Company Registration Number: 12497319 (England and Wales)
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CONTENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1
Chairman’s Statement
2
Operations Report
4
Board Of Directors and Senior Management Report
8
Directors’ Report
10
Directors’ Remuneration Report
15
Strategic Report
20
Corporate Governance
28
Independent Auditor’s Report
36
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
43
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
44
Company Statement of Financial Position
45
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
46
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
47
Consolidated Statement of Cashflows
48
Company Statement of Cashflows
49
Notes to the Financial Statements
50
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
2
As Chairman of Great Southern Copper plc, (‘the Company’ and ‘GSC’), I am delighted to be able to
introduce our second set of results as a public company for the year ended 31 March 2023.
In December 2021, Great Southern Copper plc, a mineral exploration company focused on the
discovery of copper-gold resources in the coastal metallogenic belt of Chile, successfully listed on the
Official List (Standard Segment) of the London Stock Exchange, at the same time raising some £3.5
million. Since that time the Company has been actively involved in Chile, where it holds the rights to
two exploration projects.
Chile is the world’s largest producer and exporter of copper and is recognised as a jurisdiction for world
class deposits. With a long history of mining and metal processing, the country boasts one of strongest
economies in South America. Not only does it enjoy a strong mining culture, but the country also
benefits from an experienced and educated mining workforce, first-class infrastructure and a robust
legal framework, which includes provisions for foreign companies to own 100% of mining assets. In
recent years, the country has moved to redesign its constitution, and in 2022 elected a new president
mandated to effect change. Although recent moves to enable State participation in Chile’s new lithium
strategy have made international headlines, similar changes that were proposed last year to copper
mining rights were not approved by the country's constitutional assembly. However, Chile’s new royalty
proposals, which will increase Government take from producing miners, are now very close to
finalisation, but they have been modified with the aim of ensuring that Chile remains internationally
competitive and can continue to attract foreign investment in its mining industry.
In the years leading up to our listing, the business strategically targeted Chile and specifically its coastal
metallogenic belt, for high quality, large-scale, early-stage copper-gold exploration assets, where
options over the two projects, San Lorenzo and Especularita, were secured. The Board believes these
provide the Company with significant advantages compared to many of its peers including low entry
cost, a coastal location with excellent infrastructure, large concession positions in areas of significant
historical mining, limited exploration activity and the potential to earn 100% of the projects with no
overhanging payments or royalty conditions.
In the last year, the Company has engaged in scout diamond drilling programmes across four prospect
areas in the San Lorenzo copper-gold project, resulting in the discovery of a potentially significant
intrusive-related copper-gold system. We are fortunate to have an excellent team in-country and our
thanks go to them for their hard work and dedication. The Company also increased its concession
holding at San Lorenzo during the year and reconnaissance work programmes are now being planned
to allow the Company to explore the greater area.
Reconnaissance exploration at the Especularita project during the reporting period has been
successful in identifying three copper-gold prospects that the Company has been actively working up
to drill-ready stage. High-grade epithermal and skarn type copper and gold has been identified in
surface samples at the Victoria, Teresita and Aurelia prospects and the Company plans to have these
prospects ready for drill testing within the next reporting period. In addition, regional sampling of
streams across the project is currently ongoing and is designed to deliver additional new prospects
into the exploration pipe-line at Especularita. Our team at Especularita believes that the project is
ideally located at the centre of a district-scale mineralisation system that includes porphyry-epithermal
copper-gold mineralisation as well as distal base-metal skarn deposits. The Company’s tenement
holding at Especularita has also been significantly increased with the addition of new strategically
located concessions.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
3
Despite global economic headwinds effecting the industry this year, the overall economic outlook for
both copper and gold continues to look very strong, particularly for copper, where supply shortages
are foreshadowed as a result of the global transition to green energy technologies. This is reflected in
the copper price which has increased over 60% in the last 3 years. (Source:
www.lme.co/en/metals/non-ferrous).
The discovery of an intrusive-related copper-gold system at San Lorenzo, as well as the discovery of
high-grade copper-gold epithermal systems at Especularita, has established a strong platform from
which the Company will progress its exploration activity over the coming years. Our management team
is also working to identify and secure a third project, which will further enhance the Company’s
exploration assets and the potential to deliver growth opportunities for the Company and our
stakeholders well into the future.
I wish to thank the Board, our management, and particularly our team in Chile, for their dedicated work
in advancing the Company’s exploration efforts and at the same time ensuring that the values, beliefs
and standards of the Company are upheld and promoted.
Charles Bond
28 July 2023
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
OPERATIONS REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
4
The Company is exploring two projects in northern Chile for large-scale copper-gold deposits, namely:
the San Lorenzo Project and the Especularita Project.
Both projects are strategically located within the coastal metallogenic belt which affords the Company
significant infrastructure advantages over explorers who operate in the high-altitude Andean belt,
including access to roads, power, towns and ports. Both projects are along trend from major deposits
and exhibit significant evidence of historical artisanal mining. However, the areas are relatively under-
explored by comparison with the Andean regions.
The Company has the option to earn 100% of both projects with no attaching royalty conditions or
overhanging payment requirements.
To assist with the exploration activity across both projects the Company has expanded its all-Chilean
exploration team with the addition of a highly experienced Chief Geologist as well as two graduate
geologists.
Exploration activities at the projects for the period to 31 March 2023 are set out below.
San Lorenzo Project
Previous exploration work at the Chinchillon prospect area of San Lorenzo has determined that large-
scale copper-gold mineralisation occurs within a granodiorite, which in turn is intruded by dykes, sills and
stocks of monzonite and overprinted by an extensive calc-potassic alteration event. The overprinting calc-
potassic alteration is typically defined by swarms of sheeted fractures of quartz-actinolite-magnetite-K
feldspar-Fe-oxide with rare evidence of copper oxides
1
. Contact margins of the monzonite intrusive
bodies also exhibit strong evidence of copper-gold mineralisation typically associated with unidirectional
solidification textures (or UST).
Work at San Lorenzo this year included interpretation of a ground magnetic survey (completed the
previous year
2
)
3
as well as scout drilling at four prospect sites within the calc-potassic alteration zone
4
.
Managing and maintaining the project’s concession portfolio is on-going and includes the addition of new
concessions to the project
5
.
During the reporting period, a scout diamond drilling programme comprising 13 holes for a total of 2,958m
was completed across 4 prospect areas within the Chinchillon prospect at San Lorenzo. The programme
was designed with the aim to
6
;
- Target the oxide sheeted fracture-vein systems at depth to determine if the fracture-vein sets
host copper sulphides at depth below the base of oxidation,
- Target monzonite and UST to evaluate the fertility of the monzonites to potentially produce a Cu-
Au deposit,
- Determine the controls on mineralisation, and
- Identify what exploration tools and methods might be best employed to vector towards
economic deposits.
The results of the drilling have successfully confirmed that the sheeted fracture system hosts copper
sulphide mineralisation and that copper (and gold+molybdenum) grades are dependent upon both
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
OPERATIONS REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
5
fracture density and sulphide speciation within the individual fractures. Assay results indicate that the
background copper content for unaltered-unmineralised granodiorite is very low (<10-100ppm Cu).
However, where the granodiorite is overprinted by sheeted fracture alteration, the copper content
increases significantly to >300-1000ppm Cu. Drill holes SLD005-009 targeting the fracture-hosted altered
granodiorite all intersected anomalous Cu+Au-Mo on fractures with hole SLD005 recording a best
intercept of 94m of 480ppm Cu from 274m (SLD005)
6
.
Maximum assays for individual samples (2m sample intervals) for hole SLD005 were 0.21% Cu and
0.11g/t Au. Additional highest assay results for the other holes over 0.5-2m sample intervals include;
0.68% Cu (SLD006), 869ppm Cu and 1.13g/t Au (SLD007), 0.19% Cu and 0.5g/t Au (SLD008) and 0.37%
Cu and 1.78g/t Au (SLD009)
6
. Whilst these results are not economic, they are significant in demonstrating
that the Chinchillon system is fertile and that a significant volume of copper (and gold) has been added
to the granodiorite presumably from a large deeper source body, such as the monzonite. The company
will now use this information to target its next phase of exploration drilling.
Monzonitic dykes, sills and stocks are prevalent invading throughout the calc-potassic altered
granodiorite at Chinchillon. The monzonites are characterised by UST magmatic textures (unidirectional
solidification textures) which are strongly indicative of a fertile mineralisation system formed at a low
erosional cupola level. Two monzonite intrusives were targeted with scout drilling at the Las Hermanas
and Cerro Blanco prospects. Assay results indicate that the monzonite intrusives are highly elevated (up
to 2 orders of magnitude) in copper (>300-1000ppm Cu), relative to the enclosing granodiorite (<50-
100ppm Cu), and as such they represent a potential progenitor for the Cu+Au mineralising system at
Chinchillon
6
. Best Cu-Au drill intercepts for holes targeting the monzonite-UST mineralisation include
6
;
• SLD010: 5.5m of 0.27% Cu, 0.54g/t Au from 70.7m, including
0.5m of 1.65% Cu, 3.63g/t Au from 70.5m
• SLD013: 4.0m of 0.2% Cu, 0.1g/t Au from 5m, and
1.0m of 0.37g/t Au from 9m
Analysis of trace element ratios (Al3O
2
/TiO
2
, Sr/Y and V/Sc ratios) from drill core assay data for the
monzonite dykes also suggests that the monzonite geochemistry falls within the ranges for fertile Cu and
Cu-Au producing intrusives
7
.
The results of the scout drilling programme confirm that GSC has discovered a large intrusive-related
copper-gold system at Chinchillon. The drilling results are still being fully evaluated.
The San Lorenzo project is strategically located within the Coastal metallogenic belt that is host to both
porphyry and IOCG type copper-gold deposits. The location benefits from excellent infrastructure due to
its low altitude and recent discovery successes in the belt by Hot Chili (ASX:HCH) and Tribeca Resources
(TSX:TRBC) emphasise the exploration potential of the district. With this in mind GSC has acted to
increase its concession-holding over the year and now holds approximately 28,645 ha (286 km
2
) of
mining and exploration concessions both granted and in the process of being granted
5
.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
OPERATIONS REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
6
Especularita Project
The Especularita project comprises an extensive district-scale porphyry-epithermal-skarn mineralisation
system located within the Coastal metallogenic belt and is host to significant small-scale mines and
artisanal workings for copper and gold. The centre of the mineralised system is identified as a
topographically distinct zone of advanced argillic altered volcanics referred to locally as the La Colorada
lithocap. Initial work by GSC and its predecessor at Especularita was focussed on reconnaissance
exploration as well as maximising the Company’s land position in the district
1
. Reconnaissance-scale
mapping and sampling across the project during the previous reporting period and into this reporting
period, has led to the discovery of outcropping high-grade copper-gold mineralisation (up to 7.22% Cu
and 13.1g/t Au)
8
in 3 prospect locations, namely; the Teresita, Victoria and Aurelia prospects. In addition,
porphyry style stockwork vein alteration has been identified in several locations within and marginal to
the La Colorada advanced argillic altered lithocap
7
. Further exploration is planned to elevated these
porphyry areas to prospect-scale targets.
