News & Media

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

The financial year ended 31 March 2014 was an exciting year for ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH). Significant milestones such as the restructuring of the balance sheet through a Claw-Back rights offer were successfully completed. This development saw the Company’s balance sheet being strengthened in a significant way thereby placing the Company in a position to leverage this strength to continue with its growth strategy.

Global economy

The global economy grew by 2.9% at the end of December 2013 (2012: 3.2%). Global GDP was lower than 2012 reflecting an economic slowdown in the leading emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Growth in 2013 was a mix of modest improvements in economic conditions in mature economies of the United States and the Eurozone area and a stabilization of the slower growth rates in major emerging markets. During the first quarter ended 31 March 2014 global GDP rose to 3.4% (2013:3.25%). However, growth in sub Saharan Africa was relatively stronger with GDP estimated at 5 % at the end of December 2013 (2012:5.3%). Sub Sahara Africa GDP for the first quarter ended 31 March 2014 was 2.5% (2013:3.1%).

Global copper production increased by 3.2% as at the end of December 2013 (2012: 4.5%). Copper prices declined by 11.6%, from US$7,540 per tonne at the beginning of the financial year to US $ 6,667 per tonne at the close of the financial year.

Despite the scenario above, the Zambian economy recorded growth of 6.7% at the end of December 2013 (2012: 7.2%), 0.2% lower than forecast. Growth was mainly driven by favourable performance in the mining, construction, manufacturing, transport and communication sectors. However, growth was lower than the previous year due to lower than budgeted performance in the mining sector and the weaker global economy.

Financial performance

The Group recorded turnover of K1, 001 million (2013: K520 million) and operating profit of K871 million (2013: K376 million).

The Group reported a profit before tax of K362 million (2013: K654 million). The Group recorded a profit after tax of K277 million (2013: K762 million). The Group’s share of loss of equity accounted investees’ was K537 million (2013: K222 million (profit)).

The Group’s retained earnings as at 31 March 2014 were positive at K4,295 million (2013: K4, 018 million).The Company’s retained earnings increased to K1, 403 million (2013: K511 million).

Strategic and new investments

Recapitalisation of Ndola Lime Company (NLC)

The recapitalisation project at NLC continued. The Company obtained an additional shareholder loan of US$3.5 million from ZCCM-IH towards funding for the Ndola Lime Recapitalisation Project. Subsequent to the year end, ZCCM-IH extended a further US$5million loan to NLC. The commissioning of the second Vertical Kiln (“VK-2”) is targeted for the end of October 2014 and is expected to increase production by 500 tonnes per day, which is predominantly expected to substitute the less efficient Rotary Kiln’s capacity of 400 tonnes per day. The use of coal in the VK-2 as opposed to Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) will greatly enhance the prospects of reducing operating costs and thus make the products competitive.

Nkana Alloy Smelting Company Limited

The restructuring of Chambishi Metals Plc resulted in the formation of Nkana Alloy Smelting Company Limited (Nkana Alloy). In April 2013, ZCCM-IH retained a 10% shareholding in Nkana Alloy. Nkana Alloy is a company formed jointly by ENRC (BVI) Limited who own 90% of the total shareholding and ZCCM-IH. The company was formed for purposes of processing the slag material from the Nkana Slag Dump situated in Kitwe, Copperbelt province of Zambia. The slag material will be processed into a copper/cobalt alloy. The Slag Dump was previously part of Chambishi Metals Plc in which ZCCM-IH has a 10% stake. As at 31 March 2014 operations at the company had not yet commenced.

Mawe Exploration and Technical Services Limited

On 12th April 2013 ZCCM-IH incorporated Mawe Exploration and Technical Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company will play a catalytic role in exploration of base metals and other minerals, oil and gas, the development of local content and beneficiation capabilities, small scale mining development, as well as the provision of attendant quality mining services.

Nkandabwe Coal Mine Limited

Following the granting to ZCCM-IH of the mining licenses previously held by Collum Coal Mining Industries Limited situated in Southern province of Zambia, on 3rd May 2013, ZCCM-IH incorporated Nkandabwe Coal Mines Limited, a 100% wholly owned subsidiary to operate the mine. ZCCM-IH is considering options for creating value for its shareholders using this asset.

Albidon Limited

The Group disposed of its investment in Albidon Limited. This was because on 15th May 2013 the shareholders of Albidon approved the acquisition by Jin Tuo Investments limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Jinchuan Group Resources Holdings Limited which itself is a majority shareholder of Albidon Limited) of 100% of the company at a cash price per share of US$0.0025. The proposal was made to all the shareholders other than Jinchuan Group via a statutory merger pursuant to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Business Companies Act 2004 (as amended).As a result, ZCCM-IH disposed of its 3,389,831 shares and received cash consideration of US$8,474.57.

Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) Rights offer

During the year, CEC Plc conducted a 5 for 8 Rights Offer to raise K387.5 million to undertake various expansion projects ZCCM-IH followed through its entitlement and acquired 125,000 shares.

