Unlock stock picks and a broker-level newsfeed that powers Wall Street.

Q2 2024 Production update and Operational updates

In This Article:

Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining

21 October 2024

Vast Resources plc
(‘Vast’ or the ‘Company’)

Q2 2024 Production update and Operational updates

Vast Resources plc, the AIM-listed mining company, is pleased to announce the Q2 2024 production report for its Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine (‘Baita Plai’) in Romania, provide an operational update following the reorganisation at the mine, and provide an update on the Concentrate sale (as it has been previously referred to). The Company is also pleased to provide an update on production improvements at the Aprelevka mine and the status of product deliveries at the Takob project in Tajikistan.

Baita Plai Mine Operations

The Q2 period, as indicated in a previous announcement, registered lower production both due to the factors that led up to the reorganisation announced on 10 June 2024 and due to the delay in financing which constrained production. The reorganisation plan has targeted lower levels of production in the short-term, the immediate reduction of the workforce, and management’s focus on achieving positive operational cashflow as soon as is possible.

The significantly reduced labour force and reduced operational costs through improved working practices have already been achieved; the workforce now numbers 162, down from 326, and further optimisation initiatives are being implemented, including focussing on high grade areas to conserve the Company’s cash resources, improve project outcomes, and provide a stable platform for phased growth.

Management has calculated that the steps that have been made possible as a result of the reorganisation process have reduced the operating break-even production levels from around 275 dmt to 130dmt of Cu concentrate per month, without taking into account processing income from the former Hanes Gold Mine (see below).

For clarity, and to avoid any misunderstanding, it is important to note that under Romanian law, although the reorganisation of Vast Baita Plai SA, the Company’s wholly owned Romanian subsidiary that holds the Baita Plai association licence, is under a judicial court process, it is of a voluntary nature under which administrators are appointed by the Company. Vast Baita Plai SA, and with it Baita Plai, continue to be controlled by and operated by the Company through Andrew Prelea as Special Administrator, appointed under that judicial process. This reorganisation has made it possible to reduce the labour force, to redraw labour contracts and work practices, and at the same time obtain up to four years repayment terms for its accrued debts and eliminate nuisance claims. The process is ongoing with a Court date set for 14 November 2024, at which the Company’s Judicial Administrator will present the rejected creditors and argue the merits for rejecting any creditors from the initial creditors table, as well as presenting the progress made since entering reorganisation, and present the initial step plan for the reorganisation.