The Teresita and Victoria prospects represent epithermal style quartz-carbonate vein-breccia deposits
with mineralisation hosted within quartz-dominant zones of the breccias. Copper assay grades in surface
samples collected from detailed prospect mapping at Victoria during the reporting period range up 6.9%
Cu and 1.85g/t Au
9
gold up to 13.7g/t Au and up to 13.7g/t Au at Teresita
7
. Assay results from preliminary
prospect-scale mapping and sampling at the Aurelia prospect are indicative of skarn type mineralisation
with samples from historical small-scale mines ranging up to 7.6% Cu and 2.9g/t Au
7
. Scout RC drilling
programmes are being planned for both the Teresita and Victoria prospects.
A programme of first-pass stream sediment sampling has also been implemented across the Especularita
project area to provide geochemical exploration vectors to new target areas particularly within the lithocap
alteration zone
5
. Approximately 500 drainage samples have been collected during the later half of the
reporting period and assay results for the survey are pending.
The Especularita project is located within a large mineral district and includes significant historical
evidence of artisanal mining and processing as well as active small-scale Cu-Au mines. The project is
strategically located within a trend that includes both large porphyry and skarn type copper deposits
including Andacollo (Teck) and El Espino (Pucobre). During the reporting period, the Company has
worked to increase its concession position within this under-explored district and now holds 18,209 ha
(182 km2) of mining and exploration concessions both granted and in the process of being granted
5
.
Sam Garrett
Chief Executive Officer
28 July 2023
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
OPERATIONS REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
7
References:
1. Prospectus for Great Southern Copper PLC (06 Dec 2021),
2. RNS 8499X (22 Jan 2022): Ground-based magnetic survey completed at San Lorenzo project,
3. RNS 4007M (23 May 2022): Ground magnetics survey identifies multiple targets at San Lorenzo,
4. RNS 9264R (11 Jul 2022): Diamond drilling commences at San Lorenzo Cu-Au project, Chile,
5. RNS 3666Q (20 Feb 2023): Exploration update at Especularita and San Lorenzo,
6. RNS 4946T (20 Mar 2023): Results for scout drilling programme,
7. RNS 1155A (22 May 2023): Corporate presentation
8. RNS 2146H (22 Nov 2022): Early exploration at Especularita identifies Cu-Au targets and
completion of drilling at San Lorenzo
9. RNS 0445V (03 April 2023): Rock chip assay grades up to 6.9% Cu and 1.85g/t Au in outcrop
from Victoria prospect
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
8
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the Group. Its aim is to represent all stakeholders
and to provide leadership and control in order to promote the successful growth and development of the
business.
Samuel Garrett (Chief Executive Officer)
Samuel Garrett MSc. Applied Finance, Macquarie University (2011), MSc. Economic Geology, University
of Tasmania (1992), BSc. Hons. Geology, University of Tasmania (1988), is a geologist with over thirty
years of exploration management, assessment and operational experience for multi-national and junior
mining and exploration companies in ten countries and a broad range of geologic environments. He is
the executive director of Flynn Gold Ltd and also the Principal Consulting Geologist at Metal Ventures
Pty Limited. Samuel’s experience includes significant discovery credits including the Mt Elliot copper
mine (QLD), Dinkidi copper-gold mine (Philippines), Tujuh Bukit Au-Ag-Cu mine (Indonesia) and the
Havieron copper-gold deposit (WA). Samuel is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists
(AIG), the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) and he is a member of the Australian Institute of
Company Directors (AICD).
Nicholas Briers (Non-Executive Director)
Nicholas Briers BSc. Hons. Geography, Royal Holloway College, University of London, is a Director of
Corporate Broking at SI Capital, specialists in delivering pre-IPO, primary and secondary funding to small
companies listed on the London market. Prior to that he has over 25 years of experience in financial
markets heading up Exchange Traded Derivatives sales desks at a number of tier 1 broking houses,
most recently at Tullett Prebon, now TPICAP, the world's largest Inter Dealer Broker. Nick was formerly
a Non-Executive Director of AMTE Power. He sits on the Company's Remuneration Committee and its
Audit Committee.
Stuart Greene (Non-Executive Director)
Stuart Greene is a geologist and former Director of RMB Resources, the resource investment arm of First
Rand Bank. He has sixteen years’ experience working in southern Africa as a mine geologist and
geological consultant with Western Areas gold mine, SRK Consulting, Knight Piesold, Venmyn Rand and
others, followed by 14 years as a mining financier with RMB Resources in their London office. Whilst
there, Stuart originated, evaluated and executed equity and debt financings for junior mining companies
with projects at every stage of development from exploration through to production; for commodities that
included gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, diamonds, uranium and oil; and for project locations in
North America, South America, Europe, Africa and SE Asia. He is currently a founding partner and
director of Tanjun Capital Limited, the investment advisor to a mining credit fund, investing in junior and
mid-tier mining companies. Stuart chairs the Company's Audit Committee
Charles Bond (Non-Executive Chairman)
Charles is a corporate finance lawyer with some 30 years of experience and has worked with mining
companies for the last 18 years. He is a partner in the London office of international law firm Gowling
WLG (UK) LLP, where he leads the UK firm's Natural Resources group and Equity Capital Markets team.
He practises in equity capital markets and public and private M&A for mining clients in developed and
emerging markets, helping to develop their business using his wide international network of contacts in
the sector. He spent ten years as a corporate lawyer with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, before heading
the equity capital markets and natural resources teams at Cobbetts LLP and the UK branch of Canadian
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
9
law firm Gowlings, for eight years and four years respectively, before Gowlings' merger with UK firm
Wragge Lawrence Graham to become Gowling WLG. He has acted as lead counsel for numerous mining
companies and financial advisers, advising on flotations on the London and Toronto stock exchanges,
on secondary fundraises, public and private M&A, corporate governance, joint ventures and earn-ins. He
is named as one of the few leading mining lawyers in England in the most recent International Who's
Who of Mining Lawyers. Charles chairs the Company's Remuneration Committee.
Paul Williams (Chief Financial Officer)
Paul was educated at Shrewsbury School and Clare College, Cambridge, where he read modern
languages and economics. He qualified as a chartered accountant with his family firm before moving to
Ernst and Young. He subsequently ran his own practice for 22 years before joining Maelor plc for its
admission to AIM in 1997. Paul subsequently became finance director of Black Angel Mining plc (formerly
Angus & Ross plc) before he took the role of executive chairman of the Eatonfield Group, leaving in 2010.
He served on the LSE’s AIM Advisory Group for a number of years and was a magistrate for 20 years.
The Board will focus upon the maintenance of existing skills and relevant expertise. The Chairman is a
practising lawyer in the capital markets with a specific focus upon natural resources and the mining
industry in particular. The other two non-executive directors are respectively a broker, again with a
specialism in mining companies and a mining financier. In consequence, their present professions
maintain their relevant focus and to this will be added appropriate training as necessary.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
10
The Directors have pleasure in submitting their report together with the audited financial statements for
Great Southern Copper plc (the ‘Company’ and together with its subsidiary, the ‘Group’) for the year
ended 31 March 2023.
Principal Activities
covered in the Chairman’s Statement and also in the Operations Report.
Risks and Uncertainties
The business of mineral exploration, evaluation and development contains inherent risks. The Group’s
exposure to such risks and associated uncertainties is covered in the Strategic Report on Page 21
Performance and Future Developments
A review of the work undertaken at the Group’s projects is contained in the Operations Report as is an
outline of proposed future activities. Further detail is to be found in the Chairman’s Report.
General Background Information
The Company was incorporated in England and Wales on 4 March 2020. On 20 December 2021, the
Company was admitted to listing on the Official List (Standard Segment) of the Financial Conduct
Authority and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
Details of issues of Ordinary Shares issued in the course of the year are covered in Note 18 on Page 67.
Further general information can also be found in Note 1 on Page 50, the Chairman’s Statement and the
Operations Report.
Dividends
No dividends are planned (2022: £nil).
Political and Charitable Donations
No political or charitable donations were made during the year under review (2022: £nil).
Directors
The Directors of the Company during the year were:
Charles Bond
Samuel Garrett
Stuart Greene
Nicholas Briers
The Directors’ interests in the ordinary share capital of the Company and details of their remuneration
are set out in the Remuneration Report from page 15.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
11
Substantial Interests
As at 31 March 2023, the total number of issued ordinary shares in the Company with voting rights was
213,336,411. Details of the Company’s capital structure and voting rights are set out in note 18 to the
financial statements
As at the date of approval of this report, the Company has been notified of the following interests in 3%
or more of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company:
Number of Ordinary Shares
% of Issued Share Capital
Vidacos Nominees Ltd*
JIM Nominees Ltd*
Cantor Fitzgerald Europe*
Peter John Charles Davis
Clive Ian Duncan
114,165,964
29,274,772
10,650,000
7,373,328
7,062,792
53.51%
13.72%
4.99%
3.46%
3.31%
*Nominee, not beneficial shareholder.
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
The UK government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) was implemented on 1 April
2019, when the Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships Energy and Carbon
Report regulations 2018 came into force. The regulations require that quoted companies and large
unquoted companies that have consumed more than 40,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy in the
reporting period must include energy and carbon information within their Directors’ report. The Company
does not currently exceed this threshold but nevertheless, in the spirit of the requirements, it has
calculated its energy usage below.
The Company will comply with applicable reporting obligations in line with the SECR regulations as the
Company’s strategy develops. The Board is conscious of its responsibilities under this legislation and
has ensured that all its employees and contractors are imbued with a similar philosophy.
The Company does not maintain a centralised office within the UK, preferring to rely upon on-line
meetings wherever possible. The Board met face to face twice in the financial reporting period; travel is
kept to a bare minimum and operational energy consumption is reduced to an insignificant level.
Operations in Chile are still at an early stage. A limited amount of drilling and trenching work has taken
place at both of its exploration projects, but all plant is hired in and is operated by contractors. Apart from
this, very little energy consuming work has taken place. The only material travel has consisted of visits
by the Chief Executive Officer and by the Company’s country manager. There have been no Board visits
during this financial reporting period.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
12
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (continued)
Consistent with the previous reporting period, all administration work is contracted out in Chile to a
company whose energy consumption would be unlikely to alter materially without the presence of the
Group.