Recapitalisation of ZCCM-IH

At the Extra Ordinary General Meeting of the members of the Company held on 24 February 2014, the shareholders unanimously resolved to recapitalize ZCCM-IH via a Claw-Back rights offer transaction. On 25 March 2014, ZCCM-IH announced that it had concluded the restructuring of its balance sheet. This achievement was the result of the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), in its capacity and role as the majority shareholder, to strengthen ZCCM-IH’s balance sheet in order to reposition and attract new investment into the Company. As part of the balance sheet restructuring, GRZ converted the debt owed to it by ZCCM-IH into equity through a rights issue.

Through a Debt Settlement Agreement between the GRZ and ZCCM-IH signed on 25 March 2014, ZCCM-IH’s net indebtedness of ZMW 1,829,298,173.06 to GRZ was converted into equity, thereby satisfying the issuance and subscription for 87.52% of the new shares by GRZ.

Simultaneously, ZCCM –IH raised fresh capital on the 12.48 % portion of the rights offer amounting to K260, 759,573 which was underwritten by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) on a Claw-Back basis. The Claw-Back arrangement allows the minority shareholders of ZCCM-IH who before the rights offer held 12.48% shareholding in the Company to also fully participate in the share rights offer at the same price as GRZ.

Following the Rights Offer, GRZ owns 87.52 % of ZCCM-IH while the remaining 12.48 % is held by the minority shareholders.

Capital market

The ZCCM-IH share price on the Lusaka Stock Exchange closed the year at K27 (2013: K12.5). The market capitalisation as at 31 March 2014 was K4,341 million (2013: K1,116 million).The growth in the company’s share price is indicative of the growing confidence from the market.

Outlook

While global activity has generally strengthened and is expected to continue in 2014–15 on the back of growth coming from mature economies, emerging economies have seen increased financial volatility as well as increases in the cost of capital. These factors may dampen investment and growth.

ZCCM-IH remains confident about the fundamentals of the mining industry in general and those of copper in particular.

Zambia’s growth prospects still remain positive relative to most of the economies in Sub-Saharan Africa premised on increased execution of development projects, investment in transport infrastructure, private investment in existing and new mining operations, and power projects.

ZCCM-IH capacity to create value for its shareholders has grown.

Directorate

During the year, ZCCM-IH announced the loss of Mr Wila D Mung’omba, Executive Chairman, who passed away on 17 February 2014. There were changes to the Directorate as follows:

Mr Wila D Mung’omba Deceased Executive Chairman

Dr Victor Mutambo Retired Non-Executive Director

Mr Philippe Taussac Appointed Non-Executive Director

Appreciation

I extend my gratitude to my fellow Board members, the Management and Staff of ZCCM-IH for their commitment and hard work during the past financial year. I further extend my gratitude to the investee companies for their efforts and contributions during the year.

Cosmas Mwananshiku

Director

Chairman’s Statement

During the period under review the global economy continued to record sluggish growth and continuing volatility. Uncertainty across the major economic regions ranging from the post election fiscal cliff in the United States of America, the Chinese leadership transition, to reforms in the Eurozone area continued to impact the global economy.

Global copper demand marginally increased by 3.1% (2012:3.2%), while copper production increased by 4.5% (2012: Nil). Copper prices declined 9.4%, from US$8,318 per tonne at the beginning of the year to US$7,540 per tonne at the close of the financial year.

Despite the scenario above, the Zambian economy recorded growth of 7.2% in 2013 (2012:6.6%), 0.5% lower than forecast due to lower than budgeted performance in the mining sector and the weaker global economy.

Financial performance

For the Group, investment in productive capacity, efforts to reposition and enhance efficiencies continued. Investment in Ndola Lime Company Limited continued and this was expected to improve the production capacity of lime and the Group’s business.

Other investee companies continued with their growth strategies premised on the prospect of recovery in global demand and improved investments in power projects intended to remove bottlenecks in electricity supply. Growth in output is expected in 2014-15 as investments continue in Lubambe Copper Mine Plc, Konkola Copper Mines Plc as well as First Quantum Minerals Limited’s new Trident Mine.

The Group recorded turnover of K520 million (2012: K257 million) and operating profit of K417 million (2012: K367 million). Improved dividend payments from investee companies impacted positively on Group performance.

The Group reported a profit before tax of K654 million (2012: K1, 053 million). The Group recorded a profit after tax of K762 million (2012: K1, 238 million). The Group’s share of profit of equity accounted investees reduced to K222 million (2012: K640 million).

The Group’s retained earnings as at 31 March 2013 were positive at K4, 018 million (2012: K3, 256 million).The Company’s retained earnings became positive for the first time to K511 million (2012: negative K57 million).

Strategic and new investments

Ndola Lime Company Limited continued with the rehabilitation of the plant as part of the recapitalisation project of the company. The electrostatic precipitator on the rotary kiln was recommissioned and a new dust abatement unit on the vertical kiln was installed. ZCCM-IH provided an additional loan of K133 million (2012: K137 million) for the recapitalisation project expected to be commissioned in December 2013.

