Regulations") which have been highly contentious due to gaps and contradictions with the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962; MPRDA and NEMA. They will require a substantial increase in financial provision required for rehabilitation, as they are far more onerous and now require financial provision to be provided for annual rehabilitation and, more significantly, the remediation of latent or residual environmental impacts which may become known in the future including the pumping and treatment of polluted or extraneous water ("Future Rehabilitation"). The Minerals Council South Africa (formerly the Chamber of Mines) has stated that the 2015 FP Regulations could have a crippling effect on the mining industry. Owing to the significant criticism against the 2015 FP Regulations, three sets of draft regulations have been published since November 2017 proposing to overhaul the financial provisioning regime. The latest draft was published for comment in August 2021 ("2021 Draft FP Regulations"), which appear to have considered the criticism levelled against the 2015 FP Regulations and previous iterations. Until the new regulations are promulgated the 2015 FP Regulations remain applicable. To accommodate industry while the regulatory framework is being streamlined, various compliance extensions have been published in respect of the 2015 FP Regulations. In April 2021, the latest, and fourth, extension for compliance with the 2015 FP Regulations for existing mineral rights holders was published and pushed the deadline to June 19, 2022. It is hoped that the 2021 Draft FP Regulations are finalised and promulgated prior to this date.
Applicants for new mining rights submitted after November 20, 2015, are however still required to provide financial provision in terms of the 2015 FP Regulations. Trust funds may only be used for Future Rehabilitation and not annual or final rehabilitation (being the decommissioning and closure of the prospecting, exploration, mining or production operations at the end of the life of operations). The financial vehicle used for Future Rehabilitation must, on issuance of a closure certificate, be ceded to the Minister or if a trust fund is used, the trustees must authorise payment to the Minister. The aforesaid is contradictory to the Minister's discretion in the MPRDA and NEMA to retain a portion of the financial provision.
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A mining or prospecting right can be suspended or cancelled under the MPRDA, or a mining right application may be refused, if there is non-compliance with environmental legislation.
Mine Safety
Mine safety in South Africa is governed by the MHSA, which is enforced by the Inspectorate of Mine Health and Safety, a part of the DMRE. The reporting provisions of the MHSA are aligned with the International Labour Organization's Code of Practice on Recording and Notification of Occupational Accidents and Diseases. Under the MHSA, the Company is obligated, among other things, to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that the Company's mines are designed, constructed and equipped to provide conditions for safe operation and a healthy working environment and are commissioned, operated, maintained and decommissioned in such a way that employees can perform their work without endangering their health and safety or that of any other person. The Company is also obliged to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that persons who are not employees, but who may be directly affected by the Company's mining activities are not exposed to any hazards relating to their health and safety. The MHSA also authorises mine inspectors to issue safety compliance notices to mines under section 55 of the MHSA and, should the inspectors feel that the action is warranted, to temporarily close part or all of the operations under powers conferred by section 54 of the MHSA, pending compliance with the compliance notice.
An employer who has been instructed to temporarily close a mine or any part thereof in a section 54 notice has the remedy of approaching the court that handles labour law cases (the "Labour Court") for urgent relief to suspend the operation of the section 54 notice until a review application to set aside that notice is determined by the Labour Court.
The Mine Health and Safety Amendment Act, No. 74 of 2008, which came into effect on May 30, 2009, criminalizes violations of the MHSA, increases the maximum fines to Rand 1 million per occurrence and creates the possibility that mining rights could be revoked for continued safety violations. A number of guidelines on the implementation of mandatory codes of practice under sections 9(2) and 9(3) of the MHSA have been issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines and govern the provision of personal protective equipment for women in the SA Mining Industry; trackless mobile machines; cyanide management; underground rail bound equipment; conveyor belt installation for transport of mineral, material or personnel; and risk-based fatigue management.
Royalty Payments
The Royalty Act imposes a royalty on the first transfer of refined or unrefined minerals, payable to the state, calculated on the actual or deemed gross sales amount at the statutorily determined saleable condition (i.e. whether the mineral is in a refined or unrefined condition as determined in accordance with Schedule 1 and 2, respectively, of the Royalty Act).
The royalty rate in respect of refined minerals is calculated by dividing earnings before interest and taxes, or "EBIT" (as defined for purposes of the Royalty Act), by the product of 12.5 times gross revenue, calculated as a percentage, plus an additional 0.5%. EBIT refers to the taxable mining income of the holder of the right (with certain exceptions such as no deduction for interest payable and foreign exchange losses) before assessed losses but after capital expenditure. There is also an arm's length adjustment, where applicable. A maximum royalty rate of 5% of revenue applies to refined minerals.
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The royalty rate in respect of unrefined minerals is calculated by dividing EBIT by the product of nine times gross revenue, calculated as a percentage, plus an additional 0.5%. A maximum royalty rate of 7% applies to unrefined minerals.
In terms of the Tax Administration Laws Amendment Act, 24 of 2020, the Tax Administration Act, 28 of 2011 was amended to provide for the payment of interest on royalties payable under the Royalty Act and for the interest rate with regard to refunds due under the Royalty Act.
Mining Taxation Review
In the 2013 Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance announced that the mineral and petroleum royalty regime has broadened the South African tax base and allowed for increased revenue during periods of high commodity prices, while providing relief to marginal mines when commodity prices and profitability are low. The broader review of the South African tax system will consider whether this approach is sufficiently robust and assess what the most appropriate mining tax regime is to ensure that South Africa remains a competitive investment destination.
To give effect to announcements made by the Minister of Finance in his 2013 budget speech, the Davis Tax Committee ("DTC") was established to assess South Africa's tax policy framework and its role in supporting the objectives of inclusive growth, employment, development and fiscal sustainability. The Terms of Reference of the DTC includes a review of the current mining tax regime. The DTC submitted its First Interim Report on Mining on July 1, 2015 and made various recommendations, including that:
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the mining corporate income tax regime be aligned with the tax system applicable to other taxpaying sectors generally, leaving the royalty system to respond to the non-renewable nature of mineral resources; and
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the upfront capital expenditure write-off regime be discontinued and replaced with an accelerated capital expenditure depreciation regime in parity with the write-off periods provided for in respect of manufacturing assets.
These recommendations are still under consideration by the South African government.
The DTC released its second and final report on hard-rock mining in December 2016.
Amongst the various proposals, the DTC recommended that the upfront CAPEX write-off regime should be discontinued and replaced with an accelerated CAPEX depreciation regime. The accelerated CAPEX depreciation regime will provide for write-off periods in line with that of manufacturing, namely on a 40/20/20/20. The removal of the upfront CAPEX tax allowance regime paves the way for the removal of ring fences aimed at preventing the set-off of future CAPEX expenditure against the tax base of other mining operations and against non-mining income.
The second and final report also indicated that comprehensive review of carbon taxes has been undertaken by a separate stream within the DTC and therefore the report contains no comments on carbon taxes.
The Minister of Finance might adopt these recommendations which in turn might impact of the net present value and internal rate of return of the project.
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During the 2020 legislative cycle, it was initially proposed in the draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2020, that amendments be made to the provisions dealing with the special capital expenditure allowances for mines. However, following the public consultation process, these amendments were not included in the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2020. These amendments were also not introduced in the current 2021 legislative cycle but may be proposed again in future years.
Exchange Control
South African law provides for Exchange Control which, among other things, regulates the flow of capital from the Common Monetary Area of South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) ("CMA"). The Currency and Exchanges Act, No. 9 of 1933 empowers the President of South Africa to make regulations in regard to any matter directly or indirectly relating to currency, banking or exchanges. The Minister of Finance is responsible for all matters regarding exchange control policy, and certain of these powers and functions have been delegated to the South African Reserve Bank, more specifically the Financial Surveillance Department.
The Exchange Control Regulations 1961, which are administered by the Financial Surveillance Department are applied throughout the CMA and regulate transactions involving South African exchange control residents, including companies. The basic purpose of the Exchange Control Regulations is to mitigate the negative effects caused by a decline of foreign capital reserves in South Africa, and to prevent South Africa's balance of payments from being adversely affected, which may result in the devaluation of the Rand against other currencies. It is the stated objective of the authorities to achieve equality of treatment between residents and non-residents for exchange control purposes as it relates to inflows and outflows of capital. While the South African government has relaxed exchange controls in recent years and in 2020 it was announced that the Exchange Control Regulations would be repealed and replaced by a capital flow management framework. In 2021, the Minister of Finance announced that the capital flow management framework would be substantially completed in 2021, although no indication has been given as to when it will come into effect. One of the main features of the new framework, is that it will abolish the current negative-based list system that applies under the Exchange Control Regulations, which states that, for example, transactions involving the export of capital are prohibited, unless permitted in terms of an exception. The Company expects current exchange controls to remain in place until such time as the capital flow management framework is introduced and the Minister of Finance may provide an indication as to when exactly it will come into effect.
The Company is subject to various forms of such controls. The Company is generally not permitted to export capital from South Africa, hold foreign currency, incur indebtedness denominated in foreign currencies or acquire an interest in a foreign venture without the approval of the relevant South African exchange control authorities.
However, there are no exchange control restrictions between the members of the CMA as they form a single exchange control territory. Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland have their own exchange control authorities as well as their own acts or regulations and rulings but in terms of the Common Monetary Area Agreement, their application must be at least as strict as that of South Africa. Accordingly, the Company will not require the approval of the Financial Surveillance Department for investments and transfers of funds from South Africa to other CMA countries.
Carbon Tax/Climate Change Policies
In terms of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, South Africa's GHG emissions are said to peak during the period 2020 until 2025, then plateau from the period 2025 until 2035, where after GHG emissions are said to decline from 2036. However, it is estimated that the phasing in of appropriate carbon taxation can reduce South Africa's GHG emissions by between 35 per cent and 44 per cent below business as usual.
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It is against this background that the Carbon Tax Act, No. 15 of 2019 (the "Carbon Tax Act") was finally assented to by the President on May 22, 2019 and commenced with effect from June 1, 2019. As per the Carbon Tax Act's Preamble, "the South African government is of the view that imposing a tax on GHG emissions and concomitant measures such as providing tax incentives for rewarding efficient use of energy will provide appropriate price signals to help nudge the economy towards a more sustainable growth path."
The introduction of carbon tax will take place in a phased manner, which allows for developmental challenges faced by South Africa, encourages investment in more energy efficient technology and ensures that South Africa's competitiveness is not being compromised.
In the 2019 carbon tax year (which ran from 1 June to 31 December) , the Carbon Tax Act levied the tax at a rate of Rand 120 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent ("CO2-eq") emissions on identified activities that exceed prescribed GHG emission thresholds. The tax rate has been increased annually at the rate of the November consumer price index ("CPI") as determined by Statistics South Africa that falls within the previous tax period compared with the November CPI that falls within the tax period, plus 2%. This adjustment will apply annually until December 31, 2022. As a result, the carbon tax rate for the 2020 carbon tax year was R127 per tonnes CO2-eq and for the 2021 carbon tax year, the rate is R134 per tonnes CO2-eq. From December 31, 2022 onwards, the tax rate must be increased in line with CPI equal to the change in the November CPI as determined by Statistics South Africa that falls within the previous tax period compared with the November CPI that falls within the tax period prior to the previous tax year . This provision in the Carbon Tax Act may be amended, depending on changes made to South Africa's commitments under the Paris Agreement. Phasing-in of the tax has however provisionally allowed for a reduced tax rate.
The first phase of the carbon tax will run until the end of 2022. Due to the various industry specific tax-free emissions allowances ranging from 60 per cent to 95 per cent provided for under the Carbon Tax Act, an initial effective carbon tax rate as low as Rand 6 to Rand 48 per ton of CO2-eq emitted applied in the carbon 2019 tax year.. These allowances include a/an:
• basic tax-free allowance for fuel combustion emissions of between 60% and 75%;
• additional tax-free allowance for industrial process emissions up to 10%;
• additional tax-free allowance in respect of fugitive emissions of 10%;
• trade exposure allowance of up to a maximum of 10%;
• performance allowance not exceeding 5% of the total GHG emissions of the taxpayer during the relevant tax period;
• carbon budget allowance of 5% for companies who have a carbon budget, which means a limit on total GHG emissions from a specific company, within a specific period of time. It is understood that this allowance is only available to entities who voluntarily participate in phase 1 of the carbon budget and obtain the written consent of the DFFE; and
• carbon offset allowance of either 5% or 10%.
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A taxpayer, other than a taxpayer in respect of which the maximum total allowance is expressly stipulated in Schedule 2 of the Carbon Tax Act to constitute 100%, is only entitled to receive the sum of the allowances mentioned above in respect of a tax period to the extent that the sum of the allowances does not exceed 95% of its total GHG emissions.
Final regulations required for the implementation of the carbon offset and trade exposure allowances and performance allowances under the Carbon Tax Act have been published. The Carbon Offset Regulations were amended in 2021 to incorporate, amongst other things, changes clarifying the use of carbon credits from approved Clean Development Mechanism ("CDM") projects issued under national registries to be eligible for listing as eligible South African carbon offsets.
Furthermore, and as previously committed to by the South African National Treasury, phase 1 of the tax is also electricity neutral in providing credits for the renewable energy premium built into electricity tariffs and electricity generation levy. The impacts of the tax on the energy sector will therefore only feed through to the consumer upon the commencement of phase 2 in January 2023. However, in the 2021 draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill ("Draft TLAB"), it was proposed that the renewable energy premium also be available to liable carbon taxpayers who conduct electricity generation activities and purchase additional renewable energy directly under the REIPPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme) or from independent power producers. The proposal is that for private purchases or under the REIPPPP, this would apply where a power purchase agreement is in place. If the proposed amendment is adopted in current form, it is proposed that it apply from January 1, 2021, that is, for the 2021 carbon tax year.
It must further be noted that the Explanatory Memorandum published with the last version of the Carbon Tax Bill in November 2018 provides for a review of the impact of the carbon tax at the end of phase 1 (December 31, 2022). The review will understandably allow for "adjustments to the design of the carbon tax including the rates and level of tax-free thresholds that will take into account the economic circumstances and progress made to reduce GHG emissions, in line with NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) commitments".
The South African national treasury noted in the Explanatory Memorandum that the impact of the first phase has been designed to be revenue neutral, and revenues will be recycled by way of reducing the current electricity generation levy, credit rebate for the renewable energy premium, as well as a tax incentive for energy efficiency savings.
Despite its recent introduction, amendments have already been made to the Carbon Tax Act through the Taxation Laws Amendment Act, 34 of 2019, which was promulgated on January 15, 2020. In addition to the various technical and clarification amendments, one of the key amendments included clarification regarding the consumer price index that will inform annual adjustments to the rate of the carbon tax. As noted above, the November CPI of the current and prior tax period are now compared to determine the increase in the carbon tax rate.
Further amendments were implemented in the 2020 legislative cycle as per the Taxation Laws Amendment Act, No. 23 of 2020 ("TLAB 2020"). Some of the amendments include aligning the carbon fuel levy adjustment with the Carbon Tax Act and allowing a Carbon Tax "Pass Through" for the regulated liquid fuels sector.
In the current legislative cycle, numerous amendments have been proposed, including those to the renewable energy premium referred to above, the scope and definition of carbon sequestration, clarifications regarding the carbon budget allowance and aligning the Carbon Tax Act Schedule 2 emissions activities with the GHG Reporting Regulations of the DFFE. Subsequent to the publication of the TLAB, the public was given an opportunity to make submissions on the Draft TLAB and public hearings on the Draft TLAB 2020 were held by National Treasury and SARS in September 2021. As was the case in 2020, National Treasury and SARS published their draft Response Document on the Draft TLAB during October 2021, which will deal with some of the submissions made by various stakeholders. The next step in the legislative process is to await the revised Draft TLAB, which will likely be tabled with the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement ("MTBPS"). The MTBPS is currently scheduled for November 4, 2021.
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In accordance with the economic stimulus package announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2020, the filing requirement and the first carbon tax payment which was due by July 31, 2020 was delayed to October 31, 2020. In 2021, taxpayers were required to file and pay their carbon taxes for the 2020 tax year by July 31, 2021.
Climate Change Bill
Little progress appears to have been made in respect of the proposed Climate Change Bill (the "Climate Bill") since it was first published for comment in June 2018. The Climate Bill, amongst other things, seeks to regulate the proposed carbon budget and allows for the determination of sectoral emission targets.
In his State of the Nation Address in February 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the Climate Bill will be finalised as part of the "move to a low carbon growth trajectory", with no indication in terms of timing. This was, however, prior to declaration of a national state of disaster in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With easing of local lockdown COVID-19 regulations, climate change regulatory developments are gaining momentum, with the Cabinet of the Government of South Africa approving the establishment of the Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission ("PCCC"), as well as South Africa's first Low Emission Development Strategy 2050 ("LEDS") during September 2020.
The PCCC flows from South Africa's Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement and will be formally established through the Climate Bill, the latter which the LEDS confirms will "form the legislative foundation for (South Africa's) climate change adaptation and mitigation response". Despite these developments that are integral to the overall climate change response, there is still little indication of when the Climate Bill can be expected to be formally promulgated, with the LEDS simply providing that it is "forthcoming".
The Climate Bill will obligate the Environmental Minister to determine GHG emission thresholds that will inform an entity's carbon budget allocation. According to the LEDS, post-2020, the carbon budget will be aligned with the carbon tax, which "may include the option of imposing a higher tax rate as a penalty for emissions exceeding the carbon budget". The Environmental Minister has further indicated that, once the Climate Bill is signed into law, carbon budget and mitigation plan regulations will follow.
South African Companies Act
The Company's South African subsidiaries are subject to the South African Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 ("Companies Act") which came into force on May 1, 2011. The aim of the Companies Act is to modernize company law in South Africa so that it is comparable with leading jurisdictions around the world.
The Companies Act has introduced numerous new legal concepts into South African company law, and there are therefore some areas of uncertainty in the application and implementation of the Companies Act in these early stages of its existence. Various compliance obligations have been brought about for companies and their boards, including a requirement to ensure that a company's constitutional documents are aligned with the Companies Act, and that any shareholders' agreements that are in place are aligned with the company's memorandum of incorporation and the Companies Act. There was essentially a two-year "grace period" for such alignment process to take place, in that, subject to certain exceptions, for two years after the commencement date of the Companies Act (May 1, 2011), a pre-existing company's shareholders' agreement and/or constitutional documents would have prevailed in the case of any inconsistency with the Companies Act. The position currently, after the lapse of the grace period, is that a company's memorandum of incorporation prevails over the shareholders' agreement and the Companies Act in turn prevails over both. Although not peremptory, the Company has registered new memoranda of incorporation for the Company's South African subsidiaries.
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The Companies Act also requires that certain categories of companies have in place certain committees, namely audit committees (for all public and state-owned companies) and social and ethics committees (for all listed public companies and state-owned companies as well as other companies that reach a certain "public interest score" in terms of the Companies Regulations, 2011). The "public interest score" takes into account the number of shareholders and employees of the company, as well as the amount of the company's debt and annual turnover.
Failure to comply with the Companies Act can lead to compliance notices being issued by the Companies Intellectual Property Commission ("CIPC"), administrative fines and civil liability for damages caused by non-compliance. The Company's South African subsidiaries may also be liable under the Companies Act to "any" other person for any loss or damage suffered by that person as a result of the Company's subsidiary's non-compliance with the Companies Act.
The Companies Act extends shareholders' rights and recourse against companies and directors. Also, directors, prescribed officers and committee members will now face more extensive and stricter grounds for personal liability for their actions in carrying out their functions within the company than was the case under the previous regime. The Companies Act introduces class action suits against companies, directors and company officers by persons whose rights are affected by the company. Companies will thus face a greater risk of litigation and the costs thereof. Minority shareholders' rights in the context of mergers and other fundamental transactions have also been increased substantially, such as the introduction of appraisal rights and the ability to set aside and review special resolutions approving such transactions. This could result in the hindrance of such transactions.
The Companies Act has also introduced fairly extensive regulation of financial assistance given among related and interrelated companies, in that there must be shareholder approval, compliance with solvency and liquidity tests, and fairness and reasonableness in relation to such financial assistance. This for instance affects intra group loan and security arrangements, as well transactions with third parties where guarantees or other security within a group of companies is given. This affects financial assistance given by South African companies and would accordingly affect financial assistance given by South African companies to non-South African related entities.
The Companies Act prohibits companies from creating any further par value shares. If a company wishes to increase its share capital, it will have to convert all of its pre-existing par value shares into shares of no par value. The revenue authorities have issued a ruling with respect to the tax treatment of such conversions to the effect that such conversions shall not be viewed as "disposals". This may become relevant in respect of the Company's South African subsidiaries should their share capital be required to be increased at any stage for whatever reason.
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An important innovation of the Companies Act is that of business rescue, which is modelled to some extent on the United States "Chapter 11" bankruptcy procedures. Business rescue is a largely non-judicial, commercial process that aims to rescue a financially distressed company and maximize the likelihood of the company's continued existence on a solvent basis.
Companies in South Africa can be deregistered if they fail to timeously lodge their annual returns. This means that the company ceases to exist as a separate juristic person, and that all of its rights and assets devolve to the state by operation of law. A company's registration can be reinstated by application either to the CIPC or the High Court. Currently, under the Companies Act there is uncertainty in the case-law around the exact legal consequences of such reinstatement and whether the rights and assets automatically re-vest, with retrospective effect, in the company. The Company ensures that at all times the requisite filings and returns of its South African subsidiaries with CIPC are up-to-date and thereby ensures that such subsidiaries are not deregistered.
Land Use
The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 ("SPLUMA") prescribes principles for the regulation of land use in South Africa on a national, provincial and municipal level. However, land use planning is mainly regulated on a municipal level since municipalities are constitutionally empowered to regulate the effective administration of land use planning within their respective jurisdictions. Municipal land use planning is regulated through municipal planning by-laws, spatial development frameworks and land use or zoning schemes. Land-use or zoning schemes reflect all permissible land use rights in respect of land situated within the municipality's area of jurisdiction. Deviations from the land-use or zoning scheme are only permissible upon application for the necessary departure, land use consent or re-zoning application, as regulated by the applicable scheme and the relevant municipal planning by-law read with SPLUMA.
While previously it was in dispute whether municipal planning had the power to regulate mining activities, April 2012 Constitutional Court judgments in the cases of Maccsand (Proprietary) Limited v City of Cape Town and Others and Minister for Mineral Resources v Swartland Municipality and others confirmed that town planning approvals and consents are required for mining activities. A High Court decision has indicated that such consents will likewise be required for prospecting activities. The effect of these judgments is that all mining and prospecting operations need to be conducted on land which is appropriately zoned for mining or prospecting. Mining companies run the risk of being interdicted from continuing with their operations pending a re-zoning if the land on which they are operating is not appropriately zoned. The practical implications of complying with these judgments are numerous. These include that there may be different land uses on one property, particularly where only prospecting is taking place. These implications will need to be considered further by the Company's operations. This is further complicated by the fact that there are several provincial land use planning laws for different provinces.
In addition to statutory controls, certain private law rights, such as the real rights created by way of registered restrictive conditions of title or servitudes, may also impact on land use planning in general. Land use or zoning schemes are subject to the real rights created by restrictive conditions of title. The implication is that if a land-use or zoning schemes permit a land use which is prohibited by a restrictive condition of title, such condition will first have to be removed in terms of the relevant legislation (municipal planning by-laws read with SPLUMA). Servitudes may also impact on land use planning, for instance servitudes registered in respect of infrastructure. Contravention of these real rights may result in a demolition order being granted in respect of unlawful development.
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Another aspect which requires consideration is who should apply for such re-zoning. Although landowners would typically be the applicant, the Company's operations are not always conducted on land which the Company owns. Accordingly, the Company may have to obtain a power of attorney from the landowner to procure amendments to land use or zoning schemes in municipalities in which the Company intends to prospect or mine and has obtained rezoning permission where required.
Dealing in Precious Metals
All operations which acquire, refine, beneficiate, possess or dispose of gold, any metals of the platinum group, or any ores of such metals, are required to obtain authorisations to do so under the Precious Metals Act No. 37 of 2005 (the "Precious Metals Act"). These authorisations include metal beneficiation licences, refining licences and precious metals export approvals. Applications for such authorisations must be made to the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator. Refining licences can be issued for up to 30 years, whilst precious metals beneficiation licences can be issued for periods of up to ten years. The issue of certain licences under the Precious Metals Act requires that the applicant be complaint with the BEE provisions of the Mining Charter 2018.
Land Claims
Under the Land Claims Act, as amended, any person who was dispossessed of rights in land in South Africa after June 19, 1913 as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices without payment of just and equitable compensation is granted certain remedies and is entitled to redress. In terms of the Restitution Act, persons entitled to institute a land claim were required to lodge their claims by December 31, 1998.
The Land Claims Act also entitles the South African Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform (the " Land Reform Minister") to acquire ownership of land or rights in land by way of expropriation and to transfer the expropriated land or rights in land to successful claimants. Notably, the Land Reform Minister may elect not to expropriate land and may provide alternative relief to the claimant, as directed by section 25(7) of the Constitution. Expropriation would be subject to provisions of the Expropriation Act 63 of 1975 and section 25(2) of the Constitution, which provide, in general, for just and equitable compensation.
The Land Reform Minister may not, however, restore land to a claimant without a court order or an agreement being reached between the affected parties for the purposes of achieving restitution.
The Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Act 15 of 2014 ("Restitution Amendment Act") came into effect on July 1, 2014. The Restitution Amendment Act introduced significant amendments to the Restitution Act, most notably allowing for land claims by persons previously disposed of land under apartheid laws to again be submitted, despite the previous cut-of date having expired approximately 15 years ago. The new period for lodging claims will be until June 30, 2019, which may arguably create a possible resurgence of new restitution claims. However, in Land Access Movement of South Africa and Others v Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and Others, the Constitutional Court found that the Restitution Amendment Act was invalid as parliament failed to satisfy its obligation to facilitate public involvement in accordance with section 72(1)(a) of the Constitution. As a result, the Constitutional Court interdicted the Commission of Restitution of Land Rights from processing claims lodged from July 1, 2014 until all claims submitted prior to December 31, 1998 in terms of section 6(1)(a) of the Restitution Act have been finalised. Parliament has since this judgment circulated a bill, which will repeal the Amendment Act, once promulgated. In terms of this bill, the new period for the lodging of claims will still be until June 30, 2019.
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In order to substantiate a claim for restitution, a person is required to demonstrate that:
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he/she is a person, or it is a deceased estate dispossessed of a right in land after June 19, 1913, as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices;
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he/she is the direct descendant of a person referred to above who has died without lodging a claim and has no ascendant who: (i) is a direct descendant of a person referred to above and (ii) has lodged a claim for the restitution of a right in land; or
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it is a community or part of a community dispossessed of a right in land after June 19, 1913, as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices.
Under the Land Claims Act a successful claimant may be granted either return of the dispossessed land (referred to as "restoration") or equitable redress (which includes the granting of an appropriate right in alternative state-owned land; or payment of compensation). If restoration is claimed, the Land Claims Act requires, inter alia, the feasibility of such restoration to be considered. Under recent case law, restoration of land may only be given in circumstances where a claimant can use the land productively, with the feasibility of restoration being dependent on the costs.
The procedure for lodging a land claim is that a claim must be lodged with the Regional Land Claims Commissioner (the "Land Claims Commissioner") for the province where the land in question is situated. The land claim will then be investigated by the Land Claims Commissioner, after which the claim will be published in the Government Gazette and in the media circulating nationally and in the relevant province. The Restitution Act provides that, if at any stage during the course of the investigation of a land claim, it becomes evident that:
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there are two or more competing claims in respect of the same land (whether by communities or otherwise); or
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the land that is subject to the claim is not state-owned land, and the owner or holder of rights in such land is opposed to the claim; or
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there is any other issue which might usefully be resolved through mediation and negotiation,
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the Chief Land Claims Commissioner may direct the parties concerned to attempt to settle their dispute through mediation or negotiation. It further provides that if, upon completion of an investigation of a land claim, it is agreed that it is not possible to settle the claim by mediation or negotiation, the claim may be referred to the Land Claims Court for final determination.
Beneficiation
The beneficiation of mineral resources in South Africa is regulated by three main pieces of legislation, namely the MPRDA, through section 26 thereof, the Precious Metals Act and the Diamonds Act, No. 58 of 1986 (as amended).
In addition to the legislative framework aimed at promoting local beneficiation of minerals, the DMRE has developed and adopted a beneficiation strategy which identifies value chains for the purpose of beneficiation of certain minerals in South Africa (which is also in line with the developmental goals set-out in the National Development Plan adopted by the South African government). The Mining Charter (as discussed above) also includes an incentive for mining companies to offset the value of the level of beneficiation achieved by the company against a portion of its HDSA ownership requirement, not exceeding 11%, in an effort to promote local beneficiation.
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The legislation at the center of the initiation or promotion of beneficiation of mineral resources is the MPRDA. Section 26 of the MPRDA regulates the Land Reform Minister's power to initiate and promote beneficiation of minerals in South Africa. The term 'beneficiation' was not defined by the MPRDA. As the section currently reads, the Minister may prescribe levels of beneficiation of a particular mineral should he establish, on advice from the Minerals and Mining Board and consulting with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, that a particular mineral can be beneficiated economically in South Africa. Further, a person who intends to beneficiate any minerals mined in South Africa, outside of the country may only do so with the written consent of and in consultation with the Land Reform Minister.
Labour Relations Act
The Constitution gives every person the right to fair labour practices. The Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995 ("LRA") is the principal legislation that gives effect to the framework in which employees, employers and industrial relations at an individual and collective level are regulated. As a premise the LRA regulates the manner in which employees, employers, trade unions and employer's organizations interact and engage with one another in the workplace. This includes processes related to collective bargaining, wage determination, determination of terms and conditions of employment, the formulation of industrial policy and employee participation in the decision-making processes.
The LRA framework holistically is geared at the protection of employee and employer rights through various structures. Principally the LRA allows for the creation of trade unions and employer's organizations. The extent of entitlement of the trade union is subject to the size of its membership base. Depending on the number of employees who are members of the trade union, the trade union will be allowed access to the workplace, representation at the workplace, to have meetings at the workplace and to access to information concerned with the employment of the employees. To be entitled to enter into collective agreements with the employer, the trade union must have as its members the majority of the employees at the workplace. The LRA endorses a co-operative approach whereby two or more trade unions can aggregate their membership for the purposes of achieving majority status in a collective bargaining unit or forum.
Collective agreements entered into between the trade union and the employer will bind all employees employed by the employer, regardless of their trade union affiliations, for the whole period of the agreement. The LRA does not provide for a statutory duty to bargain collectively or otherwise, and therefore such conduct is purely a voluntary decision.
At a greater level the LRA allows for the creation of bargaining and statutory councils. Such councils can be established both for more than one registered trade union or employer's organization. Such councils will be established per sector or area. Councils in this regard will, amongst others, be entitled to conclude collective agreements and to engage in the resolution of disputes.
If a dispute between the employer and employee arises the LRA clearly delineates the lawful context in which this may occur. As a premise the LRA strictly stipulates and regulates the requirements for a lawful strike, lockout or picketing. In this regard the LRA expressly identifies who is allowed to engage in industrial action of this nature, which processes must be followed and for which purposes employees and employers may engage in such industrial action. Should the industrial action require the parties to engage in a process of consultation and negotiation, the LRA also prescribes the procedures to be followed.
If the conduct of the parties, for whatever reason, result in the dismissal of employees the LRA establishes the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration ("CCMA") as a principal forum for the resolution of disputes resulting from the dismissal. The LRA defines unlawful dismissals as being either automatically or not automatically unfair. The type of dismissal will depend on the nature thereof and the prevailing circumstances at the time of dismissal, an example being dismissals arising from operational requirements.
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A process of mediation and conciliation is pre-emptory in this regard. Should the dispute remain unresolved, parties will be required to enter into a process of arbitration, and the award made by the Commissioner would be final.