Taking all these factors into account, the Board has calculated that its energy consumption for the year
under review is in the order of 4,600 kWh, of which 72% relates to travel and the remaining 28% to office
use.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
During the year under review, the Company maintained cover for its Directors and Officers under a
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability policy. No qualifying third-party indemnity cover for the Directors has
been provided by the Company.
Report on Payments to Governments
The Group makes no payments which are required to be disclosed under this category. However, annual
statutory fees paid to the Chilean government by the holder of the concessions over which PTRC has
options, are directly reimbursed by PTRC.
Subsequent Events
Further details on subsequent events can be found in note 23 and in the strategic report on page 20.
Going Concern
In common with many other mineral exploration companies, the Group has raised equity and debt finance
for its exploration activities. The Board recognises that further finance will need to be raised as and when
required to progress its exploration projects and add shareholder value. The Board also acknowledges
that previous success in raising funds does not necessarily provide any guarantee that the Group will be
able to do so in the future.
As at 31 March 2023, the Group’s cash at bank amounted to £653,940; at the date of signing this report,
the balance amounted to £534,460.
The Board has reviewed the Group’s cash flow forecast up to 31 July 2024 and are aware that additional
funds will likely need to be sourced in order to continue to advance its exploration activities and continue
as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the approval of these financial statements.
The auditors have acknowledged this going concern uncertainty in their unqualified audit report.
The Directors are confident that they will be able to secure the necessary funding in order to enable the
Group to continue to advance its projects. The Group recently signed a £501,000 unsecured, convertible
interest free loan agreement with the Company’s major shareholder, Foreign Dimensions Pty Limited
(refer to the ‘Subsequent Events’ note in the Strategic Report for details). The Board continues to closely
monitor its cash position, allocate funds in line with its detailed budget and maintain a strict control over
non-project spend. The Directors remain confident in the Company’s ability to raise additional funds as
required, from existing and/or new investors and therefore consider it appropriate to continue to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
13
Auditors
A resolution to re-appoint the Company’s Auditors, PKF Littlejohn LLP, will be proposed at the next
Annual General Meeting of the Company, to be held before the end of September 2023
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, Strategic Report, Directors' Report,
Governance Report and Directors' Remuneration Report along with the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under the
law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the UK-adopted
International Accounting Standards.
Under Company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group and of the profit
or loss of the Company and the Group for that year. The Directors are also required to prepare financial
statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies with a Standard
Listing.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
• Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate records that are sufficient to show and explain the
Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the
Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The maintenance and integrity of the Great Southern Copper plc website is the responsibility of the
Directors; work carried out by the auditor does not involve the consideration of these matters and,
accordingly, the auditor accepts no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred in the accounts
since they were initially presented on the website.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the accounts and the
other information included in annual reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
14
Directors' responsibility statement pursuant to Disclosure and Transparency Rules
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed on page 8 and 9, confirms that to the best
of his knowledge and belief:
• The financial statements prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting
Standards and in conformity with the Companies Act 2006, give a true and fair view of the assets,
liabilities, financial position and loss of the Group and parent company; and
• The Annual Report and financial statements, including the Operations Report, includes a fair
review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and
parent company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.
Statement as to Disclosure of Information to the Auditor
So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the
Companies Act 2006) of which the Company's auditor is unaware, and each Director has taken all the
steps that he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit
information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of the information.
We confirm to the best of our knowledge:
• The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework,
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation as a whole;
• The strategic report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business
and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a
whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and
• The annual report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and
understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the
Company's position and performance, business model and strategy.
Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board by:
Charles Bond
Chairman
28 July 2022
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
15
The Company’s Remuneration Committee comprises two Non-Executive Directors: Charles Bond and
Nick Briers. The Committee operates within the terms of reference approved by the Board. In the year to
31 March 2023, the Remuneration Committee met once to review fees of Directors and senior
management. The items included in this report are unaudited unless otherwise stated.
Implementation of remuneration policy
Insofar as is practicable, the Remuneration Committee will ensure that the remuneration policy will be
reviewed in the next financial year. However, implementation of any recommended changes will be
dependent upon a number of factors as outlined above. The review will be undertaken with the aim of
retaining and incentivising current management. The statement of Remuneration Policy will be proposed
for approval by shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting before the end of September
this year.
Statement of policy on Directors’ remuneration
Given the current size and stage of development of the Group, there is no formal policy yet in place in
respect of remuneration, although it is the Company's intention to maintain levels of remuneration so as
to attract, motivate, and retain Directors and senior management, who can contribute their experience to
deliver the appropriate performance required by the Company’s operations. The Company is particularly
mindful of the need to balance this objective with the fact that it is pre-revenue.
Since the date of admission to listing, the Non-Executive Directors have been remunerated through
salaries and the grant of share options at the time of admission. Total salaries payable to Directors have
been modest. As the Company grows, and increasingly will need to make external hires, it will become
necessary to move to a more long-term and sustainable policy, which continues to align the interests of
Directors and senior management with those of shareholders, while recognising that new hires will not
initially have an equity position. Accordingly, it is likely that compensation packages for executive
directors in particular will need to move over time to a level more consistent with the market.
Currently Directors’ remuneration is not subject to specific performance targets. The Company is
sufficiently small that the Remuneration Committee does not consider that it is necessary to impose such
targets as a matter of principle, but believes that exceptional performance should be rewarded on an ad
hoc basis. Over the next year the Board will review the possibility of setting relevant objectives for
executive management, dependent on factors such as exploration progress, market profile and ESG
targets. Similarly, the Committee has not adopted a specific policy with regard to share option grants;
nonetheless, the use of share options will continue to be an important part of the compensation packages
both for executive and non-executive directors, particularly until such time as the Company is generating
cash from operations.
The Remuneration Committee considers the remuneration of directors and senior staff and their
employment terms, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on the overall remuneration
packages. No Director takes part in any decision directly affecting their own remuneration.
This statement of Remuneration policy will be proposed for approval by shareholders at the forthcoming
Annual General Meeting.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
16
Directors’ remuneration
The Directors who held office at 31 March 2023 and who had beneficial interests in the ordinary shares
of the Company are summarised as follows:
Name of Director Position
Samuel Garrett Chief Executive Officer
Stuart Greene Non-Executive Director
Nicholas Briers Non-Executive Director
Charles Bond Non-Executive Chairman
Details of these beneficial interests can be found on Page 18 of this report.
Samuel Garrett entered into a service agreement at the time the Company’s admission to the market in
December 2021 and each of the Non-Executive Directors entered into a letter of appointment. Details of
those agreements are set out below. There were no other major remuneration decisions in the period.
Chief Executive Officer’s Remuneration
There has been no change to the basis of calculation or the daily rate paid to the Chief Executive Officer.
Any variation in the amount for the current year compared to the prior year is solely due to a difference
in the time allocated to the Company and a variation in the exchange rate.
Directors’ service contracts
Samuel Garrett
Samuel was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on 11 September 2020 and pursuant
to the terms of a service agreement with the Company dated 7 December 2021, either party may
terminate the appointment upon six months' written notice. He is paid a salary equivalent to US$200,000
per annum pro rata to the time committed to the Company, which is a minimum of 50%.
Stuart Greene
Stuart entered into a letter of appointment with the Company on 7 December 2021 pursuant to which
either party may terminate the appointment upon three months' written notice and he is paid an annual
salary of £28,571 per annum.
Nicholas Briers
Nicholas entered into a letter of appointment with the Company on 7 December 2021 pursuant to which
either party may terminate the appointment upon three months' written notice and he is paid an annual
salary of £28,571 per annum.
Charles Bond
Charles entered into a letter of appointment with the Company on 7 December 2021 pursuant to which
either party may terminate the appointment upon three months' written notice and he is paid an annual
salary of £39,286 per annum payable by way of shares in the Company.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
17
Remuneration components
The Board has to date structured remuneration and incentivisation around the principles set out in
guidelines published by the Quoted Company Alliance, and also taken into account the fact that the
Company is an early-stage exploration business. Remuneration packages therefore are aimed at
motivating directors and supporting the delivery of the business objectives in the short and longer term,
using a combination of both salaries and share options, some of which are linked to share price
performance thereby aligning their interests with the interests of long-term shareholders. Remuneration
packages have been set high enough to recruit and retain high quality executives, but at levels that are
benchmarked to peers, not excessive and well within market parameters for a business of the size and
stage of the Company.
For the year ended 31 March 2023, salaries and share incentive arrangements were the sole component
of remuneration. The Remuneration Committee will continue to consider the components of Directors’
remuneration during the year and following this review anticipate that they will continue to consist of
salaries and share incentive arrangements, but the Committee will also consider the use of bonus
arrangements for executive management if appropriate for medium term incentivisation, based on
relevant factors such as exploration progress, market profile and ESG targets.
Directors’ emoluments and compensation (audited)
Set out below are the emoluments of the Directors for the year ended 31 March 2023:
Name of Director
Short term
employment benefits*
benbenefits*
Other benefits
Total
2023
£
2022
£
2023
£
2022
£
2023
£
2022
£
Stuart Greene
Nicholas Briers
Charles Bond
28,571
28,571
39,286
28,722
28,742
11,069
-
-
-
-
-
-
28,571
28,571
39,286
28,722
28,742
11,069
Non-Executive total
96,428
68,533
-
-
96,428
68,533
Samuel Garrett
105,714
69,984
13,382
6,998
119,096
76,982
Executive total
105,714
69,984
13,382
6,998
119,096
76,982
Total
202,142
138,517
13,382
6,998
215,524
145,515
* Excludes NI paid by Company of £13,998 (2022: £3,760).
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
18
Directors’ emoluments and compensation (audited) (continued)
The interests of the Directors who served during the year in the share capital of the Company at
31 March 2023 and at the date of this report were as follows:
Name of Director
Number of ordinary
shares held 31 March
2023
As at the date
of this report
Number of
ordinary shares
held 31 March
2022
Number of
share options
vested but
unexercised
as at 31
March 2023
Number of share
options vested
but unexercised
as at 31 March
2022
March 2022
Samuel Garrett
4,926,878
5,760,211
4,926,878
1,347,407
673,703
Stuart Greene
100,000
933,333
100,000
505,276
252,638
Nicholas Briers
200,000
1,033,333
200,000
505,276
252,638
Charles Bond*
1,260,311
2,093,644
400,000
842,128
421,064
*The allotment of shares to Charles Bond for the quarter ended 31 March 2023 has not yet taken place,
although the relevant salary is included in the remuneration figures above.
Total pension entitlements (audited)
The Company makes a 10% contribution to the Chief Executive Officer’s superannuation scheme but
otherwise has no other pension plans.
Payments to past directors (audited)
The Company has not paid any compensation to past Directors.
Payments for loss of office (audited)
The Company has not paid any amounts for loss of office.
