AGM 2023 minutes - Question period For Mali, what are the impacts of the Wagner group and the authorities for the company?
Mr Rousselet replies: Mali is experiencing difficulties. The departure of Minusma and France is not necessarily good news. The arrival of the Wagner group is a fact and there is an increase in tensions on Malian territory. The financial difficulties of the Malian state are felt. For Robex, they now have a fully operational airport runway to make travel safer, and an important on-site security system that meets the needs. Mr. Faucher mentions that given the scale of Nampala's operations, Robex goes under the radar. In addition, the Nampala region is occupied by a single ethnic group, which makes it easier to maintain the level of trust with the communities. Mr Rousselet adds that the strong presence of Malian workers is also a favorable element.
Could Taurus push Robex out of business?
Mr Bonneviot replies that the relationship with Taurus is well established; that Taurus visited the site 4 times; and that their decision to fund this project was preceded by careful consideration. Robex came into contact with numerous financial partners and Taurus' offer was by far the most competitive. Like most financial institutions, Taurus requires numerous guarantees, but it is also people who have an in-depth knowledge of West Africa and who have participated in the development of several projects, including those of Toro Gold and Western Africa who are multi-billion dollar companies. These are people who know what they are doing and this partnership with Robex is made knowingly.
In the context where risk-free rates are around 5% and the cost of capital is well beyond that, what justifies a discount rate of 5% for the calculation of the NPV?
Mr Bonneviot replies that the 5% rate is the one used everywhere in the industry, for comparison purposes, even if it is not representative of the actual financial costs. Consequently, Robex makes its calculations and takes its decisions in consideration of the actual market conditions.
Is the value of equipment acquired from Sycamore included in the CAPEX and what is the value of this equipment?
Mr. Bonneviot replies that the book value of Guinea's assets, at the time of purchase, was approximately $25 million. Since then, some equipment has been depreciated for various reasons and what remains is valued at $30 million. Among these assets are the camp; the airstrip; access roads; …
Is Nampala’s production time decreasing from year to year; how many years are left; and does exploration maintain duration?
Mr Rousselet replies that significant efforts have been made in the past to renew the mineral resources of Nampala; that exploration was then put on hold to focus on Kiniero; and that analytical work has recently resumed. An exploration program is currently being developed in order to obtain the best strategy to maintain the potential of Nampala. This program will be carried out in several phases. Given that Robex now has several sites, the allocation of money will be guided by profitability and the sustainability of operations. Given the resources we currently have in Nampala, we have time to react.
How will you finance the acceleration of drilling on your entire property in Guinea before 2025?
For the moment, Robex has the necessary mineral resources and aims to accelerate drilling once the Kiniero plant is cash flow positive and the debt is repaid.
Does Robex intend to declare dividends in the future?
Mr William replies that the payment of dividends is part of his capital allocation policy. So far, Robex has mainly invested in its assets, around 70% of the cash generated; about 15% to pay off debt; and the rest as a dividend. For the future, Robex will continue to invest where it is most profitable, in consideration of the present competition between assets, and the surplus will be distributed in dividends. Mr. Faucher mentions the possibility of buying back shares on the market, in consideration of profits and the price of gold.
The conclusion of the establishment agreement with the Guinean authorities is scheduled for when?
Mr Bonneviot mentions that Guinea has concluded very few mining conventions in recent years, that it is a process that is restarting, and that Robex is on this file which is progressing very well. Consequently, they expect to announce the signing of this agreement during the summer. Mr Bonneviot adds that this agreement will establish the fiscal framework for the Kiniero operation for the next 15 years.
Mr Faucher closes the question period by expressing his thanks to all the teams; by warmly welcoming new members of the Board of Directors; wishing for a rise in the price of gold that we can accomplish all that we have in mind.