Employment Equity Act
The Employment Equity Act, No. 55 of 1998 ("EEA") places an obligation on employers to promote equal opportunity in the workplace by, amongst other things, eliminating any forms of unfair discrimination in the workplace.
Section 6 of the EEA prohibits any employment practice or policy which discriminates, directly or indirectly, against any employee on any 'arbitrary ground' or one or more of the grounds specifically listed in the section -
'race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, political opinion, culture, language and birth'.
Where discrimination is alleged on one of the specified grounds, it is presumed to be unfair; if the discrimination is based on some other arbitrary ground, the complainant must establish unfairness.
Pursuant to recent amendments, the EEA now provides that a difference in the terms and conditions of employment between employees of the same employer, which are performing the same or substantially the same work or work of equal value, amounts to unfair discrimination. It is important to note that the relevant provision refers to 'a difference in the terms and conditions' of employment and is not only limited to a difference in remuneration. Nevertheless, to prove such discrimination, the employee will need to demonstrate that the reason for the difference in treatment is based on one of the listed grounds or any other arbitrary ground.
Any party may refer a dispute for unfair discrimination to the CCMA which, in turn, must attempt to resolve the dispute through conciliation. Should the conciliation be unsuccessful, either party may refer the dispute to the Labour Court for adjudication.
Alternatively, an employee may refer the dispute directly to the CCMA for arbitration if that specific employee earns below the earnings threshold as prescribed by the Minister of Labour. The current earnings threshold is R205,433.30 per annum. Irrespective of the foregoing, the employee may also directly approach the CCMA to resolve the dispute through arbitration where the employee's claim for unfair discrimination is based on alleged sexual harassment. Then again, the parties can also agree to refer the matter to the CCMA for arbitration.
5.5 RISK FACTORS
The Company's securities should be considered a highly speculative investment due to the nature of the Company's business and present stage of exploration and development of its mineral properties. Resource exploration and development is a speculative business, characterized by a number of significant risks including, among other things, unprofitable efforts resulting not only from the failure to discover mineral deposits but also from finding mineral deposits, which, though present, are insufficient in quantity or quality to return a profit from production. Investors should carefully consider all of the information disclosed in the Company's Canadian and U.S. regulatory filings prior to making an investment in the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, the following risk factors should be given special consideration when evaluating an investment in the Company's securities. Additional risks not currently known to the Company, or that the Company currently deems immaterial, may also impair the Company's operations.
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Risks Relating to the Company
The Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash to service and pay its debt or otherwise comply with the terms of its debt, the terms of the agreements governing the Company's debt may restrict its current or future operations and the indebtedness may adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
The Company's ability to make scheduled payments on its indebtedness, including the payment of the remaining principal and interest on the Company's Notes due July 1, 2022 and the 2019 Sprott Facility due August 14, 2022, will depend on its ability to successfully raise additional funding by way of debt or equity offerings, and on the Company's financial condition, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond its control. If the Company's additional funding, cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service and pay its debt obligations, the Company could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance the Company's indebtedness, including indebtedness under the Project 1 Working Capital Facilities. The Company may not be able to affect any such alternative measures on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, those alternatives may not allow the Company to meet its scheduled debt service obligations.
In addition, a breach of the covenants under the Company's debt instruments could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness, or other events of default could occur. Such default could result in secured creditors' realization of collateral. It may also allow the creditors to accelerate the related debt, may result in the imposition of default interest, result in the imposition of default interest, and result in the acceleration of any other debt to which a cross acceleration or cross default provision applies. In particular, a cross default provision applies to certain of the Company's indebtedness, including the Notes. In the event a lender accelerates the repayment of the Company's borrowings, the Company may not have sufficient assets to repay its indebtedness. In the event a lender accelerates the repayment of the Company's borrowings, the Company may not have sufficient assets to repay its indebtedness.
The Company's debt instruments include a number of covenants that impose operating and financial restrictions on it and may limit its ability to engage in acts that may be in its long-term best interest. In particular, the 2019 Sprott Facility requires the Company to take all steps and actions as may be required to maintain the listing and posting for trading of the Common Shares on at least one of the TSX or the NYSE American. The 2019 Sprott Facility also restricts the Company's ability to:
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modify material contracts;
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dispose of assets;
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use the proceeds from permitted dispositions and financings;
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incur additional indebtedness;
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make additional investments in Mnombo in excess of $15.0 million;
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enter into certain strategic transactions, including transactions with affiliates other than PTM RSA;
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prepay any other indebtedness;
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grant security interests or encumbrances; and
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use proceeds from future debt or equity financings.
The indenture governing the Notes also includes restrictive covenants, including, without limitation, covenants restricting the incurrence of indebtedness and the use of proceeds from asset sales. As a result of these and other restrictions, the Company:
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may be limited in how it conducts its business,
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may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing,
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may be unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities, and
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may become in breach of its obligations to the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co., Mnombo and others,
each of which may affect the Company's ability to grow in accordance with its strategy or may otherwise adversely affect its business and financial condition.
Further, the Company's maintenance of substantial levels of debt could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations and could adversely affect its flexibility to take advantage of corporate opportunities. Substantial levels of indebtedness could have important consequences to the Company, including:
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limiting the Company's ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements, or requiring the Company to make non-strategic divestitures;
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requiring a substantial portion of the Company's cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
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increasing the Company's vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
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exposing the Company to the risk of increased interest rates for any borrowings at variable rates of interest;
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limiting the Company's flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which it competes;
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placing the Company at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors; and
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increasing the Company's cost of borrowing.
The Company will require additional financing, which may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
The Company does not have any source of operating revenues. The Company will be required to source additional financing by way of private or public offerings of equity or debt or the sale of project or property interests in order to have sufficient working capital for continued exploration and development on the Waterberg Project, as well as for general working capital purposes and compliance with, and repayment of, its existing indebtedness. The Company can give no assurance that financing will be available to it or, if it is available, that it will be offered on acceptable terms. Any failure to timely complete any required financing may result in a default under the 2019 Sprott Facility and the Notes. Unforeseen increases or acceleration of expenses and other obligations could require additional capital as of an earlier date. If additional financing is raised by the issuance of Company equity securities, control of the Company may change, security holders will suffer additional dilution and the price of the Common Shares may decrease. If additional financing is raised through the issuance of indebtedness, the Company will require additional financing in order to repay such indebtedness. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of further development of its properties or even a loss of property interests.
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If the Company fails to obtain required financing on acceptable terms or on a timely basis, this could cause it to delay development of the Waterberg Project, result in the Company being forced to sell additional assets on an untimely or unfavorable basis or result in a default under its outstanding indebtedness. Any such delay or sale could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Any default under the Company's outstanding indebtedness could result in the loss of its entire interest in PTM RSA, and therefore its interests in the Waterberg Project.
The Company has granted security interests in favour of the Sprott Lenders over all of its personal property, subject to certain exceptions, and the Company has pledged its shares of PTM RSA, and PTM RSA has pledged its shares of Waterberg JV Co. and Mnombo to the Sprott Lenders under the 2019 Sprott Facility and the Modification Agreement which may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
To secure the Company's obligations under the 2019 Sprott Facility, it has entered into a general security agreement and the Modification Agreement under which the Company has granted security interests in favour of the Sprott Lenders over all of its present and after acquired personal property, subject to certain exceptions. The Company has also entered into share pledge agreements pursuant to which it has granted a security interest in favour of the Sprott Lenders over all of the issued shares in the capital of PTM RSA. PTM RSA has also guaranteed the Company's obligations to the Sprott Lenders and pledged the shares the Company holds in Waterberg JV Co. and Mnombo in favour of the Sprott Lenders. These security interests and guarantee may impact the Company's ability to obtain project financing for the Waterberg Project or its ability to secure other types of financing. The 2019 Sprott Facility has various covenants and provisions, including payment covenants and financial tests that must be satisfied and complied with during the term of the 2019 Sprott Facility. There is no assurance that such covenants will be satisfied. Any default under the 2019 Sprott Facility, including any covenants thereunder, could result in the loss of the Company's entire interest in PTM RSA, and therefore the Company's interests in the Waterberg Project.
The Company has a history of losses, and it anticipates continuing to incur losses.
The Company has a history of losses. The Company anticipates continued losses until it can successfully place one or more of its properties into commercial production on a profitable basis. It could be years before the Company receives any profits from any production of metals, if ever. If the Company is unable to generate significant revenues with respect to its properties, the Company will not be able to earn profits or continue operations.
The Company has a history of negative operating cash flow and may continue to experience negative operating cash flow.
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The Company has had negative operating cash flow in recent financial years and, as at August 31, 2021, we held cash and cash equivalent of $6.3 million and had a working capital deficit of $23.7 million. Our historical average monthly burn rate for general and administrative costs over the twelve month period ended August 31, 2021 was approximately $0.4 million. We currently have limited financial resources and no sources of operating revenues and as a result will be required to fund our working capital deficit, operating expenses and other expenses through financing. The Company's ability to achieve and sustain positive operating cash flow will depend on a number of factors, including the Company's ability to advance the Waterberg Project into production. To the extent that the Company has negative cash flow in future periods, the Company may need to deploy a portion of its cash reserves to fund such negative cash flow. The 2019 Sprott Facility requires that the Company maintain consolidated cash and cash equivalents of at least $1.0 million and working capital (as defined in the Sprott Facility) in excess of $500,000. There can be no assurance that additional debt or equity financing or other types of financing will be available if needed or that these financings will be on terms at least as favorable to the Company as those obtained previously. The Company may be required to raise additional funds through the issuance of additional equity or debt securities to satisfy the minimum cash balance requirements under the 2019 Sprott Facility. Additionally, the Company is required to make interest payments on the Notes twice per year. The Company's ability to make these interest payments in Common Shares is limited by the terms of the Indenture, and the Company may be required to make a portion or all of these interest payments in cash. The 2019 Sprott Facility provides that 50% of the proceeds of such financings are required to be paid to the Sprott Lenders in partial repayment of the 2019 Sprott Facility. The 2019 Sprott Facility and the Notes mature in 2022. There can be no assurance that additional debt or equity financing or other types of financing will be available as needed or that these financings will be on terms at least as favorable to us as those obtained previously.
The Company may not be able to continue as a going concern.
The Company has limited financial resources. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon, among other things, the Company establishing commercial quantities of mineral reserves and successfully establishing profitable production of such minerals or, alternatively, disposing of its interests on a profitable basis. Any unexpected costs, problems or delays could severely impact the Company's ability to continue exploration and development activities. Should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern, realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in other than the normal course of business may be at amounts materially different than the Company's estimates. The amounts attributed to the Company's exploration properties in its financial statements represent acquisition and exploration costs and should not be taken to represent realizable value. The Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and significant amounts of debt payable without any current source of operating income. Also, as at August 31, 2021, the Company had a net capital deficiency of $23.5 million that raised substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company's properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production.
Development of mineral properties involves a high degree of risk and few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is dependent upon a number of factors which are beyond the Company's control, including the attributes of the deposit, commodity prices, government policies and regulation and environmental protection. Fluctuations in the market prices of minerals may render reserves and deposits containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic. The development of the Company's properties will require obtaining land use consents, permits and the construction and operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure. The Company is subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations, including:
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the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities and related infrastructure;
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the availability and cost of skilled labour and mining equipment;
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the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements;
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the need to obtain and maintain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits, and the timing of those approvals and permits;
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in the event that the required permits are not obtained in a timely manner, the risks of government environmental authorities issuing directives or commencing enforcement proceedings to cease operations or administrative, civil and criminal sanctions being imposed on the Company, its directors and employees;
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delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, access to surface rights required for current or future operations;
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the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities;
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potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups or local groups which may delay or prevent development activities; and
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potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials and supplies and foreign exchange rates.
The costs, timing and complexities of mine construction and development are increased by the remote location of the Waterberg Project, with additional challenges related thereto, including water and power supply and other support infrastructure. For example, water resources are scarce at the Waterberg Project. If the Company should decide to mine at the Waterberg Project, it will have to exploit local sources of water recently delineated by test drilling and develop the infrastructure required to transport water to the project area. Similarly, the Company will need to secure a suitable location by purchase or long-term lease of surface or access rights at the Waterberg Project to establish the surface rights necessary to mine and process.
It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during development, construction and mine ramp-up. This is particularly so given the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, there are no assurances that the Company's properties, will be brought into a state of commercial production.
Estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources are based on interpretation and assumptions and are inherently imprecise.
The mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates contained in this AIF and the other documents incorporated by reference herein have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut off grades and operating costs. However, until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, mineral reserves and mineral resources must be considered as estimates only. Any such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Estimates of operating costs are based on assumptions including those relating to inflation and currency exchange, which may prove incorrect. Estimates of mineralization can be imprecise and depend upon geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable. In addition, the grade and/or quantity of precious metals ultimately recovered may differ from that indicated by drilling results. There can be no assurance that precious metals recovered in small scale tests will be duplicated in large scale tests under onsite conditions or in production scale. Amendments to the mine plans and production profiles may be required as the amount of resources changes or upon receipt of further information during the implementation phase of the project. Extended declines in market prices for platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold may render portions of the Company's mineralization uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of the Company's ability to develop its properties and extract and sell such minerals, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
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Actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those the Company has anticipated and there are no assurances that any future development activities will result in profitable mining operations.
The capital costs to take the Company's projects into commercial production may be significantly higher than anticipated. None of the Company's mineral properties has an operating history upon which the Company can base estimates of future operating costs. Decisions about the development of the Company's mineral properties will ultimately be based upon feasibility studies. Feasibility studies derive estimates of cash operating costs based upon, among other things:
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anticipated tonnage, grades and metallurgical characteristics of the ore to be mined and processed;
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anticipated recovery rates of metals from the ore;
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cash operating costs of comparable facilities and equipment; and
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anticipated climatic conditions.
Capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns and other estimates contained in studies or estimates prepared by or for the Company may differ significantly from those anticipated by the Company's current studies and estimates, and there can be no assurance that the Company's actual capital and operating costs will not be higher than currently anticipated. As a result of higher capital and operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those the Company has anticipated.
The impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic may significantly impact the Company.
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 which is responsible for the disease known as COVID-19 surfaced in Wuhan, China and has spread around the world, with resulting business and social disruption. COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The speed and extent of the spread of COVID-19, and the duration and intensity of resulting business disruption and related financial and social impact, are uncertain. Further, the extent and manner to which COVID-19, and measures taken by governments, the Company or others to attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19, may affect the Company and cannot be predicted with certainty.
COVID-19 and the related measures taken by government have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on many aspects of the Company’s business including, employee health, workforce productivity and availability, travel restrictions, contractor availability, supply availability, the Company’s ability to maintain its controls and procedures regarding financial and disclosure matters and the availability of insurance and the costs thereof, some of which, individually or when aggregated with other impacts, may be material to the Company.
With effect from March 26, 2020, the Government of South Africa ordered a hard national lockdown until April 21, 2020, where all residents of South Africa could only leave their residence under strictly controlled circumstances (e.g. to buy food, seek medical assistance) in order to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The hard lockdown was thereafter extended to April 30, 2020. Currently, South Africa is under a phased risk-alert lockdown process, with Level 5 being the hard, drastic lockdown that was imposed during April 2020 and Level 1 being a return to normalcy, but retaining the use of masks, sanitizers, and social distancing. Level 1 was re-implemented on September 21, 2020. The relaxation of the hard lockdown resulted in the number of infections increasing and accelerating in South Africa. In response the Government moved South Africa from Level 1 to an adjusted Level 3 lockdown on December 29, 2020, with further Level 3 adjustments made on January 11, 2020. On March 1, 2021, South Africa moved to an adjusted Level 1 as a result of significant reductions in new infections. On May 31, 2021, the country was moved from adjusted level 1 to an adjusted alert level 2, due to a third wave of infections. On June 15, 2021, the country was moved to alert level 3. On June 28, 2021, the country was moved to adjusted level 4, with the Delta variant fast becoming the dominant strain in the country. The Company cannot provide any assurances that governments in Canada or South Africa will not implement measures that result in suspension or reduction of development operations at Waterberg or other projects the Company is involved in.
In addition, the actual or threatened spread of COVID-19 globally, and responses of governments and others to such actual or threatened spread, could also have a material adverse effect on the global economy, could continue to negatively affect financial markets, including the price of palladium and platinum and the trading price of the Company’s shares, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to raise capital, and could cause continued interest rate volatility and movements that could make obtaining financing or refinancing debt obligations more challenging or more expensive. Furthermore, with regard to the Company, the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented for the prevention, mitigation and management thereof may result in delays in the grant of a water use licence or other authorisations and permits required for the Waterberg Project by reason of regulatory officials not being available, the restriction on the movement of persons to conduct inspections and site visits and the inability to meet with community consultative forums.
The current COVID-19 global health pandemic is significantly impacting the global economy and commodity and financial markets. The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has caused and continues to cause significant loss of life and has resulted in curtailment of economic activities across the world as local administrations and governments seek to limit spread of the disease, including through lockdown policies, restriction on business activities and business shutdowns. The full extent and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown and to date has included extreme volatility in financial markets, fluctuations in economic activity, extreme volatility in commodity prices (including gold, silver, palladium and oil and gas) and has raised the prospect of a global recession. As well, as efforts are undertaken to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the operation and development of mining projects may be impacted. If a significant portion of our workforce becomes unable to work or travel to the Company's operations due to illness or state, federal or provincial government restrictions (including travel restrictions and "shelter-in-place" and similar orders restricting certain activities that may be issued or extended by authorities), the Company may be forced to reduce or suspend exploration activities and/or development projects which may impact liquidity and financial results. In response to COVID-19, most of our employees have been asked at times to work from home. We do employ cybersecurity measures; however, these security control mechanisms may not always be successful.
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Because of the highly uncertain and dynamic nature of events relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not currently possible to estimate the impact of the pandemic on the Company's business. However, these effects could have a material impact on the Company's operations, and the Company will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation closely.
Pandemics and public health crises, such as COVID-19, may affect the geographies where our operations are located and those where PGMs are marketed and consumed, thereby having an adverse impact on our business, including the following:
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Travel restrictions in connection with COVID-19 may negatively impact our employees' ability to travel as required to complete their duties to the Company;
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Political and economic factors may be negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may in term negatively impact the Company's business; and
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Global market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the rate of consumer spending, which could adversely affect the market price and outlook for PGMs, resulting in a negative affect to our overall financial performance.
To date, our operations have not been negatively affected in a material way by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is no assurance that this will remain true in the future and the Company's business and financial position may be negatively affected by a range of external factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are not within our control.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve as countries are facing new waves of outbreaks. The ultimate extent to which the pandemic impacts our business, liquidity, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, including the delivery and effectiveness of vaccines, future mutations of the COVID-19 virus and any resulting impact on the effectiveness of vaccines, the duration and extent of the pandemic and waves of infection, travel restrictions and social distancing, the duration and extent of business closures and business disruptions and the effectiveness of actions taken to contain, treat and prevent the disease. If we are not able to respond to and manage the impact of such events effectively, our business or the price of our equity shares may be adversely impacted.
To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects the Company's business and financial results as discussed above, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section.
The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Rand and the Canadian Dollar.
The Company may be adversely affected by foreign currency fluctuations. Effective September 1, 2015, the Company adopted U.S. Dollars as the currency for the presentation of its financial statements. Historically, the Company has primarily generated funds through equity investments into the Company denominated in Canadian or U.S. Dollars. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions for the purchase of supplies and services primarily denominated in Rand or Canadian Dollars. The Company also has assets, cash and liabilities denominated in Rand, Canadian Dollars and U.S. Dollars. Several of the Company's options to acquire properties or surface rights in South Africa may result in payments by the Company denominated in Rand or in U.S. Dollars. Exploration, development and administrative costs to be funded by the Company in South Africa will also be denominated in Rand. Settlement of sales of minerals from the Company's projects, once commercial production commences, will be in Rand, and will be converted to U.S. Dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and the Rand or Canadian Dollar may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial results.
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In addition, South Africa has in the past experienced double-digit rates of inflation. If South Africa experiences substantial inflation in the future, the Company's costs in Rand terms will increase significantly, subject to movements in applicable exchange rates. Inflationary pressures may also curtail the Company's ability to access global financial markets in the longer term and its ability to fund planned capital expenditures, and could materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Downgrades, and potential further downgrades, to South Africa's sovereign currency ratings by international ratings agencies would likely adversely affect the value of the Rand relative to the Canadian or U.S. Dollar. The South African government's response to inflation or other significant macro-economic pressures may include the introduction of policies or other measures that could increase the Company's costs, reduce operating margins and materially adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Metal prices are subject to change, and low prices or a substantial or extended decline or volatility in such prices could materially and adversely affect the value of the Company's mineral properties and potential future results of operations and cash flows.
Metal prices have historically been subject to significant price fluctuations. No assurance may be given that metal prices will remain stable. Significant price fluctuations over short periods of time may be generated by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company, including:
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domestic and international economic and political trends;
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expectations of inflation;
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currency exchange fluctuations;
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interest rates;
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global or regional consumption patterns;
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speculative activities; and
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increases or decreases in production due to improved mining and production methods.
Low metal prices or significant or continued reductions or volatility in metal prices may have an adverse effect on the Company's business, including the amount of the Company's mineral reserves, the economic attractiveness of the Company's projects, the Company's ability to obtain financing and develop projects, the amount of the Company's revenues or profit or loss and the value of the Company's assets. An impairment in the value of the Company's assets would require such assets to be written down to their estimated net recoverable amount.
The Company may become subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act, which would limit or alter the Company's business operations and may require the Company to spend significant resources, or dissolve, to comply with such act.
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The Investment Company Act generally defines an "investment company" to include, subject to certain exceptions, an issuer that is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities, and owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40 percent of the issuer's unconsolidated assets, excluding cash items and securities issued by the U.S. federal government. The Company believes that it is not an investment company and is not subject to the Investment Company Act. However, future transactions that affect the Company's assets, operations and sources of income and loss may raise the risk that the Company could be deemed an investment company.
The Company has obtained no formal determination from the SEC as to its status under the Investment Company Act, but the Company may in the future determine that it is necessary or desirable to seek an exemptive order from the SEC that it is not deemed to be an investment company. There can be no assurance that the SEC would agree with the Company that it is not an investment company, and the SEC may make a contrary determination with respect to the Company's status as an investment company. If an SEC exemptive order were unavailable, the Company may be required to liquidate or dispose of certain assets, including its interests in Waterberg JV Co., or otherwise alter its business plans or activities.
If the Company is deemed to be an investment company, the Company would be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, pursuant to which the Company would incur significant registration and compliance costs, which is unlikely to be feasible for the Company. In addition, a non-U.S. company such as the Company is not permitted to register under the Investment Company Act absent an order from the SEC, which may not be available. If the Company were deemed to be an investment company and it failed to register under the Investment Company Act, it would be subject to significant legal restrictions, including being prohibited from engaging in the following activities, except where incidental to the Company's dissolution: offering or selling any security or any interest in a security; purchasing, redeeming, retiring or otherwise acquiring any security or any interest in a security; controlling an investment company that engages in any of these activities; engaging in any business in interstate commerce; or controlling any company that is engaged in any business in interstate commerce. In addition, certain of the Company's contracts might not be enforceable and civil and criminal actions could be brought against the Company and related persons. As a result of this risk, the Company may be required to significantly limit or alter its business plans or activities.
The failure of the Company or its joint venture partners to fund their pro-rata share of funds under the respective joint ventures may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
Funding of Waterberg Project costs is required to be provided by Waterberg JV Co. shareholders on a pro rata basis. The ability of the Company, and the ability and willingness of its joint venture partners, to satisfy required funding obligations is uncertain.
The Company's only material mineral property is the Waterberg Project, which is comprised of two adjacent project areas formerly known as the Waterberg Joint Venture Project, which was created in 2009 as a joint venture between the Company, JOGMEC and Mnombo (the "Waterberg Joint Venture Project"), and the Waterberg Extension Project, which was created in 2009 as a joint venture between the Company and Mnombo (the "Waterberg Extension Project"). The Company agreed in the Mnombo shareholders' agreement to fund Mnombo's pro rata share of costs for the original Waterberg Joint Venture Project area through the completion of the Waterberg DFS. The Company announced the positive results of the DFS on September 24, 2019 and filed a related NI 43-101 technical report on October 7, 2019. The shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. formally approved the DFS on December 5, 2019. Mnombo is responsible to fund its proportionate share of costs for the Waterberg Extension Project area. The ability of Mnombo to repay the Company for advances and accrued interest as at August 31, 2021 of approximately R 100.4 million (approximately $6.9 million as at August 31, 2021) or to fund future investment in the Waterberg Project is uncertain. If the Company fails to fund Mnombo's future capital obligations for the Waterberg Project, Mnombo may be required to obtain funding from alternative sources, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. If Mnombo is unable to fund its share of such work, this may delay project expenditures and may result in dilution of Mnombo's interest in the Waterberg Project and require the sale of the diluted interests to another BEE entity.
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Because the development of the Company's projects depends on the ability to finance further operations, any inability of the Company or of one or more of the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo to fund their respective funding obligations and cash calls in the future could require the other parties, including the Company, to increase their respective funding of the project. In this event, such parties may be unwilling or unable to do so on a timely and commercially reasonable basis, or at all. At the Maseve Mine, the Company was adversely affected by the failure of Africa Wide to satisfy its pro rata share of funding. The occurrence of the foregoing, the failure of any shareholder, including the Company, to increase their funding as required to cover any shortfall, as well as any dilution of its interests in the Company's ventures as a result of its own failure to satisfy a cash call, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
Any disputes or disagreements with the Company's joint venture partners could materially and adversely affect the Company's business.
The Company participates in corporatized joint ventures and may enter into other joint ventures and similar arrangements in the future. PTM RSA is a party to the Waterberg Project shareholders' agreement with joint venture partners Implats, JOGMEC, Mnombo and Hanwa. PTM RSA is also a 49.9% shareholder of Mnombo and the relationship among the shareholders of Mnombo is governed by the Mnombo shareholders' agreement. Any dispute or disagreement with another shareholder or joint venture partner, any change in the identity, management or strategic direction of another shareholder or joint venture partner, or any disagreement among the Mnombo shareholders, including with respect to Mnombo's role in the Waterberg Project, could materially adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations. If a dispute arises between the Company and another shareholder or joint venture partner or the other Mnombo shareholders that cannot be resolved amicably, the Company may be unable to move its projects forward and may be involved in lengthy and costly proceedings to resolve the dispute. This could materially and adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
If the Company is unable to attract and retain key members of management, the Company's business might be harmed.
The Company's development to date has depended, and in the future, will continue to depend, on the efforts of its senior management including Frank R. Hallam, a director and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company1 , Greg Blair, Interim Chief Financial Officer and Kris Begic, VP Corporate Development of the Company. The Company's future success may also depend on its ability to attract and retain new qualified executives. The Company currently does not, and does not intend to, have key person insurance for its existing senior management. Departures by members of senior management could have a negative impact on the Company's business, as the Company may not be able to find suitable personnel to replace departing management on a timely basis or at all. The loss of any member of the senior management team or the inability to attract new qualified executives could impair the Company's ability to execute its business plan and could therefore have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
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1 Frank Hallam was appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on July 29, 2021, following the resignation of R. Michael Jones as a director and officer of the Company.- 95 -
If the Company is unable to procure the services of skilled and experienced personnel, the Company's business might be harmed.
There is currently a shortage of skilled and experienced personnel in the mining industry in South Africa. The competition for skilled and experienced employees is exacerbated by the fact that mining companies operating in South Africa are legally obliged to recruit and retain historically disadvantaged South Africans ("HDPs"), as defined respectively by the MPRDA and the BEE Act, and women with the relevant skills and experience at levels that meet the transformation objectives set out in the MPRDA and the Mining Charter. If the Company is unable to attract and retain sufficiently trained, skilled or experienced personnel, its business may suffer, and it may experience significantly higher staff or contractor costs, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.
Conflicts of interest may arise among the Company's officers and directors as a result of their involvement with other mineral resource companies.
Certain of the Company's officers and directors are, and others may become, associated with other natural resource companies that acquire interests in mineral properties. Frank Hallam, a director and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer a director of the Company 2 , is also a director, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of West Vault Mining Inc. ("WVM"), a public company with mineral exploration properties in Nevada. John A. Copelyn, a director of the Company, is Chief Executive Officer of HCI, a significant shareholder of the Company. Diana Walters, non-executive Chairman and a director of the Company, was formerly an executive officer of Liberty Metals & Mining, LLC ("LMM") and is also a director of Atmos Energy Corporation and Trilogy Metals Inc. Stuart Harshaw, a director of the Company, is also director, president and CEO of Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. and a director of Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. and International Tower Hill Mines Ltd.
Such associations may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. As a result of these potential conflicts of interests, the Company may miss the opportunity to participate in certain transactions, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position. The Company's directors are required by law to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and to disclose any interest that they may have in any project or opportunity of the Company. If a subject involving a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Board, any director in a conflict must disclose his interest and abstain from voting on such matter.
The Company is currently subject to litigation and may become subject to additional litigation and other legal proceedings that may adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
All companies may become subject to legal claims, with and without merit. The Company's operations are subject to the risk of legal claims by employees, unions, contractors, lenders, suppliers, joint venture partners, shareholders, governmental agencies or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. On September 20, 2018 the Company reported the receipt of a summons issued by Africa Wide, formerly the holder of a 17.1% interest in Maseve, whereby Africa Wide had instituted legal proceedings in South Africa against the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, PTM RSA, Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited ("RBPlat") and Maseve in relation to the closed sale of the Maseve Mine (the "Maseve Sale Transaction"). Africa Wide is seeking to set aside or be paid increased value for the Maseve Sale Transaction. While the Company believes that the Africa Wide action is factually and legally defective, no assurance can be provided that the Company will prevail in this action. If Africa Wide were successful, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
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On and following March 5, 2021, the Company received three notices of appeal, filed by individual appellants from local communities, against the January 28, 2021 decision of the DMRE granting the Waterberg Mining Right. One group filed an application for an order in the High Court of South Africa to review and set aside the decision by the Minister of the DFFE (the "Environmental Minister") to refuse condonation for the late filing of the group's appeal against the grant of an Environmental Authorization for the Waterberg Mine in November 2020. Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) (Ltd.) ("Waterberg JV Co.") is opposing the review application as well as the Appeals received and believes these are all without merit.
On July 30, 2021, Waterberg JV Co. received an urgent interdict application from a group located near planned surface infrastructure. Waterberg JV Co. promptly filed an answering affidavit denying urgency and arguing that the application is without merit. The Applicants have not responded and were obliged to remove their application from the urgent court roll. The application may proceed as a normal High Court application. Host community Ketting has applied to join as an interested party to the application and another host community submitted a confirmatory affidavit, both communities being in support of the Waterberg Mine. The Ketting Community joinder application was filed on November 16, 2021 but a time frame for the hearing of the interdict application is uncertain or may never occur.
The Company believes that all requirements specified under the National Environmental Management Act, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and other applicable legislation have been complied with and that the DFFE correctly approved and the DMRE correctly issued the Environmental Authorization. The Company also believes that the leadership and majority of residents in the host communities support the Waterberg Project.
The outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings that the Company may be involved in the future, particularly regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, or equitable remedies such as setting aside the Maseve Sale Transaction, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. Appellants may seek the reversal of granted permits, resulting in significant delays and uncertainties. Defense and settlement costs can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, the litigation process could take away from the time and effort of the Company's management and could force the Company to pay substantial legal fees. There can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular legal proceeding, including the Africa Wide action, will not have an adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
An actual or alleged breach or breaches in governance processes or fraud, bribery and corruption may lead to public and private censure, regulatory penalties, loss of licenses or permits and may damage the Company's reputation.