Directors’ interests in share options (audited)
Details at 31 March 2023 of share options (vested and unvested) over ordinary shares held by directors
who served during the year are set out in the table below
Name of Director
Number of share options at 31
March 2023
Number of share options at
31 March 2022
Samuel Garrett
4,042,222
4,042,222
Stuart Greene
1,515,833
1,515,833
Nicholas Briers
1,515,833
1,515,833
Charles Bond
2,526,388
2,526,388
The terms of the options stipulate that 50% of the options will vest in 3 equal tranches, exercisable at any
time at an exercise price of 5p per option, being on admission to listing, the first anniversary of admission
and the second anniversary of admission. The remaining 50% of options will vest in 3 equal tranches
exercisable at 5p per option when the average share price reaches 10p, when the average share price
reaches 15p and when the average share price reaches 20p, in each case over a 30 day period.
The weighted average contract length on the options was 4 years (2022: Nil). The remaining average
contractual life of the options was 2 years 8 months (2022: 3 years 8 months).
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
19
The weighted average contract length on the options was 4 years (2022: Nil). The remaining average
contractual life of the options was 2 years 8 months (2022: 3 years 8 months). Other than as set out
above, there were no awards of annual bonuses or incentive arrangements in the period. All remuneration
Directors’ interests in share options (audited) (continued)
was therefore fixed in nature and no illustrative table of the application of remuneration policy has been
included in this report.
Consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Group
The Committee has not consulted with employees about executive pay but considers that the current
remuneration of Executive Directors is consistent with pay and employment benefits across the wider
Group.
UK 10-year performance graph
The Directors have considered the requirement for a UK 10-year performance graph comparing the
Group’s Total Shareholder Return with that of a comparable indicator. The Directors do not currently
consider that including the graph will be meaningful because the Company has only been listed since
December 2021, is not paying dividends and is currently incurring losses. The Directors will review the
inclusion of this table for future reports.
UK 10-year CEO table and UK percentage change table
The Directors have considered the requirement for a UK 10-year CEO table and UK percentage change
table. The Directors do not currently consider that including these tables would be meaningful as
remuneration is not currently linked to performance, therefore any comparison across years or with the
employee group would be significantly skewed and would not add any information of value to
shareholders. The Directors will review the inclusion of this table for future reports.
Relative importance of spend on pay
The Directors have considered the requirement to present information on the relative importance of spend
on pay compared to shareholder dividends paid. Given that the Company does not currently pay
dividends they have not considered it necessary to include such information.
Compliance with Listing Rule 9.8.4 (7)
In accordance with the terms of his employment arrangements, the Chairman’s remuneration is payable
in the form of ordinary shares in the Company, calculated quarterly on the basis of the volume weighted
average price for the preceding quarter. Shares are allotted on this basis after the deduction of
appropriate income tax and national insurance contributions. Full details of the allotments relating to
remuneration payable for the year ended 31 March 2023 are set out in the Company's announcements
dated 29 July 2022, 7 November 2022, and 21 February 2023. Allotment of shares for the quarter ended
31 March 2023 has not taken place as at the date of signing these accounts, although the remuneration
disclosed does take into account the consideration for such allotment.
Other matters
The Company does not currently have any annual or long-term incentive schemes in place for any of the
Directors other than as disclosed above.
Approved by the Board on 28 July 2023.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
20
Charles Bond
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
21
The Directors present their Strategic Report on the Group and Company for the year ended 31 March
2023.
Strategy and Business Review
The Company’s strategy is to create value for shareholders by using the expertise of its management
team to successfully explore for copper-gold (Cu-Au) deposits in Chile and, potentially, to identify and
acquire other mineral exploration projects.
The Company’s exploration projects in Chile comprise the San Lorenzo Cu-Au project north east of the
coastal town of La Serena in northern Chile and the Especularita Cu-Au project located approximately
170km to the south of the San Lorenzo project. Both projects are situated in the Coastal Cordillera of
Chile with good access to infrastructure.
The prospectivity of both projects is confirmed by both significant historical small scale artisanal workings
for copper and gold and the exploration work completed to date. In the past year, the Company has
undertaken geological mapping, trenching and scout drilling at San Lorenzo. At Especularita, the
Company has carried out geological mapping, stream sediment sampling, rock chip and float sampling.
Exploration is still at an early stage at both projects and has not yet matured to the stage where a mineral
resource estimate has been defined. Nevertheless, drilling at San Lorenzo has confirmed the discovery
of a large intrusive-related Cu-Au mineralised system and, at Especularita, results have identified
mineralised vein breccia targets for follow-up work.
In December 2021, £3.5 million was raised to fund the Company’s two-year exploration programme at
San Lorenzo and Especularita. In the past financial year, £2,136,136 was spent according to the budget
leaving a cash balance of £653,940 as at 31 March 2023.
The outlook for copper is positive, given the lack of investment in new copper discoveries over the last
decade, which has lowered copper production at a time when it needs to ramp up significantly to enable
the transition to clean energy. For copper exploration, Chile is a prime destination. It is the largest copper
producer in the world and one of South America’s most promising investment destinations. It is a stable
and prosperous country with such impressive mineral endowment, that all the world’s major mining
companies operate there.
Details of the Company’s results and prospects are set out in the Chairman’s Statement and in the
Operations Report.
Subsequent Events
On 15 May 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Foreign Dimensions Pty Limited (“FD”)
whereby FD agreed to provide the Company with an unsecured interest free convertible loan facility in
the aggregate sum of £501,000. The loan is to be made in two tranches:
• £250,000 on 31 August 2023; and
• £251,000 on 11 September 2023.
Automatic conversion of the loan into Ordinary Shares (“Conversion Shares”) in the Company at a price
of 1.2p per share, and the grant of an equivalent number of warrants exercisable at 2.4p, is subject to
certain conditions, in particular publication of a prospectus approved by the FCA in relation to, and
authority being granted by the Company’s shareholders for, the allotment and issue of the Conversion
Shares and the grant of the warrants.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
22
Subsequent Events (continued)
In the event that such authority is not granted, any advance already made is repayable by the Company
one year after the date of such advance.
On 19 May 2023, by way of a private placing, the Company issued a further 41,749,998 Ordinary Shares
at a price 1.2p per share, raising £501,000 before costs, each with the right to a warrant attached, also
to be granted conditional on satisfaction of the conditions above, and exercisable at 2.4p.
On the same date, the Company made loans of £10,000 each to two of the Directors, Stuart Greene and
Nick Briers to enable them each to subscribe for shares in the abovementioned placing. These loans,
which are interest free, are being repaid from their after tax salaries. It is envisaged that both loans will
be repaid before 30 November 2023.
The Company has announced the appointment of Martin Page as Finance Director. Mr Page will take up
his appointment on 1 August 2023.
Principal Risks
The Directors have identified the following principal risks in regards to the Company’s future. The relative
importance of these risks is likely to evolve over time as the Company executes its strategy in Chile and
as the external economic and market environment changes.
Strategic Risk
The Company’s strategy may not deliver the results anticipated by the shareholders. The Directors
regularly monitor the Company’s progress and will modify the strategy as required, based on internal and
external developments and exploration results. The strategy is monitored at the Company’s regular Board
meetings.
Concentration Risk
The Company’s activities are currently geographically concentrated in Chile. As a result of this
concentration, the Company may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of local delays or
interruptions to development of, and future production from, these locations caused by significant
changes to governmental regulation, interruption to transportation together with capacity constraints,
curtailment of future production, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, civil unrest, labour
disputes or other events which impact this area.
Exploration Risk
The Company’s projects are regarded as 'early-stage exploration', are highly speculative in nature, and
may not result in success. There is no guarantee that further mineralisation or recoverable economic
resources will be found.
Whilst the Directors endeavour to apply their skills to assess the projects, exploration is costly, highly
speculative and often unsuccessful. For instance, factors such as adverse weather conditions, natural
disasters, equipment or services shortages, procurement delays or difficulties arising from the
environmental and other conditions in the areas where the potential resources are located, may increase
costs and make it uneconomical to advance or develop the Company's projects. Failure to discover new
mineral resources or maintain existing mineral rights could materially and adversely affect the Company’s
results of operations, cash flows, financial conditions and prospects.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
23
Government Regulation
The concessions and operations of the Company are located in jurisdictions outside of the UK and there
are, therefore, a number of risks that the Company is unable to control.
Whilst the Company makes every effort to ensure that it has robust commercial agreements in place,
there is a risk that the Company may be adversely affected by political factors such as taxes and charges,
suspension of licences and changes to the laws governing mineral exploration and extraction activities.
The current Chilean government’s legislative programme includes a proposal to change the taxation of
mining activities in Chile. A draft bill that would modify the mining royalty regime is under discussion in
Congress. The proposed royalty has a hybrid nature and combines an ad valorem component that would
be applied to annual sales of copper and a variable element linked to the mining operating margin. The
royalty tax would apply to mining companies producing over 12,000 tonnes of fine copper per year.
Despite the fact that the Company’s operations are currently limited to exploration activities, the
enactment of the aforementioned bill could considerably increase mining taxes, potentially affecting the
viability of future exploitation projects in Chile, as well as those of the Company, which could become
uneconomic. The Company will continue to monitor the proposed changes and the potential adoption of
a Mining Royalty Tax, which may adversely affect potential future operations of the Company.
Modifications to the Chilean mining code expected to be introduced in 2023 but now postponed to
January 2024, include extending the duration of an exploration concession from two to four years but
eliminating the possibility of requesting an extension to an exploration concession given the increased
duration. The Company will continue to monitor the various modifications to the mining code that are
being discussed by Congress and their potential impact on the Company, including the impact on the
concessions to which the Company has rights at the time the new laws come into force.
Permitting
The Company’s rights to the San Lorenzo and Especularita projects are defined by option agreements
that its subsidiary, PTRC, has over the exploration and exploitation concessions at these projects. The
option agreements and all of the concessions are in good standing.
Exploration concessions in Chile last for 2 years, counted since their constitution by judicial ruling, and
are subject to the payment of annual fees to the Chilean Treasury. If these fees are not paid in a timely
manner, the claim can only be restored to good standing by paying double the annual fee the following
year. At the end of the two-year period, the exploration concession may i) be renewed for an additional
two years, in which case at least 50% of the surface area of the exploration concession must be
relinquished, or ii) be converted, totally or partially, into an exploitation concession.