In September 2012, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) gave approval for the conversion of all or part of the GRZ debt owed by ZCCM-IH amounting to K 1.9 billion (approximately US$352 million) into equity through a rights issue. As at 31st March 2013, implementation modalities involving the appointment of the Lead Financial Advisors to undertake the rights issue had progressed. As part of this exercise, a valuation of ZCCM-IH and its investments was conducted to ascertain the appropriate value of ZCCM-IH shares. The valuation has been incorporated in these financial statements. The whole balance sheet restructuring exercise is expected to be completed in 2014.

During the period under review, ZCCM-IH and Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) entered into a Settlement Agreement pursuant to which certain outstanding payments owed by KCM to ZCCM-IH and certain contingent amounts payable, under the then existing Price Participation Arrangements (PPAs) which dated back to March 2000 were settled. The PPAs were concurrently terminated. Under the settlement agreement, US$46.3 million was required to be paid by KCM (in instalments) to ZCCM-IH on or before 31 August 2013, and a further US$73.4 million (in instalments) on or before 30 September 2016.

During the financial year under review, GRZ announced the cancellation of the Small Scale Mining Licenses issued to Collum Coal Mining Industries Limited (Collum) situated in Sinazongwe District in the Southern Province of Zambia. Following the cancellation of the licenses, ZCCM-IH applied for and was issued with licences for the coal mine. ZCCM-IH has incorporated Nkandabwe Coal Mine Limited, a 100% subsidiary to operate the coal mine. ZCCM-IH intends to look for strategic partners to work with and develop the mine.

Albidon Zambia Ltd was placed under care and maintenance during the financial year under review so as to maintain the investment at Munali. On 28 March 2013, the Board of Albidon Limited announced, that Jin Tuo Investment Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Jinchuan Group Resources Holdings Limited, which is itself a majority shareholder of Albidon Limited) had proposed to acquire 100 per cent of the Albidon Limited at a cash price per share of US$0.0025. Subsequent to the financial year under review, the proposal was made to all shareholders other than the Jinchuan Group via a Statutory Merger pursuant to the British Virgin Islands Business Companies Act 2004 (as amended).

During the year, the Board of ZCCM-IH resolved to restructure and reorganise the Legal Department. The objective of the restructuring was to separate all legacy matters from current and future business so that the internal legal counsel would focus on current and future business while legacy matters could be handled by external legal counsel. The other objective was to downsize and enhance efficiencies. In this regard, all legacy (historical) related conveyancing and litigation matters were outsourced to an external law firm. As a result of the restructuring the number of staff in the legal department reduced from 26 to 3.

Further restructuring decisions were made to the Environment Department. The restructuring of the Environment Department resulted in the formation of a subsidiary company called Misenge Environmental and Technical Services Limited (METS), The objective of the restructuring was to allow ZCCM-IH to be more focused on investment activities while METS would provide environmental management services to ZCCM-IH including taking over all outstanding and future environmental obligations for ZCCM-IH. METS would also provide environment management services to other clients. METS officially commenced operations on 1 February 2013.

Capital market

The ZCCM-IH share price on the Lusaka Stock Exchange closed the year at K12.5 (2011; K12.5). The market capitalisation as at 31 March 2013 was K1, 116 million (2012; K1, 116 million).

To strengthen corporate governance in investee companies, ZCCM-IH adopted a new policy for the appointment of Representative Directors intended to tap best talent to represent ZCCM-IH on the Boards of Directors of its investee companies. This was done by advertising in the national media for applicants who would be interested in taking up directorships in ZCCM-IH’s investee companies. The applicants were subjected to interviews before selection. To this effect, new ZCCM-IH’s Representative Directors were appointed on the Boards of investee companies in September 2012.

Outlook

ZCCM-IH remains confident about the fundamentals of the mining industry in general and those of copper in particular. While continued volatility is expected in the short term, the long-term fundamentals for copper are expected to remain strong on the back of continued urbanization in China, India, South East Asia and Africa.

The Zambian economy is expected to continue to grow at higher rates than most of the economies in Sub-Saharan Africa premised on increased execution of development projects, investment in transport infrastructure, private investment in existing and new mining operations, and power projects.

ZCCM-IH is well positioned to maximise returns from its existing investments currently concentrated in copper mining, as well as pursuing value adding opportunities in other minerals and mining related opportunities.

Directorate

During the year, there were changes to the Directorate as follows:

Dr B K E Ng’andu Appointed 02 April 2012 Non Executive Director

Mrs P C Kabamba Appointed 15 January 2013 Non Executive Director

Dr A Mwenda Retired 30 June 2012 Non Executive Director

Appreciation

I extend my gratitude to my fellow Board members, the Management and Staff of ZCCM-IH for their commitment and hard work during the past financial year. I further extend my gratitude to the investee companies for their efforts and contributions in the year.

Wila D Mung’omba

Executive Chairman of the Board