The Company is subject to anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the Canadian Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and certain restrictions applicable to U.S. reporting companies imposed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and similar anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in South Africa, which generally prohibit companies from bribing or making other prohibited payments to foreign public officials in order to obtain or retain an advantage in the course of business. The Company's Code of Conduct, among other governance and compliance processes, may not prevent instances of fraudulent behavior and dishonesty nor guarantee compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Company is particularly exposed to the potential for corruption and bribery owing to the financial scale of the mining business in South Africa. In March 2014, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") released its Phase 3 Report on Implementing the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention in South Africa, criticizing South Africa for failing to enforce the anti-bribery convention to which it has been a signatory since 2007. The absence of enforcement of corporate liability for foreign bribery coincides with recent growth in corporate activity in South Africa's economic environment. Allegations of bribery, improper personal influence or officials holding simultaneous business interests have been linked in recent years to the highest levels of the South African government. To the extent that the Company suffers from any actual or alleged breach or breaches of relevant laws, including South African anti-bribery and corruption legislation, it may lead to regulatory and civil fines, litigation, public and private censure and loss of operating licenses or permits and may damage the Company's reputation. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Risks Related to the Mining Industry
Mining is inherently dangerous and is subject to conditions or events beyond the Company's control, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.
Hazards such as fire, explosion, floods, structural collapses, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, power outages, inclement weather, cave-ins and mechanical equipment failure are inherent risks in the Company's mining operations. These and other hazards may cause injuries or death to employees, contractors or other persons at the Company's mineral properties, severe damage to and destruction of the Company's property, plant and equipment and mineral properties, and contamination of, or damage to, the environment, and may result in the suspension of the Company's exploration and development activities and any future production activities. Safety measures implemented by the Company may not be successful in preventing or mitigating future accidents and the Company may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. Insurance against certain environmental risks is not generally available to the Company or to other companies within the mining industry.
In addition, from time to time the Company may be subject to governmental investigations and claims and litigation filed on behalf of persons who are harmed while at its properties or otherwise in connection with the Company's operations. To the extent that the Company is subject to personal injury or other claims or lawsuits in the future, it may not be possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these claims and lawsuits due to the nature of personal injury litigation. Similarly, if the Company is subject to governmental investigations or proceedings, the Company may incur significant penalties and fines, and enforcement actions against it could result in the cessation of certain of the Company's mining operations. If claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations or proceedings, including Section 54 stoppage notices issued under the Mine Health and Safety Act, No. 29 of 1996 (the "MHSA"), are resolved against the Company, the Company's financial performance, financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The Company's prospecting and mining rights are subject to title risks.
The Company's prospecting and mining right may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, claims and title may be affected by undetected defects. Although Waterberg JV Co. had the exclusive right to apply for and be granted the mining right in regard to the Waterberg Project by reason of its prior holding of the prospecting rights over the project area, a successful challenge to the precise area and location of these claims could result in the Company being unable to operate on its properties as permitted or being unable to enforce its rights with respect to its properties. This could result in the Company not being compensated for its prior expenditures relating to the property. Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties and the Company's ability to ensure that it has obtained secure claims to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. These or other defects could adversely affect the Company's title to its properties or delay or increase the cost of the development of such prospecting and mining rights.
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The Company is subject to significant governmental regulation.
The Company's operations and exploration and development activities in South Africa and Canada are subject to extensive federal, state, provincial, territorial and local laws and regulation governing various matters, including:
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environmental protection and land use;
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management and use of hazardous and toxic substances and explosives;
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management of tailings and other waste generated by the Company's operations;
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management of natural resources;
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exploration, development of mines, production and post-closure reclamation;
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exports and, in South Africa, potential local beneficiation quotas;
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price controls;
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taxation;
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regulations concerning business dealings with local communities;
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labour standards, BEE laws and regulations and occupational health and safety, including mine safety; and
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historic and cultural preservation.
Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in civil or criminal fines or administrative penalties or enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities enjoining or curtailing operations, requiring corrective measures, installation of additional equipment, remedial actions or recovery of costs if the authorities attend to remediation of any environmental pollution or degradation, any of which could result in the Company incurring significant expenditures. Environmental non-profit organizations have become particularly vigilant in South Africa and focus on the mining sector. Several such organizations have recently instituted actions against mining companies. The Company may also be required to compensate private parties suffering loss or damage by reason of a breach of such laws, regulations or permitting requirements. It is also possible that future laws and regulations, or a more stringent enforcement of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions of the Company's operations and delays in the development of the Company's properties.
The Company may face equipment shortages, access restrictions and lack of infrastructure.
Natural resource exploration, development and mining activities are dependent on the availability of mining, drilling and related equipment in the particular areas where such activities are conducted. A limited supply of such equipment or access restrictions may affect the availability of such equipment to the Company and may delay exploration, development or extraction activities. Certain equipment may not be immediately available or may require long lead time orders. A delay in obtaining necessary equipment for mineral exploration, including drill rigs, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and financial results.
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Mining, processing, development and exploration activities also depend, to one degree or another, on the availability of adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, power sources, fuel and water supply and the availability of skilled labour and other infrastructure are important determinants that affect capital and operating costs. At the Waterberg Project, additional infrastructure will be required prior to commencement of mining. The establishment and maintenance of infrastructure, and services are subject to a number of risks, including risks related to the availability of equipment and materials, inflation, cost overruns and delays, political opposition and reliance upon third parties, many of which are outside the Company's control. The lack of availability on acceptable terms or the delay in the availability of any one or more of these items could prevent or delay development or ongoing operation of the Company's projects.
Exploration of mineral properties is less intrusive, and generally requires fewer surface and access rights, than properties developed for mining. The Company has not secured any surface rights at the Waterberg Project other than those access rights legislated by the MPRDA. If a decision is made to develop the Waterberg Project, the Company will need to secure such rights. No assurances can be provided that the Company will be able to secure required surface rights on favorable terms, or at all. Any failure by the Company to secure surface rights could prevent or delay development of the Company's projects.
The Company's operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase the Company's costs of doing business and restrict its operations.
Environmental legislation on a global basis is evolving in a manner that will ensure stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessment of proposed development and a higher level of responsibility and potential liability for companies and their officers, directors, employees and, potentially, shareholders. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays on behalf of the Company and may cause material changes or delays in the Company's intended activities. There can be no assurance that future changes to environmental legislation in Canada or South Africa will not adversely affect the Company's operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the Company's properties which are unknown at present, and which have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators for which the Company could be held liable. Furthermore, future compliance with environmental reclamation, closure and other requirements may involve significant costs and other liabilities. In particular, the Company's operations and exploration activities are subject to Canadian and South African national and provincial laws and regulations governing protection of the environment. Such laws are continually changing and, in general, are becoming more onerous. See "Item 5.4 South African Regulatory Framework - Environment" above.
Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or a reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties. Environmental hazards may exist on the Company's properties that are unknown at the present time, and that may have been caused by previous owners or operators or that may have occurred naturally. These hazards, as well as any pollution caused by the Company's mining activities, may give rise to significant financial obligations in the future and such obligations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial performance.
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The mineral exploration industry is extremely competitive.
The resource industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases. Much of the Company's competition is from larger, established mining companies with greater liquidity, greater access to credit and other financial resources, and that may have newer or more efficient equipment, lower cost structures, more effective risk management policies and procedures and/or greater ability than the Company to withstand losses. The Company's competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new laws or regulations or emerging technologies or devote greater resources to the expansion of their operations, than the Company can. In addition, current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties. Competition could adversely affect the Company's ability to acquire suitable new producing properties or prospects for exploration in the future. Competition could also affect the Company's ability to raise financing to fund the exploration and development of its properties or to hire qualified personnel. The Company may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
The Company requires various permits in order to conduct its current and anticipated future operations, and delays or a failure to obtain such permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that the Company has obtained, could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
The Company's current and anticipated future operations, including further exploration, development activities and commencement of commercial production on the Company's properties, require permits from various national, provincial, territorial and local governmental authorities in the countries in which the Company's properties are located. Compliance with the applicable environmental legislation, permits and land use consents is required on an ongoing basis, and the requirements under such legislation, permits and consents are evolving rapidly and imposing additional requirements. The Waterberg Project prospecting rights and the Waterberg Mining Right issued by the DMRE are also subject to land use consents and compliance with applicable legislation on an ongoing basis.
In addition, the duration and success of efforts to obtain, amend and renew permits are contingent upon many variables not within the Company's control. Shortage of qualified and experienced personnel in the various levels of government could result in delays or inefficiencies. Backlog within the permitting agencies, particularly given the COVID-19 pandemic, could also affect the permitting timeline of the Company's various projects. Other factors that could affect the permitting timeline include the number of other large-scale projects currently in a more advanced stage of development, which could slow down the review process, and significant public response regarding a specific project. As well, it can be difficult to assess what specific permitting requirements will ultimately apply to all the Company's projects.
Information Systems and Cyber Security
The Company's operations depend on information technology ("IT") systems. These IT systems could be subject to network disruptions caused by a variety of sources, including computer viruses, security breaches and cyber‐ attacks, as well as disruptions resulting from incidents such as cable cuts, damage to physical plants, natural disasters, terrorism, fire, power loss, vandalism and theft. The Company's operations also depend on the timely maintenance, upgrade and replacement of networks, equipment, IT systems and software, as well as pre‐emptive expenses to mitigate the risks of failures. Any of these and other events could result in information system failures, delays and/or increase in capital expenses. The failure of information systems or a component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such failure, adversely impact the Company's reputation and results of operations.
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Although to date the Company has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur such losses in the future. The Company's risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.
Risks of Doing Business in South Africa
Any adverse decision in respect of the Company's mineral rights and projects in South Africa under the MPRDA could materially affect the Company's projects in South Africa.
With the enactment of the MPRDA, the South African state became the sole regulator of all prospecting and mining operations in South Africa. All prospecting and mining licenses and claims granted in terms of any prior legislation became known as the "old order rights". All prospecting and mining rights granted in terms of the MPRDA are "new order rights". The treatment of new applications and pending applications is uncertain and any adverse decision by the relevant regulatory authorities under the MPRDA may adversely affect title to the Company's mineral rights in South Africa, which could stop, materially delay or restrict the Company from proceeding with its exploration and development activities or any future mining operations.
A wide range of factors and principles must be taken into account by the Minister when considering applications for new order rights. These factors include the applicant's access to financial resources and appropriate technical ability to conduct the proposed prospecting or mining operations, the environmental impact of the operation, whether the applicant holds an environmental authorization and, in the case of prospecting rights, considerations relating to fair competition. Other factors include considerations relevant to promoting employment and the social and economic welfare of all South Africans and showing compliance with the provisions regarding the empowerment of HDPs in the mining industry. All the Company's current prospecting rights and the Waterberg Mining Right are new order rights.
The assessment of some of the provisions of the MPRDA or the Mining Charter 2018 may be subjective and is dependent upon the views of the DMRE as to whether the Company is in compliance. The Waterberg Social and Labour Plan, for instance, will contain both quantitative and qualitative goals, targets and commitments relating to the Company's obligations to its employees and community residents, the achievement of some of which are not exclusively within the Company's control.
The Minister has the discretion to cancel or suspend mining rights under Section 47(1) of the MPRDA as a consequence of the Company's non-compliance with the MPRDA, environmental legislation, the terms of its prospecting rights or the terms of the Waterberg Mining Right.
Section 47 process involves multiple, successive stages which include granting the Company a reasonable opportunity to show why its rights should not be cancelled or suspended. Pursuant to the terms of the provisions of Section 6(2)(e)(iii) of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, No. 3 of 2000 ("PAJA") read with Section 6 of the MPRDA, the Minister can direct the Company to take remedial measures. If such remedial measures are not taken, the Minister must again give the Company a reasonable opportunity to make representations as to why such remedial measures were not taken. The Minister must then properly consider the Company's further representations (which considerations must also comply with PAJA) and only then is the Minister entitled to cancel or suspend a mining right. Any such cancellation or suspension will be subject to judicial review if it is not in compliance with the MPRDA or PAJA, or it is not lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair under Section 33(1) of the South African Constitution.
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Failure by the Company to meet its obligations in relation to the MPRDA, its prospecting rights or its mining right could lead to the suspension or cancellation of such rights and the suspension of the Company's other rights, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The failure to maintain or increase equity participation by HDPs in the Company's prospecting and mining operations could adversely affect the Company's ability to maintain its prospecting and mining rights.
The Company is subject to a number of South African statutes aimed at promoting the accelerated integration of HDPs, including the MPRDA, the BEE Act and the Mining Charter 2018. To ensure that socioeconomic strategies are implemented, the MPRDA provides for the Mining Codes which specify empowerment targets consistent with the objectives of the Mining Charter 2018. The Mining Charter Scorecard requires the mining industry's commitment of applicants in respect of ownership, management, employment equity, human resource development, procurement and beneficiation. For ownership by BEE groups in mining enterprises, the previous mining charter ("Mining Charter 2010") set a 26% target by December 31, 2014.
The South African government awards procurement contracts, quotas, licenses, permits and prospecting and mining rights based on numerous factors, including the degree of HDP ownership. The MPRDA and Mining Charter 2018 contain provisions relating to the economic empowerment of HDPs. One of the requirements which must be met before the DMRE will issue a prospecting right or mining right is that an applicant must facilitate equity participation by HDPs in the prospecting and mining operations which result from the granting of the relevant rights.
The Company has sought to satisfy the foregoing requirements by partnering, at the operating company level, with companies demonstrating 26% HDSA ownership. The Company has partnered with Mnombo in respect to the Waterberg Mining Right and for the prospecting rights.
The Company is satisfied that Mnombo is majority-owned by HDPs. The contractual arrangements between Mnombo, the Company and the HDPs require the HDPs to maintain a minimum level of HDP ownership in Mnombo of more than 50%. However, if at any time Mnombo becomes a company that is not majority owned by HDPs, the ownership structure relating to the Waterberg Mining Right and the prospecting rights and applications over the Waterberg Project may be deemed not to satisfy HDP requirements.
On September 27, 2018, the Minister announced the implementation, with immediate effect, of Mining Charter 2018.
Mining Charter 2018 sets out new and revised targets to be achieved by mining companies, the most pertinent of these being the revised BEE ownership shareholding requirements for mining rights holders. The Mining Charter 2018 no longer applies to prospecting rights. Mining Charter 2018 provides revised ownership structures for mining rights holders. The application of the revised ownership structures depends on whether the holder of the mining right was granted the mining right after September 27, 2018, had an application for a mining right accepted before September 27, 2018 or had an existing mining right that was granted prior to September 27, 2018. Holders of existing mining right who achieved a minimum of 26% BEE shareholding, or who achieved a 26% BEE shareholding but whose BEE shareholders exited prior to September 27, 2018 will be recognised as BEE ownership compliant for the duration of the mining right and any period of renewal thereof. New mining rights holders will be required to have a minimum 30% Black Person shareholding (which includes African, Coloured and Indian persons who are citizens of the Republic of South Africa or who became citizens of the Republic of South Africa by naturalisation before April 27, 1994, or a juristic person managed and controlled by such persons) (a 4% increase from the previously required 26% under the Mining Charter 2010), which shall include economic interest plus a corresponding percentage of voting rights, per right or in the mining company which holds the right. Applicants for mining rights whose applications have been filed and accepted before September 27, 2018 (as is the position with Waterberg JV Co.) will have a period of five years from the effective date of the right within which to increase their BEE shareholding to 30%. Whether such 30% will be required to reflect the Stipulated Distribution (as defined below) to employees, communities and black entrepreneurs as set out below is not clear. The Company holds an opinion from senior counsel advising that such distribution is not required, but such opinion is not a guarantee.
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The BEE ownership element of 30% BEE shareholding is ring fenced and requires 100% compliance at all times, other than as set out in Mining Charter 2018. The 30% BEE shareholding for new mining rights must be distributed as to -
(i) a minimum of 5% non-transferable carried interest to qualifying employees from the effective date of a mining right. The definition of qualifying employees excludes employees who already own shares in the Company as a condition of their employment, except where such is a "Mining Charter" requirement;
(ii) a minimum of 5% non-transferable carried interest from the effective date of a mining right, or a minimum 5% equity equivalent benefit; and
(iii) a minimum of 20% shareholding to a BEE entrepreneur, of which 5% must preferably be for women (collectively, the "Stipulated Distribution").
The carried interest of 5% to each of the community and the employees must be issued to them at no cost and free of encumbrance. The costs to the right holder of such issue can be recovered from the development of the mineral asset.
A holder can claim an ownership offset credit for beneficiation on the basis of a DMRE approved "beneficiation equity equivalent plan". However, the baselines for beneficiation are still required to be determined by the Minister.
The Waterberg Project shareholders' agreement confirms the principles of BEE compliance and contemplates the potential transfer of equity and the issuance of additional equity to one or more broad based black empowerment partners at fair value in certain circumstances, including a change in law or imposition of a requirement upon Waterberg JV Co. In certain circumstances, Mnombo may be diluted with equity transferred or issued to different black empowerment shareholders.
An additional tax is also being raised for Human Resource Development. A right holder will be required to pay 5% of the "leviable amount", being the levy payable under the South African Skills Development Act, No. 97 of 1998, (excluding the mandatory statutory skills levy) towards essential skills development activities such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics skills as well as artisans, internships, apprentices, bursaries, literacy and numeracy skills for employees and non-employees (community members), graduate training programs, research and development of solutions in exploration, mining, processing, technology efficiency (energy and water use in mining), beneficiation as well as environmental conservation and rehabilitation.
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In regard to employment equity, the Mining Charter 2018 sets minimum levels for the participation of Black Persons on all levels of company management.
Compliance with a mining right holder's mine community development obligations, principally in terms of its approved social and labour plan ("SLP"), is a ring-fenced element of Mining Charter 2018 which requires 100% annual compliance for the duration of the mining right.
Subject to conditions contained in the prospecting rights and the Waterberg Mining Right, the Company may be required to obtain approval from the DMRE prior to undergoing any change in its empowerment status under Mining Charter 2018. In addition, if the Company or its BEE partners are found to be in non-compliance with the requirements of Mining Charter 2018 and other BEE legislation, including failure to retain the requisite level of HDP ownership, the Company may face possible suspension or cancellation of its rights under a process governed by Section 47 of the MPRDA.
In addition, Mining Charter 2018 requires that its provisions be implemented in accordance with Implementation Guidelines, published on December 19, 2018. This creates greater uncertainty in measuring the Company's progress towards, and compliance with, its commitments under Mining Charter 2018 and other BEE legislation.
On March 27, 2019, the Minerals Council South Africa announced that it had launched review proceedings against the Minister to set aside certain provisions of Mining Charter 2018. Essentially the review concerned a requirement in the Mining Charter 2018 that mining firms re-empower themselves in order to renew mining licenses or transfer mining rights, contrary to the so-called 'once empowered, always empowered' principle. Judgment in favour of the Minerals Council South Africa was handed down on September 21, 2021. The court confirmed the 'once empowered, always empowered' principle, confirmed that the Mining Charter 2018 was a policy document and not subordinate legislation and held that a breach of the Mining Charter 2018, of itself, could not result in cancellation of a mining right. The Minister has indicated that he intends to appeal this judgment.
The Company is obliged to report on its compliance with the Mining Charter, including its percentage of HDP shareholding, to the DMRE on an annual basis.
When the Company is required to increase the percentage of HDP ownership in any of its operating companies or projects, the Company's interests may be diluted. In addition, it is possible that any such transactions or plans may need to be executed at a discount to the proper economic value of the Company's operating assets or it may also prove necessary for the Company to provide vendor financing or other support in respect of some or all of the consideration, which may be on non-commercial terms.
Currently, the South African Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for leading government action on the implementation of BEE initiatives under the auspices of the BEE Act and the Generic BEE Codes, while certain industries have their own transformation charters administered by the relevant government department (in this case, the DMRE). The BEE Amendment Act came into operation on October 24, 2014. Among other matters, the BEE Amendment Act amends the BEE Act to make the BEE Act the overriding legislation in South Africa with regard to BEE requirements the Trumping Provision and will require all governmental bodies to apply the Generic BEE Codes or other relevant code of good practice when procuring goods and services or issuing licenses or other authorizations under any other laws and penalize fronting or misrepresentation of BEE information. The Trumping Provision came into effect on October 24, 2015. On October 30, 2015, the South African Minister of Trade and Industry exempted the DMRE from applying the Trumping Provision for a period of twelve months on the basis that the alignment of the Mining Charter 2018 with the BEE Act and the Generic BEE Codes was an ongoing process. The Mining Charter 2018 purports to be aligned with the Generic BEE Codes. The Trumping Provision expired on October 31, 2016 and no new application for exemption was made. Generally speaking, the amended Generic BEE Codes will make BEE-compliance more onerous to achieve. The DMRE and industry bodies are aware of the implications of the Trumping Provision. Notwithstanding that there has been no further extension of the exemption in respect of the Trumping Provision, to date, the DMRE continues to apply the provisions of Mining Charter 2010 and Mining Charter 2018, as applicable, and not the Generic BEE Codes. See "Item 5.4 South African Regulatory Framework - Black Economic Empowerment in the South African Mining Industry" and "The Mining Charter" above.
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The Generic BEE Codes and Mining Charter 2018 require Mnombo to be 51% held and controlled by HDPs to qualify it as a "black-controlled company" or a "BEE Entrepreneur". Mnombo is presently 50.1% owned and controlled by HDPs.
If the Company is unable to achieve or maintain its empowered status under the Mining Charter 2018 or comply with any other BEE regulations or policies, it may not be able to maintain its existing prospecting and mining rights and/or acquire any new rights and therefore would be obliged to suspend or dispose of some or all of its operations in South Africa, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Socio-economic instability in South Africa or regionally, including the risk of resource nationalism, may have an adverse effect on the Company's operations and profits.
The Company has ownership interests in a significant project in South Africa. As a result, it is subject to political and economic risks relating to South Africa, which could affect an investment in the Company. Downgrades, and potential further downgrades, to South Africa's sovereign currency ratings by international ratings agencies would likely adversely affect the value of the Rand relative to the Canadian or U.S. Dollar. South Africa was transformed into a democracy in 1994. The government policies aimed at redressing the disadvantages suffered by the majority of citizens under previous governments may impact the Company's South African business. In addition to political issues, South Africa faces many challenges in overcoming substantial differences in levels of economic development among its people. Large parts of the South African population do not have access to adequate education, health care, housing and other services, including water and electricity. The Company also faces a number of risks from deliberate, malicious or criminal acts relating to these inequalities, including theft, fraud, bribery and corruption.
The Company is also subject to the risk of resource nationalism, which encompasses a range of measures, such as expropriation or taxation, whereby governments increase their economic interest in natural resources, with or without compensation. Although wholesale nationalization was rejected by the ruling party, the African National Congress (the "ANC"), leading into the 2014 national elections, a resolution adopted by the ANC on nationalization calls for state intervention in the economy, including "state ownership". A wide range of stakeholders have proposed ways in which the State could extract greater economic value from the South African mining industry. A call for resource nationalization has also been made by a new political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, under the leadership of Julius Malema.
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The Company cannot predict the future political, social and economic direction of South Africa or the manner in which the government will attempt to address the country's inequalities. Actions taken by the South African government, or by its people without the sanction of law, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. Furthermore, there has been regional, political and economic instability in countries north of South Africa, which may affect South Africa. Such factors may have a negative impact on the Company's ability to own, operate and manage its South African mining projects.
Labour disruptions and increased labour costs could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
Although the Company's employees are not unionized at this time, trade unions could have a significant impact on the Company's labour relations, as well as on social and political reforms. There is a risk that strikes or other types of conflict with unions or employees may occur at any of the Company's operations, particularly where the labour force is unionized. Labour disruptions may be used to advocate labour, political or social goals in the future. For example, labour disruptions may occur in sympathy with strikes or labour unrest in other sectors of the economy. South African employment law sets out minimum terms and conditions of employment for employees, which form the benchmark for all employment contracts. Disruptions in the Company's business due to strikes or further developments in South African labour laws may increase the Company's costs or alter its relationship with its employees and trade unions, which may have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and operations. South Africa has recently experienced widespread illegal strikes and violence.
Changes in South African State royalties where many of the Company's mineral reserves are located could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and its financial condition.
The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Act, No. 28 of 2008 (the "Royalty Act") effectively came into operation on May 1, 2009. The Royalty Act establishes a variable royalty rate regime, in which the prevailing royalty rate for the year of assessment is assessed against the gross sales of the extractor during the year. The royalty rate is calculated based on the profitability of the mine (earnings before interest and taxes) and varies depending on whether the mineral is transferred in refined or unrefined form. For mineral resources transferred in unrefined form, the minimum royalty rate is 0.5% of gross sales and the maximum royalty rate is 7% of gross sales. For mineral resources transferred in refined form, the maximum royalty rate is 5% of gross sales. The royalty will be a tax-deductible expense. The royalty becomes payable when the mineral resource is "transferred," which refers to the disposal of a mineral resource, the export of a mineral resource or the consumption, theft, destruction or loss of a mineral resource. The Royalty Act allows the holder of a mining right to enter into an agreement with the tax authorities to fix the percentage royalty that will be payable in respect of all mining operations carried out in respect of that resource for as long as the extractor holds the right. The holder of a mining right may withdraw from such agreement at any time.
The DFS covering the Waterberg Project made certain assumptions related to the expected royalty rates under the Royalty Act. If and when the Company begins earning revenue from its South African mining projects, and if the royalties under the Royalty Act differ from those assumed in the feasibility studies, this new royalty could have a material and adverse impact on the economic viability of the Company's projects in South Africa, as well as on the Company's prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Interruptions, shortages or cuts in the supply of electricity or water could lead to disruptions in production and a reduction in the Company's operating capacity.
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The Company procures all of the electricity necessary for its operations from ESKOM Holdings Limited, South Africa's state-owned electricity utility ("ESKOM"), and no significant alternative sources of supply are available to it. ESKOM has suffered from prolonged underinvestment in new generating capacity which, combined with increased demand, led to a period of electricity shortages. ESKOM has now established sufficient capacity to meet South Africa's current requirements. Since 2008, ESKOM has invested heavily in new base load power generation capacity. Its principal new projects, a power station known as Medupi and a power station known as Kusile, have been subject to delays. The last Medupi unit has been commissioned and in July 2021 ESKOM announced Medupi had achieved commercial operation status, while Kusile is anticipated to be completed in the 2024 - 2025 fiscal year. ESKOM is heavily dependent on coal to fuel its electricity plants. Accordingly, if coal mining companies experience labour unrest or disruptions to production (which have occurred historically in South Africa, including a coal strike by approximately 30,000 National Union of Mineworkers members which lasted for approximately one week in October 2015), or if heavy rains, particularly during the summer months in South Africa, adversely impact coal production or coal supplies, ESKOM may have difficulty supplying sufficient electricity supply to the Company.
The Company is dependent on the availability of water in its areas of operations. Shifting rainfall patterns and increasing demands on the existing water supply have caused water shortages in the Company's areas of operations.
If electricity or water supplies are insufficient or unreliable, the Company may be unable to operate as anticipated, which may disrupt production and reduce revenues.
Characteristics of and changes in the tax systems in South Africa could materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company's subsidiaries pay different types of governmental taxes in South Africa, including corporation tax, payroll taxes, VAT, state royalties, various forms of duties, dividend withholding tax and interest withholding tax. The tax regime in South Africa is subject to change. After having published a number of papers on the introduction of a carbon tax, the South African government released the Second Draft Carbon Tax Bill 2017 (the "Carbon Bill") published in December 2017, together with an Explanatory Memorandum in respect of the Carbon Bill (the "Explanatory Memorandum").
On May 26, 2019, the Carbon Bill was signed into law as the Carbon Tax Act, No. 15 of 2019, resulting in a carbon tax being implemented on June 1, 2019. See Item 5.4 - South African Regulatory Framework - Carbon Tax/Climate Change Policies.
It is also possible that the Company could become subject to taxation in South Africa that is not currently anticipated, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Community relations may affect the Company's business.
Maintaining community support through a positive relationship with the communities in which the Company operates is critical to continuing successful exploration and development. As a business in the mining industry, the Company may come under pressure in the jurisdictions in which it explores or develops, to demonstrate that other stakeholders benefit and will continue to benefit from the Company's commercial activities. The Company may face opposition with respect to its current and future development and exploration projects which could materially adversely affect its business, results of operations, financial condition and Common Share price, with communities seeking greater benefit from local mining operations.
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Under the Mining Charter 2018 there is a greater focus on mine community development. A right holder must meaningfully contribute towards mine community development in keeping with the principles of the social license to operate. A right holder must develop its SLP, in consultation with relevant municipalities, mine communities, traditional authorities and affected stakeholders, and identify developmental priorities of mine communities. The identified developmental priorities must be contained in the SLP. See Item 5.4 - South African Regulatory Framework - The Mining Charter.
South African foreign exchange controls may limit repatriation of profits.
Since commencing business in South Africa, the Company has loaned or invested approximately CDN$847 million (net of repayments) as at August 31, 2021 into PTM RSA in South Africa. The Company obtained approval from the South African Reserve Bank ("SARB") in advance for its investments into South Africa. Although the Company is not aware of any law or regulation that would prevent the repatriation of funds it has loaned or invested into South Africa back to the Company in Canada, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to repatriate funds back to Canada in a timely manner or without incurring tax payments or other costs when doing so, due to legal restrictions or tax requirements at local subsidiary levels or at the parent company level, which costs could be material.
South Africa's exchange control regulations restrict the export of capital from South Africa. Although the Company is not itself subject to South African exchange control regulations, these regulations do restrict the ability of the Company's South African subsidiaries to raise and deploy capital outside the country, to borrow money in currencies other than the Rand and to hold foreign currency. Exchange control regulations could make it difficult for the Company's South African subsidiaries to: (a) export capital from South Africa; (b) hold foreign currency or incur indebtedness denominated in foreign currencies without approval of the relevant South African exchange control authorities; (c) acquire an interest in a foreign venture without approval of the relevant South African exchange control authorities and compliance with certain investment criteria; and (d) repatriate to South Africa profits of foreign operations. While the South African government has relaxed exchange controls in recent years, it is difficult to predict whether or how it will further relax or abolish exchange control measures in the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that restrictions on repatriation of earnings from South Africa will not be imposed on the Company in the future.
The Company's land in South Africa could be subject to land restitution claims which could impose significant costs and burdens.
To the extent that the Company's operating subsidiaries acquire or lease privately held land, such land could be subject to land restitution claims under the Restitution of Land Rights Act, No. 22 of 1994, as amended (the "Land Claims Act") and the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Act 15 of 2014 (the "Restitution Amendment Act"), which took effect on July 1, 2014. Under the Land Claims Act and the Restitution Amendment Act, any person who was dispossessed of rights in land in South Africa after June 19, 1913 as a result of past racially discriminatory laws or practices without payment of just and equitable compensation, and who (subject to the promulgation of further legislation) lodges a claim on or before June 30, 2019, is granted certain remedies. A successful claimant may be granted either return of the dispossessed land (referred to as "restoration") or equitable redress (which includes the granting of an appropriate right in alternative state-owned land, payment of compensation or "alternative relief"). If restoration is claimed, the Land Claims Act requires the feasibility of such restoration to be considered. Restoration of land may only be given in circumstances where a claimant can use the land productively with the feasibility of restoration dependent on the value of the property.
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The Land Reform Minister may not acquire ownership of land for restitution purposes without a court order unless an agreement has been reached between the affected parties. The Land Claims Act also entitles the Land Reform Minister to acquire ownership of land by way of expropriation either for claimants who are entitled to restitution of land, or, in respect of land over which no claim has been lodged but the acquisition of which is directly related to or affected by such claim, will promote restitution of land to claimants or alternative relief. Expropriation would be subject to provisions of legislation and the South African Constitution which provide, in general, for just and equitable compensation.
However, the ANC has declared its intention to proceed with an orderly process of land expropriation, potentially without compensation being paid to landowners. The form of this process remains unclear.
