DEBT FACILITY
19 March 2020
The Facility is secured against the physical assets of Eastinco Limited. The funds, if utilised, will be used for working capital purposes and to allow the Company to pursue its exploration of Huye and new investment targets. The Facility is provided for a term of up to 18 months and an interest rate equal to 6% above commercial lending rates.
Executive Chairman, Charles Bray stated, "This transaction will enable Eastinco to pursue new and valuable exploration licenses at an opportune time. I am pleased that my family can support the company at such a critical juncture."
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A LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
Dear Shareholder,
I write to update you as to the progress and certain key developments to be made over Q2 2020 of Eastinco Mining and Exploration PLC ("Eastinco") and to request your participation in a warrant conversion.
Macro Environment
Over the past several weeks the news has been dominated by the expansion of COVID-19 infections globally and the national responses to the growing pandemic. In
In
Market Environment
With this macro environment in mind, management are actively communicating with tantalum market buyers and participants to gauge their intentions and to gain an understanding of potential price dynamic for the ore. Generally, we see a commitment in the short term on the part of buyers to maintain the supply chains and avoid disruption, but we are aware this could change dramatically and quickly given the global backdrop.
Our approach at Eastinco has been to examine each project and identify, understand, and minimise risks while maximising the potential returns. Simultaneously, we seek to build a portfolio of projects with low initial capital requirements while the potential returns for each project are maximised. This "portfolio of options" approach is intended to maximise the value to Eastinco's shareholders. The risks to our business are actively reviewed by management and the board of directors on a regular basis. Given this approach we are looking to put the company in a position to take advantage of any market changes while maintaining viability at minimal cost.
Projects
Our initial project Kuaka, is nearing completion of the development of the wash plant. The wash plant was fortunately sourced and shipped from
We recently announced a second joint-venture project called Huye. This project is very exciting, and we have begun early exploration of the 600 hectare greenfield site. This site offers an enormous potential for tantalum, tin, and tungsten minerals. Again, with minimal capital expenditure we will either prove or disprove the viability of the site for a detailed drilling programme and full-scale mining.
While the macro environment poses many risks, as stated it is also providing many medium to long term valuable opportunities. To fully take advantage of the opportunities, Eastinco has applied for an additional two exploration licenses for sites in excess of 3,000 hectares total. We hope to hear from the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (the "RMB") before the end of the calendar year. Both sites have been inspected by our geologists and offer strong potential for significant resources.
Capital
Given the late development of the wash plant, our cash levels are relatively low and as a result we have arranged to secure debt. To alleviate the relatively poor cash situation and to secure our long term prospects, we seek new equity capital in the first instance from the shareholder exercise of the existing warrants held by warrant holders. The warrants allow for the acquisition of equity for a pre-money valuation of approximately
Shareholders who exercise warrants will be offered new three year warrants, in replacement of any exercised, with a
Charles
Executive Chairman
charles.bray@eme-plc.com
Follow us on twitter: @eastinco
The directors of Equatorial Mining and Exploration Plc accept responsibility for this announcement.
Equatorial Mining & Exploration Plc: charles.bray@eme-plc.com
Charles
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