Exploitation concessions are valid in perpetuity so long as annual fees are paid to the Chilean
government. The process to incorporate a mining concession is based on the principle that grants
preference to the first petitioner before the local court. The holder of an exploration concession in good
standing has the preferential right to incorporate an exploitation concession within the boundaries of its
exploration concession. Notwithstanding, anyone can request the incorporation of a mining concession
within the limits of the exploration concession of a different owner, in which case the holder has to file a
claim opposing the aforementioned constitution, within 30 days, counted from the date of publication of
the application made by the interested third party. Exploration and exploitation concessions do not
necessarily imply a right to mine, except on a small scale. However, they give the owner the right to mine
subject to the granting of permits.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
24
Permitting (continued)
There is no guarantee that any of the granted exploration concessions, or any exploration concessions
granted in the future, will be renewed. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the exploitation concessions
granted or to be granted can be effectively maintained by payment of the appropriate annual licence fees
or by means of compliance with any new regulation that may control the granting and maintenance of
exploitation concessions in the future. If these exploration and exploitation concessions are not renewed
or maintained, or if new exploration and exploitation concessions are applied for and not granted, this
could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial conditions and
results of operations.
Whilst the Company is satisfied that it has taken reasonable measures to ensure an unencumbered right
to explore its projects in Chile, the relevant concessions may be subject to undetected defects. If a defect
does exist, it is possible that PTRC may lose all or part of its interest in one or more of the concessions
to which the defect relates and its exploration and exploitation rights over the areas related to such
concessions and prospects of commercial production may accordingly be adversely affected.
Exploration concessions, which PTRC has the right to acquire through option agreements, need to be
duly registered in the Chilean Mining Registrar in order for them to be enforceable. If PTRC fails to register
any option agreement in the Chilean Mining Registrar, then it may be unable to enforce the benefit of
them and PTRC’s title to the exploration concession could be subject to potential litigation by third parties
claiming an interest in them. PTRC has submitted all option agreements not currently registered in the
Chilean Mining Registrar for registration and has no reason to believe that any of the option agreements
will not be registered.
Environmental and Other Regulatory Requirements
Currently the Group’s environment impact is limited to the activities associated with exploration and is
therefore minimal. The development of any project into a mining operation will have a considerable impact
on the local landscape and communities. There may at some point be opposition to mining by some
parties and this may impact the ability of the Company to progress these projects towards production.
Although the Company believes that its projects are currently in compliance with all relevant
environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, there can be no guarantee that new laws or
regulations, or amendments to current laws or regulations will not be introduced and they may have a
material impact on the Company and its projects. The Company will continue to maintain the highest
standards and aim to comply with all appropriate laws and regulations. The Company will also continue
to engage with local communities and non-governmental and governmental bodies to ensure any impacts
of current and future activities are minimised and managed appropriately.
Financing
The Company is in the exploration stage of its development and will only become revenue producing
once successful exploration has been achieved and an operating mine developed. Consequently, the
Company will be dependent on either equity funding or bringing in partners to finance its operations. The
Company may not be successful in the procurement of the required funds and may therefore have to
adjust its exploration strategy accordingly.
Commodity Prices
The market prices of copper and gold, like many commodities, are volatile and are affected by numerous
factors which are beyond the Company’s control. Sustained downward movements in copper and gold
prices could render less economic, or uneconomic, the mineral projects that the Company is exploring
and could negatively impact the availability of equity finance to the Company for it to continue to fund its
exploration activities.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
25
Foreign Currency and Exchange Rates
The Company may be exposed to ongoing currency risk, however no forex sensitivities have been
included as they are deemed to be immaterial. Proceeds of fundraises are expected to be mostly in
Sterling; the Company’s financial statements are stated in Sterling and certain ongoing management
costs will be denominated in Sterling. Its operational costs are largely in Chilean Peso (CLP). As a result,
fluctuations in the exchange rates of these currencies may adversely affect the Company’s exploration
budgets, operating results, cash flows or financial condition to a material extent.
Market Conditions
The Company cannot predict the extent of periods of slow or negative economic growth and any resultant
weakening of consumer and business confidence. This might result in difficulties in raising capital and
lower the level of demand for many products across a wide variety of industries, including those industries
for which commodities in the natural resources sector are an important raw material. Accordingly, the
Company’s estimate of the results of operations, financial conditions and prospects of the Company, and
of any future acquisition targets, will be uncertain and may be adversely impacted by unfavourable
general global, regional and national macroeconomic conditions.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The Company’s success depends to a significant extent on the quality of its management. The
Company’s business may be disrupted, additional cost may be incurred or its future may be jeopardised
by a loss of, or failure to retain, sufficient numbers and quality of management staff or senior personnel.
To mitigate this risk, measures are in place and are under review to reward and retain key individuals
and to protect the Company from the impact of staff turnover.
Social, Community and Human Rights
It is the Company’s intention to operate for the benefit of all stakeholders. In this regard, it will ensure
that PTRC:
• Adopts fair, non-discriminatory employment practices;
• Ensures safe working practices for all employees;
• Positively engages with local communities and is sensitive to any concerns that they may have
regarding land usage, water resources, biodiversity, cultural sites and artefacts; and
• Will treat local suppliers fairly.
Whilst the projects are still at an early stage of exploration, the Company recognises that for any mine to
be developed at the project sites, it must be able to demonstrate to all stakeholders, a clear positive
benefit that respects social, community and human rights.
Climate Related Financial Disclosures
The Board wholeheartedly acknowledges the seriousness of the challenge of dealing responsibly with
this subject and has made an effort to accurately calculate its energy usage in the Directors’ Report on
Page 11. However, it is accepted that work needs to be done to comply fully with the disclosure
requirements of the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures. The Company is at an early
stage of its exploration and has limited resources. Nevertheless, it is intended that in the forthcoming
year the Board will fulfil these requirements.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
26
Gender/Minority Ethnic Background of the Company
As at 31 March 2023 (the ‘Reference Date’) and based on how our employees identify themselves, the
gender and minority ethnic background of the Company’s board of directors and executive management
fails to meet the Financial Conduct Authority’s three targets for a company with a standard listing of equity
shares (regulation LR 13.3.33 R) which are:
• at least 40% of the individuals on its board of directors are women;
• at least one of the senior positions on its board of directors is held by a woman; and
• at least one individual on its board of directors is from a minority ethnic background.
The Company’s small board and executive management team currently comprises 100% white males
and this situation remains unchanged at the date of this annual report.
Notwithstanding the current situation, the Company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work
environment whilst seeking to attract and retain the most qualified professionals regardless of gender or
ethnicity. The Company’s failure to meet the FCA targets reflects the early-stage development of the
Company (with just five employees) and the reality of a mining industry that is still very male dominated.
Nevertheless, our aspiration is to create a more gender and minority ethnicity balanced company in time
as we expand and build out our team.
Gender Pay Gap
As a result of the Company’s early stage of development, there are just five employees and none of them
are women (as described above). As a consequence, there is no basis for a gender pay gap analysis.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Given that the Company is at an early stage in its development, has no turnover and is dependent on
raising funds in the equity market to finance its activities, many of the quantifiable KPIs that companies
in other industries may present are not applicable here. Nevertheless, management is monitoring key
performance indicators or the process associated with:
• Company expenses and the cash balance to ensure that the Company can meet its expected
obligations as they fall due and to inform the required timing of the next fund raising;
• The progress of the exploration programme and the status and commitments with regards to
the exploration concessions; and
• Ensuring that PTRC meets its environmental and social obligations in Chile.
The Directors are of the opinion that, for an early-stage mineral exploration company, the audited
accounts, the Chairman’s Statement and the Operations Report are the best means of assessing the
performance of the Company during the year.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
27
Section 172(1) Statement
The Directors believe they have acted in the way that they consider, in good faith, would be most likely
to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole (as required by s172
of the Companies Act 2006), and in doing so have had regard (amongst other matters) to the following
factors:
• The likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
• The interests of the Company's employees;
• The need to foster the Company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
• The impact of the Company's operations on the community and the environment;
• The desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct;
and
• The need to act fairly as between members of the Company.
The application of the s172 requirements can be demonstrated by the actions and key decisions of the
Company during the year including:
• In pursuit of the Company’s strategy of creating value for shareholders via the exploration for
copper mineral deposits in Chile, the Company has, in the past year:
• carried out exploration and identified copper mineralisation at its two projects in Chile;
• confirmed the discovery of a large intrusive-related copper-gold mineralised system at
San Lorenzo;
• identified mineralised vein breccia targets for follow up work; and
• reviewed a number of new projects that could be brought into the Company as a ‘third’
project.
• In order to pursue the strategy outlined, the Directors are aware of the importance of developing
the skills of its employees and establishing a good team work ethic where team members work
well together and communicate openly with each other. In pursuit of this objective, the CEO
visited the projects in Chile on four occasions during the year, working with team members and,
together with the Company’s experienced exploration manager, imparting the benefit of their
expertise to more junior team members.
• In the past year, the Company has acted fairly, in good faith and without problems with all of the
service providers.
• At this stage of the Company’s development, it has no customers.
• The Directors are very aware of the need to carefully manage environmental and social matters
in Chile in order to ensure that it has a social licence to explore and, if successful, to ultimately
mine at the project sites. The Company has prepared a ‘Sustainability’ statement which appears
on the Company’s website and has commenced work on an Environmental, Social and Corporate
Governance (“ESG”) policy to govern how members of the team manage these matters and to
ensure that the Company operates to the highest standards.
• The Company’s values of business conduct are described in the Corporate Governance
Statement. Additionally, the culture of the Company is illustrated by the following statements
that appear on the Company’s website:
• We will be guided by our company values to act with integrity at all times both within the
workplace and within the community more broadly; and
• We will communicate transparently and honestly with all stakeholders
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
28
Section 172(1) Statement (continued)
• Retaining investor support is important to the Company and, therefore, the Directors intend to
keep shareholders fully and equally informed. In the past year, the Company has kept
shareholders informed of progress via news releases, web podcasts, the Company’s website,
attending a mining conference and through direct contact. Moving forward, management will
continue to attend mining conferences where they will be available to meet shareholders in
person.
Approved by the Board on 28 July 2023
Stuart Greene
Chairman of Audit Committee (Non-Executive Director)
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
29
The Directors of the Company are listed on page 10. The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is responsible
for the day-to-day management of the Company, subject to the directions of the Board. The CEO is
supported by the Non-Executive Directors, a Chief Financial Officer who is responsible for the financial
control, management, accounting and reporting functions of the Company, and an in-country manager
to assist with local operations.
The Company recognises the importance of and is committed to high standards of corporate governance.
As a Company listed on the Standard Segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority, the
Company is not required to comply with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. However,
in the interests of observing best practice on corporate governance, the Company observes the
requirements of The Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code (the "QCA Code"), insofar
as is appropriate having regard to the size and nature of the Company and the composition of the Board.
A copy of the QCA Code is available at qca.com.
Since adopting the QCA Code at the time of listing, the Company has departed from it in the following
respects and for the following reasons:
• The CEO is currently only contracted to spend 50% of his time serving the requirements of the
Company and the CFO is only contracted for 3 days a week. This is partly due to other current
obligations of each individual but also assists with maintaining lower remuneration costs for
the Company during its initial stages. As the Company matures it expects to engage its CEO
and CFO on a full-time basis.
• Given its early-stage nature, the Company does not currently have a senior independent
director. For a similar reason the Company does not have a nomination committee, rather this
function will be carried out by the Remuneration Committee. The Board has not carried out a
board performance evaluation during the year.
• The Board does not consider an internal audit function to be applicable due to the Company's
limited number of transactions.
• A diversity policy has not yet been developed but biographies of directors and senior
management and their relevant experience are set out on pages 8 & 9.
The sections below set out how the Group otherwise applies the principles of the QCA Code.
Strategy and business model which promotes long-term value for shareholders
The Company is involved with mineral exploration for copper-gold resources in Chile. Its primary
objective is to generate long term value for shareholders, which it is seeking initially to achieve through
the exploration and evaluation of two early-stage copper-gold projects, and potentially thereafter
through further acquisitions and investments. Using the Company's expertise, it is carrying out a two-
year evaluation work programme to target principally large tonnage, low to medium grade porphyry
style Cu-Au deposits, and subsequently exercise its options to acquire them.
Early stage mineral exploration is by its nature speculative and the Company aims to reduce the risks
inherent in the business by maintaining a close relationships with its Chilean partners who own the
mineral rights over which the Company has an option, keeping abreast of current Chilean political
developments, which might affect the mining industry, regularly reviewing the good standing of the
concessions under option to the Company, and the careful application of funds to the most promising
exploration targets. Further risk factors which the Company regularly takes into account are set out in
the Strategic Report.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
30
Shareholder communications
The Company is committed to engaging with its shareholders to ensure that its strategy, operational
results and financial performance are clearly understood. At this early stage, the Board is focusing on
in-country operations, but expects to engage more actively with shareholders once it has its first drilling
results, including via roadshows, attending investor conferences and through its regular reporting on
the London Stock Exchange. The Company's announcements are set out on its website, which also
hosts its prospectus that was produced for the listing, and its most recent corporate presentation,
webcasts and phone numbers to contact the Company and its professional advisers.
Whilst the Chief Executive Officer has ad-hoc meetings with larger retail shareholders in Australia to
seek their views and concerns, the Company's forthcoming annual general meeting will be the main
forum for dialogue with shareholders and the Board, and notice of the meeting will be sent to
shareholders at least 21 days beforehand. All UK based Directors are expected to attend the AGM and
to be available to answer questions raised by shareholders. For each vote, the number of proxy votes
received for, against and withheld will be announced at the meeting. The results of the AGM will also
be announced via the London Stock Exchange. Investors can always contact the Company via its
website (www.gscplc.com). The Non-Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are also
available to meet with major shareholders in the UK if required to discuss issues of importance to them
and are considered to be independent from the executive management of the Company.
Wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long term success
Aside from its shareholders, the Group's most important stakeholder groups are its employees, local
partners and those local communities that may be impacted by its exploration activities, although given
the size, stage and location of the Company's projects there is minimal impact currently. The Board
regularly reviews stakeholder issues and their potential impact on the Group's business to enable the
Board to understand and consider these issues in decision-making. The Board understands that
maintaining the support of all its stakeholders will be paramount for the long-term success of the
Company.
The Board is also mindful of its obligations to the local environment and to operate according to
appropriate health and safety regulations in respect of both local workers and the local community.
Although at this stage of exploration there is little requirement for engagement, the Board is mindful of
the future need to do so as exploration and development activity on projects increase, such as holding
public forums, site visits and workshops. Social projects in the local communities will be dependent on
local need and also the stage of exploration/level of project investment.
If and when the Company's projects move forward towards potential mining activities, it may seek to
bring in partners, who can credibly make the investments to move towards mine production. In doing
so the Board will have regard for their ability and desire to move projects forward, their industry
reputation and their commitment to treating the local communities fairly and protecting the environment.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
31
Risk management and mitigation
Audit, risk and internal control
Financial controls
The Company has a framework of internal financial controls, the effectiveness of which is regularly
reviewed by the Directors and the Audit Committee. The key financial controls are:
• The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving overall Company strategy, approving
new exploration projects and budgets, and for determining the financial structure of the
Company including treasury and tax matters. The Company maintains a schedule of matters
reserved for the Board;
• The Audit Committee assists the Board in discharging its duties regarding the financial
statements, accounting policies and the maintenance of proper internal business, and
operational and financial controls;
• The Remuneration Committee assists the Board in reviewing the scale and structure of the
executive directors’ and senior employees’ remuneration and the terms of their service or
employment contracts, including share option schemes and other bonus arrangements;
• Regular budgeting and forecasting are performed to monitor the Company’s ongoing cash
requirements and management information is provided to the Board on a monthly basis;
• Due to the international nature of the business the Group holds bank accounts in the UK,
Australia and Chile and moves money between them to mitigate against foreign exchange rate
movement exposures. Foreign currency balances are maintained to meet expected
requirements; and
• The Company manages exploration risk of failure to find economic deposits by low cost early-
stage exploration techniques, with detailed analysis of results. Moving projects to more
expensive exploration techniques requires a rigorous review of results data prior to deciding
whether to proceed with further work.
Non-financial controls
The Board has ultimate responsibility for the Company’s system of internal control and for reviewing its
effectiveness. However, any such system of internal controls can provide only reasonable, but not
absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Board considers that the internal
controls in place are appropriate for the size, complexity and risk profile of the Company. The principal
elements of the Company’s internal control system include:
• Close management of the day-to-day activities of the Company by the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer;
• An organisational structure with defined levels of responsibility, which promotes
entrepreneurial decision-making and rapid implementation while minimising risks; and
• Central control over key areas such as capital expenditure authorisation and banking facilities.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
32
Non-financial controls (continued)
The Company will review at least annually the effectiveness of its system of internal control, whilst also
having regard to its size and the resources available. As part of the Company’s plans, it continues to
review a number of non-financial controls covering areas such as regulatory compliance, business
integrity, health and safety, and corporate social responsibility. All employees have been made aware
of their obligations under anti-bribery and corruption legislation.
Maintaining the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the Chairman
The Board comprises the Non-Executive Chairman, one Executive Director and two Non-Executive
Directors. All Non-executive Directors are considered to be independent and have extensive experience
in the mining industry. The Chairman, Charles Bond, is a qualified lawyer, who advises a large variety
of mining companies, and the other two Non-Executives are a seasoned mining financier (Stuart
Greene) and a stockbroker for mining companies (Nick Briers) respectively. All committed a substantial
amount of their time to launching the Company on the London Stock Exchange, have conducted a site
visit (save for Nick Briers on account of Covid concerns) and continue to contribute a significant amount
of time to the Company's operations.
The Board is satisfied that it has a suitable balance between independence on the one hand, and
knowledge of the Company and industry on the other, to enable it to discharge its duties and
responsibilities effectively. All Directors are encouraged to use their independent judgement and to
challenge all matters, whether strategic or operational.
The Chief Executive Officer is contracted to spend at least half of his time working for the Company,
and the Chief Financial Officer is contracted to provide three days a week of his time. In reality both
have contributed more time during and since the Company's listing, and as operations increase it is
expected that these positions will move to become full time, or alternative staffing arrangements will be
put in place. The Board aims to meet at least quarterly. The agenda is set by the Chairman in
consultation with the Chief Executive, with supporting information provided in a timely manner. The
standard agenda points include:
• Review of previous meeting minutes and actions arising there from;
• A report by the CEO covering all operational matters;
• A report from the CFO covering all financial matters;
• Any other business.
Directors’ conflict of interest
The Company has effective procedures in place to monitor and deal with conflicts of interest. The Board
is aware of the other commitments and interests of its Directors, and changes to these commitments
and interests are reported to and, where appropriate, agreed with the rest of the Board. The Directors
have access to the Company’s brokers and its lawyers, and in particular used these advisers fully for
its admission to listing. The advisers do not typically provide materials for Board meetings except if
requested to do so for the purposes of discussing upcoming regulations and other issues. Directors and
Officers Liability insurance is maintained for all Directors.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
33
Directors’ conflict of interest (continued)
The table below sets out the attendance statistics for all current Board members from Admission to 31
March 2023:
Meetings Attended
Meetings Held
Samuel Garrett
11
11
Stuart Greene
11
11
Nicholas Briers
11
11
Charles Bond
11
11
Directors’ experience, skills and capabilities
The Board is satisfied that, between the Directors, it has an effective and appropriate balance of skills
and experience, particularly so in the area of copper and gold exploration. The Chairman is a practising
lawyer specialising in the mining industry, whilst the other two non-executive directors maintain ongoing
skills at broking for the mining industry and financing mining projects respectively. The Board is
conscious of its current lack of gender balance and will in due course be seeking to address this with
an appropriate appointment insofar as one is available. All Directors receive regular and timely
information on the Company’s operational and financial performance. Relevant information is circulated
to the Directors in advance of meetings. Service contracts are available for inspection at the Company’s
registered office and at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).
New Directors will also be selected having regards to the Company’s needs for a balance of operational,
industry, legal and financial skills. Experience of the Mining industry and in particular the exploration
sector is important but not critical, as is experience of running a public company.
All Directors will retire by rotation at regular intervals in accordance with the Company’s Articles of
Association.
Appointment, removal and re-election of Directors
Policy for new appointments
Base salary levels will take into account market data for the relevant role, internal relativities, the
individual’s experience and their current base salary. Where an individual is recruited at below market
norms, they may be realigned over time (e.g., two to three years), subject to performance in the role.
Benefits will generally be in accordance with the approved policy.
Policy on payment for loss of office
Payment for loss of office would be determined by the Remuneration Committee, taking into account
contractual obligations.
Independent advice
All Directors are able to take independent professional advice in the furtherance of their duties, if
necessary, at the Company’s expense from lawyers, brokers and other professional advisers that they
deem relevant. In addition, the Directors have direct access to the advice and services of the Company
Secretary and Chief Financial Officer.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
34
Board performance based on clear and relevant objectives
Over the next 12 months the Board intends to continue to review the performance of the team as a unit
to ensure that the members of the Board collectively function in an efficient and productive manner.
Over the same period the Non-Executive Directors will continue to seek to set clear and relevant
objectives for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and for the Board as a whole.
A culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours
The Board aims to lead by example and do what is in the best interests of the Company. As it operates
in remote and under-developed areas, it ensures its employees understand their obligations towards
the environment and in respect of anti-bribery and corruption. The Company maintains governance
structures and committees that allow good decision-making by the Board. The Board will maintain this
focus by site visits to the projects in Chile.
Board programme
The Board aims to meet at least quarterly and as and when required. The Board sets direction for the
Company through a formal schedule of matters reserved for its decision. The Board receives
appropriate and timely information prior to each meeting; a formal agenda is produced for each meeting
and Board papers are distributed by the Chairman and Chief Executive several days before meetings
take place. Any Director may challenge Company proposals and decisions are taken democratically
after discussion. Any Director who feels that any concern remains unresolved after discussion may ask
for that concern to be noted in the minutes of the meeting, which are then circulated to all Directors.
Any specific actions arising from such meetings are agreed by the Board and are then followed up by
the Company’s management.
Roles of the Board, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Board is responsible for the long-term success of the Company. There is a formal schedule of
matters reserved to the Board. It is responsible for overall Company strategy; approval of exploration
projects; approval of the annual and interim results; annual budgets; dividend policy; and Board
structure. It monitors the exposure to key business risks. There is a clear division of responsibility at
the head of the Company. The Chairman is responsible for running the business of the Board and for
ensuring appropriate strategic focus and direction.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for proposing the strategic focus to the Board, implementing
it once it has been approved and overseeing the management of the Company. Together with the Chief
Financial Officer and the Company’s in-country manager, he is responsible for establishing and
enforcing systems and controls, and liaison with external advisors, such as the Company’s technical
adviser, Dough Kirwin. He has responsibility for communicating with shareholders, assisted by other
members of the Board where relevant.
Board committees and Policies
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has primary responsibility for monitoring the quality of internal controls and
ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is properly measured and reported on. It receives
and reviews reports from the Group’s management and auditors relating to the interim and annual
accounts and the accounting and internal control systems in use throughout the Group. The Audit
Committee is responsible for keeping under review the scope and results of the audit, its cost
effectiveness and the independence and objectivity of the auditors. It also has responsibility for public
reporting and internal controls, and arrangements whereby employees may raise matters of concern in
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
35
Audit Committee (continued)
confidence. The Audit Committee, which met four times during the year, is chaired by Stuart Greene
and its other member is Nick Briers.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of the CEO and CFO and makes
recommendations to the Board on matters relating to their remuneration and terms of employment.
Under its terms of reference, it is required to meet at least once a year and is responsible for ensuring
that the executive Directors, officers and other key employees are fairly rewarded (which extends to all
aspects of remuneration) for their individual contribution to the overall performance of the Group. The
Remuneration Committee is chaired by Charles Bond and its other member is Nick Briers.
Share dealing policy
The Company has adopted a share dealing policy, which sets out the requirements and procedures for
dealings in any of its listed securities. The share dealing policy applies widely to all Directors of the
Company and its subsidiaries, certain employees and persons closely associated with them. The policy
complies with the Market Abuse Regulations, which came into effect on 10 July 2016 and was onshored
into UK law on 31 December 2020.
Dividend policy
The Board’s current intention is to retain any earnings for use in the Company’s operations and the
Directors do not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company will only
pay dividends at such times (if any) and in such amounts (if any) as the Board determines appropriate
and to the extent that to do so is in accordance with all applicable laws.
Anti-bribery and corruption policy
The Company has adopted an Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy. It applies to the Directors and all
employees of the Company. The Board believes that the Group, through its internal controls, has
appropriate procedures in place to reduce the risk of bribery and that all employees, agents, consultants
and associated persons are made fully aware of the Group’s policies and procedures with respect to
ethical behaviour, business conduct and transparency.
Health and safety
The safety of the Group’s employees and contractors is critical to its operations. The Company aims to
prevent all incidents and accidents at its operations and in a reasonably practicable manner and strives
to minimise hazards inherent in the working environment. The Company is committed to providing a
working environment that is conducive to good health and safety; complying with applicable legal
requirements; ensuring that appropriate resources, training and personal protective equipment are
provided to improve occupational health and safety; ensuring that employees and contractors have the
relevant skills to perform work-related tasks in a safe manner and that they are aware of their individual
health and safety obligations and rights.
Environmental policy
The Company undertakes its exploration activities in a manner that strives to minimise or eliminate
negative impacts and maximise positive impacts of an environmental or socio-economic nature. The
Company is committed to responsible stewardship of natural resources and the ecological environment.
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
36
Environmental policy (continued)
The Company aims to continually improve its environmental performance and the prevention of
pollution, reduce or control the creation, emission or discharge of any type of pollutant or waste and to
reduce adverse environmental impacts; the integration of environmental management into
management practices throughout the company; rehabilitate disturbed land as much as possible and
protect environmental biodiversity; protect cultural heritage resources; comply with applicable legal
requirements; and train and educate employees in environmental responsibilities.
Social policy
The Company aims to minimise potential negative social impacts while promoting opportunities and
benefits for host communities.
The Company is committed to continually improving community development and community
investment programmes through monitoring, measuring and managing our social and economic
impacts; placing local people at the centre of development by helping to build their capacity to control
their own development. The Company has adopted a Social Media Policy to minimise the risks to the
Group’s business through use of social media.
The Company continues to communicate how it Is governed and is performing, by maintaining a
dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders.
The Company communicates with shareholders through the Annual Report and Accounts, full-year and
half-year results’ announcements, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and one-to-one meetings with
large existing or potential new shareholders. The Company posts LSE announcements covering
operational and corporate matters. A range of corporate information (including all Company
announcements and a corporate presentation) is also available to shareholders, investors and the
public on the Company’s corporate website, www.gscplc.com.
Signed on behalf of the Board
Charles Bond
Chairman
28 July 2023
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN
COPPER PLC
37
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Great Southern Copper Plc (the ‘parent company’) and its
subsidiary (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position, the
Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and Parent
Company Statements of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant
accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is
applicable law and UK-adopted international accounting standards and as regards the parent company
financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion:
• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent
company’s affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;
• the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted
international accounting standards;
• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-
adopted international accounting standards and as applied in accordance with the provisions of
the Companies Act 2006; and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and
applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the
group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of
the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest
entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our opinion.
Material uncertainty relating to going concern
We draw attention to note 2 in the financial statements, which indicates that further funding will be
required within 12 months following the date of approval of the financial statements in order to meet
working capital requirements and fund further exploration on the group’s projects. As stated in note 2,
these events or conditions, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on
the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis
of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors’
assessment of the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of
accounting included:
• Reviewing the group’s budgets and cashflow projections which cover the period to 31 July 2024,
being 12 months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue;
• Challenging management’s judgements and estimates, agreeing to supporting documentation,
such as the review of post year end bank statements, post year end management accounts, and
post year end regulatory news service announcements;
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN
COPPER PLC (CONTINUED)
38
• Substantiating the key assumptions and inputs to the model and stress testing plausible
outcomes taking into consideration the financing in place; and
• Assessing the mathematical accuracy of the cashflow projections and comparing to the
performance of the group post year end. We also assessed whether the cashflow projections
were in line in with our understanding of the entity and management’s strategic plans.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to
events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s or parent
company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the
financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described
in the relevant sections of this report.
Our application of materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. The quantitative and qualitative
thresholds for materiality determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit
procedures. The materiality applied to the group financial statements was £134,000 (2022: £225,000),
based on 5% of the net assets. Net assets were selected as the benchmark because the intangible
exploration assets are the primary assets of the business, and their development is the principal activity
of the group. The materiality applied to the parent company financial statements was £76,000 (2022:
£200,000) based on 5% of the net assets. Net assets were selected as the benchmark for the parent
company materiality as the significant balance in the parent company financial statements is the
investment in the subsidiary which owns and operates the underlying exploration assets.
We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate
of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use
performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature and extent of our testing of
account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures. The performance materiality for the group
was £93,800 (2022: £157,500) and £53,200 (2022: £140,000) for the parent company, being 70% of
materiality for the financial statements as a whole.
In determining performance materiality, we considered the following factors:
• Our cumulative knowledge of the group and its environment, including industry specific trends;
• The level of judgement required in respect of the key accounting estimates; and
• The level of misstatements in prior periods.
Component materiality for the parent company’s only subsidiary was set lower than our overall group
materiality at £107,000 (2022: £58,000), based on 5% of net assets, with a performance materiality of
£74,900 (2022: £40,000). Net assets were selected as the benchmark because intangible exploration
assets are the primary assets of the business.
We agreed with the audit committee that we would report all audit differences identified during the course
of our audit in excess of £6,700 (2022: £11,250) at group level, and £3,800 (2022: £10,000) for the parent
company, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative
grounds.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN
COPPER PLC (CONTINUED)
39
Our approach to the audit
Our audit is risk based and is designed to focus our efforts on the areas at greatest risk of material
misstatement, aspects subject to significant management judgement as well as greatest complexity, risk
and size.
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality, as above, and assessed the risk of material
misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked at areas involving significant accounting
estimates and judgement by the directors and considered future events that are inherently uncertain.
These areas of estimate and judgement included:
• the recoverability of intangible assets and investments in subsidiary undertakings, as the future
exploration results are inherently uncertain; and
• the valuation of share based payments which were assessed as an area which involved
significant judgements by management.
We also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including among other matters
consideration of whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of material misstatement due
to fraud.
The accounting records of the parent company and the subsidiary undertaking are centrally located in
London and audited by us. Local auditors in Chile were engaged to report to us on specified procedures
in relation to the subsidiary, namely the compliance with Chilean laws and regulations and for local
banking confirmations.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our
audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of
material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest
effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of
the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on
these matters.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN
COPPER PLC (CONTINUED)
40
Key audit matters (continued)
Key Audit Matter
How our scope addressed this matter
Carrying value of the intangible exploration
assets (note 11)
The group has intangible assets in relation to
capitalised exploration costs in respect of the
San Lorenzo and Especularita projects in
Chile, held within its subsidiary company
Pacific Trends Resources Pty Limited
(“PTRC”). The intangible assets are subject
to periodic impairment reviews when facts
and circumstances may suggest an
impairment. The exploration projects are at
an early stage of development and as a result,
management exercises significant
estimations and judgements in determining
whether an impairment is required.
There is a risk that the intangible assets are
overstated as a result of additions being
incorrectly capitalised under IFRS 6
Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral
Resources, and that indicators of impairment
exist as at 31 March 2023 which have not been
considered by management in their
assessment of the carrying value of the
assets.
The balance is considered to be a key audit
matter due to the material nature of the
balance and as a result of the significant
estimation uncertainty in determining
whether an impairment is required.
Our work in this area included:
• Validating ownership of project licences
to legal documentation and that any
commitments or terms therein have been
adequately met;
• Reviewing the exploration costs
capitalised and agreeing these to
supporting documentation to ensure they
are capitalised in accordance with IFRS
6;
• Obtaining a list of licence areas that were
disposed of in the year and discussing
historic capitalisation or impairment
requirements as a result of the lost
licences; and
• Critically assessing management’s
impairment review, and challenging their
review with consideration from both
internal and external indicators of
impairment under IFRS 6.
Based on the audit procedures performed,
nothing has come to our attention that would
indicate that the carrying value of the intangible
assets is materially misstated.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information
contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the group and parent company financial statements
does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report,
we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be
materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we
are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements
themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement
of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN
COPPER PLC (CONTINUED)
41
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in
accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
• the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for
which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
• the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable
legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the
strategic report or the directors’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate
for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
• the parent company financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be
audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the
preparation of the group and parent company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give
a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or
error.
In preparing the group and parent company financial statements, the directors are responsible for
assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as
applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the
directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no
realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an
audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the
basis of these financial statements.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN
COPPER PLC (CONTINUED)
42
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect
of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting
irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
• We obtained an understanding of the group and parent company and the sector in which they
operate to identify laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a direct effect
on the financial statements. We obtained our understanding in this regard through discussions
with management, and our expertise of the mineral exploration sector.
• We determined the principal laws and regulations relevant to the group and parent company in
this regard to be those arising from the Companies Act 2006, the Listing Rules, the operating
terms set out in the exploration licences, as well as local laws and regulations in Chile.
• We designed our audit procedures to ensure the audit team considered whether there were any
indications of non-compliance by the group and parent company with those laws and regulations.
These procedures included, but were not limited to:
o conducting enquiries of management regarding potential instances of non-compliance;
o reviewing Regulatory News Service (RNS) announcements;
o reviewing legal and professional fees ledger accounts;
o using local experts in Chile to report on the good standing of the subsidiary; and
o reviewing bord minutes and other correspondence from management.
• We also identified the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud. We
considered, in addition to the non-rebuttable presumption of a risk of fraud arising from
management override of controls, whether key management judgements could include
management bias. The potential for bias was identified in relation to the carrying value of the
exploration assets and we addressed this as outlined in the Key Audit Matters section. The
potential for management bias also existed in the valuation of the share-based payments issued
in the year and audit procedures were performed in this regard to recalculate the charge with
reference to the underlying agreements.
• As in all of our audits, we addressed the risk of fraud arising from management override of
controls by performing audit procedures which included, but were not limited to: the testing of
journals and reviewing accounting estimates for evidence of bias.
• Compliance with laws and regulations at the subsidiary level was ensured through enquiry of
management, communication with local auditor and review of local auditor’s work on the
specified procedures and correspondence for any instances of non-compliance.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities,
including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with
regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the
events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware
of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud
rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or
misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the
Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.
This description forms
part of our auditor’s report.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GREAT SOUTHERN
COPPER PLC (CONTINUED)
43
Other matters which we are required to address
We were appointed by the Audit Committee on 9 September 2021 to audit the financial statements for
the period ended 31 March 2021 and subsequent financial periods. Our total uninterrupted period of
engagement is three years, covering the periods ending 31 March 2021 to 31 March 2023.
The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the
parent company and we remain independent of the group and the parent company in conducting our
audit.
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part
16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the
company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to
anyone, other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this
report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Adam Humphreys (Senior Statutory Auditor) 15 Westferry Circus
For and on behalf of PKF Littlejohn LLP Canary Wharf
Statutory Auditor London E14 4HD
28 July 2023
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The notes from pages 50 to 73 form part of these financial statements.
44
Note
Year ended
31 March
2023
£
Year ended
31 March
2022
£
Continuing operations
Administrative expenses
6
(1,298,711 )
(1,037,076 )
Operating loss
(1,298,711 )
(1,037,076 )
Loss before taxation
Taxation
9
(1,298,711 )
(1,037,076 )
Loss for the year attributable to the owners of the
Company
(1,298,711 )
(1,037,076 )
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to
profit or loss:
Exchange rate differences on translation of foreign
operations
(24,178 )
Total comprehensive loss attributable to the owners
of the Company
(1,269,963 )
(1,061,254 )
Pence
Pence
Earnings per share – basic and diluted
10
(0.610
(0.938
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 MARCH 2023
The notes from pages 50 to 73 form part of these financial statements.
45
Note
2023
£
2022
£
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
11
Property, plant and equipment
12
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
14
Cash and cash equivalents
15
Total current assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables
16
(124,733 )
(223,063 )
Total liabilities
(124,733 )
(223,063 )
Net current assets
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
18
Share premium
Share based payment reserve
20
19
Shares to be issued
20
Foreign currency translation reserve
20
(24,178 )
Retained earnings
20
(2,350,431 )
(1,071,617 )
Total equity attributable to the owners of
the Company
Company registered number: 12497319
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 MARCH 2023
The notes from pages 50 to 73 form part of these financial statements.
46
Note
2023
£
2022
£
Assets
Non-current assets
Investments
13
3,991,550
2,641,245
Total non-current assets
3,991,550
2,641,245
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
14
132,960
261,842
Cash and cash equivalents
15
650,857
2,325,365
Total current assets
783,817
2,587,207
Total assets
4,775,367
5,228,452
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
16
(103,541)
(195,763)
Total liabilities
(103,541)
(195,763)
Net current assets
680,276
2,391,444
Net assets
4,671,826
5,032,689
Equity
Share capital
18
2,133,364
2,124,761
Share premium
Share based payments reserve
20
19
3,175,962
235,903
3,175,962
140,160
Shares to be issued
20
-
6,196
Retained earnings
20
(873,403)
(414,390)
Total equity
4,671,826
5,032,689
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 by
choosing not to present its individual Statement of Comprehensive Income and related notes that form
part of these approved financial statements. The Company’s loss for the period from operations is
£478,910 (2022: £379,849)
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 28
July 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
S Garrett
Chief Executive Officer
Company registered number: 12497319
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
47
Share
capital
£
Share
premium
£
Shares to be
issued
£
Share
based
payments
£
Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
£
Retained
earnings
£
Total Equity
£
As at 1 April 2021
(34,541 )
Loss for the year
(1,037,076 )
(1,037,076 )
Exchange rate differences on
translation of foreign operations
(24,178 )
(24,178 )
Total comprehensive income for the
year
(24,178 )
(1,037,076 )
(1,061,254 )
Transactions with shareholders:
Issue of share capital, net of issue
costs
Shares to be issued
Share based payments
As at 31 March 2022
(24,178 )
(1,071,617 )
Loss for the year
(1,298,711 )
(1,298,711 )
Exchange rate differences on
translation of foreign operations
Total comprehensive income for the
year
(1,298,711 )
(1,269,963 )
Transactions with shareholders:
Issue of share capital, net of issue
costs (note 18)
(6,196 )
(22,304 )
Share based payments
As at 31 March 2023
(2,350,431 )
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
48
Share
capital
£
Share
premium
£
Shares to be
issued
£
Share Based
payments
£
Retained
earnings
£
Total
equity
£
As at 1 April 2021
50,000
-
-
-
(34,541)
15,459
Loss for the year
-
-
-
-
(379,849)
(379,849)
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
(379,849)
(379,849)
Transactions with shareholders:
Issue of shares, net of issue costs
2,074,761
3,175,962
-
-
-
5,250,723
Shares to be issued
-
-
6,196
-
-
6,196
Share based payments
-
-
-
140,160
-
140,160
As at 31 March 2022
2,124,761
3,175,962
6,196
140,160
(414,390)
5,032,689
Loss for the year
-
-
-
-
(478,910)
(478,910)
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
(478,910)
(478,910)
Transactions with shareholders:
Issue of shares, net of issue costs (note 18)
8,603
-
(6,196)
(22,304)
19,897
-
Share based payments
-
-
-
118,047
-
118,047
As at 31 March 2023
2,133,364
3,175,962
-
235,903
(873,403)
4,671,826
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
49
Significant non-cash transactions from investing and financing activities are as follows:
Year ended
31 March
2023
£
Year ended
31 March
2022
£
Cash flows from operating activities
-
Loss for the year
(1,298,711 )
(1,037,076 )
Adjustments for:
Share based payments
Depreciation
Working capital adjustments
Increase in trade and other receivables
(155,383 )
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other
payables
(178,642 )
(24,214 )
Net cash outflow from operations
(1,210,402 )
(1,132,877 )
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of subsidiary undertaking
(10,450 )
Net cash acquired with subsidiary
undertaking
Purchase of intangible assets
(923,529 )
(191,753 )
Purchase of plant, property and equipment
(2,205 )
Net cash used in investing activities
(925,734 )
(199,468 )
Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of ordinary share capital, net of issue
costs
Net cash generated from financing
activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
(2,136,136 )
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward
Year ended
31 March
2023
£
Year ended
31 March
2022
£
Equity consideration for business combination
Share option charge
Broker warrants
Remuneration settled through issue of shares
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
50
Significant non-cash transactions from investing and financing activities are as follows:
Year ended
31 March
2023
£
Year ended
31 March
2022
£
Net cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year
(478,910)
(379,849)
Adjustments for:
Share based payments
118,047
83,796
Working capital adjustments
Increase in long term receivables
(1,350,305)
(1,419,683)
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables
128,882
(186,841)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
(92,222)
167,417
Net cash used in operations
(1,674,508)
(1,735,161)
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments to acquire investments
-
(10,450)
Net cash from investing activities
-
(10,450)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of ordinary share capital
-
4,020,976
Net cash generated from financing activities
-
4,020,976
Net (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
(1,674,508)
2,275,365
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
2,325,365
50,000
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward
650,857
2,325,365
Year ended
31 March
2023
£
Year ended
31 March
2022
£
Equity consideration for business combination
Share option charge
Broker warrants
Remuneration settled through issue of shares
-
88,607
-
29,440
1,211,111
83,796
56,364
6,196
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
51
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
52
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
53
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
54
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
55
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
56
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
57
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
58
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
59
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
60
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
61
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
62
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
63
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
64
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
65
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
66
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
67
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
68
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
69
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
70
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
71
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
72
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
73
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
74
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
75
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Samuel Garrett Chief Executive
Charles Bond Non-Executive Chairman
Stuart Greene Non-Executive Director
Nick Briers Non-Executive Director
Company Secretary
MSP Corporate Services Limited
27-28 Eastcastle Street
London
W1W 8DH
Registered Office
Salisbury House, London Wall
London
United Kingdom
EC2M 5PS
Statutory auditors
PKF Littlejohn LLP
15 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London El4 4HD
Broker
SI Capital Limited
67 Grosvenor Street
London
W1K 3JN
Registrars
Share Registrars Limited
The Courtyard
17 West Street
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7DR
Registered Number
12497319
Solicitors
Druces LLP
Salisbury House
London Wall
London
EC2M SPS
GREAT SOUTHERN COPPER PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
76
Principal Bankers
Revolut Ltd
7 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London
England
E14 4HD
Bendigo Bank
The Bendigo Centre
Bendigo VIC 3550
Australia