There is no guarantee, however, that any of the Company's privately held land rights could not become subject to acquisition by the state without the Company's agreement, or that the Company would be adequately compensated for the loss of its land rights. Any such claims could have a negative impact on the Company's South African projects and therefore an adverse effect on its business, operating results and financial condition.
Risks Relating to the Company's Common Shares
The Company has never paid dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.
The Company has not paid any dividends since incorporation, and it has no plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company's directors will determine if and when dividends should be declared and paid in the future based on the Company's financial position at the relevant time. In addition, the Company's ability to declare and pay dividends may be affected by the South African government's exchange controls. See "Item 5.4 South African Regulatory Framework - Exchange Control" above.
The Common Share price has been volatile in recent years.
In recent years, the securities markets in the United States and Canada have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies, particularly those considered exploration or development-stage mining companies, have experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. There can be no assurance that continual fluctuations in price will not occur.
The factors influencing such volatility include macroeconomic developments (including developments with COVID 19) in North America and globally, and market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries. The price of the Common Shares is also likely to be significantly affected by short term changes in precious metal prices, currency exchange fluctuations and the Company's financial condition or results of operations as reflected in its earnings reports. Other factors unrelated to the performance of the Company that may have an effect on the price of the Common Shares and other securities include the following:
-
the extent of analyst coverage available to investors concerning the business of the Company may be limited if investment banks with research capabilities do not follow the Company's securities;
-
lessening in trading volume and general market interest in the Company's securities may affect an investor's ability to trade significant numbers of securities of the Company;
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-
changes to South African laws and regulations might have a negative effect on the development prospects, timelines or relationships for the Company's material properties;
-
the size of the Company's public float may limit the ability of some institutions to invest in the Company's securities; and
-
a substantial decline in the price of the securities of the Company that persists for a significant period of time could cause the Company's securities to be delisted from an exchange, further reducing market liquidity.
Securities class action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. The Company may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and damages and divert management's attention and resources.
The Company may be unable to maintain compliance with NYSE American and TSX continued listing standards and the Common Shares may be delisted from the NYSE American and TSX equities markets, which would likely cause the liquidity and market price of the Common Shares to decline.
The Common Shares are currently listed on the NYSE American and the TSX. The Company is subject to the continued listing criteria of the NYSE American and the TSX and such exchanges will consider suspending dealings in, or delisting, securities of an issuer that does not meet its continued listing standards. In order to maintain the listings, the Company must maintain certain objective standards, such as share prices, shareholders' equity, market capitalization and, share distribution targets. In addition to objective standards, the NYSE American may delist the securities of any issuer, among other reasons, if the issuer sells or disposes of principal operating assets, ceases to be an operating company or has discontinued a substantial portion of its operations or business for any reason or the NYSE American otherwise determines that the securities are unsuitable for continued trading. The Company may not be able to satisfy these standards and remain listed on the NYSE American and the TSX.
On April 10, 2018 and May 23, 2018, the Company received a letter from NYSE American stating that it was not in compliance with the continued listing standards as set forth in Sections 1003(a)(i), 1003(a)(ii) and 1003(a)(iii) of the NYSE American Company Guide (the "Company Guide") with respect to stockholders' equity, or in Section 1003(f)(v) of the Company Guide with respect to the selling price of the Common Shares.
Delisting of the Common Shares may result in a breach or default under certain of the Company's agreements. Without limiting the foregoing, a TSX or NYSE American delisting would result in a default (unless any required waivers could be obtained) under certain or all of the Company's outstanding indebtedness, which would have a material adverse impact on the Company. See Item 5.5 Risk Factors - Risks Relating to the Company above. A delisting of the Common Shares could also adversely affect the Company's reputation, the Company's ability to raise funds through the sale of equity or securities convertible into equity and the terms of any such fundraising, the liquidity and market price of the Common Shares and the ability of broker-dealers to purchase the Common Shares.
The exercise of outstanding stock options or warrants will result in dilution to the holders of Common Shares.
The issuance of common shares upon the exercise of the Company's outstanding stock options and settlement of the Company's outstanding restricted share units ("RSUs") will result in dilution to the interests of shareholders and may reduce the trading price of the Common Shares. Additional stock options, RSUs and warrants to purchase Common Shares may be issued in the future. Exercises of these securities, or even the potential of their exercise, may have an adverse effect on the trading price of the Common Shares. The holders of stock options or warrants are likely to exercise them at times when the market price of the Common Shares exceeds the exercise price of the securities and RSUs do not have a cash exercise price. Accordingly, the issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of the stock options or warrants, or upon vesting of RSUs, will likely result in dilution of the equity represented by the then outstanding Common Shares held by other shareholders. The holders of any issued and outstanding stock options or warrants can be expected to exercise or convert them at a time when the Company would, in all likelihood, be able to obtain any needed capital on terms which are more favorable to the Company than the exercise terms provided by these stock options and warrants.
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Future sales, conversion of senior subordinated notes or issuances of equity securities could decrease the value of the Common Shares, dilute investors' voting power and reduce the Company's earnings per share.
The Company may sell equity securities in offerings (including through the sale of debt securities convertible into equity securities) and may issue additional equity securities to finance operations, exploration, development, acquisitions, debt repayment or other projects. For example, the Company completed private placements of Common Shares in June 2020, October 2020 and December 2020, completed a US at-the-market offering of Common Shares in November 2020 and has conducted a US at-the-market offering since February 2021.
In addition, the Notes issued on June 30, 2017, bear interest at a rate of 6 7/8% per annum, payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2018, in cash or at the election of the Company, in Common Shares or a combination of cash and Common Shares, and will mature on July 1, 2022, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Subject to certain exceptions, the Notes are convertible at any time at the option of the holder, and may be settled, at the Company's election, in cash, Common Shares, or a combination of cash and Common Shares, subject to certain restrictions on issuing Common Shares.
The Company cannot predict the timing or amount of conversions of Notes or the size or terms of future issuances of equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of the securities will have on the market price of the Common Shares. In addition, the conversion price of the Notes is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Any transaction involving the issuance of previously authorized but unissued Common Shares, or securities convertible into Common Shares, would result in dilution, possibly substantial, to shareholders. Exercises of presently outstanding stock options may also result in dilution to shareholders.
The Board has the authority to authorize certain offers and sales of the securities without the vote of, or prior notice to, shareholders. Based on the need for additional capital to fund expected expenditures and growth, it is likely that the Company will issue the securities to provide such capital. Such additional issuances may involve the issuance of a significant number of Common Shares at prices less than the current market price.
Sales of substantial amounts of securities, or the availability of the securities for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the securities and dilute investors' earnings per share. A decline in the market prices of the securities could impair the Company's ability to raise additional capital through the sale of additional securities should the Company desire to do so.
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Judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws may be difficult to enforce.
The ability of investors to enforce judgments of United States courts based upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws against the Company, its directors and officers, and the experts named herein may be limited due to the fact that the Company is incorporated outside of the United States, a majority of such directors, officers, and experts reside outside of the United States and a substantial portion of the assets of the Company and said persons are located outside the United States. There is uncertainty as to whether foreign courts would: (a) enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against the Company, its directors and officers or the experts named herein predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws; or (b) entertain original actions brought in Canadian courts against the Company or such persons predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States, as such laws may conflict with Canadian laws.
There may be adverse Canadian tax consequences for a foreign controlled Canadian company that acquires the securities of the Company.
Certain adverse tax considerations may be applicable to a shareholder that is a corporation resident in Canada and is, or becomes, controlled by a non-resident corporation for the purposes of the "foreign affiliate dumping" rules in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"). Such shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the consequences of acquiring the securities.
The Company may be a "passive foreign investment company" in its current and future tax years, which may have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. investors.
Potential investors in the securities who are U.S. taxpayers should be aware that the Company may be classified as a "passive foreign investment company" or "PFIC" for its current tax year ending August 31, 2022 and may be a PFIC in future tax years. If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during a U.S. taxpayer's holding period of the securities, then such U.S. taxpayer generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of the securities or any so-called "excess distribution" received on the securities, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or excess distribution. In certain circumstances, the sum of the tax and the interest charge may exceed the total amount of proceeds realized on the disposition, or the amount of excess distribution received, by the U.S. taxpayer. Subject to certain limitations, these tax consequences may be mitigated if a U.S. taxpayer makes a timely and effective "qualified electing fund" or "QEF" election (a "QEF Election") under Section 1295 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or a mark-to-market election (a "Mark-to-Market Election") under Section 1296 of the Code. Subject to certain limitations, such elections may be made with respect to shares of Common Stock. A U.S. taxpayer who makes a timely and effective QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of the Company's net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which the Company is a PFIC, whether or not the Company distributes any amounts to its shareholders. However, U.S. taxpayers should be aware that there can be no assurance that the Company will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a qualified electing fund, or that the Company will supply U.S. taxpayers with information that such U.S. taxpayers require to report under the QEF Election rules, in the event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. taxpayer wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. taxpayers may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their shares of Common Stock. A U.S. taxpayer who makes the Mark-to-Market Election generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock over the taxpayer's basis therein. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion below under the heading "Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations - Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules." Each potential investor who is a U.S. taxpayer should consult its own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the PFIC rules and the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the shares of Common Stock.
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The Company's growth, future profitability and ability to obtain financing may be impacted by global financial conditions.
Global financial conditions continue to be characterized by extreme volatility. In recent years, global markets have been adversely impacted by the credit crisis that began in 2008, the European debt crisis, COVID-19 and significant fluctuations in fuel and energy costs and metals prices. Many industries, including the mining industry, have been impacted by these market conditions. Global financial conditions remain subject to sudden and rapid destabilizations in response to economic shocks. A slowdown in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to consumer spending, employment rates, business conditions, inflation, fuel and energy costs, consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, the state of the financial markets, interest rates and tax rates, may adversely affect the Company's growth and profitability. Future economic shocks may be precipitated by a number of causes, including debt crises, a continued rise in the price of oil and other commodities, the volatility of metal prices, geopolitical instability, terrorism, the devaluation and volatility of global stock markets, health crises and natural disasters. Any sudden or rapid destabilization of global economic conditions could impact the Company's ability to obtain equity or debt financing in the future on terms favourable to the Company or at all. In such an event, the Company's operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
ITEM 6 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Company has not paid any dividends since incorporation, and it has no plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company's directors will determine if and when dividends should be declared and paid in the future based on the Company's financial position at the relevant time. In addition, the Company's ability to declare and pay dividends may be affected by the South African government's exchange controls. See Item 5.4 - South African Regulatory Framework - Exchange Control.
ITEM 7 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Company's authorized share structure consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value, of which 79,725,574 Common Shares, 536,992 restricted share units ("RSUs") and 3,840,521 share options ("Options") were issued and outstanding as of November 24, 2021. All of the issued Common Shares are fully paid. The Company does not own any of its Common Shares.
Common Shares
All of the shares in the authorized share structure of the Company are of the same class, being the Common Shares and, once issued, rank equally as to dividends, voting powers, and participation in assets and in all other respects, on liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs after the Company have paid out its liabilities. The issued Common Shares are not subject to call or assessment rights or any pre-emptive or conversion rights. The shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each Common Share on all matters to be voted on by the shareholders of the Company. There are no provisions for redemption, purchase for cancellation, surrender or sinking funds, and there are no provisions discriminating against any existing or prospective holder of Common Shares as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of Common Shares.
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The rights of shareholders of the Company may be altered only with the approval of the holders of 2/3 or more of the Common Shares voted at a meeting of the Company's shareholders called and held in accordance with the Articles and applicable law.
In February 2017, the Company adopted a Share Compensation Plan (as amended in February 2020) to provide for the award of RSUs and grant options to the directors, executive officers, key employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Share Compensation Plan is a 10% "rolling" plan pursuant to which the number of Common Shares which may be issuable pursuant to RSUs awarded and options granted under the Share Compensation Plan, together with those Common Shares issuable pursuant to any other security based compensation arrangements of the Company or its subsidiaries, is a maximum of 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the time of the award or grant. Additional information on the Share Compensation Plan and the issuance of RSUs and options may be found on the Company's 2021 Management Information Circular available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Restricted Share Units
The total number of RSUs that may be awarded under the Share Compensation Plan shall not exceed 2.5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time. RSUs vest as to 33 1/3% on each of the 12, 24 and 36 month anniversary of the award date. All vesting and issuances or payments, as applicable, in respect of a RSU shall be completed no later than December 15 of the 3rd calendar year commencing after the award date for such RSU.
The following table sets out the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding RSUs as of the date hereof, along with the award date and expiry date of the RSUs.
|
No. of RSUs |
Award Date |
Expiry Date |
|
117,010 |
April 9, 2019 |
December 15, 2022 |
|
171,195 |
December 2, 2019 |
December 15, 2022 |
|
226,787 |
December 16, 2020 |
December 15, 2023 |
|
22,000 |
August 9, 2021 |
December 15, 2024 |
| 536,992 |
Options
The total number of Common Shares that may be issuable on exercise of options under the Share Compensation Plan shall not exceed 7.5% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time. The following table sets out the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding options as of the date hereof, along with the exercise price and expiry of the options.
|
No. of Options |
Exercise Price per Option |
Expiry Date |
|
1,048,502 |
$2.61 |
April 9, 2024 |
|
1,153,519 |
$1.81 |
December 2, 2024 |
|
1,497,500 |
$6.58 |
December 16, 2025 |
|
99,000 |
$3.90 |
August 9, 2026 |
|
42,000 |
$3.40 |
September 10, 2026 |
| 3,840,521 |
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ITEM 8 MARKET FOR SECURITIES
8.1 TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME
The Common Shares are listed on the TSX under the symbol "PTM" and on the NYSE American under the symbol "PLG".
The following tables provide information as to the high and low trading prices of the Common Shares during the 12 months of the most recently completed financial year as well as the volume of Common Shares traded for each month:
TSX - PTM
|
Month |
High (CDN$/share)(1) |
Low (CDN$/share) (1) |
Volume (# of shares) |
|
September 2020 |
3.39 |
2.52 |
944,895 |
|
October 2020 |
3.32 |
2.26 |
788,822 |
|
November 2020 |
3.42 |
2.31 |
1,293,865 |
|
December 2020 |
8.00 |
2.94 |
6,275,679 |
|
January 2021 |
7.59 |
4.55 |
3,298,869 |
|
February 2021 |
6.96 |
4.81 |
3,829,909 |
|
March 2021 |
5.62 |
4.15 |
2,386,468 |
|
April 2021 |
6.61 |
4.85 |
1,771,835 |
|
May 2021 |
6.48 |
4.89 |
1,918,045 |
|
June 2021 |
5.40 |
4.22 |
1,614,474 |
|
July 2021 |
4.64 |
3.56 |
1,786,246 |
|
August 2021 |
3.98 |
3.20 |
1,051,071 |
Notes:
(1) Based on intra-day highs and lows.
NYSE American - PLG
|
Month |
High (US$/share) (1) |
Low (US$/share) (1) |
Volume (# of shares) |
|
September 2020 |
2.60 |
1.88 |
9,692,259 |
|
October 2020 |
2.50 |
1.72 |
18,337,938 |
|
November 2020 |
2.65 |
1.70 |
30,011,620 |
|
December 2020 |
6.27 |
2.26 |
88,657,400 |
|
January 2021 |
5.99 |
3.55 |
39,730,382 |
|
February 2021 |
5.49 |
3.78 |
35,779,999 |
|
March 2021 |
4.46 |
3.27 |
15,376,311 |
|
April 2021 |
5.34 |
3.86 |
18,509,836 |
|
May 2021 |
5.33 |
4.04 |
15,810,466 |
|
June 2021 |
4.52 |
3.41 |
13,654,032 |
|
July 2021 |
3.72 |
2.78 |
12,415,193 |
|
August 2021 |
3.20 |
2.47 |
9,767,641 |
Notes:
(1) Based on intra-day highs and lows.
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8.2 PRIOR SALES
The following table summarizes the outstanding securities of the Company convertible into Common Shares that were issued within the most recently completed financial year of securities but not listed or quoted on a marketplace.
|
Issuance Date |
Class of Security |
Number of Securities |
Price per Security |
|
December 16, 2020 |
Options |
1,497,500 |
$6.58 |
|
December 19, 2020 |
RSUs |
226,787 |
N/A |
|
August 9, 2021 |
Options |
99,000 |
$3.90 |
|
August 9, 2021 |
RSUs |
33,000 |
N/A |
ITEM 9 ESCROWED SECURITIES AND SECURITIES SUBJECT TO CONTRACTUAL RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER
There are no securities of the Company held, to the Company's knowledge, in escrow or that are subject to a contractual restriction on transfer.
ITEM 10 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
10.1 NAME, OCCUPATION AND SECURITY HOLDING
The following table sets out the names of the current directors and executive officers of the Company, provinces or states and countries of residence, positions with the Company, principal occupations within the five preceding years, periods during which each person has served as a director and/or officer and the number of each class of securities of the Company and percentage of such class beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or subject to control or direction by that person.
The Company has an Audit Committee (the "Audit Committee"), a Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee"), a Governance and Nomination Committee and an Environmental, Health, Safety and Technical Advisory Committee which are comprised of independent directors as indicated in the following table. The Company also has a Disclosure Committee which is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and one director.
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|
Name, Place of Residence |
Principal Occupation or Employment |
Date First |
Number of Common |
|
FRANK HALLAM |
Chartered Accountant. Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from July 29, 2021 to present. Chief Financial Officer of the Company from February 11, 2003 to July 29, 2021. Corporate Secretary of the Company from March 11, 2007 to July 29, 2021. |
February 18, 2002 |
23,488 |
|
DIANA WALTERS(3)(4)(5)(6)(7) |
Consulting specialist primarily in natural resources, principal investing, investment banking/finance and industry management. Founder and Managing Partner of Amichel, LLC from 2019 to present. Chairperson of the Company from February 20, 2020 to present |
July 16, 2013 |
Nil |
|
TIMOTHY MARLOW(4)(5)(6)(7) |
Chartered Mining Engineer and Consultant. President of Marlow & Associates from 1995 to present. |
June 15, 2011 |
300 |
|
JOHN COPELYN |
Chief Executive Officer of Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited from 1997 to present. Current Chairman of E Media Holdings Ltd., Tsogo Sun holdings Ltd., Deneb Investments Ltd. and Niveus Investments Ltd. |
May 15, 2018 |
21,297,526(8) |
|
STUART HARSHAW Ontario, Canada Director |
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. from October 2020 to present. Vice President of Marketing and Operations for Asia Pacific and Vice President, Ontario Operations for Vale S.A. until 2017. |
April 15, 2019 |
Nil |
|
GREGORY BLAIR British Columbia, Canada Interim Chief Financial Officer |
Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company from July 2021 to present. Financial Controller of the Company from December 2010 to July 2021. |
July 29, 2021 |
4,846 |
Notes:
(1) All of the directors' appointments expire at the next annual meeting of the Shareholders. No proposed director is to be elected under any arrangement or understanding between the proposed director and any other person or company, except the directors and executive officers of the Company acting solely in such capacity.
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(2) Shares beneficially owned, controlled or directed, directly or indirectly as of November 22, 2021, based upon information provided to the Company by the respective director or officer. As a group, the directors and officers beneficially own, control or direct, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 28,634 Common Shares, representing approximately 0.04% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.
(3) Chairperson of the Board.
(4) Member of the Audit Committee.
(5) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(6) Member of the Governance and Nomination Committee.
(7) Member of the Environmental, Health, Safety and Technical Advisory Committee.
(8) Common Shares representing approximately 26.7% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares held by Deepkloof Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited, of which Mr. Copelyn is the Chief Executive Officer.
10.2 CORPORATE CEASE TRADE ORDERS, BANKRUPTCIES, PENALTIES OR SANCTIONS
Except as disclosed below, no director or executive officer of the Company (or any of their personal holding companies) is, or during the ten years preceding the date of this AIF has been, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company, including the Company, that was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order, or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days:
(a) that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial order; or
(b) that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer;
Mr. Hallam was a director of Nextraction Energy Corp. ("Nextraction") until May 14, 2020. Nextraction was previously subject to Cease Trade Orders ("CTOs") issued by the Alberta Securities Commission ("ASC") and the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC") in May 2015 for failure to file annual audited financial statements, annual management's discussion and analysis, and certification of annual filings for the year ended December 2014. The CTOs were revoked by both the ASC and the BCSC in February 2019 following the filing of all required financial and continuous disclosure documents by Nextraction.
Ms. Walters was previously a director of Alta Mesa Resources, Inc. ("AMR"), an independent energy company focused on the development and acquisition of unconventional oil and natural gas reserves in the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma. On September 11, 2019, AMR announced that AMR and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas in order to allow AMR to reorganize its capital structure. On June 10, 2020 Ms. Walters advised the Company that her duties as a board member of AMR had ended and that AMR had completed its bankruptcy reorganization process.
Except for Ms. Walters as described above, no director or executive officer of the Company, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company, (or any of their personal holding companies):
(a) is, as at the date of this AIF or during the ten years preceding the date of this AIF has been, a director or executive officer, of any company, including the Company, that while the director or executive officer was acting in that capacity or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement, or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager, or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or
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(b) has, within the ten years before the date of this AIF, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of that director or executive officer.
No director or executive officer of the Company, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company, (or any of their personal holding companies) has been subject to:
(a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or
(b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body which would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
10.3 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Certain of the Company's directors and officers may serve as directors or officers of other companies or have significant shareholdings in other resource companies and, to the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which the Company may participate, the directors of the Company may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation. In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Company's directors, a director who has such a conflict will abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms. Such companies may, from time to time, compete with the Company for business opportunities. In addition, several companies may participate in the acquisition, exploration and development of natural resource properties thereby allowing for their participation in larger programs, permitting involvement in a greater number of programs and reducing financial exposure in respect of any one program. It may also occur that a particular company will assign all or a portion of its interest in a particular program to another of these companies due to the financial position of the company making the assignment. In accordance with the laws of British Columbia the directors of the Company are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. In determining whether or not the Company will participate in a particular program and the interest therein to be acquired by it, the directors will primarily consider the degree of risk to which the Company may be exposed and its financial position at that time.
The directors and officers of the Company are aware of the existence of laws governing the accountability of directors and officers for corporate opportunity and requiring disclosures by the directors of conflicts of interest and the Company will rely upon such laws in respect of any directors' and officers' conflicts of interest or in respect of any breaches of duty by any of its directors and officers. All such conflicts will be disclosed by such directors or officers in accordance with the laws of British Columbia shall govern themselves in respect thereof to the best of their ability in accordance with the obligations imposed upon them by law. The Company provides administrative services to several companies with directors or management in common. The directors and officers of the Company are not aware of any conflicts of interests involving the Company's mineral properties.
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Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted the Code of Conduct that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Code of Conduct includes provisions covering conflicts of interest, ethical conduct, compliance with applicable government laws, rules and regulations, disclosure in reports and documents filed with, or submitted to, the SEC, reporting of violations of the Code of Conduct and accountability for adherence to the Code of Conduct. A copy of the Code of Conduct may be found on the Company's website at www.platinumgroupmetals.net and on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
The Company has not granted any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Conduct during the Company's most recently completed fiscal year ending August 31, 2021.
ITEM 11 PROMOTERS
No individuals acted as promoters of the Company within the two most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year.
ITEM 12 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
12.1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Africa Wide
On August 28, 2018, the Company received a summons issued by Africa Wide in the High Court of South Africa, formerly the holder of a 17.1% interest in Maseve, instituted legal proceedings in South Africa against the Company's wholly owned subsidiary PTM RSA, RBPlat and Maseve (the "Defendants") in relation to the Maseve Sale Transaction. Africa Wide sought to set aside the closed Maseve Sale Transaction alternatively, sought that Africa Wide be paid the "true value" of its 17.1% shareholding in Maseve, to be determined at the time prior to the implementation of stage one of the Maseve Sale Transaction. Africa Wide averred that (i) pursuant to the term sheet pertaining to the Maseve Sale Transaction the Defendants disposed of Maseve's main asset (allegedly the plant) without Africa Wide's consent as required under the Maseve shareholders agreement; (ii) such disposal significantly devalued its shares in Maseve which (iii) resulted in the disposal of Africa Wide's shares in Maseve through a drag-along provision in Maseve's constitutional documents and (iv) that Africa Wide did not have an election to refuse to dispose of its shareholding.
On November 21, 2018, in the High Court of South Africa, RBPlat, as second defendant, filed exceptions to Africa Wide's "particulars of claim on the grounds that they were vague and embarrassing and/or lacked averments necessary to sustain a cause of action". The Company, as first defendant, was not required to file any motion or heads of arguments related to the Africa Wide particulars of claim until such time as the exceptions filed by RBPlat were heard and ruled upon by the High Court.
Both Africa Wide and RBPlat filed heads of arguments relating to RBPlat's exceptions with the High Court on or around March 11, 2019. Subsequently, on March 27, 2019, the High Court in Johannesburg held a hearing at which RBPlat's exceptions were argued before two judges. Following the hearing, the judges ordered that RBPlat's exceptions be upheld. Africa Wide was also ordered to pay costs.
On April 17, 2019, Africa Wide filed amended particulars of claim with the High Court of South Africa, wherein Africa Wide seeks to set aside the Maseve Sale Transaction. Africa Wide claims (i) that pursuant to the definitive legal agreements pertaining to the Maseve Sale Transaction the Defendants disposed of Maseve's main asset (allegedly the plant and certain surface assets) without Africa Wide's consent as required under the Maseve shareholders agreement; (ii) had it not been for such disposal, Africa Wide would not have disposed of its shares in Maseve; and (iii) that Africa Wide was forced to dispose of its shares in Maseve. In the alternative, Africa Wide seeks merely to set aside the sale of the plant and certain surface assets. Senior counsel for RBPlat and PTM RSA have both reviewed the amended particulars of claim as filed by Africa Wide.
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On May 9, 2019, the Company filed notice in the High Court requiring Africa Wide to produce those agreements and documents upon which it has based its claim. Africa Wide has declined to produce those documents.
Statements of defence have separately been filed by the Company and by RBPlat and Maseve. In each instance the statements of defence include a special plea of nonjoinder. The Defendants contend that other entities, having a direct and substantial interest in the relief which Africa Wide seeks, ought to have been joined by Africa Wide as defendants in these proceedings. Following a case management meeting held before the two judges, and upon a hearing having been scheduled in regard to the special pleas of nonjoinder, Africa Wide made the decision to proceed with a joinder application (and the need for a special hearing in regard to the pleas of nonjoinder was averted). Africa Wide has now filed further amended particulars of claim in an attempt to correct the non-joinder issue and the Company has filed an amended statement of defence pursuant thereto.
On November 12, 2020, Africa Wide delivered yet a further amendment to its particulars of claim. Africa Wide, in terms of these further amended particulars of claim, seeks to set aside the Maseve Sale Transaction, and an order directing that RBPlat return to Maseve all assets received by it pursuant to the sale transaction, and that the shares transferred pursuant thereto, be returned to it. In consequence of this development, a case management meeting followed before the judge allocated to deal with this matter, and the judge has directed that the matter proceeds in accordance with the practice directive pertaining to commercial court matters.
The matter proceeded to trial in the High Court over the period from October 4 to 8, 2021. Final heads of argument are scheduled to be filed in the High Court by Africa Wide by October 29, 2021 and by the defendants by November 5, 2021. Final arguments before the High Court are scheduled to occur beginning on January 18, 2022. A ruling by the court would then be expected in the following weeks.
While both the Company and RBPlat believe and have been advised by their respective legal counsel, that the Africa Wide action is factually and legally defective, no assurance can be provided that the Company will prevail in this action.
12.2 REGULATORY ACTIONS
There are no penalties or sanctions imposed against the Company by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority during the Company's financial year. There are no other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body against the Company that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision. There are no settlement agreements entered into by the Company before a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority during the Company's financial year.
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ITEM 13 INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
No director, executive officer or person or company that beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, more than ten percent of the Common Shares, or any associate or affiliate of the foregoing, has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the Company.
ITEM 14 TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS
The Company's transfer agent and registrar in Canada is Computershare Investor Services Inc. and in the USA is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The registers of transfers of the Common Shares are located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario in Canada and in Golden, Colorado in the USA.
ITEM 15 MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Except for contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, the only material contracts that we have entered into in the financial year ended August 31, 2021, or before the last financial year but still in effect, are as follows:
1. Convertible Notes Indenture dated June 30, 2017.
2. Supplement No. 1 to the Convertible Notes Indenture dated January 31, 2018.
3. HCI Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement dated May 10, 2018.
4. Sprott Credit Agreement dated August 15, 2019.
5. Sprott Credit Agreement Modification Agreement dated September 8, 2020.
6. Equity Distribution Agreement dated February 5, 2021.
Other than the above, there are no contracts other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business of the Company (See "Item 5.1 Mineral Property Interests") that are material to the Company and that were entered into within the most recently completed financial year of the Company or before the most recently completed financial year of the Company and which are still in effect.
ITEM 16 INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
16.1 NAMES OF EXPERTS
The following persons or companies are named as having prepared or certified a report, valuation, statement or opinion described in or included in a filing, or referred to in a filing, made under NI 51-102 by the Company during, or relating to the Company's most recently completed financial year, whose profession or business gives authority to the report, valuation, statement or opinion made by the person of company.
|
Name |
Description |
|
Charles Muller (B. Sc. (Hons) Geology) Pri. Sci. Nat. |
Co-authored the Waterberg DFS, which is referred to herein and in other filings made under NI 51-102 by the Company during the year ended August 31, 2021. |
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|
Name |
Description |
|
Gordon Cunningham, B. Eng. (Chemical), Pr. Eng. (ECSA) Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd. |
Co-authored the Waterberg DFS, which is referred to herein and in other filings made under NI 51-102 by the Company during the year ended August 31, 2021. |
|
Michael Murphy, P. Eng. |
Co-authored the Waterberg DFS, which is referred to herein and in other filings made under NI 51-102 by the Company during the year ended August 31, 2021. |
|
Robert van Egmond, P.Geo. |
Independent QP, has reviewed and approved technical disclosure in all of the Company's most recently completed financial year disclosure documents, 2021 Management, Discussion and Analysis and this AIF (other than disclosure from the DFS already attributed to author QPs). |
16.2 INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
There were no registered or beneficial interests, direct or indirect, in any securities or other property of the Company or of one of the Company's associates or affiliates (a) held by the persons or companies named above ("experts"), and if the expert is not an individual, by the designated professionals of that expert, when that expert prepared the report, valuation, statement or opinion referred to above; (b) received by an expert named above and, if the expert is not an individual, by the designated professionals of that expert, after the time that expert prepared the report, valuation, statement or opinion referred to above; or (c) to be received by an expert named above and, if the expert is not an individual, by the designated professionals of that expert, other than compensation in cash for their services.
None of the aforementioned experts, nor any directors, officers or employees of an expert referred to above, is currently expected to be elected, appointed or employed as a director, officer or employee of the Company or of any associate or affiliate of the Company.
16.3 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, of Vancouver, British Columbia is the external auditor of the Company who has issued an independent auditors' report dated November 24, 2021 in respect of the Company's consolidated statements of financial position as at August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has advised that they are independent of the Company within the meaning of the Code of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC.
ITEM 17 AUDIT COMMITTEES
Pursuant to National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees ("NI 52-110"), companies that are required to file an AIF are required to provide certain disclosure with respect to their audit committee. The Company's Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company's financial reporting procedures, internal controls and the performance of the Company's external auditors.
17.1 AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
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The text of the Audit Committee Charter is attached hereto as Schedule "B".
17.2 AUDIT COMMITTEE COMPOSITION AND BACKGROUND
The Audit Committee has been comprised of Stuart Harshaw (Chair), Diana Walters and Timothy Marlow since February 20, 2021. All three members of the Audit Committee are independent and financially literate, meaning they are able to read and understand the Company's financial statements and to understand the breadth and level of complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company's financial statements.
In addition to each member's general business experience, the education and experience of each member of the Audit Committee that is relevant to the performance of his or her responsibilities as a member of the Audit Committee are set forth below:
|
Member |
Experience/Education |
|
Stuart Harshaw, |
A seasoned professional with a successful career in the global mining industry with Vale SA and Inco Ltd, where, among other things, he was Vice President of Ontario Operations in charge of operating six underground mines, a portfolio of processing and refining facilities in Canada and Asia, as well as marketing and sales of a broad range of concentrates and finished metals worldwide. Mr. Harshaw is President, CEO and Director of Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. and a member of the board of directors of Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. and International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. and of the Board of Governors of Laurentian University of Sudbury, Canada. Mr. Harshaw earned a BSc. in Metallurgical Engineering from Queen's University and an MBA from Laurentian University. The Board has determined that Mr. Harshaw is independent within the meaning of the NYSE American Company Guide. |
|
Diana Walters, |
Ms. Walters has over 30 years in the financial services sector and has served on the audit committee of other publicly traded companies. Ms. Walters graduated with honours from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Plan II Liberal arts and an MA in Energy and Mineral Resources. Ms. Walters has worked on the natural resources sector both as an investment banker and in operating roles. In addition, she gained extensive investment experience with both debt and equity through leadership roles at Credit Suisse, HSBC and other firms. The Board has determined that Ms. Walters is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of the regulations promulgated by the SEC and is independent within the meaning of the NYSE American Company Guide. |
|
Timothy Marlow, C.Eng. |
Mr. Marlow is a registered Charter Engineered in the UK with over 36 years of experience in mining engineering and mine operations in the Americas, Africa and Asia. Mr. Marlow has held roles ranging from project engineer, services and maintenance superintendent, and general manager to Vice President of Operational Excellence for a multi mine group. His mining and project experience spans the world and he has specific African experience in Ghana and Zambia. Mr. Marlow is a graduate of the Camborne School of Mines and is registered as a C.Eng, Registered Charter Engineer in the UK. He is a member of the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy UK and a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-101 for mining. The Board has determined that Mr. Marlow is independent within the meaning of the NYSE American Company Guide. |
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17.3 RELIANCE ON CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS
At no time since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year has the Company relied on any of the exemptions set out in Section 2.4 (De Minimis Non-audit Services), Section 3.2 (Initial Public Offerings), Section 3.4 (Events Outside Control of Member), Section 3.5 (Death, Disability or Resignation of Audit Committee Member), Subsection 3.3(2) (Controlled Companies), 3.6 (Temporary Exemption for Limited and Exceptional Circumstances) or Section 3.8 (Acquisition of Financial Literacy) of NI 52-110, or an exemption from NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted under Part 8 of NI 52-110.
17.4 AUDIT COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT
At no time since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year was a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the Board.
17.5 PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Audit Committee is authorized to review the performance of the Company's independent auditors and pre-approves all audit and non-audit services to be provided to the Company by its independent auditor. Prior to granting any pre-approval, the Audit Committee must be satisfied that the performance of the services in question is not prohibited by applicable securities laws and will not compromise the independence of the independent auditor. All non-audit services performed by the Company's auditor for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
Whistleblower Policy
The Audit Committee has established a Whistleblower Policy which outlines procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by directors, officers, employees, consultants and, as appropriate, certain third parties of the Company (the "Covered Persons"), regarding the Company's compliance with all applicable government laws, rules and regulations, corporate reporting and disclosure, accounting practices, accounting controls, auditing practices and other matter relating to fraud against shareholders (the "Accounting Concerns"), without fear of retaliation of any kind. If a Covered Person has any concerns about any of the Accounting Concerns which they consider to be questionable, incorrect, misleading or fraudulent, the Covered Person is urged to come forward with any such information, complaints or concerns, without regard to the position of the person or persons responsible for the subject matter of the relevant complaint or concern.
The Covered Person may report their concern in writing, by telephone or e-mail and forward it to the Chairman of the Committee or to outside counsels of the Company. All submissions will be treated on a confidential and anonymous basis, except when the Accounting Concerns refer to violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation that relates to the corporate reporting and disclosure, and to violation of the Code of Conduct, when the person making the submission must be identified for purposes of performing the investigation. Further, the Company will not discharge, discipline, demote, suspend, threaten or in any manner discriminate against any person who submits in good faith an Accounting Concern. Promptly following the receipt of any complaints submitted to it, the Committee will investigate each complaint and take appropriate corrective actions. A copy of the Whistleblower Policy is posted on the Company's website at www.platinumgroupmetals.net.
Compensation Committee
Composition
The Compensation Committee has been comprised of Diana Walters (Chair), Stuart Harshaw and Timothy Marlow since February 20, 2020. All three members of the Compensation Committee are independent.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include but are not limited to:
-
Review, approve and report to the Board annually on management’s succession plans for all executive officers, other than the CEO, including specific development plans and career planning for potential successors.
-
Review and recommend to the Board for approval the general compensation philosophy and guidelines for all directors and executive officers, including the CEO. This includes incentive plan design and other remuneration.
-
Review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to all options granted and RSUs awarded under the Share Compensation Plan and all DSUs awarded under the Deferred Share Unit Plan (collectively the “Plans”), including the terms and conditions of those awards.
-
Review and recommend to the Board the compensation, including salary, incentives, benefits and other perquisites, of all directors and executive officers, except for the CEO.
-
Report on executive compensation as required in public disclosure documents.
-
Review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation, evaluate the CEO’s performance in light of those corporate goals and objectives, consider the Governance and Nomination Committee’s report respecting the CEO’s performance and recommend to the Board the CEO’s compensation level based on this evaluation, including salary, incentives, benefits and other perquisites.
-
Establish compensation and recruitment policies and practices for the Company’s executive officers, including establishing levels of salary, incentives, benefits and other perquisites provided to executives of the Company and its subsidiaries; provided, however, that the compensation of individual executive officers shall be subject to the Board’s approval.
-
Administration of the Plans and recommending to the Board awards under the Plans.
-
The Compensation Committee shall review all executive compensation disclosure before the Company publicly discloses this information.
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17.6 EXTERNAL AUDITOR SERVICE FEES (BY CATEGORY)
The aggregate fees billed by the Company's current independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and 2020 are set forth below:
|
|
Year ended |
Year ended |
|
Audit Fees |
284,492 |
255,400 |
|
Audit-Related Fees(1) |
68,000 |
76,480 |
|
Tax Fees(2) |
Nil |
Nil |
|
All Other Fees(3) |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Total |
352,492 |
331,880 |
Notes:
(1) The aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, which are not included under the heading "Audit Fees".
(2) The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, including restructuring advice.
(3) The aggregate fees billed for products and services other than as set out under the headings "Audit Fees", "Audit Related Fees" and "Tax Fees".
ITEM 18 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Additional information, including directors' and officers' remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Company's securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, if applicable, is contained in the Company's information circular for its most recent annual meeting of shareholders.
Additional financial information is provided in the Company's Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended August 31, 2021.
Copies of the above may be obtained, on the Company's website www.platinumgroupmetals.net; on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; on EDGAR at www.sec.gov; or by calling the Company's investor relations personnel at 604-899-5450.
SCHEDULE "A"
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY OF MINING TERMS
The following is a list of abbreviations and a glossary of certain mining terms used in this AIF:
"3E" refers to platinum, palladium and gold, collectively.
"4E" refers platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, collectively.
"anorthosite" is an intrusive igneous rock characterized by a predominance of plagioclase feldspar (90-100%), and a minimal mafic component (0-10%). Pyroxene, ilmenite, magnetite, and olivine are the mafic minerals most commonly present.
"assay" is an analysis to determine the quantity of one or more elemental components.
"Au" refers to gold.
"cm" is an abbreviation for centimetres.
"Cu" refers to copper.
"deposit" is a mineralized body, which has been physically delineated by sufficient drilling, trenching, and/or underground work, and found to contain a sufficient average grade of metal or metals to warrant further exploration and/or development expenditures. Such a deposit does not qualify as a commercially mineable ore body or as containing ore reserves, until final legal, technical, and economic factors have been resolved.
"diamond drill" is a type of rotary drill in which the cutting is done by abrasion rather than percussion. The cutting bit is set with diamonds and is attached to the end of the long hollow rods through which water is pumped to the cutting face. The drill cuts a core of rock that is covered in long cylindrical sections, an inch or more in diameter.
"exploration stage" refers to the stage where a company is engaged in the search for minerals deposits (reserves), which are not in either the development or production stage.
"fault" is a fracture in a rock across which there has been displacement.
"felsites" refers to an igneous rock that contains a group of light-colored silicate minerals, including feldspar, feldspathoid, quartz, and muscovite.
"fracture" is a break in a rock, usually along flat surfaces.
"gabbro" is an intrusive rock comprised of a mixture of mafic minerals and feldspars.
"grade" is the concentration of an ore metal in a rock sample, given either as weight percent for base metals (i.e., Cu, Zn, Pb) or in grams per tonne (g/t) or ounces per short ton (oz/t) for precious or platinum group metals.
"g/t" refers to grams per tonne.
"ha" is an abbreviation for hectare.
"harzburgite" is a variety of peridotite consisting mostly of the two minerals, olivine and low-calcium (Ca) pyroxene (enstatite). It commonly contains a few percent chromium-rich spinel as an accessory mineral.
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"hectare" is an area totaling 10,000 square metres or 100 metres by 100 metres.
"intrusive" is a rock mass formed below earth's surface from molten magma, which was intruded into a pre-existing rock mass and cooled to solid.
"km" refers to kilometres.
"kriging" is the numerical modeling by applying statistics to resource calculations (or other earth sciences problems). The method recognizes that samples are not independent and that spatial continuity between samples exists.
"m" refers to metres.
"mafic" is a rock type consisting of predominantly iron and magnesium silicate minerals with little quartz or feldspar minerals.
"magmatic" means pertaining to magma, a naturally occurring silicate melt, which may contain suspended silicate crystals, dissolved gases, or both; magmatic processes are at work under the earth's crust.
"mineralization" refers to minerals of value occurring in rocks.
"ML/day" refers to megalitre/day.
"MVA" refers to megavolt ampere.
"Ni" is an abbreviation for nickel.
"NI 43-101" refers to National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators which sets out Canadian securities reporting guidelines for mining companies.
"olivine" is a mineral silicate of iron and magnesium, principally (Mg, Fe)2SiO4, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and used as a structural material in refractories and in cements.
"ounce" or "oz" refers to a troy ounce having a weight of 31.103 grams.
"outcrop" refers to an exposure of rock at the earth's surface.
"Pd" refers to palladium.
"pegmatoid" is an igneous rock that has the coarse-grained texture of a pegmatite but that lacks graphic intergrowths or typically granitic composition.
"PGE" refers to mineralization containing platinum group elements, i.e. platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
"PGM" refers to platinum group metals, i.e. platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
"plagioclase" is a form of feldspar consisting of aluminosilicates of sodium and/or calcium, common in igneous rocks and typically white.
"Pt" refers to platinum.
"pyroxenite" refers to a relatively uncommon dark-coloured rock consisting chiefly of pyroxene; pyroxene is a type of rock containing sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, titanium and aluminum combined with oxygen.
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"Qualified Person" or "QP") as used in this AIF means a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101.
"quartz" is a common rock-forming mineral (SiO2).
"quartzite" is an extremely compact, hard, granular rock consisting essentially of quartz. It often occurs as silicified sandstone, as in sarsen stones.
"Rh" refers to rhodium, a platinum metal. Rhodium shares some of the notable properties of platinum, including its resistance to corrosion, its hardness and ductility. Wherever there is platinum in the earth, there is rhodium as well. In fact, most rhodium is extracted from a sludge that remains after platinum is removed from the ore. A high percentage of rhodium is also found in certain nickel deposits in Canada.
"stope" is an underground excavation from which ore has been extracted.
"tailings" is the material that remains after all metals considered economic have been removed from ore during milling.
"tonne" refers to a metric tonne having a weight of 1,000 kilograms or 2,205 pounds.
"troctolite" is a gabbro made up mainly of olivine and calcic plagioclase, often having a spotted appearance likened to a trout's back.
"UG2" refers to Upper Group 2 Chromitite Layer or Reef.
"ultramafic" refers to types of rock containing relatively high proportions of the heavier elements such as magnesium, iron, calcium and sodium; these rocks are usually dark in colour and have relatively high specific gravities.
SCHEDULE "B"
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD.
(the "Corporation")
1. General
The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board") has established an Audit Committee (the "Committee") to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Committee will review and oversee the financial reporting and accounting process of the Corporation, the system of internal control and management of financial risks, the external audit process, and the Corporation's process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations and its own code of business conduct. In performing its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working relationships with the Board, management, and the external auditors and monitor the independence of those auditors. To perform his or her role effectively, each Committee member will obtain an understanding of the responsibilities of Committee membership as well as the Corporation's business, operations and risks.
The Corporation's independent auditor is ultimately accountable to the Board and to the Committee. The Board and Committee, as representatives of the Corporation's shareholders, have the ultimate authority and responsibility to evaluate the independent auditor, to nominate annually the independent auditor to be proposed for shareholder approval, to determine appropriate compensation for the independent auditor, and where appropriate, to replace the outside auditor. In the course of fulfilling its specific responsibilities hereunder, the Committee must maintain free and open communication between the Corporation's independent auditors, Board and Corporation management. The responsibilities of a member of the Committee are in addition to such member's duties as a member of the Board.
2. Members
The Board will in each year appoint a minimum of three (3) directors as members of the Committee. All members of the Committee shall be non-management directors and shall be independent within the meaning of all applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws and the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American LLC (collectively, the "Applicable Regulations"), unless otherwise exempt under the Applicable Regulations.
None of the members of the Committee may have participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Corporation or any current subsidiary of the Corporation at any time during the past three years.
All members of the Committee shall be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements and must be able to read and understand fundamental financial standards and satisfy all applicable financial literacy requirements of the Applicable Regulations. Additionally, at least one member of the Committee shall: (a) be financially sophisticated, in that he or she shall have past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or any other comparable experience or background which results in the individual's financial sophistication, which may include being or having been a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or other senior officer with financial oversight responsibilities; and (b) be an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws.
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3. Duties
The Committee will have the following duties:
• Gain an understanding of whether internal control recommendations made by external auditors have been implemented by management.
• Gain an understanding of the current areas of greatest financial risk and whether management is managing these effectively.
• Review significant accounting and reporting issues, including recent professional and regulatory pronouncements, and understand their impact on the financial statements.
• Review any legal matters which could significantly impact the financial statements as reported on by the Corporation's counsel and engage outside independent counsel and other advisors whenever as deemed necessary by the Committee to carry out its duties.
• Review the Corporation's annual and quarterly financial statements, including Management's Discussion and Analysis with respect thereto, and all annual and interim earnings press releases, prior to public dissemination, including any certification, report, opinion or review rendered by the external auditors and determine whether they are complete and consistent with the information known to Committee members; determine that the auditors are satisfied that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS").
• Pay particular attention to complex and/or unusual transactions such as those involving derivative instruments and consider the adequacy of disclosure thereof.
• Focus on judgmental areas, for example those involving valuation of assets and liabilities and other commitments and contingencies.
• Review audit issues related to the Corporation's material associated and affiliated companies that may have a significant impact on the Corporation's equity investment.
• Meet with management and the external auditors to review the annual financial statements and the results of the audit.
• Evaluate the fairness of the interim financial statements and related disclosures including the associated Management's Discussion and Analysis, and obtain explanations from management on whether:
◾ actual financial results for the interim period varied significantly from budgeted or projected results;
◾ generally accepted accounting principles have been consistently applied;
◾ there are any actual or proposed changes in accounting or financial reporting practices; or
◾ there are any significant or unusual events or transactions which require disclosure and, if so, consider the adequacy of that disclosure.
• Review the external auditors' proposed audit scope and approach and ensure no unjustifiable restriction or limitations have been placed on the scope.
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• Recommend to the Board an external auditor to be nominated for appointment by the Corporation's shareholders. Subject to the appointment of the Corporation's external auditor by the Corporation's shareholders, the Committee will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of external auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor's report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding financial reporting. The Corporation's external auditor shall report directly to the Committee.
• Review with the Corporation's management, on a regular basis, the performance of the external auditors, the terms of the external auditor's engagement, accountability and experience.
• Pre-approve all non-audit services and tax services to be provided to the Corporation or its subsidiary entities by the external auditor, or other registered accounting firm.
• Consider at least annually the independence of the external auditors, including reviewing the range of services provided in the context of all consulting services obtained by the Corporation, including:
◾ insuring receipt from the independent auditor of a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the independent auditor and the Company, consistent with the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and related Canadian regulatory body standards;
◾ considering and discussing with the independent auditor any relationships or services, including non-audit services, that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditor; and
◾ as necessary, taking, or recommending that the Board take, appropriate action to oversee the independence of the independent auditor.
• Ensure that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Corporation's public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Corporation's financial statements, other than the public disclosure contained in the Corporation's financial statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis and annual and interim earnings press releases; and must periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures.
• Review any significant disagreement among management and the external auditors in connection with the preparation of the financial statements.
• Review and approve the Corporation's hiring policies regarding partners, employees and former partners and employees of the present and former external auditors of the Corporation.
• Establish a procedure for:
◾ the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; and
◾ the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters.
• Meet separately with the external auditors to discuss any matters that the committee or auditors believe should be discussed privately in the absence of management.
• Endeavour to cause the receipt and discussion on a timely basis of any significant findings and recommendations made by the external auditors.
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• Ensure that the Board is aware of matters which may significantly impact the financial condition or affairs of the business.
• Review and oversee all related party transactions within the meaning of the Applicable Regulations.
• Perform other functions as requested by the Board.
• If necessary, institute special investigations and, if appropriate, hire special counsel or experts to assist, and set the compensation to be paid to such special counsel or other experts.
• Review and re-assess annually the adequacy of this Charter and recommend updates to this charter; receive approval of changes from the Board.
• With regard to the Corporation's internal control procedures, the Committee is responsible to:
◾ review the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Corporation's policies and business practices which impact on the financial integrity of the Corporation, including those related to internal auditing, insurance, accounting, information services and systems and financial controls, management reporting and risk management; and
◾ review compliance under the Corporation's business conduct and ethics policies and to periodically review these policies and recommend to the Board changes which the Committee may deem appropriate; and
◾ review any unresolved issues between management and the external auditors that could affect the financial reporting or internal controls of the Corporation; and
◾ periodically review the Corporation's financial and auditing procedures and the extent to which recommendations made by the internal audit staff or by the external auditors have been implemented.
4. Chair
The Committee will in each year appoint the Chair of the Committee from among the members of the Committee. In the Chair's absence, or if the position is vacant, the Committee may select another member as Chair. The Chair will not have a casting vote.
5. Meetings
The Committee will meet at least once every calendar quarter. Special meetings shall be convened as required. Notices calling meetings shall be sent to all members of the Committee, all Board members and the external auditor. The external auditor of the Corporation must be given reasonable notice of and has the right to appear before and to be heard at, each meeting of the Committee. At the request of the external auditor, the Committee must convene a meeting of the Committee to consider any matter that the external auditor believes should be brought to the attention of the Board or shareholders of the Corporation.
The Committee may invite such other persons (e.g. without limitation, the President or Chief Financial Officer) to its meetings, as it deems appropriate.
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6. Quorum
A majority of members of the Committee, present in person, by teleconferencing, or by videoconferencing, or by any combination of the foregoing, will constitute a quorum.
7. Removal and Vacancy
A member may resign from the Committee and may also be removed and replaced at any time by the Board and will automatically cease to be a member as soon as the member ceases to be a director of the Corporation. The Board will fill vacancies in the Committee by appointment from among the directors in accordance with Section 2 of this Charter. Subject to quorum requirements, if a vacancy exists on the Committee, the remaining members will exercise all of the Committee's powers.
8. Authority
The Committee may:
• engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties.
• set and pay the compensation for any advisors employed by the Committee; and
• communicate directly with the internal and external auditors.
The Committee may also, within the scope of its responsibilities, seek any information it requires from any employee and from external parties, to obtain outside legal or professional advice, and to ensure the attendance of Corporation officers at meetings as appropriate.
9. Secretary and Minutes
The Chair of the Committee will appoint a member of the Committee or other person to act as Secretary of the Committee for purposes of a meeting of the Committee. The minutes of the Committee meetings shall be in writing and duly entered into the books of the Corporation and will be circulated to all members of the Board.
10. Funding
The Corporation shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of: (a) compensation to any registered public accounting firm engaged for the purposes of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation; (b) compensation to any advisers employed by the Committee; and (c) ordinary administrative expenses of the Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carry out its duties.
Platinum Group Metals Ltd.
(A Development Stage Company)
Supplementary Information and Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended August 31, 2021
This Management's Discussion and Analysis is prepared as of November 24, 2021
A copy of this report will be provided to any shareholder who requests it.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. ("Platinum Group", the "Company" or "PTM") is dated as of November 24, 2021 and focuses on the Company's financial condition, cash flows and results of operations as at and for the year ended August 31, 2021. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2021, together with the notes thereto (the "Financial Statements").
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. All dollar figures included therein and in the following MD&A are quoted in United States Dollars unless otherwise noted. All references to "U.S. Dollars", "$" or to "US$" are to United States Dollars. All references to "C$" are to Canadian Dollars. All references to "R" or to "Rand" are to South African Rand. The Company uses the U.S. Dollar as its presentation currency.
PRELIMINARY NOTES
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This MD&A and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "Forward-Looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will, may, could or might occur in the future are Forward-Looking Statements. The words "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "could", "might", "will", "would", "should", "intend", "believe", "target", "budget", "plan", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "projection" or the negative of any of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify Forward-Looking Statements, although these words may not be present in all Forward-Looking Statements. Forward-Looking Statements included or incorporated by reference in this MD&A may include, without limitation, statements related to:
• the timely completion of additional required financings and potential terms thereof;
• the repayment, and compliance with the terms of, indebtedness;
• the completion of appropriate contractual smelting and/or refining arrangements with Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. ("Implats") or another third-party smelter/refiner;
• the projections set forth or incorporated into, or derived from, the DFS Technical Report (as defined below), including, without limitation, estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, and projections relating to future prices of metals, commodities and supplies, currency rates, capital and operating expenses, production rate, grade, recovery and return, and other technical, operational and financial forecasts;
• the approval of a water use licence and environmental permits for, and other developments related to, a deposit area discovered by the Company on the Waterberg property (the "Waterberg Project") located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, approximately 85 km north of the town of Mokopane;
• the Company's expectations with respect to the outcome of appeals filed against the regulator's decision to grant the mining right for the Waterberg Project and the outcome of a review application to set aside a decision by the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ("DFFE") to refuse condonation for the late filing of the group's appeal against the grant of an Environmental Authorization ("EA") for the Waterberg Project;
• the development of performance indicators to measure and monitor key environmental, social sustainability and governance activities at the Waterberg Project;
• compliance with the terms and conditions of our credit agreement with Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP ("Sprott");
• the impacts of COVID-19 on our operations;
• the adequacy of capital, financing needs and the availability of and potential for obtaining further capital;
• revenue, cash flow and cost estimates and assumptions;
• future events or future performance;
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
• development of next generation battery technology by the Company's new battery technology joint venture (described below);
• governmental and securities exchange laws, rules, regulations, orders, consents, decrees, provisions, charters, frameworks, schemes and regimes, including interpretations of and compliance with the same;
• developments in South African politics and laws relating to the mining industry;
• anticipated exploration, development, construction, production, permitting and other activities on the Company's properties;
• project economics;
• future metal prices and currency exchange rates;
• the identification of several large-scale water basins that could provide mine process and potable water for the Waterberg Project and local communities;
• the Company's expectations with respect to the outcomes of litigation;
• mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; and
• potential changes in the ownership structures of the Company's projects.
Forward-Looking Statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual events or results to differ materially from those discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements, and even if events or results discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things:
• the inability of the Company to generate sufficient additional cash flow to make payments on its indebtedness under the Sprott Facility (defined below) and the Convertible Notes (defined below), and to comply with the terms of such indebtedness, and the restrictions imposed by such indebtedness;
• the Company's additional financing requirements;
• the Company's $20.0 million initial principal secured credit facility, as amended, (the "Sprott Facility") (which has an outstanding principal balance of $3.6 million as of the date of this MD&A) with Sprott and the other lenders party thereto (the "Sprott Lenders") is, and any new indebtedness may be, secured and the Company has pledged its shares of Platinum Group Metals (RSA) Proprietary Limited, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary located in South Africa ("PTM RSA"), and PTM RSA has pledged its shares of Waterberg JV Resources Proprietary Limited ("Waterberg JV Co.") and Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Mnombo") to the Sprott Lenders under the Sprott Facility, which potentially could result in the loss of the Company's interest in PTM RSA and the Waterberg Project, in the event of a default under the Sprott Facility or any new secured indebtedness;
• the Company's history of losses and expectations that will continue to incur losses;
• the Company's negative cash flow;
• the Company's ability to continue as a going concern;
• uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project;
• the Company's ability to bring properties into a state of commercial production;
• the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Company;
• discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production;
• fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Rand and the Canadian Dollar;
• volatility in metals prices;
• the possibility that the Company may become subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
• Implats or another third party may not enter into appropriate contractual smelting and/or refining arrangements with Waterberg JV Co.;
• the ability of the Company to acquire the necessary surface access rights on commercially acceptable terms or at all;
• the failure of the Company or the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project;
• any disputes or disagreements with the Company's other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo;
• the Company is subject to assessment by various taxation authorities, who may interpret tax legislation in a manner different from the Company, which may negatively affect the final amount or the timing of the payment or refund of taxes;
• the Company's ability to attract and retain its key management employees;
• contractor performance and delivery of services, changes in contractors or their scope of work or any disputes with contractors;
• conflicts of interest among the Company's officers and directors;
• any designation of the Company as a "passive foreign investment company" and potential adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders;
• litigation or other legal or administrative proceedings brought against the Company, including the current litigation brought by Africa Wide Mineral Prospecting and Exploration (Pty) Limited ("Africa Wide"), the former 17.1% shareholder of Maseve Investments 11 Proprietary Limited ("Maseve");
• actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption;
• exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, safety stoppages (whether voluntary or regulatory), pressures, mine collapses, cave ins or flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties;
• property, zoning and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property;
• changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, South Africa or other countries in which the Company does or may carry out business in the future;
• equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire and construct infrastructure for its mineral properties;
• environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental and water use licences;
• extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry;
• delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits;
• any adverse decision in respect of the Company's mineral rights and projects in South Africa under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002 (the "MPRDA");
• risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation;
• the failure to maintain or increase equity participation by historically disadvantaged South Africans in the Company's prospecting and mining operations and to otherwise comply with the Broad-Based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry, 2018 ("Mining Charter 2018");
• certain potential adverse Canadian tax consequences for foreign-controlled Canadian companies that acquire the common shares;
• socio economic instability in South Africa or regionally, including risks of resource nationalism;
• labour disruptions and increased labour costs;
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
• changes in South African state royalties;
• interruptions, shortages or cuts in the supply of electricity or water;
• characteristics of and changes in the tax systems in South Africa;
• a change in community relations;
• South African foreign exchange controls impacting repatriation of profits;
• land restitution claims or land expropriation;
• restriction on dividend payments;
• the risk that the common shares may be delisted;
• volatility in the price of the common shares;
• the exercise of stock options or warrants resulting in dilution to the holders of common shares;
• future sales, conversion of senior subordinated notes or issuances of equity securities decreasing the value of the common shares, diluting investors' voting power, and reducing our earnings per share;
• enforcing judgements based on the civil liability provisions of United States federal securities laws;
• global financial conditions; and
• other risks disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in this MD&A and in our 2021 AIF and 2021 20-F (defined below).
These factors should be considered carefully, and investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's Forward-Looking Statements. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
Any Forward-Looking Statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any Forward-Looking Statement, whether because of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
LEGISLATION AND MINING CHARTER
The MPRDA, the Mining Charter 2018 and related regulations in South Africa required that Waterberg JV Co.'s Black Economic Empowerment ("BEE") shareholders own a 26% equity interest in Waterberg JV Co. to qualify for the grant of the mining right. Within 5 years of the effective date of the mining right, this BEE shareholding must be increased to 30%. The South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ("DMRE") had obtained an exemption from applying the generic BEE Codes of Good Practice ("Generic BEE Codes") under the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003 until October 31, 2016 and had applied for a further extension until December 31, 2016. While this exemption was extended to December 31, 2016, no further exemption was obtained thereafter, and, as a matter of law, the Generic BEE Codes now apply to the issuance and maintenance of licenses and other authorizations. As a matter of practice, the DMRE has continued to apply the provisions of Mining Charter 2018 rather than the Generic BEE Codes.
For a comprehensive discussion of Mining Charter 2018 and the Generic BEE Codes, please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended August 31, 2021 ("2021 AIF") and the separate annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended August 31, 2021 (the "2021 20-F") which was also filed by the Company, as well as in the documents incorporated by reference therein. The 2021 AIF and 2021 20-F may be found on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and the 2021 AIF may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES
The mineral resource and mineral reserve figures referred to in this MD&A and the documents incorporated herein by reference are estimates and no assurances can be given that the indicated levels of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (collectively referred to as "4E", or "PGEs") will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. By their nature, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. Any inaccuracy or future reduction in such estimates could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
NOTE TO U.S. INVESTORS REGARDING RESERVE AND RESOURCE ESTIMATES:
Estimates of mineralization and other technical information included or incorporated by reference herein have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The definitions of proven and probable reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 ("Guide 7") of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Under Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. As a result, the reserves reported by the Company in accordance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as "reserves" under Guide 7 standards. In addition, the terms "mineral resource," "measured mineral resource," "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under Guide 7 and have not historically been permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC subject to Guide 7. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. Inferred mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Additionally, disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian securities laws; however, Guide 7 normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measurements. Accordingly, information contained in this MD&A and the documents incorporated by reference herein containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to Guide 7. The Company has not disclosed or determined any mineral reserves under the current Guide 7 standards in respect of any of its properties.
On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule ("New Final Rule") that will replace Guide 7 with new disclosure requirements that are more closely aligned with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2021. The Company is not currently required to, nor does it, comply with the New Final Rule.
TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:
The technical and scientific information contained in this MD&A, including, but not limited to, all references to and descriptions of technical reports and studies, has been reviewed by an independent qualified person as defined in NI 43-101, Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., a consultant geologist to the Company and a former employee. Mr. van Egmond is an independent "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 (a "Qualified Person").
NON-GAAP MEASURES:
This MD&A may include certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which is incorporated in the CPA Canada Handbook. We believe that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Any such non-GAAP measures should be read in conjunction with our financial statements.
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is a British Columbia, Canada, company formed on February 18, 2002, pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia approving an amalgamation between Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and New Millennium Metals Corporation. The Company is a palladium and platinum focused exploration and development company conducting work primarily on mineral properties it has staked or acquired by way of option agreements or applications in the Republic of South Africa.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
The Company's main business is currently focused on the development and engineering of the Waterberg Project, which was discovered in 2011 as the result of a regional exploration initiative by the Company targeting a previously unknown extension to the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The project area is now comprised of two adjacent property areas formerly known as the Waterberg joint venture project (the "Waterberg JV Project") and the Waterberg extension project (the "Waterberg Extension Project").
On August 21, 2017, PTM RSA completed the cession of legal title for all Waterberg Project prospecting rights into Waterberg JV Co. after earlier receiving Section 11 approval of the 2nd Amendment (defined below). On September 21, 2017, Waterberg JV Co. also issued shares to all existing Waterberg partners pro rata to their joint venture interests, resulting in the Company holding a 45.65% direct interest in Waterberg JV Co., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") holding a 28.35% interest and Mnombo, as the Company's BEE partner, holding 26%. JOGMEC has since sold 44.4% of its interest (9.76% of the Waterberg Project) to Hanwa Co., Ltd ("Hanwa").
On November 6, 2017, the Company, along with JOGMEC and Mnombo closed a strategic transaction to sell to Implats 15% of the Waterberg Project for $30 million (the "Implats Transaction"). The Company sold Implats an 8.6% interest for $17.2 million and JOGMEC sold a 6.4% interest for $12.8 million. Implats also acquired an option (the "Purchase and Development Option") within 90 days of the completion and approval of a definitive feasibility study by Waterberg JV Co. to increase its stake to 50.01% through additional share purchases from JOGMEC for $34.8 million and earn-in arrangements for $130 million to fund development work on the Waterberg Project, as well as a right of first refusal to smelt and refine Waterberg Project concentrate (the "Offtake ROFR"). JOGMEC, or their nominee, retained a right to receive platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, ruthenium, iridium, copper and nickel refined mineral products at the volumes produced from the Waterberg Project as well as a right to purchase or direct the sale of all or part of the project concentrate. See further details below.
On September 24, 2019, the Company published the results of the Definitive Feasibility Study for the Waterberg Project (the "Waterberg DFS") and it was approved by all Waterberg JV Co. shareholders on December 5, 2019. On October 7, 2019 the Waterberg DFS technical report entitled "Independent Technical Report, Waterberg Project Definitive Feasibility Study and Mineral Resource Update, Bushveld Complex, South Africa" (the "DFS Technical Report") was filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The DFS Technical Report is dated October 4, 2019 and was prepared by Michael Murphy, P. Eng. of Stantec Consulting Ltd., Charles J Muller, B. Sc. (Hons) Geology, Pri. Sci. Nat. of CJM Consulting (Pty) Ltd., and Gordon I Cunningham, B. Eng. (Chemical), Pr. Eng., FSAIMM of Turnberry Projects (Pty) Ltd. DRA Projects SA (Pty) Ltd., an experienced South African engineering and EPCM firm, provided the plant design and compiled the capital cost estimates for the Waterberg Project Qualified Persons. The DFS Technical Report also supports the disclosure of an updated independent mineral resource estimate effective September 4, 2019.
In exchange for a deadline extension to the Purchase and Development Option effective in early 2020, Implats agreed to fund 100% of an optimization budget and work program (the "2020 Work Program") beginning February 1, 2020. The 2020 Work Program, as approved by Waterberg JV Co., was aimed at increasing confidence in specific areas of the Waterberg DFS while awaiting the expected grant of a mining right and EA. Except for budgeted geotechnical drilling, which could not be carried out before the grant of a mining right, the 2020 Work Program was completed at a cost of approximately $1.51 million on September 15, 2020.
On June 15, 2020, Implats delivered a formal notice that they did not intend to exercise their Purchase and Development Option to acquire and earn into a 50.01% interest in the Waterberg Project. Implats reported that notwithstanding the positive progress achieved to date, and the strategic alignment between the Waterberg Project and Implats stated portfolio objectives, the unprecedented events brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated Implats management and its board of directors to re-evaluate the impact of the increased economic uncertainty on Implats' strategy and risk appetite in the short, medium and long term. Implats reiterated their support of both the Waterberg Project and the joint venture partners and plans to remain an active participant, including funding of their share of costs, subject to future considerations.
Implats retains a 15.0% participating project interest, and under their Offtake ROFR, retain a right to match offtake terms from bona fide third parties that Waterberg JV Co. is prepared to accept. The Company and Waterberg JV Co. have begun a process to assess commercial alternatives for mine development financing and concentrate offtake. Several parties are currently in discussions with the Company. Concentrate offtake discussions with Implats also continue, outside of the strictures of the Waterberg JV Co shareholders' agreement.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
The Company retains a controlling 50.02% direct and indirect interest in the Waterberg Project and remains the Manager of the Waterberg Project, as directed by the technical committee of Waterberg JV Co.
LION BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES INC.
On July 12, 2019, the Company, together with an affiliate of Anglo American Platinum Limited ("Amplats"), launched a venture through a jointly owned company, Lion Battery Technologies Inc. ("Lion"), to accelerate the development of next generation battery technology using platinum and palladium. The Company received 400,000 common shares of Lion, valued at a price of $0.01 per share, as the original founder of Lion. Both the Company and Amplats were to equally invest up to an aggregate of $4.0 million into Lion, of which approximately $1.0 million would be for general and administrative expenses and the commercialization of the technology developed, subject to certain conditions. On July 6, 2021 the Company and Amplats agreed to increase the planned funding to Lion by a further $2.726 million, to a total of up to $6.726 million, in order to allow the acceleration of certain research and commercialization activities. All agreed funding into Lion by the Company and Amplats is to be in exchange for preferred shares of Lion at a price of $0.50 per share over an approximate three to five year period.
On July 12, 2019, the Company and Amplats each invested $550,000 as a first tranche of funding into Lion in exchange for 1,100,000 Lion preferred shares each. In June 2020, the Company and Amplats each invested $350,000 as a second tranche of funding in exchange for 700,000 Lion preferred shares each. In February 2021, Amplats and the Company each invested $350,000 as a third tranche of funding in exchange for 700,000 Lion preferred shares each at a price of $0.50 per share. At August 31, 2021 the Company owned a 53.70% interest in Lion. The Company and Amplats are considering additional funding to Lion in order to accelerate research and development efforts. If the Company should fail to contribute its share of a required subscription to Lion, it would be in breach of its agreement with Lion and its interest in Lion may be subject to dilution.
On July 12, 2019, Lion entered into an agreement (the "Sponsored Research Agreement") with Florida International University ("FIU") to fund a $3.0 million research program over approximately a three-year period utilizing platinum and palladium to unlock the potential of Lithium Air and Lithium Sulphur battery chemistries to increase their discharge capacities and cyclability. On July 6, 2021 Lion agreed to increase the planned amount of research funding to FIU by a further amount of $1.0 million, for a total of up to $4.0 million. Under the Sponsored Research Agreement, Lion will have exclusive rights to all intellectual property developed and will lead all commercialization efforts. The first tranche of funding by Lion to FIU, totaling $1.0 million plus a one-time fee of $50,000, was paid by Lion in mid July 2019, with a second tranche of $666,667 funded in June 2020. A third tranche of funding by Lion to FIU of $666,667 was completed in February 2021. Lion has provided aggregate research funding in the amount of $2.38 million to FIU as of August 31, 2021.
On August 4, 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. 10,734,636 B2 entitled "Battery Cathodes for Improved Stability" to FIU. The patent includes the use of platinum group metals and carbon nanotubes and other innovations in a lithium battery. A second patent related to this work was issued in December 2020 and a third was issued on June 15, 2021. Further patents are currently applied for. Under the Sponsored Research Agreement, Lion has exclusive rights to all intellectual property being developed by FIU including patents granted. Lion is also reviewing several additional and complementary opportunities focused on developing next-generation battery technology using platinum and palladium.
PERSONNEL
In July 2021 the Company's CEO resigned. As a component to a separation agreement, the former CEO is to be available as a consultant to the Company until December 31, 2021. Not including the Company's former CEO acting as a consultant, the Company's current complement of officers, staff and consultants in Canada consists of 5 individuals.
The Company's complement of managers, staff, technical personnel, consultants, security and casual workers in South Africa currently consists of 9 individuals. The Waterberg Project is currently operated by the Company utilizing its staff, consultants and personnel. Contract drilling, geotechnical, engineering and support services are utilized as required.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
2. PROPERTIES
Under IFRS, the Company capitalizes all acquisition, exploration and development costs related to mineral properties. The recoverability of these amounts is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the development of the property, and any future profitable production, or alternatively upon the Company's ability to dispose of its interests on an advantageous basis. The Company evaluates the carrying value of its property interests on a regular basis. Management is required to make significant judgements to identify potential impairment indicators. Any properties management deems to be impaired are written down to their estimated net recoverable amount.
For more information on mineral properties, see below and note 3 of the Financial Statements.
MATERIAL MINERAL PROPERTY INTERESTS
Waterberg Project
Recent Activities
During the year ended August 31, 2021, approximately $3.7 million was spent at the Waterberg Project for geotechnical drilling, erection of fences, ground clearing and infrastructure engineering and surveying. Baseline environmental monitoring studies are underway. Work is being carried out to identify and assess local deposits of calcrete and other aggregate materials that may be suitable for road building and infrastructure pad foundations.
At year end, $44.0 million in accumulated net costs had been capitalized to the Waterberg Project. Total expenditures on the property since inception from all investor sources to August 31, 2021 are approximately $77.5 million.
A geotechnical drilling campaign at the Waterberg Project commenced in July 2021 and was completed in mid October 2021. The geotechnical drilling campaign consisted of 46 boreholes drilled along the planned centerline of two sets of twin declines and box-cut positions. Approximately 11 holes were drilled vertically, and the remaining holes were inclined out of the plane to intersect all possible discontinuities. A total of 5,966 metres of drill core were recovered and a total of 2,696 metres of core were geotechnically logged from within the zone of interest. All boreholes except those in the planned box-cut areas were backfilled with cement upon completion. Downhole geophysical surveys were conducted consisting of optical and/or acoustic televiewer and gamma probes as well as caliper probes. Three packer tests were conducted in boreholes where groundwater strikes were encountered. Core samples of all the major geotechnical units encountered were collected and subjected to laboratory testing.
The results of the drilling campaign confirm that the box-cut positions are in sandstone, and the central and southern declines transition from sandstone into a dolerite sill and back into sandstone before cutting into the igneous rocks of the Bushveld Complex. In general, results are as expected, and the rock mass is competent. Also as expected, some support will be required for both tunnel sets. No problem areas, where special mining methods or non-standard support would be required, have been identified. Groundwater inflow is also not considered a risk. The standard practice of probe drilling ahead of decline tunnel development will be important to monitor rock quality and identify correct support standards ahead of development. Geotechnical qualified persons monitoring the drill programme have stated that in general, the rock mass encountered along both decline routes can support the planned excavations with no major problem areas expected.
During fiscal 2020 the Company and Waterberg JV Co. began a process to assess commercial alternatives for mine development financing and concentrate offtake. Several parties are currently in discussions with the Company. Concentrate offtake discussions with Implats also continue, outside of the strictures of the Waterberg JV Co shareholders' agreement.
The Company is also assessing the possibility of constructing a dedicated furnace for the processing of Waterberg Project concentrate to produce an upgraded product for sale in the market without the need for treatment by a third party offtaker. An internal pre-feasibility study for such a Waterberg matte furnace was completed for the Company by industry experts in late 2021. The pre-feasibility study assesses the construction and operation of a 20 MW smelting furnace with two off air-blown converters capable of producing a matte suitable as feed to a standard base metal refinery in South Africa or elsewhere. The Company is in process to complete further studies examining the optimal location for such a furnace as well as down stream marketing considerations, permitting and power and water requirements. The Company is also researching the economic feasibility of acquiring an existing furnace in South Africa that may be refurbished and modified to process Waterberg Project concentrate.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Subsequent to the completion of the Waterberg DFS, the 2020 Work Program funded by Implats until September 15, 2020, completed the following optimization and risk mitigation studies:
-
Dry stacking of tailings to reduce water use and reduce tailings impoundment footprint.
-
Confirmation of portal positions and detailed designs.
-
Review of initial mining method, stope and sub level designs.
-
Detailed benchmarking to comparable operations around the world and specifically in Africa.
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Detailed simulation of underground mining and surface systems.
-
Possible use of battery electric underground vehicles and resulting reduced ventilation and cooling requirements, reduced electrical power requirements, and opex/capex implications.
-
Possible use of Mobile Tunnel Boring.
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Review of water demand and supply and test drilling to confirm water resources.
Geotechnical drilling of boxcuts/portals and along planned decline pathways, budgeted at approximately R 27 million, was not completed before September 15, 2020, as such work first required the grant of a mining right. Total actual cost of the completed 2020 Work Program funded by Implats amounted to approximately $1.5 million (R24.7 million).
Waterberg DFS
On September 24, 2019, the Company published the results of the Waterberg DFS. Waterberg JV Co. shareholders approved the Waterberg DFS on December 5, 2019. Highlights of the Waterberg DFS include:
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A significant increase in Mineral Reserves from the Waterberg Project's 2016 Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for a large-scale, shallow, decline-accessible, mechanised, palladium, platinum, gold and rhodium mine. Use of backfill in the Waterberg DFS design lowers risk and increases mined ore extraction rates.
-
Annual steady state production rate of 420,000 4E ounces. Estimated mine life of 45 years on current reserves. The planned production rate is by careful design in order to reduce capital costs and simplify construction and ramp-up.
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After-tax net present value ("NPV") of $982 million, at an 8% real discount rate, using spot metal prices as at September 4, 2019 (Incl. $1,546 Pd/oz) ("Spot Prices").
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After-tax NPV of US$ 333 million, at an 8% real discount rate, using three-year trailing average metal prices up until September 4, 2019 (Incl. $1,055 Pd/oz) ("Three Year Trailing Prices").
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After-tax internal rate of return of 20.7% at Spot Prices and 13.3% at Three Year Trailing Prices.
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Estimated project capital of approximately $874 million, including $87 million in contingencies. Peak project funding estimated at $617 million.
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On site life of mine average cash cost (inclusive of by-product credits and smelter discounts) for the spot metal price scenario equates to $640 per 4E ounce.
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Updated measured and indicated mineral resources of 242 million tonnes at 3.38g/t 4E for 26.4 million 4E ounces (using 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off) and the deposit remains open on strike to the north and below an arbitrary depth cut-off of 1,250-meters.
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Proven and probable mineral reserves of 187 million tonnes at 3.24 g/t 4E for 19.5 million 4E ounces (using 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off).
The mineral resources for the Waterberg Project increased slightly based on in-fill drilling done during preparation of the Waterberg DFS. The mineral resources have been estimated based on 441 diamond drill holes and 583 deflections and has been stated at a 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off (the base-case). In the Waterberg DFS, a 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off grade has been applied to the mineral resource model as an input into the mine design. At the 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off grade, the total measured and indicated mineral resources are estimated at 242 million tonnes grading 3.38 g/t 4E for an estimated 26.4 million ounces 4E. Total mineral reserves at a 2.5 g/t 4E grade cut-off are estimated at 187 million tonnes for 19.5 million ounces 4E.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
The mineral reserves are a subset of the mineral resource envelope at a 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off and they include only measured and indicated mineral resources with dilution and stope shapes considered. A minimum mining thickness of 2.4 meters and sublevel planning of 20 meters to 40 meters was considered in the mine plan for mineral reserves.
The mineral resources for the Waterberg Project are categorized and reported in terms of NI 43-101 and are tabulated below.
Mineral Resource Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off, effective September 4, 2019 on 100% Project basis:
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T Zone at 2.5 g/t (4E) Cut-off |
|||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cut-off |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
|||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
|||
|
g/t |
Tonnes |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
|
|
Measured |
2.5 |
4,443,483 |
1.17 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.87 |
4.20 |
0.150 |
0.080 |
18,663 |
0.600 |
|
Indicated |
2.5 |
17,026,142 |
1.37 |
2.34 |
0.03 |
0.88 |
4.61 |
0.200 |
0.094 |
78,491 |
2.524 |
|
M+I |
2.5 |
21,469,625 |
1.34 |
2.29 |
0.03 |
0.88 |
4.53 |
0.189 |
0.091 |
97,154 |
3.124 |
|
Inferred |
2.5 |
21,829,698 |
1.15 |
1.92 |
0.03 |
0.76 |
3.86 |
0.198 |
0.098 |
84,263 |
2.709 |
|
F Zone at 2.5 g/t (4E) Cut-off |
|||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cut-off |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
|||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
|||
|
g/t |
Tonnes |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
|
|
Measured |
2.5 |
54,072,600 |
0.95 |
2.20 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.36 |
0.087 |
0.202 |
181,704 |
5.842 |
|
Indicated |
2.5 |
166,895,635 |
0.95 |
2.09 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.24 |
0.090 |
0.186 |
540,691 |
17.384 |
|
M+I |
2.5 |
220,968,235 |
0.95 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.27 |
0.089 |
0.190 |
722,395 |
23.226 |
|
Inferred |
2.5 |
44,836,851 |
0.87 |
1.92 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
2.98 |
0.064 |
0.169 |
133,705 |
4.299 |
|
Waterberg Aggregate Total 2.5 g/t (4E) Cut-off |
|||||||||||
|
Mineral |
Cut-off |
Tonnage |
Grade |
Metal |
|||||||
|
4E |
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E |
|||
|
g/t |
Tonnes |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
g/t |
% |
% |
kg |
Moz |
|
|
Measured |
2.5 |
58,516,083 |
0.97 |
2.19 |
0.05 |
0.21 |
3.42 |
0.092 |
0.193 |
200,367 |
6.442 |
|
Indicated |
2.5 |
183,921,777 |
0.99 |
2.11 |
0.05 |
0.22 |
3.37 |
0.100 |
0.177 |
619,182 |
19.908 |
|
M+I |
2.5 |
242,437,860 |
0.98 |
2.13 |
0.05 |
0.22 |
3.38 |
0.098 |
0.181 |
819,549 |
26.350 |
|
Inferred |
2.5 |
66,666,549 |
0.96 |
1.92 |
0.04 |
0.34 |
3.27 |
0.108 |
0.146 |
217,968 |
7.008 |
|
Mineral Resource |
Prill Split Waterberg Project Aggregate |
|||
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
|
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
|
Measured |
28.2 |
64.4 |
1.5 |
5.9 |
|
Indicated |
29.4 |
62.6 |
1.5 |
6.5 |
|
M+I |
29.1 |
63.0 |
1.5 |
6.4 |
|
Inferred |
29.5 |
58.9 |
1.2 |
10.4 |
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Notes:
1. 4E elements are platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
2. Cut-offs for mineral resources were established by a QP after a review of potential operating costs and other factors.
3. Conversion factor used for kilograms ("kg") to ounces ("oz") is 32.15076.
4. A 5% and 7% geological loss was applied to the measured/indicated and inferred mineral resources categories, respectively.
5. The mineral resources are classified in accordance with NI 43-101. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability and inferred mineral resources have a high degree of uncertainty.
6. The mineral resources are provided on a 100% Project basis, inferred and indicated categories are separate and the estimates have an effective date of 4 September 2019.
7. Mineral resources were completed by Mr. CJ Muller of CJM Consulting.
8. Mineral resources were estimated using kriging methods for geological domains created in Datamine from 441 mother holes and 583 deflections. A process of geological modelling and creation of grade shells using indicating kriging was completed in the estimation process.
9. The mineral resources may be materially affected by metal prices, exchange rates, labour costs, electricity supply issues or many other factors detailed in the Company's 2021 AIF.
10. The data that formed the basis of the mineral resources estimate are the drill holes drilled by Platinum Group as project operator, which consist of geological logs, drill hole collars surveys, downhole surveys and assay data. The area where each layer was present was delineated after examination of the intersections in the various drill holes.
11. Numbers may not add due to rounding.
Proven Mineral Reserve Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off, effective September 4, 2019 on 100% Project basis:
|
Proven Mineral Reserve Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off |
||||||||||
|
|
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E Metal |
|
|
Zone |
Tonnes |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
Kg |
Moz |
|
T Zone |
3,963,694 |
1.02 |
1.84 |
0.04 |
0.73 |
3.63 |
0.13 |
0.07 |
14,404 |
0.463 |
|
F Central |
17,411,606 |
0.94 |
2.18 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
3.31 |
0.07 |
0.18 |
57,738 |
1.856 |
|
F South |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
F North |
16,637,670 |
0.85 |
2.03 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.09 |
0.10 |
0.20 |
51,378 |
1.652 |
|
F Boundary North |
4,975,853 |
0.97 |
2.00 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.18 |
0.10 |
0.22 |
15,847 |
0.509 |
|
F Boundary South |
5,294,116 |
1.04 |
2.32 |
0.05 |
0.18 |
3.59 |
0.08 |
0.19 |
19,020 |
0.611 |
|
F Zone Total |
44,319,244 |
0.92 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.25 |
0.09 |
0.20 |
143,982 |
4.629 |
|
Waterberg Project Total |
48,282,938 |
0.93 |
2.10 |
0.05 |
0.20 |
3.28 |
0.09 |
0.19 |
158,387 |
5.092 |
Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off, effective September 4, 2019 on 100% Project basis:
|
Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off |
||||||||||
|
|
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E Metal |
|
|
Zone |
Tonnes |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
Kg |
Moz |
|
T Zone |
12,936,870 |
1.23 |
2.10 |
0.02 |
0.82 |
4.17 |
0.19 |
0.09 |
53,987 |
1.736 |
|
F Central |
52,719,731 |
0.86 |
1.97 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
3.02 |
0.07 |
0.18 |
158,611 |
5.099 |
|
F South |
15,653 ,961 |
1.06 |
2.03 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.29 |
0.04 |
0.13 |
51,411 |
1.653 |
|
F North |
36,984,230 |
0.90 |
2.12 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.23 |
0.09 |
0.20 |
119,450 |
3.840 |
|
F Boundary North |
13,312,581 |
0.98 |
1.91 |
0.05 |
0.17 |
3.11 |
0.10 |
0.23 |
41,369 |
1.330 |
|
F Boundary South |
7,616,744 |
0.92 |
1.89 |
0.04 |
0.13 |
2.98 |
0.06 |
0.18 |
22,737 |
0.731 |
|
F Zone Total |
126,287,248 |
0.91 |
2.01 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.12 |
0.08 |
0.18 |
393,578 |
12.654 |
|
Waterberg Project Total |
139,224,118 |
0.94 |
2.02 |
0.05 |
0.21 |
3.22 |
0.09 |
0.18 |
447,564 |
14.390 |
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Proven & Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate at 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off, effective September 4, 2019 on 100% Project basis:
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Total Estimated Mineral Reserve at 2.5 g/t 4E cut-off |
||||||||||
|
|
|
Pt |
Pd |
Rh |
Au |
4E |
Cu |
Ni |
4E Metal |
|
|
Zone |
Tonnes |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(g/t) |
(%) |
(%) |
Kg |
Moz |
|
T Zone |
16,900,564 |
1.18 |
2.04 |
0.03 |
0.80 |
4.05 |
0.18 |
0.09 |
68,391 |
2.199 |
|
F Central |
70,131,337 |
0.88 |
2.02 |
0.05 |
0.14 |
3.09 |
0.07 |
0.18 |
216,349 |
6.956 |
|
F South |
15,653,961 |
1.06 |
2.03 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.29 |
0.04 |
0.13 |
51,411 |
1.653 |
|
F North |
53,621,900 |
0.88 |
2.09 |
0.05 |
0.16 |
3.18 |
0.10 |
0.20 |
170,828 |
5.492 |
|
F Boundary North |
18,288,434 |
0.98 |
1.93 |
0.05 |
0.17 |
3.13 |
0.10 |
0.23 |
57,216 |
1.840 |
|
F Boundary South |
12,910,859 |
0.97 |
2.06 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.23 |
0.07 |
0.19 |
41,756 |
1.342 |
|
F Zone Total |
170,606,492 |
0.91 |
2.04 |
0.05 |
0.15 |
3.15 |
0.08 |
0.19 |
537,560 |
17.283 |
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Waterberg Project Total |
187,507,056 |
0.94 |
2.04 |
0.05 |
0.21 |
3.24 |
0.09 |
0.18 |
605,951 |
19.482 |
Notes:
1. The estimated mineral reserves have an effective date of September 4, 2019.
2. A 2.5 g/t 4E stope cut-off grade was used for mine planning for the T Zone and the F Zone mineral reserves estimate. The cut-off grade considered April 2018 metal spot prices.
3. Tonnes and grade estimates include planned dilution, geological losses, external overbreak dilution, and mining losses.
4. 4E elements are platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
5. Numbers may not add due to rounding.
The Waterberg Project financial performance has been estimated both at Spot Prices and at Three Year Trailing Average Prices as set out in the table below. The long-term real US$/Rand exchange rate for the Spot Price scenario is set at 15.00, which is based on an intra-day traded spot rate as of September 4, 2019. The US$/Rand exchange rates for the Three-Year Trailing Price scenario, is based on Bloomberg's nominal consensus forward-curve as at June 2019, which translates into a long-term real US$/Rand rate of 15.95. The price deck assumptions for each scenario are tabled below.
Waterberg DFS Technical Report Price Deck Assumptions in US$
|
Parameter |
Unit |
Spot Prices |
Three Year |
|
US$ / Rand (Long-term Real) |
US$/Rand (Real July 2019) |
15.00 |
15.95 |
| Platinum | US$/oz (Real July 2019) |
980 |
931 |
| Palladium | US$/oz (Real July 2019) | 1,546 | 1,055 |
| Gold | US$/oz (Real July 2019) | 1,548 | 1,318 |
| Rhodium | US$/oz (Real July 2019) | 5,036 | 1,930 |
| Basket Price (4E) | US$/oz (Real July 2019) | 1,425 | 1,045 |
| Copper | US$/lb (Real July 2019) | 2.56 | 2.87 |
|
Nickel |
US$/lb (Real July 2019) |
8.10 |
5.56 |
| Smelter Payability: 4E Metal | % Gross Sale Value | 85% | 85% |
| Smelter Payability: Copper | % Gross Sale Value | 73% | 73% |
|
Smelter Payability: Nickel |
% Gross Sale Value |
68% |
68% |
Readers are directed to review the full text of the DFS Technical Report, available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov for additional information.
The known deposit strike length on the Waterberg Project is 13 km long so far, remains open along strike and begins from a depth of 140 meters vertical. The Waterberg DFS mine plan covers a strike length of approximately 8.5 km. The deposit is known to continue down dip below the arbitrary 1,250 meter cut off depth applied to the deposit for resource estimation purposes. The Waterberg Project and the deposit is still open for expansion. Based on airborne gravity surveys and drilling completed to date, additional drilling northward along strike is recommended for the future.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
As a result of its shallow depth, good grade and a fully mechanized mining approach, the Waterberg Project can be a safe mine within the lowest quartile of the Southern Africa platinum group element industry cost curve.
The Waterberg DFS mine plan models production at 4.8 million tonnes of ore per annum and 420,000 4E ounces per year in concentrate. The mine initially accesses the orebody using two sets of twin decline tunnels with mining by fully mechanised long hole stoping methods with paste backfill. Paste backfill allows for a high mining extraction ratio as mining can be completed next to backfilled stopes without leaving internal pillars. Maintaining safety and reliability were key mine design criteria. As a result of the scale of the orebody, bulk mining on 20 to 40 meter sublevels with large underground equipment and conveyors for ore and waste transport provides high efficiency. Many of the larger successful underground mines in the world use the same method of mining with backfill and estimated costs were benchmarked against many of these operations.
Mining Right Grant
A formal Mining Right Application ("MRA") for the Waterberg Project, including a Social and Labour Plan ("SLP"), was accepted by the DMRE on September 14, 2018. The Company held local public meetings on numerous occasions in advance of the MRA. A program of public consultation as part of the formal MRA and EA application for the Waterberg Project was completed in August 2019. An Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") and Environmental Management Program ("EMP") were filed with the DMRE on August 15, 2019. An EA was granted for the Waterberg Project on August 12, 2020, subject to a public notice period and finalization of issues raised by affected parties, which process was completed with the issue of the final EA on November 10, 2020.
On January 28, 2021, the DMRE issued a letter to Waterberg JV Co. notifying the Company that a mining right for the Waterberg Project (the "Waterberg Mining Right") had been granted. The letter instructed that the regional office of the DMRE would prepare copies of the mining right for formal signatures. Public disclosure and notice of the Waterberg Mining Right grant was promulgated by the Company and Waterberg JV Co. as required under South African legislation. On February 3, 2021, the Company was granted the mining right for the Waterberg project.
On and following March 5, 2021, the Company received three notices of appeal, filed by individual appellants from local communities, against the January 28, 2021 decision of the DMRE granting the Waterberg Mining Right. One group filed an application for an order in the High Court of South Africa to review and set aside the decision by the Minister of the DFFE to refuse condonation for the late filing of the group's appeal against the grant of an EA for the Waterberg Project in November 2020.
On July 30, 2021, Waterberg JV Co. received an urgent interdict application from a group located near planned surface infrastructure. Waterberg JV Co. promptly filed an answering affidavit denying urgency and arguing that the application is without merit. The applicants have not responded and were obliged to remove their application from the urgent court roll. The application may proceed as a normal High Court application. Host community Ketting has applied to join as an interested party to the application and another host community submitted a confirmatory affidavit, both communities being in support of the Waterberg Project. The Ketting Community joinder application was filed on November 16, 2021 but a time frame for the hearing of the interdict application is uncertain or may never occur.
The Company believes that all requirements specified under the National Environmental Management Act, the MPRDA and other applicable legislation have been complied with and that the DFFE correctly approved and the DMRE correctly issued the EA. The Company also believes that the leadership and majority of residents in the host communities support the Waterberg Project.
According to the MPRDA, an appeal can be considered by the Minister of the DMRE for determination within a 130-business day timeframe. Waterberg JV Co. has raised numerous factual and legal defences against the appeals and court actions described above. Senior Counsel and attorneys acting for Waterberg JV Co. have prepared and filed formal rebuttals to the appeals. The Waterberg Mining Right was notarially executed on April 13, 2021, was registered at the Mineral and Petroleum Titles Registration Office on July 6, 2021 and remains active. The Company believes that the appeals and legal challenges are without merit.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
The Member of the Executive Committee ("MEC") for the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr. Thabo Andrew Mokone, recently undertook to investigate the appeals and court actions described above. The MEC is aware of disagreements between the mine and certain members of the local community. During September 2021 the MEC held regular engagements with representatives of Waterberg JV Co. and the community leaders of Kgatlu village. The MEC stated "The Community have expressed their desire and support for the Waterberg Project. A mediation process has been agreed between the parties to take place in October and November 2021 and I believe this will lead to a resolution of concerns and to a more harmonious relationship between Waterberg JV Co. and the local community. I believe that the substantial planned investment in the Waterberg Project of more than Rand 9.0 billion will create much-needed jobs and development in the area surrounding the mine".
Waterberg JV Co. remains committed to engaging and working with all host communities to ensure that all legitimate concerns are addressed, and mining operations are conducted in a harmonious and respectful manner. Waterberg JV Co. aims to optimize the Waterberg Project for the benefit of all stakeholders.
If any of the above appeals are successful, the decision to grant the Waterberg Mining Right will be set aside and the mining right application will revert to being in process, pending either a resolution of the appellants' demands for payment of lease and other retrospective issues, or pending the outcome of any review Waterberg JV Co. may request by the High Court of the appeal decision.
Community Considerations
Training for a new mechanised mining workforce is an important component of the Waterberg Project life of mine plan and the SLP. Planning for training programs has been undertaken with the assistance of global mine training leader, Norcat, of Sudbury, Ontario. The Waterberg DFS modelled a significant investment in training, focussed on the immediate area of the Waterberg Project, working in cooperation with local communities, colleges and facilities.
Infrastructure planning and option assessments were components of the 2020 Work Program. Detailed hydrological work studying the utilization of known sources for significant volumes of ground water has been conducted. In 2018, a co-operation agreement was entered between Waterberg JV Co. and the local Capricorn Municipality for the development of water resources to the benefit of local communities and the mine. Hydrological work has identified several large-scale water basins that are likely able to provide mine process and potable water for the Waterberg Project and local communities. Test drilling of these water basins has been completed resulting in the identification of sufficient water supply for the mine. An earlier drilling program conducted by the Capricorn District Municipality identified both potable and high mineral unpotable water resources in the district. Drilling by Waterberg JV Co. has identified some potable water resources. Several boreholes proximal to the Waterberg Project identified large volumes of high mineral, unpotable water not suitable for agriculture. Hydrological and mill process specialists have tested the use of this water as mine process water. In general, ground water resources identified proximal to the Waterberg Project have the potential for usage by both the mine and local communities. Further water definition work and drilling is planned.
The establishment of servitudes for power line routes and detailed planning and permitting for South Africa's state-owned electricity utility, ESKOM Holdings Limited's ("ESKOM") are also advancing. Power line environmental and servitude work is being completed by TDxPower in coordination with ESKOM. TDxPower has progressed electrical power connection planning for approximately a 70 km, 137MvA line to the Waterberg Project. Engineering refinement of steady state power requirements has resulted in a reduced demand of approximately 90MvA at steady state. Bulk power design and costing work for steady state requirements has commenced. ESKOM is engaged with project engineers to determine electrical power sources and availability. A temporary power line for the construction period from the nearby grid at Bochum is being designed and costed. Community engagement regarding power line routes and completion of an EIA for the power line routes is in process.
Waterberg JV Co. is in process with pre-construction engineering work, including road upgrade and traffic studies, finalization of power and water infrastructure design and construction camp permitting and design.
History of Acquisition
The Waterberg Project is comprised of the former Waterberg JV Property and the Waterberg Extension Property, which were combined into one project area in 2015. At August 31, 2021, the Waterberg Project consisted of granted prospecting rights, applied for prospecting rights and a granted mining right with a combined active project area of 79,188 hectares, located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, approximately 85 km north of the town of Mokopane. Of the total project area 20,532 hectares are covered by the Waterberg Mining Right, as described above. A further 58,655 hectares are covered by active prospecting rights. Waterberg JV Co. is currently in process to apply for closure on one inactive prospecting right located north of the known mineralized area, measuring 20,242 hectares.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Prospecting rights in South Africa are valid for a period of five years, with one renewal of up to three years. Furthermore, the MPRDA provides for a retention period after prospecting of up to three years with one renewal of up to two years, subject to certain conditions. The holder of a prospecting right granted under the MPRDA has the exclusive right to apply for and, subject to compliance with the requirements of the MPRDA, to be granted a mining right in respect of the prospecting area in question.
In October 2009, PTM RSA, JOGMEC and Mnombo entered into a joint venture agreement, as later amended on May 20, 2013 (the "JOGMEC Agreement") whereby JOGMEC could earn up to a 37% participating interest in the Waterberg JV Project for an optional work commitment of $3.2 million over four years, while at the same time Mnombo could earn a 26% participating interest in exchange for matching JOGMEC's expenditures on a 26/74 basis ($1.12 million).
On November 7, 2011, the Company executed an agreement with Mnombo to acquire 49.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Mnombo in exchange for cash payments totaling R1.2 million and an agreement that the Company would pay for Mnombo's 26% share of costs on the Waterberg JV Project until the completion of the Waterberg DFS.
On May 26, 2015, the Company announced a second amendment to the JOGMEC Agreement (the "2nd Amendment") whereby the Waterberg JV Project and the Waterberg Extension Project were consolidated and contributed into an operating company, Waterberg JV Co. The transfer of Waterberg Project prospecting rights into Waterberg JV Co. pursuant to the 2nd Amendment was given section 11 approval by the DMRE in August 2017 and the transfer was completed on September 21, 2017. This transaction was treated as taxable in South Africa and was offset by other tax-deductible losses and utilization of unrecognized taxable losses. Under the 2nd Amendment, JOGMEC committed to fund $20 million in expenditures over a three-year period ending March 31, 2018. The Company remained the Waterberg Project operator under the 2nd Amendment.
On November 6, 2017, the Company and JOGMEC closed the Implats Transaction and Implats acquired its 15% interest in Waterberg JV Co. and the right to match any third-party offtake terms under the Offtake ROFR.
On March 8, 2018, JOGMEC announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwa to transfer 9.755% of its 21.95% interest in Waterberg JV Co. to Hanwa, which was the result of Hanwa winning JOGMEC's public tender held on February 23, 2018. In March 2019, the South African government approved this transaction, and the entire transfer process has been completed. Under the terms of the transaction, Hanwa has also acquired the metal rights to solely purchase all the metals produced from the Waterberg Project at market prices. JOGMEC has commenced a process to dispose of its remaining shareholding in Waterberg JV Co. As of the date of this MD&A, JOGMEC has not advised the Waterberg JV Co. partners of any pending transaction. Should JOGMEC propose a sale of any or all of its interests in Waterberg JV Co. to a non-Japanese company, PTM and Mnombo would have pro rata rights of first refusal to acquire a portion of the shares proposed for sale at the proposed sale price.
Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG")
Corporate Social Responsibility
Being a responsible corporate citizen means protecting the natural environment associated with its business activities, providing a safe workplace for its employees and contractors, and investing in infrastructure, economic development, and health and education in the communities where the Company operates so that it can enhance the lives of those who work and live there beyond the life of such operations. The Company takes a long-term view of its corporate responsibility, which is reflected in the policies that guide its business decisions, and in its corporate culture that fosters safe and ethical behaviour across all levels of Platinum Group. The Company's goal is to ensure that its engagement with its stakeholders, including its workforce, industry partners, and the communities where it operates, is continued, mutually beneficial and transparent. By building such relationships and conducting ourselves in this manner, the Company can address specific concerns of its stakeholders and work cooperatively and effectively towards achieving this goal.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Approach
The Company and Waterberg JV Co. are committed to conducting business in a responsible and sustainable manner. Our core ESG values are:
- to maximize the positive effect of our projects and operations for all stakeholders;
- caring for the environment in which we operate;
- contributing to both the short-term and long-term development of our host communities;
- ensuring safe and secure workplaces for our employees;
- contributing to the welfare of our employees and local communities; and
- promoting good corporate governance, through openness, transparency, and accountability.
We are working to develop a set of performance indicators to measure and monitor key environmental, social sustainability and governance activities at the Waterberg Project. We wish to achieve a high level of understanding and commitment from those who carry out our day-to-day activities. Our social performance indicators aim to cover social risk management, grievance management and community investment. Our environmental performance indicators aim to cover environmental impact mitigation, audits, water, energy, greenhouse gas emissions and environmental remediation and rehabilitation. Health and safety performance indicators are also to be recorded and monitored.
ESG Reporting and Assessment
We have partnered with Digbee Ltd. ("Digbee") to utilize an industry approved set of frameworks to assess and disclose our ESG metrics. Platinum Group completed its inaugural ESG disclosure submission with Digbee in October 2021. Digbee, a United Kingdom based company, is a new mining-focused expert network and ESG disclosure platform with a goal to provide improved disclosure and better access to capital markets for mining companies involved with strong ESG practices. Digbee has been endorsed by leading financial firms who support the Digbee ESG initiative such as Blackrock Inc., BMO (defined below), and Dundee Corporation.
The Digbee ESG platform amalgamates over thirty initiatives and reporting standards to generate an appropriate ESG score for development stage mining companies. The Digbee reporting framework encompasses widely recognized ESG standards including, the Equator Principles, the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, the sustainability accounting standards of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the recommendations for more effective climate-related disclosures established by the Task Force on Climate Related Disclosure. Digbee provides a reporting framework to assist financial institutions in their own assessment of environmental and social risks in projects.
The Company's ESG submission was based on both corporate level and project level disclosure. As part of the Waterberg Mining Right application process the Company developed a wide ranging set of studies and plans in relation to potential ESG impacts. These studies and specialists were leveraged to form the basis of the Digbee ESG disclosure and subsequent outcomes.
Based on the information provided, Platinum Group achieved an overarching score from Digbee of BB with a range of CC to AA as of September 2021.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
High Level Positive Outcomes from Digbee Assessment
- The commodities expected to be produced from this asset are recognized as being critical to the global energy transition.
- The original layout for the mining operation has been altered to reduce its potential impact on local communities, a sign that Platinum Group is listening and reacting to stakeholder engagement.
- Robust impact assessments have been completed providing good baselines for ongoing ESG monitoring.
High Level Potential Risks and Opportunities from Digbee Assessment
- The asset is located in an arid environment with the need to manage all water sources, pathways and receptors very carefully.
- While immediate local communities are generally supportive of the project, interaction between communities and mining companies in the larger region have led to civil dissatisfaction in the past.
- Information submitted pertaining to the tailings storage facility indicates that further studies are required to optimize the management of all related risks.
ESG Objectives
We are continuing to work on enhancements to our community engagement processes for all our mining and environmental matters. We consider all stakeholders and confirm our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and surrounding communities. Health and safety also remain a top priority. Our ESG objectives include:
- reducing planned water consumption;
- achieving full compliance with regulations and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions;
- achieving minimum impact on vegetation and supporting and enabling local biodiversity;
- reducing planned industrial waste;
- resolving individual community member grievances;
- continuing and improving stakeholder communication and engagement programmes; and
- achieving zero significant environmental incidents;
Environmental
We have commissioned independent environmental site inspections and environmental management program compliance assessments at the Waterberg Project for all our prospecting rights areas. Annual environmental reports are filed with regulators. To date, there have been no significant environmental incidents at our Waterberg operation since exploration began on the property in 2011. As a requirement to the grant of the Waterberg Mining Right an EIA and EMP were filed with governmental regulators after a comprehensive consultation process with communities, regulators, environmental institutions, and other stakeholders over the last ten years. Several independent, third-party specialist consultants completed component studies as a part of the application process. The EIA and EMP were subsequently approved by the relevant regulators.
During 2020, an environmental rehabilitation bond was established for the future costs of mine closure and environmental restoration. As the operations at the Waterberg Project increase, so too will the quantum of this bond.
During 2020, a study examining the use of battery electric equipment for the Waterberg Project was completed and a study examining possible water use reduction and dry stacking solutions for tailings was completed.
Furthermore, the mineral resources targeted at the Waterberg Project are mineable platinum group metals, being mainly palladium, platinum, and rhodium. These metals are important elements in terms of reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engines. Platinum is a critical element in fuel cells and the "hydrogen economy" in general, highlighting the mine's potential to contribute to a cleaner future.
Social
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided and delivered approximately US$5,000 in hygiene supplies, medical supplies, and personal protection equipment to local communities near the Waterberg Project. We ensured safe operation of exploration and office facilities during the government mandated and recommended activity suspensions. To date, work at the Waterberg Project has been related to exploration and engineering activities. Overall safety performance has been very good and strict safety protocols are followed.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
We maintain an open communication policy with communities near the Waterberg Project. We responded to concerns raised by individuals regarding water resources, roadways, heritage sites and planned infrastructure locations by thoroughly investigating each reported concern or claim. Meetings were held with community leaders and site inspections occurred with local community members accompanied by independent consultants, NGOs, government agencies and regulators. Although no material issues or events of regulatory non-compliance by the Company have been identified after these investigations, the Company remains committed to operating in a responsible manner and continues to work with local community leadership to ensure any identified issues are resolved in an appropriate and professional manner and in compliance with governing regulations. Based on community meetings and direct feedback, and in part due to the Company's efforts to engage and support local communities, we believe local community residents support the development of the Waterberg Project and understand the expected economic benefits. Nonetheless, several parties within the local community filed appeals in 2021 objecting to the grant of the Waterberg Mining Right. Waterberg JV Co. has responded to each appeal and will follow the appropriate regulatory process in each instance.
Social and Labour Plans
The SLP was developed pursuant to DMRE guidelines for social and labour plans and has been submitted in accordance with regulation 46 of the MPRDA. The objective of a social and labour plan is to align the Company's social and labour principles with the related requirements established under Mining Charter 2018. These requirements include promoting employment and avoiding retrenchments, advancement of the social and economic welfare of all South Africans, contributing toward the transformation of the mining industry and contributing towards the socio-economic development of the communities proximal to the Waterberg Project. Contractors will be required to comply with the SLP and policies, including commitment to employment equity and BEE, proof of competence in terms of regulations, commitment to undertake training programs, compliance with all policies relating to recruitment, training, health and safety, etc. In terms of human resources training, the Waterberg Project SLP will establish objectives for adult-based education training, learnerships and development of the skills required by mining industry, portable skills training for transition into industries other than mining, education bursaries and internships. The SLP will also establish local economic development objectives for projects such as community centre refurbishment, high school refurbishment, water and reticulation projects, housing development, establishment of recreational parks and various other localized programmes for small scale industry, agriculture, entrepreneurship and health and education.
To support the DMRE approved SLP for affected communities near the Waterberg Project, we have budgeted expenditures amounting to R 335.6 million ($23.11 million at August 31, 2021) over a five-year period. Expenditures are subject to the grant of all required permits and the commencement of development activities on site. At the end of each five-year period a new SLP will be established, considering actual expenditures to date and changes to adjust for community feedback, needs and preferences. The current SLP includes the following provisions:
- Human Resource Development
Waterberg JV Co. is aware of the importance of human resources to accomplish its business objectives. Skills development is the foundation for attaining competent and productive employees who can contribute to meeting the mine's business objectives and contribute to the upliftment of their communities through their own personal economic success. The skills development plan for the Waterberg Project budgets R 4.98 million ($0.34 million at August 31, 2021) for the achievement of future career development opportunities within the mining industry and beyond the needs of the mine's operational requirements. The skills development plan seeks to achieve portable skills through accredited qualification by certified training providers and programmes. Emphasis is to be applied to employment equity and to participation by historically disadvantaged South Africans and women. Learnership, internship, bursary and youth training programs are planned. Targets have been established for procurement and employment levels for women and for people from the local community.
- Local Economic Development
The Local Economic Development ("LED") program will seek to enable local communities to become economically stronger by improving infrastructure, business skills, entrepreneurship, job creation and income. An amount of R 320.6 million ($22.07 million at August 31. 2021) has been budgeted for LED projects seeking to amplify opportunities as well as alleviate poverty within the surrounding communities of the mine. Programmes are to include infrastructure and educational support to local schools, mine and community bulk water supply and reticulation, extension and equipping of existing clinic/health facilities, and road construction.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
- Management of Downscaling
A budget of R 10.0 million ($0.69 million at August 31, 2021) has been established for training and skills development. We conducted a social audit and needs and skills assessment of the communities near the Waterberg Project to learn about these communities and to help direct our efforts towards the matters of importance to them. This work will guide our long-term training programs intended to increase skilled employment opportunities for local community members. Investment in human resource development and facilitation of training during the lifetime of the Waterberg Project intends to sustain skills that will support employment for workers beyond the life of the mine. The mine intends to comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Department of Labour's Social Plan Guidelines with the goal of establishing skills that will be of value to employees at a future time of downscaling and retrenchment.
Governance
The Company has a Governance and Nomination Committee to ensure good corporate governance in the Company's stewardship. The committee's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- reviewing and making recommendations relating to respecting good corporate governance and the board's stewardship role in the management of the Company;
- the regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the board, its members, its committees and their charters;
- the evaluation of the performance of individual directors, the board as a whole, and committees of the board;
- the performance evaluation of the chairperson of the board and the chairperson of each board committee;
- the performance evaluation of the CEO and CFO, including performance against corporate objectives;
- CEO and CFO succession planning;
- overseeing compliance with the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, monitoring compliance with the code, investigating any alleged breach or violation of the code, authorizing any waiver granted in connection with the code; and
- overseeing compliance with any rules, regulations or guidelines promulgated by regulatory authorities relating to corporate governance.
On April 30, 2021, the Company established an Environmental, Health and Technical Advisory Committee to oversee capital projects and material transactions undertaken by the Company, its subsidiaries or its affiliates from an environmental, technical, financial and scheduling perspective and to be responsible for developing and monitoring standards for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment and to promote sustainable development.
The Company is subject to anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the Canadian Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and certain restrictions applicable to U.S. reporting companies imposed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and similar anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in South Africa, that prohibit companies from bribing or making other prohibited payments to public officials to obtain or retain an advantage in the course of business.
The Company has previously adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, a Claw Back Policy, and a Whistle Blower Policy, amongst other customary codes and committees. During 2021 we established an Environmental, Health, Safety and Technical Committee comprised of cross-disciplinary directors.
We also adhere to the corporate governance policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American, LLC ("NYSE American").
3. DISCUSSION OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
A) Liquidity, Capital Resources and Going Concern
Recent Equity Financings
On February 5, 2021, the Company announced an at-the-market-offering-sales-agreement with BMO Capital Markets. Under the sales agreement the Company could sell its common shares from time to time for up to $50 million in aggregate sales proceeds in "at the market" transactions (the "2021 ATM"). At August 31, 2021, the Company had sold 2,502,790 common shares at an average price of US$4.3754 pursuant to the 2021 ATM for net proceeds of $10.7 million after brokerage fees of $274 thousand. Subsequent to August 31, 2021 (as of November 24, 2021) the Company has issued 4,433,448 common shares at an average price of US$2.63, pursuant to the 2021 ATM for net proceeds of $11.4 million.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
On December 8, 2020, the Company announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement with Deepkloof Limited ("Deepkloof"), a subsidiary of Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited ("HCI"). An aggregate of 1,121,076 shares were issued for US$2.23 per share for gross proceeds of $2.5 million (the "December 2020 HCI PP"). HCI maintained its approximate 31% interest in the Company when the December 2020 HCI PP closed. Pricing for the December 2020 HCI PP was set to be consistent with the Company's 2020 ATM (see below).
On October 15, 2020, the Company announced it had closed a non-brokered private placement with HCI. An aggregate of 1,146,790 shares were issued for US$2.18 per share resulting in gross proceeds of $2.5 million to the Company (the "October 2020 HCI PP"). HCI maintained its approximate 31% interest in the Company when the October 2020 HCI PP closed. Pricing for the October 2020 HCI PP was set to be consistent with the Company's 2020 ATM (see below).
On September 4, 2020, the Company announced an at-the-market-offering-sales-agreement with BMO Capital Markets. Under the sales agreement the Company could sell its common shares from time to time for up to $12 million in aggregate sales proceeds in "at the market" transactions (the "2020 ATM"). Common share sales pursuant to the 2020 ATM ended on November 30, 2020. Final sales were settled, and the 2020 ATM completed, on December 2, 2020. A total of 5,440,186 common shares at an average price of US$2.21 were sold pursuant to the 2020 ATM for net proceeds of $11.41 million after fees and expenses of $592 thousand, including brokerage fees of $300.
On June 17, 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of 1,221,500 shares at a price of US$1.40 for gross proceeds of $1.7 million. A 6% finders fee of $37,926 was paid in cash on a portion of the private placement.
On December 19, 2019, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of 3,225,807 shares at a price of US$1.24 for gross proceeds of $4.0 million. A 6% finders fee of $54,232 was paid in cash on a portion of the private placement.
The following reconciles the use of gross proceeds to recent financings as at August 31, 2021 (in thousands of dollars):
|
Use of |
December 19, |
June 17, |
October 15, |
2020 |
December 8, |
2021 |
Aggregate |
Actual Use |
|
Partial repayment of the Sprott Facility |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,250 |
$2,265 |
$1,250 |
$5,835 |
$10,600 |
$10,600 |
|
Payment of Bank Advisory Fees |
$0 |
$700 |
$745 |
$1,445 |
$0 |
$0 |
$2,890 |
$2,890 |
|
General corporate purposes |
$3,946 |
$1,010 |
$505 |
$8,290 |
$1,250 |
$5,116 |
$20,117 |
$19,608 |
|
TOTAL |
$3,946 |
$1,710 |
$2,500 |
$12,000 |
$2,500 |
$10,951 |
$33,607 |
$33,098 |
Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
On June 30, 2017, the Company issued and sold to certain institutional investors $20 million aggregate principal amount of 6 7/8% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2022 (the "Convertible Notes"). The net proceeds from the offering of Convertible Notes were used primarily to fund direct expenditures relating to the operation, closure and care and maintenance of the Maseve mine until completion of the sale of the Maseve mine (the "Maseve Transaction"). The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6 7/8% per annum, payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2018, in cash or at the election of the Company, in common shares of the Company or a combination of cash and common shares, and will mature on July 1, 2022, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Subject to certain exceptions, the Convertible Notes are convertible at any time at the option of the holder, and may be settled, at the Company's election, in cash, common shares, or a combination of cash and common shares. After giving effect to the ten to one common share consolidation that occurred on December 13, 2018, the conversion rate is 100.1111 per $1,000 which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $9.989 per common share, representing a conversion premium of approximately 15% above the NYSE American closing sale price for the Company's common shares on June 27, 2017. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. If the Company pays interest in common shares, such shares will be issued at a price equal to 92.5% of the simple average of the daily volume-weighted average price of the common shares for the 10 consecutive trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the payment date, on the NYSE American or, if the common shares are not then listed on the NYSE American, on the principal U.S. national or other securities exchange or market on which the common shares are then listed.
On June 28, 2021, and December 29, 2020, the Company paid cash of $687,156 for bi-annual interest payable on $19.99 million of outstanding Convertible Notes. To July 1, 2021, the Company has paid interest of $5.54 million on the Convertible Notes, comprised of $2.06 million in cash and 2,592,966 in common shares, and issued 1,319 shares for $10,000 of conversions. Due to a limitation on conversion contained in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes, dated June 30, 2017, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (the "Indenture"), no more than 2,954,278 common shares, being 19.9% of the number of common shares outstanding on June 30, 2017, may be issued in settlement of interest payments or conversions. A total of 361,312 common shares currently remain as potentially issuable in settlement of future interest payments or conversions.
After July 1, 2020, until the maturity date, the Company has the right to redeem all or part of the outstanding Convertible Notes at a price, payable in cash, of 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change as defined in the Indenture, the Company must offer to purchase the outstanding Convertible Notes at a price, payable in cash, equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The Convertible Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all the Company's existing and future senior indebtedness pursuant to the Indenture. The Company may issue additional Convertible Notes in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. The Indenture contains certain additional covenants, including covenants restricting asset dispositions, issuances of capital stock by subsidiaries, incurrence of indebtedness, business combinations and share exchanges.
Sprott Facility
On August 15, 2019, the Company entered into the Sprott Facility, pursuant to which the Sprott Lenders advanced $20 million bearing interest at 11% per annum, compounded monthly. Monthly interest payments totaling $1.59 million were paid to Sprott in the year ended August 31, 2021, with a further $0.17 million in interest paid subsequent to year end.
The Sprott Facility was originally scheduled to mature on August 14, 2021; however, the Company exercised an option to extend the maturity date for $10.0 million in principal by one year in exchange for a payment in cash of $300,000, being three percent of the outstanding principal amount not required to be repaid on the original maturity date. Early repayment before the amended maturity date of August 14, 2022 is permitted. The Company continues to be required to maintain certain minimum working capital and cash balances under the Sprott loan and can pay down the balance of the loan at its discretion up until maturity.
The Sprott Facility requires a cash sweep of 50% of the Company's net proceeds from equity offerings or new debt securities be applied to repayment of the Sprott Facility. However, from the aggregate net proceeds of the 2020 ATM, the October 2020 HCI PP and the December 2020 HCI PP, Sprott allowed the Company to pay Sprott a reduced amount of $4.8 million, with the balance of what would otherwise be due to Sprott of $3.39 million being retained by the Company for working capital and to settle $2.89 million of deferred bank advisory fees (the "Bank Advisory Fees"), as described below. Looking forward, 50% of the net proceeds from the 2021 ATM are to be repaid to Sprott. To date the actual principal balance of the Sprott Facility has been reduced by cash payments of $16.4 million, leaving the principal amount outstanding at $3.6 million.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Bank Advisory Fees
BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. ("BMO") and Macquarie have provided strategic advisory services to the Company. Effective October 22, 2018, the formal agreement between the Company and Macquarie was terminated by mutual consent. Pursuant to the Maseve Transaction and the Implats Transaction, BMO and Macquarie earned aggregate advisory fees of approximately $3.8 million. In October 2017, the Company paid BMO and Macquarie an aggregate of $1.0 million after the closing of the Implats Transaction and also agreed to pay the remaining balance of approximately $2.89 million as soon as practicable following the final repayment of all secured debt. At August 31, 2021, the balance of deferred Bank Advisory Fees due to BMO and Macquarie was paid in full.
Going Concern
The Company currently has limited financial resources. The Company incurred a loss of $13.1 million during the year ended August 31, 2021 and used cash in operating activities of $8.1 million. The Sprott Facility matures on August 14, 2022. At August 31, 2021, the Company owed $9.4 million of principal to Sprott and $19.99 million on the convertible notes and a working capital deficiency of $23.6 million. The Company has no sources of operating income at present. The Company's ability to continue operations in the normal course of business will depend upon its ability to secure additional funding by methods which could include debt refinancing, equity financing, sale of assets and strategic partnerships. The Company will continue to work closely with its major shareholders and lenders. Management believes the Company will be able to secure further funding as required although there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful. Material uncertainties exist resulting in substantial doubt as to the ability of the Company to continue to meet its obligations as they come due and hence, the ultimate appropriateness of the use of accounting principles applicable to a going concern.
Contractual Obligations
The following table discloses the Company's contractual obligations as at August 31, 2021 (in thousands of dollars):
| Payments Due By Year | |||||||||||||||
| < 1 Year | 1 - 3 Years | 4 - 5 Years | > 5 Years | Total | |||||||||||
| Lease Obligations | $ | 120 | $ | 162 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 282 | |||||
| Environmental Bonds | 41 | 83 | 83 | - | 207 | ||||||||||
| Discovery Drilling | 266 | - | - | - | 266 | ||||||||||
| Convertible Notes1 | 21,364 | - | - | - | 21,364 | ||||||||||
| Sprott Facility2 | 10,578 | - | - | - | 10,578 | ||||||||||
| Totals | $ | 32,369 | $ | 245 | $ | 83 | $ | - | $ | 32,697 | |||||
(1) Subject to certain limitations, a portion of the Convertible Notes and related interest may be settled in common shares of the Company.
(2) During the fiscal fourth quarter the Company exercised an option to extend the maturity date for $10.0 million in principal by one year until August 14, 2022. As of the date of this MD&A the principal balance due was $3.6 million.
Other contingencies: Refer to section 8 below - Risk Factors.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Accounts Receivable and Payable
2021 ATM proceeds receivable at August 31, 2021 totaled $0.2 million consisting of 2021 ATM proceeds from shares sold prior to year end being received after year end. Accounts receivable at August 31, 2021, totaled $0.3 million (August 31, 2020 - $0.2 million) being comprised mainly of South African value added taxes.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at August 31, 2021, totaled $2.5 million (August 31, 2020 - $1.4 million) being mainly comprised of payables related to drilling on the Waterberg Project.
B) Results of Operations
Year Ended August 31, 2021
For the year ended August 31, 2021, the Company incurred a net loss of $13.1 million (August 31, 2020 - net loss of $7.1 million). The loss in the previous comparable year was lower due to a $3.1 million realized gain on the expiry of warrants. In the current year, share based compensation was $3.2 million (August 31, 2020 $1.6 million) with the increase due to an increased fair value of the options granted during the current year resulting from a higher share price at the grant date. General and administrative expenses were $5.1 million (August 31, 2020 - $3.7 million) with the increase due mostly to a $0.83 million severance payment to the Company's former CEO pursuant to a formal separation agreement. Interest expense of $5.1 million (August 31, 2020 - $5.5 million) was lower due to the reduction in debt during the current year. The currency translation adjustment recognized in the period was a gain of $4.9 million (August 31, 2020 - $4.5 million loss) due to the Rand increasing in value relative to the U.S. Dollar during the current year.
Three Month Period Ended August 31, 2021
For the three month period ended August 31, 2021, the Company incurred a net loss of $4.2 million (August 31, 2020 - net loss of $1.2 million). General and administrative expenses were $2.2 million (August 31, 2020 - $1.0 million) with the increase due mostly to a $0.83 million severance payment to the Company's former CEO pursuant to a formal separation agreement. A foreign exchange loss of $1.0 million was recognized in the current period (August 31, 2020 $1.9 million gain) due to a decrease in the value of the Canadian Dollar relative to the US Dollar in the current period. The currency translation adjustment recognized in the current period is a loss of $1.2 million (August 31, 2020 - $0.4 million loss) due to the Rand decreasing in value relative to the U.S. Dollar in the current period.
Quarterly Financial Information
The following tables set forth selected quarterly financial data for each of the last eight quarters (In thousands of dollars, except for share data):
| Quarter ended |
Aug. 31, 2021 |
May 31, 2021 |
Feb. 28, 2021 |
Nov. 30, 2020 |
||||||||
| Net finance income(1) | $ | 24 | $ | 25 | $ | 24 | $ | 24 | ||||
| Net loss(2) | 4,228 | 2,282 | 3,989 | 2,564 | ||||||||
| Basic loss per share(3) | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.06 | 0.04 | ||||||||
| Total assets | 51,199 | 54,497 | 50,771 | 46,256 | ||||||||
| Quarter ended |
Aug. 31, 2020 |
May 31, 2020 |
Feb. 29, 2020 |
Nov. 30, 2019 |
||||||||
| Net finance income(1) | $ | 24 | $ | 28 | $ | 43 | $ | 63 | ||||
| Net (income) loss(2) | 1,230 | 3,352 | 3,100 | (554 | ) | |||||||
| Basic (earnings) loss per share(3) | 0.02 | 0.05 | 0.05 | (0.01 | ) | |||||||
| Total assets | 37,415 | 40,545 | 41,140 | 41,769 |
Notes:
(1) The Company earns income from interest bearing accounts and deposits. Rand balances earn higher rates of interest than can be earned at present in Canadian or U.S. Dollars. Interest income varies relative to cash on hand.
(2) Net loss by quarter and total assets are affected by the timing and recognition of infrequent, larger transactions. In November 2019, the Company incurred a gain of $3.1 million on the cancellation of expired warrants.
(3) Basic (earnings) loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate diluted earnings per share. Diluted per share amounts reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted to common shares. In periods when a loss is incurred, the effect of share issuances under options would be anti-dilutive, resulting in basic and diluted loss per share being the same.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Annual Financial Information (in thousands of dollars, except for share data)
|
|
Year ended |
Year ended |
Year ended |
|
Interest Income |
$97(1) |
$158(1) |
$364(1) |
|
Net loss |
$13,063 |
$7,128 |
$16,776 |
|
Basic loss per share |
$0.18(2) |
$0.11(2) |
$0.52(2) |
|
Diluted loss per share |
$0.18(2) |
$0.11(2) |
$0.52(2) |
|
Total assets |
$51,199 |
$37,415 |
$43,706 |
|
Short term debt |
$9,088 |
- |
- |
|
Long term debt |
- |
$19,337 |
$21,560 |
|
Convertible Notes |
$18,716 |
$17,212 |
$18,785 |
|
Dividends |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Notes:
(1) The Company's only source of income during the years ending August 31, 2019 to 2021 was interest income from interest bearing accounts held by the Company.
(2) Basic loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The Company uses the treasury stock method for the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Diluted per share amounts reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contract to issue common shares were exercised or converted to common shares. In periods where a loss is incurred, the effect of potential issuances of shares under options and share purchase warrants would be anti-dilutive, and accordingly basic and diluted loss per share are the same. On December 31, 2018, the Company announced that effective December 17, 2018 its common shares would be consolidated on the basis of one new share for ten old shares (1:10). All information regarding the issued and outstanding common shares, options and weighted average number and per share information has been retrospectively restated to reflect the fiscal 2019 ten to one consolidation.
4. Dividends
The Company has never declared nor paid dividends on its common shares. The Company has no present intention of paying dividends on its common shares, as it anticipates that in the foreseeable future all available funds will be invested to finance its business. The Company plans to consider a dividend policy upon the establishment of positive cash flow.
5. Related Party Transactions
All amounts receivable and accounts payable owing to or from related parties are non-interest bearing with no specific terms of repayment. All related party transactions are in the normal course of business and are recorded at consideration established and agreed to by the parties. Transactions with related parties are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
i. During the year ended August 31, 2021, an amount of $858 thousand ($313 thousand - August 31, 2020) was paid or accrued to independent directors for directors' fees and services.
ii. During the year ended August 31, 2021, the Company was paid or accrued payments of $57 thousand ($54 thousand - August 31, 2020) from West Vault Mining Inc. (formerly West Kirkland Mining Inc.), a company with one officer in common, for accounting and administrative services.
iii. In fiscal 2018, Company closed a private placement with Deepkloof whereby HCI acquired a right to nominate one person to the board of directors of the Company and a right to participate in future equity financings of the Company to maintain its pro-rata interest. HCI has exercised its right to nominate one person to the board of directors. A summary of HCI's share acquisitions from the Company follows:
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Common Shares Acquired from the Company by HCI
|
Date |
Placee |
Shares |
Price US$ |
Acquisition Method |
|
May 2018 |
Deepkloof |
2,490,900 |
$1.50 |
Prospectus Offering |
|
May 2018 |
Deepkloof |
1,509,099 |
$1.50 |
Private Placement |
|
February 2019 |
Deepkloof |
2,141,942 |
$1.33 |
Private Placement |
|
April 2019 |
Deepkloof |
177,000 |
$1.70 |
Exercise of Warrants |
|
June 2019 |
Deepkloof |
80,000 |
$1.70 |
Exercise of Warrants |
|
June 2019 |
Deepkloof |
1,111,111 |
$1.17 |
Private Placement |
|
August 2019 |
Deepkloof |
6,940,000 |
$1.32 |
Private Placement |
|
August 2019 |
Deepkloof |
2,856,000 |
$1.25 |
Prospectus Offering |
|
December 2019 |
Deepkloof |
1,612,931 |
$1.24 |
Private Placement |
|
June 2020 |
Deepkloof |
500,000 |
$1.40 |
Private Placement |
|
October 2020 |
Deepkloof |
1,146,790 |
$2.18 |
Private Placement |
|
December 2020 |
Deepkloof |
1,121,076 |
$2.23 |
Private Placement |
|
|
|
21,686,849 |
|
|
During 2018 and 2019 HCI also acquired 663,005 shares of the Company in the public market. During the month of February 2021 HCI reported the sale of 757,833 common shares of the Company. At August 31, 2021, HCI's ownership of the Company was reported at 21,297,526 common shares, representing a 28.3% interest in the Company.
Key Management Compensation (in 000's)
The remuneration the CEO, CFO and other key management personnel and the directors during the years ended August 31, 2021 to 2019 is as follows:
| Year ended | August 31, 2021 | August 31, 2020 | August 31, 2019 | ||||||
| Salaries | $ | 1,236 | $ | 916 | $ | 927 | |||
| Severance1 | 828 | - | - | ||||||
| Directors fees | 241 | 261 | 171 | ||||||
| Share-based payments - management | 2,556 | 907 | 393 | ||||||
| Share-based payments - directors | 617 | 52 | 155 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 5,478 | $ | 2,136 | $ | 1,646 | |||
| 1During the year, the Company's former President and CEO resigned from the Company | |||||||||
6. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any special purpose entities nor is it party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.
7. Outstanding Share Data
The Company has an unlimited number of common shares authorized for issuance without par value. At August 31, 2021, there were 75,271,126 common shares, 3,808,521 incentive stock options and 547,992 restricted share units outstanding. At November 24, 2021 the Company has 79,725,574 common shares issued, as well as 3,840,521 incentive stock options and 536,992 restricted share units outstanding.
8. Risk Factors
The Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, each of which could have an adverse effect on results, business prospects or financial position. For a comprehensive list of the risks and uncertainties affecting our business, please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the 2021 AIF and 2021 20-F, and the documents incorporated by reference therein. The Company's 2021 AIF and 2021 20-F may be found on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Certain risk factors are discussed below in more detail.
|
PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Impact of COVID-19
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 which is responsible for the disease known as COVID-19 surfaced in Wuhan, China and has spread around the world, with resulting business and social disruption. COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The speed and extent of the spread of COVID-19, and the duration and intensity of resulting business disruption and related financial and social impact, are uncertain. Further, the extent and manner to which COVID-19, and measures taken by governments, the Company or others to attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19, may affect the Company and cannot be predicted with certainty.
COVID-19 and the related measures taken by government have had and may continue to have an adverse impact on many aspects of the Company's business including, employee health, workforce productivity and availability, travel restrictions, contractor availability, supply availability, the Company's ability to maintain its controls and procedures regarding financial and disclosure matters and the availability of insurance and the costs thereof, some of which, individually or when aggregated with other impacts, may be material to the Company.
With effect from March 26, 2020, the Government of South Africa ordered a hard national lockdown until April 21, 2020, where all residents of South Africa could only leave their residence under strictly controlled circumstances (e.g. to buy food, seek medical assistance) in order to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The hard lockdown was thereafter extended to April 30, 2020. Currently, South Africa is under a phased risk-alert lockdown process, with Level 5 being the hard, drastic lockdown that was imposed during April 2020 and Level 1 being a return to normalcy, but retaining the use of masks, sanitizers, and social distancing. Level 1 was re-implemented on September 21, 2020. The relaxation of the hard lockdown resulted in the number of infections increasing and accelerating in South Africa. In response the Government moved South Africa from Level 1 to an adjusted Level 3 lockdown on December 29, 2020, with further Level 3 adjustments made on January 11, 2020. On March 1, 2021, South Africa moved to an adjusted Level 1 because of significant reductions in new infections. On May 31, 2021, the country was moved from adjusted level 1 to an adjusted alert level 2, due to a third wave of infections. On June 15, 2021, the country was moved to alert level 3. On June 28, 2021, the country was moved to adjusted level 4, with the Delta variant fast becoming the dominant strain in the country. On July 26, 2021 and afterwards alert levels were reduced until they once again reached adjusted Level 1 on October 1, 2021, where they remain as of the date of this MD&A. The Company cannot provide any assurances that governments in Canada or South Africa will not implement measures that result in suspension or reduction of development operations at Waterberg Project or other projects the Company is involved in.
In addition, the actual or threatened spread of COVID-19 globally, and responses of governments and others to such actual or threatened spread, could also have a material adverse effect on the global economy, could continue to negatively affect financial markets, including the price of palladium and platinum and the trading price of the Company's shares, could adversely affect the Company's ability to raise capital, and could cause continued interest rate volatility and movements that could make obtaining financing or refinancing debt obligations more challenging or more expensive. Furthermore, with regard to the Company, the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented for the prevention, mitigation and management thereof may result in delays in the grant of a water use licence or other authorisations and permits required for the Waterberg Project by reason of regulatory officials not being available, the restriction on the movement of persons to conduct inspections and site visits and the inability to meet with community consultative forums.
Africa Wide
On September 20, 2018, the Company reported receipt of a summons issued by Africa Wide, formerly the holder of a 17.1% interest in Maseve, commencing legal proceedings in South Africa against PTM RSA, Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited ("RBPlat") and Maseve in relation to the Maseve Transaction. Africa Wide sought to set aside the closed Maseve Transaction. On an exception application, RBPlat successfully challenged, with costs, Africa Wide's claim on the grounds that its particulars of claim were vague and embarrassing and/or lacked averments necessary to sustain a cause of action. Africa Wide was given leave to amend its particulars of claim and filed amended particulars of claim on April 17, 2019.
On May 9, 2019, PTM filed notice in the High Court requiring Africa Wide to produce those agreements and documents upon which it has based its claim. Africa Wide responded to the effect that the requested documentation was either in our possession or not required for the defendants to plead. We filed a plea of our defences to Africa Wide's claims on July 19, 2019. RBPlat and Maseve likewise filed pleas of their defences on the same date. All of the defendants, when so doing, also raised a special plea of non-joinder, on the basis that Africa Wide had not, on its own version of the facts and events contended for, joined all parties to the proceedings who have a direct and substantial interest in the relief that Africa Wide sought. After initially resisting these special pleas, Africa Wide has subsequently conceded the need to join additional defendants. Pursuant to bringing a joinder application, Africa Wide joined Royal Bafokeng Resources (Pty) Limited ("RBR") as a 4th defendant to the action and made further amendments to its particulars of claim on June 10, 2020. We delivered a consequentially amended plea on October 2, 2020.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
On November 12, 2020, Africa Wide delivered yet a further amendment to its particulars of claim. Africa Wide, in terms of these further amended particulars of claim, seeks to set aside the Maseve sale transaction, and an order directing that RBR return to Maseve all assets received by it pursuant to the sale transaction, and that the shares transferred pursuant thereto, be returned to it. In consequence of this development a case management meeting followed before the judge allocated to deal with this matter, and the judge has directed that the matter proceeds in accordance with the practice directive pertaining to commercial court matters. Further pleadings, statements and documents were exchanged during 2020. The matter proceeded to trial in the High Court over the period October 4 to 8, 2021. Final heads of argument were filed on November 9, 2021 and final arguments are to be heard by the Court in January 2022.
While both the Company and RBPlat believe, after receiving legal advice, that the Africa Wide action, as further amended, remains procedurally, factually and legally defective in certain material respects, no assurance can be provided that we will prevail in this action. If Africa Wide were successful, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
9. Outlook
The Company's key business objective is to advance the palladium dominant Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision. At the time of writing this MD&A Waterberg JV Co. is in process to design, budget and carry out early work programmes for the Waterberg Project, including the erection of fences, ground clearing, geotechnical drilling and infrastructure engineering and surveying. The Company continues to work closely with regional and local communities and their leadership on how the mine can be developed to provide optimal outcomes and best value to all stakeholders. The Company continues to work on advancing project permitting, infrastructure servitudes and community relationships with its partners Implats, JOGMEC, Hanwa and Mnombo, through a technical committee of Waterberg JV Co.
The Company and Waterberg JV Co. have begun a process to assess commercial alternatives for mine development, financing and concentrate offtake. Several parties are currently in discussions with the Company. The Implats Offtake ROFR allows Implats the opportunity to match any offtake terms offered by a bona fide third party. Concentrate offtake discussions with Implats also continue. The Company is also conducting research and formal studies to assess the economic feasibility of establishing a dedicated Waterberg matte furnace as an alternative to a traditional concentrate offtake arrangement.
The market for PGEs, palladium and rhodium in particular, has improved since 2019, resulting in a higher overall 4E metal basket price in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, the impact of a global shortage of semi-conductor chips did result in reduced global automotive production. The concurrent reduction in demand for PGEs resulted in prices for each of the PGEs to fall from their zeniths, which occurred in approximately February to April of 2021. Once the effects of the semi-conductor chip shortage are rectified, projected in 2022 or into 2023, analysts estimate a return to strength in the market for platinum, palladium and rhodium based on projections for a recovery in car sales, the potential for the emergence of hydrogen-based energy technologies utilizing PGEs, as well as the potential for the use of PGEs in new lithium battery technologies. As the world seeks to decarbonize and look for solutions to climate change, the unique properties of PGEs as powerful catalysts are being applied to various technologies as possible solutions for more efficient energy generation.
The Company's battery technology initiative through Lion with Amplats represents a new opportunity in the high-profile lithium battery research and innovation field. The investment in Lion creates a potential vertical integration with a broader industrial market development strategy to bring new technologies to market which use palladium and platinum. Research and development efforts by FIU on behalf of Lion continue. Technical results from Lion's research may have application to a majority of lithium ion battery chemistries and the scope of Lion's research work is being expanded.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
The Company will continue to follow government health directives in the months ahead and will make the health and safety of employees a priority. The Company plans to drive ahead with its core business objectives while reducing costs where possible in this period of market uncertainty.
As well as the discussions within this MD&A, the reader is encouraged to also see the Company's disclosure made under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2021 AIF and separate 2021 20-F.
10. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS required management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as income and expenses. The Company's accounting policies are described in Note 3 of the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2021.
Determination of ore reserve and mineral resource estimates
The Company estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information compiled by Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. Reserves determined in this way are used in the calculation of depreciation, amortization and impairment charges, and for forecasting the timing of the payment of closure and restoration costs. In assessing the life of a mine for accounting purposes, mineral resources are only taken into account where there is a high degree of confidence of economic extraction. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves, and assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation and they may change significantly when new information becomes available. Changes in the forecast prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of reserves and may, ultimately, result in reserves being restated. Such changes in reserves could impact depreciation and amortization rates, asset carrying values and provisions for close down and restoration costs.
Assumption of control of Mnombo and Waterberg JV Resources for accounting purposes
The Company has judged that it controls Mnombo for accounting purposes as it owns 49.9% of the outstanding shares of Mnombo and has contributed all material capital to Mnombo since acquiring its 49.9% share. From inception to date, the Company has funded both the Company's and Mnombo's share of expenditures on the Waterberg Project. At August 31, 2021, Mnombo owed the Company approximately $6.9 million for funding provided. Currently there are no other sources of funding known to be available to Mnombo. If in the future Mnombo is not deemed to be controlled by the Company, the assets and liabilities of Mnombo would be derecognized at their carrying amounts. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income would be transferred directly to retained earnings. If a retained interest remained after the loss of control, it would be recognized at its fair value on the date of loss of control. Although the Company controls Mnombo for accounting purposes, it does not have omnipotent knowledge of Mnombo's other shareholders activities. Mnombo's 50.01% shareholders are historically disadvantaged South Africans. The Company also determined that it controls Waterberg JV Co. given its control over Mnombo as well as its power over the investee.
11. Disclosure Controls and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in filings made pursuant to both the SEC and Canadian Securities Administrators requirements are recorded, processed, summarized and reported in the manner specified by the relevant securities laws applicable to the Company. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the applicable securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
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PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. (A Development Stage Company) Supplementary Information and MD&A For the year ended August 31, 2021 |
Internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as at August 31, 2021. In making its assessment, management has used the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") to evaluate the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as at that date.
The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as at August 31, 2021 has been audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included with the Company's annual consolidated financial statements.
12. Other Information
Additional information relating to the Company for the year ended August 31, 2021, may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are encouraged to review the Company's audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2021, together with the notes thereto as well as the Company's 2021 20-F and separate 2021 AIF filed in Canada.
13. List of Directors and Officers
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Directors |
Officers |
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Diana Walters |
Stuart Harshaw |
Frank R. Hallam (Interim President & CEO) |
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Frank R. Hallam |
John Copelyn |
Greg Blair (Interim CFO) |
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Timothy Marlow |
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Kris Begic (VP, Corporate Development) |
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Mimy Fernandez-Maldonado (Corporate Secretary) |
FORM 52-109F1
CERTIFICATION OF ANNUAL FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, Frank Hallam, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Group Metals Ltd., certify the following:
1. Review: I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the "annual filings") of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (the "issuer") for the financial year ended August 31, 2021.
2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings.
3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings.
4. Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.
5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end
(a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that
(i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and
(ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and
(b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP.
5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (COSO Framework) prepared by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
5.2 ICFR - material weakness relating to design: N/A
5.3 Limitation on scope of design: N/A
6. Evaluation: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have
(a) evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and
(b) evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A
(i) our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and
(ii) for each material weakness relating to operation existing at the financial year end
(A) a description of the material weakness;
(B) the impact of the material weakness on the issuer's financial reporting and its ICFR; and
(C) the issuer's current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness.
7. Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on September 1, 2020 and ended on August 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR.
8. Reporting to the issuer's auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer's auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer's ICFR.
Date: November 24, 2021
/s/ Frank Hallam
Frank Hallam
Interim Chief Executive Officer
FORM 52-109F1
CERTIFICATION OF ANNUAL FILINGS
FULL CERTIFICATE
I, Greg Blair, Interim Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Group Metals Ltd., certify the following:
1. Review: I have reviewed the AIF, if any, annual financial statements and annual MD&A, including, for greater certainty, all documents and information that are incorporated by reference in the AIF (together, the "annual filings") of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (the "issuer") for the financial year ended August 31, 2021.
2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, for the period covered by the annual filings.
3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the annual financial statements together with the other financial information included in the annual filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the annual filings.
4. Responsibility: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.
5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the financial year end
(a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that
(i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared; and
(ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and
(b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer's GAAP.
5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer's ICFR is the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (COSO Framework) prepared by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
5.2 ICFR - material weakness relating to design: N/A
5.3 Limitation on scope of design: N/A
6. Evaluation: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have
(a) evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's DC&P at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A our conclusions about the effectiveness of DC&P at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and
(b) evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under our supervision, the effectiveness of the issuer's ICFR at the financial year end and the issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A
(i) our conclusions about the effectiveness of ICFR at the financial year end based on that evaluation; and
(ii) for each material weakness relating to operation existing at the financial year end
(A) a description of the material weakness;
(B) the impact of the material weakness on the issuer's financial reporting and its ICFR; and
(C) the issuer's current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness.
7. Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its annual MD&A any change in the issuer's ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on September 1, 2020 and ended on August 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's ICFR.
8. Reporting to the issuer's auditors and board of directors or audit committee: The issuer's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of ICFR, to the issuer's auditors, and the board of directors or the audit committee of the board of directors any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuer's ICFR.
Date: November 24, 2021
/s/ Greg Blair
Greg Blair
Interim Chief Financial Officer
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838 – 1100 Melville Street Vancouver, BC V6E 4A6 P: 604-899-5450 F: 604-484-4710 |
| News Release | No. 20-443 November 24, 2021 |
Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Reports 2021 Annual Results
(Vancouver/Johannesburg) Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (PTM:TSX; PLG:NYSE American) ("Platinum Group", "PTM" or the "Company") reports the Company's financial results for the year ended August 31, 2021 and provides an update and outlook. The Company is focussed on advancing the palladium dominant Waterberg Project located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa (the "Waterberg Project"). The Waterberg Project is planned as a fully mechanised, shallow, decline access palladium, platinum, gold and rhodium ("4E") mine and is projected to be one of the largest and lowest cost underground platinum group metals ("PGM" or "PGMs") mines globally.
The Company's near-term objectives are to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision and complete construction funding and concentrate offtake arrangements. The Company is also advancing an initiative through Lion Battery Technologies Inc. ("Lion") using platinum and palladium in lithium battery technology in collaboration with Anglo American Platinum Limited ("Anglo") and Florida International University ("FIU"). Lion is focussed on securing further patents for technologies developed through its ongoing research and development.
The Company has filed a Form 20-F annual report ("Form 20-F"), including the Company's audited consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements"), for the year ended August 31, 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) and an Annual Information Form ("AIF") and Management's Discussion and Analysis with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). The Form 20-F and AIF are also available on the Company's website at www.platinumgroupmetals.net. Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the complete Financial Statements from the Company free of charge upon request.
All amounts herein are reported in United States dollars unless otherwise specified. The Company holds cash in Canadian dollars, United States dollars and South African Rand. Changes in exchange rates may create variances in the cash holdings or results reported.
Recent Events
On October 14, 2021, the Company reported completion of a geotechnical drilling campaign at the Waterberg Project. The campaign consisted of 46 boreholes drilled along the planned centerline of two sets of twin declines and box-cut positions. A total of 5,966 metres of drill core were recovered and a total of 2,696 metres of core were geotechnically logged from within the zone of interest. Downhole geophysical surveys were conducted. Core samples of all the major geotechnical units encountered were collected and subjected to laboratory testing. Geotechnical qualified persons monitoring the drill programme have stated that in general, the rock mass encountered along both decline routes is competent and can support the planned excavations with no major problem areas expected.
| PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. | …2 |
On July 6, 2021, Waterberg JV Resources Proprietary Limited ("Waterberg JV Co.") completed the registration of the Waterberg Mining Right at the Minerals and Petroleum Titles Registration Office. The Waterberg Mining Right was notarially executed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ("DMRE") on April 13, 2021 and remains active.
On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. US 11,038,160 B2 entitled "Battery Cathodes for Improved Stability" to FIU. The patent covers a preparation method using PGM catalysts in carbon materials for use as cathodes with increased emphasis on Lithium Sulphur Batteries. The patent broadens protection for Patent No. US 10,734,636 B2 issued to FIU on August 4, 2020, covering the composition of carbon cathodes containing PGMs. Under a sponsored research agreement, the Company's subsidiary Lion has exclusive rights to such battery technology being developed by FIU, including patents granted. Lion was jointly formed in 2019 by Platinum Group and Anglo to accelerate the development of next-generation battery technology using platinum and palladium.
On and following March 5, 2021, three notices of appeal were filed by individual appellants against the January 28, 2021 granting of the Waterberg Mining Right. Counsel acting for one group filed an application for an order in the High Court of South Africa to review and set aside the decision by the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to refuse condonation for the late filing of that group's appeal against the grant of an Environmental Authorization for the Waterberg Mine in November 2020. Waterberg JV Co. has filed formal rebuttals to each action. On July 30, 2021, a group located near planned surface infrastructure filed an urgent interdict application. Waterberg JV Co. promptly filed an answering affidavit denying urgency and arguing that the application is without merit. The applicants did not respond and were obliged to remove their application from the urgent court roll. Host community Ketting has applied to join as an interested party to the application and another host community submitted a confirmatory affidavit, both communities being in support of the Waterberg Mine. A time frame for a hearing of the interdict application is uncertain or may never occur.
On February 5, 2021, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with BMO Capital Markets Corp. ("BMO") to sell its common shares from time to time for up to $50.0 million in aggregate sales proceeds in "at-the-market" transactions (the "2021 ATM"). At August 31, 2021, the Company had sold 2,502,790 common shares at an average price of $4.3754 pursuant to the 2021 ATM for net proceeds of $10.7 million after fees and expenses of $954 thousand, including brokerage fees of $274 thousand. As of November 24, 2021, the Company has issued a total of 4,433,448 common shares at an average price of US$2.63, pursuant to the 2021 ATM for net proceeds of $11.4 million. No offers or sales of common shares were made in Canada, to anyone known to be a resident of Canada or on or through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") or other trading markets in Canada.
On January 28, 2021, the DMRE granted Waterberg JV Co. the Waterberg Mining Right.
On December 8, 2020, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement of 1,121,076 common shares at a price of $2.23 per share to existing major beneficial shareholder, Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited ("HCI") through its subsidiary Deepkloof Limited ("Deepkloof"), resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $2.5 million and allowing HCI to maintain approximately a 31% interest in the Company as they held prior to the at-the-market offering completed by the Company on November 30, 2020 (the "2020 ATM"), as described below.
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On November 30, 2020, the Company completed the 2020 ATM, first announced on September 4, 2020, pursuant to an Equity Distribution Agreement with BMO whereby Platinum Group sold 5,440,186 common shares in the capital of the Company at an average price of $2.21 for gross proceeds of $12.0 million. No offers or sales of common shares were made in Canada, to anyone known to be a resident of Canada or on or through the facilities of the TSX or other trading markets in Canada.
Results For The Year Ended August 31, 2021
During fiscal 2021, the Company continued its efforts to lower costs. During the year ended August 31, 2021, the Company incurred a net loss of $13.1 million (August 31, 2020 - net loss of $7.1 million). The loss in the previous comparable year was lower due to a $3.1 million realized gain on the expiry of warrants in the previous comparable year. Share based compensation was $3.2 million (August 31, 2020 $1.6 million) with the increase due to a higher fair value for options granted during the current year resulting from a higher share price at the grant date. General and administrative expenses during the year were $5.1 million (August 31, 2020 - $3.7 million) with the increase due mostly to a $0.828 million severance payment to the Company's former CEO pursuant to a formal separation agreement. Interest expense of $5.1 million (August 31, 2020 - $5.5 million) was lower due to the reduction in debt during the current year. The currency translation adjustment recognized in the year is a gain of $4.9 million (August 31, 2020 - $4.5 million loss) due to the Rand increasing in value relative to the U.S. Dollar during the current year.
At August 31, 2021, finance income consisting of interest earned and property rental fees in the year amounted to $0.1 million (August 31, 2020 - $0.2 million). Loss per share for the year amounted to $0.18 as compared to a loss of $0.11 per share for fiscal 2020.
Accounts receivable at August 31, 2021 totalled $0.3 million (August 31, 2020 - $0.2 million) while accounts payable and other liabilities amounted to $2.5 million (August 31, 2020 - $1.4 million). Accounts receivables were comprised mainly of value added taxes repayable to the Company in South Africa. Accounts payable consisted primarily of payables related to geotechnical drilling on the Waterberg Project.
Total expenditures on the Waterberg Project, before partner reimbursements, for the year were approximately $3.7 million (August 31, 2020 - $3.0 million). At year end, $44.0 million in accumulated net costs had been capitalized to the Waterberg Project (August 31, 2020 - $34.9 million). Total expenditures on the property since inception to August 31, 2021 are approximately $77.5 million.
For more information on mineral properties, see Note 4 of the Financial Statements.
| PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. | …4 |
Outlook
The Company's primary business objective is to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision. The Company and Waterberg JV Co. are in process to design, budget and carry out pre-construction work programmes for the Waterberg Project, including the erection of fences, ground clearing, geotechnical drilling and infrastructure engineering and surveying. The Company continues to work closely with regional and local communities and their leadership on how the mine can be developed to provide optimal outcomes and best value to all stakeholders. The Company continues to work on advancing project permitting, infrastructure servitudes and community relationships with its partners Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. ("Implats"), Mnombo Wethu Consultants (Pty) Ltd. ("Mnombo"), Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") and Hanwa Co. Ltd. ("Hanwa") through a technical committee of Waterberg JV Co.
The Member of the Executive Committee ("MEC") for the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr. Thabo Andrew Mokone, recently undertook to investigate the appeals and court actions described above. During September 2021, the MEC held regular engagements with representatives of Waterberg JV Co. and the community leaders of Kgatlu village. In late October 2021, a mediation process commenced between the parties with the objective of resolving matters of concern.
The Company and Waterberg JV Co. have begun a process to assess commercial alternatives for mine development, financing and concentrate offtake. Several parties are currently in discussions with the Company. Implats' offtake right of first refusal allows Implats the opportunity to match any offtake terms offered by a bona fide third party. Discussions with Implats on concentrate offtake also continue. Further, the Company is conducting research and formal studies to assess the economic feasibility of establishing a dedicated Waterberg matte furnace as an alternative to a traditional concentrate offtake arrangement.
The market for PGMs, palladium and rhodium in particular, has generally improved since 2019. In 2021, the impact of a global shortage of semi-conductor chips did result in reduced global automotive production, resulting in a concurrent reduction in demand for PGMs. Prices for each of the PGMs have fallen from their zeniths in approximately February to April of 2021. Auto market recovery to pre-COVID production levels is forecast by some market analysts in 2023/2024.
The Company's battery technology initiative through Lion with Anglo represents a new opportunity in the high-profile lithium battery research and innovation field. The investment in Lion creates a potential vertical integration with a broader industrial market development strategy to bring new technologies to market which use palladium and platinum. Research and development efforts by FIU on behalf of Lion continue. Technical results from Lion's research may have application to most lithium-ion battery chemistries and the scope of Lion's research work is being expanded.
Environmental, Social and Governance
Platinum Group recently submitted its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") disclosure submission with Digbee Ltd. ("Digbee"), a United Kingdom based company with a new mining-focused expert network and ESG disclosure platform aimed at providing improved disclosure and better access to capital markets for mining companies involved with strong ESG practices. Digbee has been endorsed by leading financial firms who support the Digbee ESG initiative such as Blackrock, BMO, and Dundee Corporation. Digbee's reporting framework is aligned with global standards, including the Equator Principles, which provide a framework for financial institutions to assess environmental and social risks in projects. For more details refer to the Company's Form 20-F and AIF.
| PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. | …5 |
Regulatory
The Company also advises that its consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, included in the Company's Form 20-F, contain an audit report from its independent registered public accounting firm that includes a going concern emphasis of matter. The foregoing statement is required by Section 610(b) of the NYSE American Company Guide.
As well as the discussions within this news release, the reader is encouraged to also see the Company's disclosure made under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 20-F and AIF.
Qualified Person
Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., a consultant geologist to the Company and a former employee, is an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. van Egmond has reviewed, validated and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and has previously visited the Waterberg Project site.
About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and the Waterberg Project
Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is the operator of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground palladium and platinum deposit located in South Africa. The Waterberg Project was discovered by Platinum Group and is being jointly developed with Implats, Mnombo, JOGMEC and Hanwa.
On behalf of the Board of
Platinum Group Metals Ltd.
Frank R. Hallam
President, CEO and Director
For further information contact:
Kris Begic, VP, Corporate Development
Platinum Group Metals Ltd., Vancouver
Tel: (604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450
www.platinumgroupmetals.net
| PLATINUM GROUP METALS LTD. | …6 |
Disclosure
The TSX and the NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic and related measures taken by government create uncertainty and have had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on aspects of the Company's business, including employee health, workforce productivity and availability, travel restrictions, contractor availability, supply availability, the Company's ability to maintain its controls and procedures regarding financial and disclosure matters and the availability of capital and insurance and the costs thereof, some of which, individually or when aggregated with other impacts, may be material to the Company. Since October 1, 2021, South Africa was moved to a reduced alert level 1, its lowest level of alert. The Delta variant is currently the dominant strain in the country. In response to uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has implemented additional testing and monitoring protocols for its work at the Waterberg Project site and elsewhere in South Africa.
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "may", "plans", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the application for an order of the High Court and appeal of the mining right, the applicable procedures, timeline and potential results thereof, the success of the Company's rebuttals to the appeals, the pland for and development of the Waterberg Project and the potential benefits and results thereof, financing and mine development of the Waterberg Project including the expectation of no major problem areas following the geotechnical drilling campaign at the Waterberg Project, potential commercial alternatives for mine development financing and concentrate offtake, financing and mine development of the Waterberg Project, Implat's decision to exercise its right of first refusal with respect to concentrate offtake, the economic feasibility of establishing a dedicated Waterberg matte furnace, the appeals of the Waterberg Mining Right, work with local communities, support from host communities and resolution of concerns through a mediation process, the outcome of the MEC investigation, the availability of construction financing on terms acceptable to the Company, the development of new battery technologies and the potential benefits of utilizing palladium and platinum therein, the commercialization thereof, potential vertical integration with a broader industrial market development strategy, the success of Lion's application for patent rights with respect to the use of platinum group metals in lithium batteries, providing shareholder value, and Lion's development of next generation battery technology, a return to strength in the market for PGMs, the success of Lion's and FIU's research and development efforts, the expansion of Lion's research work into additional battery chemistries, the Company's ability to better access capital markets due to its ESG practices, the outcome of the Company's pre-construction work programmes at the Waterberg Project, the ability of the Company to obtain all required permitting and infrastructure servitudes, the availability of semi-conductors in 2022 and 2023, the estimated strength of the market for platinum, palladium and rhodium, the recovery of the car sales market, the emergence of hydrogen-based energy technology utilizing PGEs, the use of PGEs in solutions to climate change, and the Company's other future plans and expectations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct.
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The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including possible adverse impacts due the global outbreak of COVID-19 (as described above), the Company's inability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise sufficient additional capital to make payment on its indebtedness, and to comply with the terms of such indebtedness; additional financing requirements; the $20 million senior secured facility with the Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP ("Sprott") entered into August 15, 2019 (the "2019 Sprott Facility" of which $3.6 million in principal is outstanding at November 24, 2021) is, and any new indebtedness may be, secured and the Company has pledged its shares of PTM RSA, and PTM RSA has pledged its shares of Waterberg JV Co. to Sprott, under the 2019 Sprott Facility, which potentially could result in the loss of the Company's interest in PTM RSA and the Waterberg Project in the event of a default under the 2019 Sprott Facility or any new secured indebtedness; the Company's history of losses and negative cash flow; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production; uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production; fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the Rand and the Canadian Dollar; volatility in metals prices; the uncertainty of alternative funding sources for Waterberg JV Co.; the Company may become subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act; the failure of the Company or the other shareholders to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project; any disputes or disagreements with the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; conflicts of interest; litigation or other administrative proceedings brought against the Company; actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and South Africa; equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire necessary access rights and infrastructure for its mineral properties; environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences; extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits; risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation; the Company's common shares may be delisted from the NYSE American or the TSX if it cannot maintain compliance with the applicable listing requirements; and other risk factors described in the Company's most recent Form 20-F annual report, annual information form and other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa if implemented as proposed would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and potential interest in projects. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
The technical and scientific information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the standards adopted by the SEC. Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained herein, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC.