RNS Number:5574I
Murchison United NL
11 March 2003

                                                                  Rules 4.1, 4.3

                                  Appendix 4B



                      Half yearly/preliminary final report

Introduced 30/6/2002.


Name of entity
MURCHISON UNITED NL


ABN or equivalent company       Half yearly       Preliminary      Half year/financial year ended ('current
reference                                         final (tick)     period')

59 009 087 852                  (X)                   .
                                                    
                                 


For announcement to the market

Extracts from this report for announcement to the market (see note 1).
                                                                 $A'000

Revenues from ordinary activities (item 1.1)       down         4% to     19,080
                                                                                     

Profit (loss) from ordinary activities after tax   down       132% to    (28,037)
attributable to members (item 1.22)                                                

Profit (loss) from extraordinary items after tax   gain (loss)         -
attributable to members (item 2.5(d))              of                                     


Net profit (loss) for the period attributable to   down      132% to     (28,037)
members (item 1.11)                                                                

Dividends (distributions)                                 Amount per security    Franked amount per
                                                                                      security
Final dividend (Preliminary final report only - item
15.4)                                                                       c                   c  
Interim dividend (Half yearly report only - item 15.6)

Previous corresponding period (Preliminary final report -
item 15.5; half yearly report  - item 15.7)                                 c                   c
                                                                             

+Record date for determining entitlements to the
dividend,

(in the case of a trust, distribution) (see item
15.2)

Brief explanation of any of the figures reported above (see Note 1) and short details of any bonus or
cash issue or other item(s) of importance not previously released to the market:


If this is a half yearly report it is to be read in conjunction with the most
recent annual financial report.

Condensed consolidated statement of financial performance

                                                                                                                      
                                                     Current period - $A'000   Previous corresponding period - $A'000 
  
  1.1     Revenues from ordinary activities (see          19,080                    19,930                            
          items 1.23 -1.25)                                                                                           
  1.2     Expenses from ordinary activities (see          (46,996)                  (31,867)                          
          items 1.26 & 1.27)                                                                                          
  1.3     Borrowing costs                                 (121)                     (163)                             
  1.4     Share of net profits (losses) of                -                         -                                 
          associates and joint venture entities                                                                       
          (see item 16.7)                                                                                             
                                                                                                                      
  1.5     Profit (loss) from ordinary activities          (28,037)                  (12,100)                          
          before tax                                                                                                  
  1.6     Income tax on ordinary activities (see          -                         -                                 
          note 4)                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                      
  1.7     Profit (loss) from ordinary activities          (28,037)                  (12,100)                          
          after tax                                                                                                   
  1.8     Profit (loss) from extraordinary items          -                         -                                 
          after tax (see item 2.5)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                      
  1.9     Net profit (loss)                               (28,037)                  (12,100)                          
  1.10    Net profit (loss) attributable to               -                         -                                 
          outside +equity interests                                                                                   
                                                                                                                      
  1.11    Net profit (loss) for the period                (28,037)                  (12,100)                          
          attributable to members                                                                                     
                                                                                 
                                        Non-owner transaction changes in equity  
                                                                                                                      
  1.12    Increase (decrease) in revaluation reserves                                                                 
  1.13    Net exchange differences recognised in equity                                                               
  1.14    Other revenue, expense and initial adjustments recognised directly in equity                                
          (attach details)                                                                                            
  1.15    Initial adjustments from UIG transitional provisions                                                        
  1.16    Total transactions and adjustments recognised directly in equity (items 1.12 to           -           -     
          1.15)                                                                                                       
  1.17    Total changes in equity not resulting from transactions with owners as owners         (28,037)    (12,100)  
                                                                                                      
                  Earnings per security (EPS)                 Current period   Previous corresponding 
                                                                               period                 
                  1.18                          Basic EPS          (21.70)          (12.24)           
                                                                                                      
                  1.19                          Diluted EPS        (21.70)          (11.24)           

Notes to the condensed consolidated statement of financial performance 
 

Profit (loss) from ordinary activities attributable to members

 

                                                                                                                      
                                                     Current period - $A'000   Previous corresponding period - $A'000 

  1.20    Profit (loss) from ordinary activities          (28,037)                  (12,100)                          
          after tax (item 1.7)                                                                                        
                                                                                                                      
  1.21    Less (plus) outside +equity interests           -                         -                                 
  1.22    Profit (loss) from ordinary activities          (28,037)                  (12,100)                          
          after tax, attributable to members                                                                          
 
Revenue and expenses from ordinary activities 
(see note 15) 

                                                                                                                      
                                                           Current period - $A'000   Previous corresponding period -  
                                                                                     $A'000                           
  1.23                  Revenue from sales or services          18,772                    19,292                      
  1.24                  Interest revenue                        303                       365                         
  1.25                  Other relevant revenue                  5                         273                         
  1.26                  Details of relevant expenses                                      (270)                       
                        Change in inventories of                1,136                     13,206                      
                        finished goods and work in              10,086                    5,748                       
                        progress                                4,928                     4,612                       
                        Contractors                             2,896                     216                         
                        Consumables                             326                       3,307                       
                        Selling and realisation expenses        4,173                     163                         
                        Insurance costs                         121                       255                         
                        Employee expenses                       253                       1,679                       
                        Borrowing costs                         6,691                     1,002                       
                        Royalties                               -                         -                           
                        Hedging losses                          14,356                    1,296                       
                        Writedown of inventories                1,461                                                 
                        Writedown in carrying value                                                                   
                        Other expenses                                                                                
  1.27                  Depreciation and amortisation           690                       816                         
                        excluding amortisation of                                                                     
                        intangibles (see item 2.3)                                                                    

  Capitalised outlays                                                                                                 

  1.28                  Interest costs capitalised in           -                         -                           
                        asset values                                                                                  
  1.29                  Outlays capitalised in                  -                         -                           
                        intangibles (unless arising from                                                              
                        an +acquisition of a business)                                                                

Consolidated retained profits

                                                                                                                      
                                                     Current period - $A'000   Previous corresponding period - $A'000 

  1.30    Retained profits (accumulated losses) at        (38,624)                  (12,341)                          
          the beginning of the financial period                                                                       
                                                          (28,037)                  (12,100)                          
  1.31    Net profit (loss) attributable to                                                                           
          members (item 1.11)                                                                                         
                                                          -                         -                                 
  1.32    Net transfers from (to) reserves                                                                            
          (details if material)                                                                                       
                                                          -                         -                                 
  1.33    Net effect of changes in accounting                                                                         
          policies                                                                                                    
                                                          -                         -                                 
  1.34    Dividends and other equity distributions                                                                    
          paid or payable                                                                                             
                                                                                                                      
  1.35    Retained profits (accumulated losses) at        (66,661)                  (24,441)                          
          end of financial period                                                                                     
 

Intangible and extraordinary items

 

                                                                                                                      
                                                             Consolidated - current period                            
                                   Before tax               Related tax   Related outside       Amount (after tax)    
                                   $A'000                   $A'000        +equity interests     attributable to       
                                                                          $A'000                members               
                                   (a)                      (b)           (c)                   $A'000                
                                                                                                (d)                   
  2.1    Amortisation of goodwill                                                                                     
  2.2    Amortisation of other                                                                                        
         intangibles                                                                                                  
  2.3    Total amortisation of                                                                                        
         intangibles                                                                                                  
  2.4    Extraordinary items                                                                                          
         (details)                                                                                                    
  2.5    Total extraordinary                                                                                          
         items                                                                                                        
 

                                                                                                                      
  Comparison of half year profits                                      Current year - $A'000   Previous year - $A'000 
  (Preliminary final report only)                                                                                     
  3.1                                Consolidated profit (loss) from                                                  
                                     ordinary activities after tax                                                    
                                     attributable to members                                                          
                                     reported for the 1st half year                                                   
                                     (item 1.22 in the half yearly                                                    
                                     report)                                                                          
  3.2                                Consolidated profit (loss) from                                                  
                                     ordinary activities after tax                                                    
                                     attributable to members for the                                                  
                                     2nd half year                                                                    
                                                                                                                      
  Condensed consolidated statement                  At end of current       As shown in last        As in last half   
  of financial position                               period $A'000       annual report $A'000   yearly report $A'000 

                          Current assets                                                                              
  4.1                     Cash                         747                     342                    675             
  4.2                     Receivables                  13,608                  1,966                  2,201           
  4.3                     Investments                  -                       -                      -               
  4.4                     Inventories                  1,633                   5,269                  8,643           
  4.5                     Tax assets                   -                       -                      -               
  4.6                     Other (provide               981                     242                    718             
                          details if material)                                                                        
  4.7                     Total current assets         16,969                  7,819                  12,237          
                          Non-current assets                                                                          
  4.8                     Receivables                  22                      11,982                 12,210          
  4.9                     Investments (equity          -                       -                      -               
                          accounted)                                                                                  
  4.10                    Other investments            25                      51                     51              
  4.11                    Inventories                  -                       -                      -               
  4.12                    Exploration and              -                       -                      -               
                          evaluation                                                                                  
                          expenditure                                                                                 
                          capitalised (see para                                                                       
                          .71 of AASB 1022)                                                                           
  4.13                    Development                  -                       -                      -               
                          properties (+mining                                                                         
                          entities)                                                                                   
  4.14                    Other property, plant        2,051                   14,195                 15,190          
                          and equipment (net)                                                                         
  4.15                    Intangibles (net)            -                       -                      -               
  4.16                    Tax assets                   -                       -                      -               
  4.17                    Other (provide               -                       -                      -               
                          details if material)                                                                        
  4.18                    Total non-current            2,098                   26,228                 27,451          
                          assets                                                                                      
  4.19                    Total assets                 19,067                  34,047                 39,688          
                          Current liabilities                                                                         
  4.20                    Payables                     15,776                  12,785                 13,361          
  4.21                    Interest bearing             1,927                   1,700                  2,167           
                          liabilities                                                                                 
  4.22                    Tax liabilities              -                       -                      -               
  4.23                    Provisions exc. tax          532                     3,079                  2,434           
                          liabilities                                                                                 
  4.24                    Other (provide                                       -                      1,679           
                          details if material)         23,469                  1,349                  1,708           
                          Deferred Hedging Loss        1,274                                                          
                          Customer Advance                                                                            
  4.25                    Total current                42,978                  18,913                 21,349          
                          liabilities                                                                                 
                          Non-current                                                                                 
                          liabilities                                                                                 
  4.26                    Payables                     -                       -                      -               
  4.27                    Interest bearing             -                       346                    1,037           
                          liabilities                                                                                 
  4.28                    Tax liabilities              -                       -                      -               
  4.29                    Provisions exc. tax          5,058                   4,973                  5,764           
                          liabilities                                                                                 
  4.30                    Other (provide               637                     1,011                  1,566           
                          details if material)         -                       13,675                 5,392           
                          Deferred Income                                                                             
                          Customer Advance                                                                            
  4.31                    Total non-current            5,695                   20,005                 13,759          
                          liabilities                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
  4.32                    Total liabilities            48,673                  38,918                 35,108  
  4.33                    Net assets                 (29,606)                  (4,871)                 4,580   

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position continued 

                                                                                                                   
             Equity                                                                                                
     4.34    Capital/contributed equity                                  37,055           33,753          29,021   
     4.35    Reserves                                                    -                -               -        
     4.36    Retained profits (accumulated losses)                       (66,661)         (38,624)        (24,441) 
     4.37    Equity attributable to members of the parent entity                                                   
                                                                         (29,606)         (4,871)         4,580    
     4.38    Outside +equity interests in controlled entities            -                -               -        
     4.39    Total equity                                                (29,606)         (4,871)         4,580    
                                                                                                                   
     4.40    Preference capital included as part of 4.37                                                           
                                                                         -                -               -        
Notes to the condensed consolidated statement of financial position 
 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure capitalised     N/A

(To be completed only by entities with mining interests if amounts are material. Include all expenditure incurred.) 
 

                                                                                                                      
                                                       Current period $A'000   Previous corresponding period - $A'000 
  5.1    Opening balance                                                                                              
  5.2    Expenditure incurred during current period                                                                   
  5.3    Expenditure written off during current                                                                       
         period                                                                                                       
  5.4    Acquisitions, disposals, revaluation                                                                         
         increments, etc.                                                                                             
  5.5    Expenditure transferred to Development                                                                       
         Properties                                                                                                   
  5.6    Closing balance as shown in the                                                                              
         consolidated balance sheet (item 4.12)                                                                       

Development properties     N/A

(To be completed only by entities with mining interests if amounts are material) 
 

                                                                                   
                                    Current period $A'000   Previous corresponding 
                                                            period - $A'000        
                                                                                                       
                6.1    Opening balance                                                                 
                6.2    Expenditure incurred during current period                                      
                6.3    Expenditure transferred from exploration and evaluation                         
                6.4    Expenditure written off during current period                                   
                6.5    Acquisitions, disposals, revaluation increments, etc.                           
                6.6    Expenditure transferred to mine properties                                      
                6.7    Closing balance as shown in the consolidated balance sheet (item 4.13)          

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

 

                                                                                                                      
                                                       Current period $A'000   Previous corresponding period - $A'000 
          Cash flows related to operating activities                                                                  
  7.1     Receipts from customers                           18,697                  21,922                            
  7.2     Payments to suppliers and employees               (20,724)                (25,461)                          
  7.3     Dividends received from associates                -                       -                                 
  7.4     Other dividends received                          -                       -                                 
  7.5     Interest and other items of similar nature        137                     412                               
          received                                                                                                    
  7.6     Interest and other costs of finance paid          (59)                    (134)                             
  7.7     Income taxes paid                                 -                       -                                 
  7.8     Other (provide details if material)               -                       -                                 
                                                                                                                      
  7.9     Net operating cash flows                          (1,949)                 (3,261)                           
          Cash flows related to investing activities                                                                  
  7.10    Payment for purchases of property, plant          (65)                    (39)                              
          and equipment                                                                                               
  7.11    Proceeds from sale of property, plant and         -                       97                                
          equipment                                                                                                   
  7.12    Payment for purchases of equity investments       -                       -                                 
  7.13    Proceeds from sale of equity investments          -                       -                                 
  7.14    Loans to other entities                           -                       -                                 
  7.15    Loans repaid by other entities                    -                       -                                 
  7.16    Other (provide details if material)               (55)                    (278)                             
          Mine development                                  (326)                   (638)                             
          Project evaluation                                438                     -                                 
          Refund of security deposits                                                                                 
                                                                                                                      
  7.17    Net investing cash flows                          (8)                     (858)                             
          Cash flows related to financing activities                                                                  
  7.18    Proceeds from issues of +securities               (3,302)                 -                                 
          (shares, options, etc.)                                                                                     
  7.19    Proceeds from borrowings                          -                       2,765                             
  7.20    Repayment of borrowings                           (750)                   (3,345)                           
  7.21    Dividends paid                                    -                       -                                 
  7.22    Other (provide details if material)               (65)                    (131)                             
                                                                                                                      
  7.23    Net financing cash flows                          2,487                   (711)                             
  7.24    Net increase (decrease) in cash held              530                     (4,830)                           
  7.25    Cash at beginning of period                       342                     17,413                            
          (see Reconciliation of cash)                                                                                
  7.26    Exchange rate adjustments to item 7.25            (117)                   (13)                              
  7.261   Transfer to retention account                     -                       (11,500)                          
  7.27    Cash at end of period                             755                     1,070                             
          (see Reconciliation of cash)                                                                                

Non-cash financing and investing activities

Details of financing and investing transactions which have had a material effect on consolidated assets and
liabilities but did not involve cash flows are as follows. ( If an amount is quantified, show comparative amount.) 

                                                              
                                                          Nil 
Reconciliation of cash

                                                                                                                      
  Reconciliation of cash at the end of the period (as shown in the     Current period $A'000   Previous corresponding 
  consolidated statement of cash flows) to the related items in the                            period - $A'000        
  accounts is as follows.                                                                                             

  8.1                                  Cash on hand and at bank             747                     675               
  8.2                                  Deposits at call                     8                       395               
  8.3                                  Bank overdraft                       -                       -                 
  8.4                                  Other (provide details)                                      -                 
                                                                            -                                         
                                                                                                                  
  8.5                                  Total cash at end of period          755                     1,070             
                                       (item 7.27)                                                                    

Other notes to the condensed financial statements 

                                                                                                                      
  Ratios                                                                      Current period   Previous corresponding 
                                                                                               period                 
  9.1      Profit before tax / revenue                                             (147%)           (61%)             
           Consolidated profit (loss) from ordinary activities before tax                                             
           (item 1.5) as a percentage of revenue (item 1.1)                                                           
  9.2      Profit after tax / +equity interests                                    (95%)            (248%)            
           Consolidated net profit (loss) from ordinary activities after                                              
           tax attributable to members (item 1.11) as a percentage of                                                 
           equity (similarly attributable) at the end of the period (item                                             
           4.37)                                                                                                      

Earnings per security (EPS) 

                                                                                                                      
  10.   Details of basic and diluted EPS reported separately in accordance with paragraph 9 and 18 of AASB 1027:      
        Earnings Per Share are as follows.                                                                            
                                                                                                                 
        Basic Earnings Per Share (21.7) cents                                                                    
                                                                                                                 
        Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of the Basic EPS 129.2million shares  
                                                                                                                    
    NTA backing                                                             Current period   Previous corresponding 
    (see note 7)                                                                             period                 
    11.1            Net tangible asset backing per +ordinary security                                               

Discontinuing Operations     N/A

     

(Entities must report a description of any significant activities or events relating to discontinuing operations in
accordance with paragraph 7.5 (g) of AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting, or, the details of discontinuing
operations they have disclosed in their accounts in accordance with AASB 1042: Discontinuing Operations (see note
17).) 
 
12.1      Discontinuing Operations

Control gained over entities having material effect     N/A

 

                                                                                                                      
  13.1   Name of entity (or group of entities)                                                                        
  13.2   Consolidated profit (loss) from ordinary activities and extraordinary items after tax of the controlled    $ 
         entity (or group of entities) since the date in the current period on which control was +acquired            
  13.3   Date from which such profit has been calculated                                                              
  13.4   Profit (loss) from ordinary activities and extraordinary items after tax of the controlled entity (or      $ 
         group of entities) for the whole of the previous corresponding period                                        
Loss of control of entities having material effect     N/A

                                                                                                                      
  14.1   Name of entity (or group of entities)                                                                        
  14.2   Consolidated profit (loss) from ordinary activities and extraordinary items after tax of the controlled    $ 
         entity (or group of entities) for the current period to the date of loss of control                          
  14.3   Date to which the profit (loss) in item 14.2 has been calculated                                             
  14.4   Consolidated profit (loss) from ordinary activities and extraordinary items after tax of the controlled    $ 
         entity (or group of entities) while controlled during the whole of the previous corresponding period         
  14.5   Contribution to consolidated profit (loss) from ordinary activities and extraordinary items from sale of   $ 
         interest leading to loss of control                                                                          
 

Dividends (in the case of a trust, distributions)     N/A

 

                                                                                                                      
  15.1   Date the dividend (distribution) is payable                                                                  
  15.2   +Record date to determine entitlements to the dividend (distribution) (ie, on the basis of proper            
         instruments of transfer received by 5.00 pm if +securities are not +CHESS approved, or security holding      
         balances established by 5.00 pm or such later time permitted by SCH Business Rules if +securities are +CHESS 
         approved)                                                                                                    
  15.3   If it is a final dividend, has it been declared?                                                             
         (Preliminary final report only)                                                                              

Amount per security     N/A

 

                                                                                                                      
                                                Amount per security     Franked amount per     Amount per security of 
                                                                      security at % tax (see   foreign source dividend
                                                                              note 4)                                 
  15.4    (Preliminary final report only)                          c                        c                        c
          Final dividend:      Current year                                                                           
                                                                                                                      
  15.5              Previous year                                  c                        c                        c
  15.6    (Half yearly and preliminary final                       c                        c                        c
          reports)                                                                                                    
          Interim dividend:     Current year                                                                          
                                                                                                                      
  15.7              Previous year                                  c                        c                        c
 

Total dividend (distribution) per security (interim plus final)     N/A

(Preliminary final report only)

                                                                                           
                                                              Current year   Previous year 
                              15.8   +Ordinary securities                                  
                                                                         c               c 
                              15.9   Preference +securities                                
                                                                         c               c 
Half yearly report - interim dividend (distribution) on all securities or

Preliminary final report - final dividend (distribution) on all securities     N/A

 

                                                                                                                  
                                                                   Current period $A'000   Previous corresponding 
                                                                                           period - $A'000        
      15.10    +Ordinary securities (each class separately)                                                       
      15.11    Preference +securities (each class separately)                                                     
      15.12    Other equity instruments (each class separately)                                                         
      15.13    Total                                                                                                   
                                                                                                             
 

                                                                                                                      
  The +dividend or distribution plans shown below are in operation.                                                   
                                                                                                                      
  The last date(s) for receipt of election notices for the +dividend or distribution plans                            
                                                                                                                      
  Any other disclosures in relation to dividends (distributions). (For half yearly reports, provide details in        
  accordance with paragraph 7.5(d) of AASB 1029 Interim Financial Reporting)                                          
Details of aggregate share of profits (losses) of associates and joint venture entities     N/A

                                                                                                                      
                                                                Current period $A'000   Previous corresponding period 
  Group's share of associates' and joint venture entities':                             - $A'000                      
  16.1                          Profit (loss) from ordinary                                                           
                                activities before tax                                                                 
  16.2                          Income tax on ordinary                                                                
                                activities                                                                            
  16.3                          Profit (loss) from ordinary                                                           
                                activities after tax                                                                  
  16.4                          Extraordinary items net of tax                                                        
  16.5                          Net profit (loss)                                                                     
  16.6                          Adjustments                                                                           
  16.7                          Share of net profit (loss) of                                                         
                                associates and joint venture                                                          
                                entities                                                                              
Material interests in entities which are not controlled entities     N/A

The economic entity has an interest (that is material to it) in the following entities. (If the interest was acquired
or disposed of during either the current or previous corresponding period, indicate date of acquisition ("from
dd/mm/yy") or disposal ("to dd/mm/yy").) 

                                                                                                                      
  Name of entity            Percentage of ownership interest held at     Contribution to net profit (loss) (item 1.9) 
                            end of period or date of disposal                                                         
  17.1     Equity           Current              Previous                Current period         Previous              
  accounted associates      period               corresponding period    $A'000                 corresponding period  
  and joint venture                                                                             - $A'000              
  entities                                                                                                            
  17.2     Total                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
  17.3     Other material                                                                                             
  interests                                                                                                           
  17.4     Total                                                                                                      
Issued and quoted securities at end of current period

(Description must include rate of interest and any redemption or conversion rights together with prices and dates) 

                                                                                                                      
                                               Total number       Number quoted      Issue price per   Amount paid up 
  Category of +securities                                                            security (see     per security   
                                                                                     note 14)          (see note 14)  
                                                                                     (cents)           (cents)        
  18.1                  Preference                                                                                    
                        +securities                                                                                   
                        (description)                                                                                 
  18.2                  Changes during                                                                                
                        current period                                                                                
                        (a) Increases                                                                                 
                        through issues                                                                                
                        (b) Decreases                                                                                 
                        through returns of                                                                            
                        capital, buybacks,                                                                            
                        redemptions                                                                                   
  18.3                  +Ordinary securities        173,053,150        173,053,150        25                1         
                                                    2,250,000          -                                              
  18.4                  Changes during              67,134,069         67,134,069         5                 5         
                        current period                                                                                
                        (a) Increases                                                                                 
                        through issues                                                                                
                        (b) Decreases                                                                                 
                        through returns of                                                                            
                        capital, buybacks                                                                             
  18.5                  +Convertible debt                                                                             
                        securities                                                                                    
                        (description and                                                                              
                        conversion factor)                                                                            
  18.6                  Changes during                                                                                
                        current period                                                                                
                        (a) Increases                                                                                 
                        through issues                                                                                
                        (b) Decreases                                                                                 
                        through securities                                                                            
                        matured, converted                                                                            
  18.7                  Options (description                                         Exercise          Expiry         
                        and conversion                                               price             date (if any)  
                        factor)                                                                                       
                                                    600,000            -                  40               1/1/04     
                                                    875,000            -                  50              31/12/04    
                                                    875,000            -                  70              31/12/04    
                                                    875,000            -                  90              31/12/04    
                                                    875,000            -                  110             31/12/04    
                                                    200,000            -                  114              8/8/05     
                                                    350,000            -                  46               1/7/07     
  18.8                  Issued during               350,000            -                  46               1/7/07     
                        current period                                                                                
  18.9                  Exercised during                                                                              
                        current period                                                                                
  18.10                 Expired during                                                                                
                        current period                                                                                
  18.11                 Debentures                                                                                    
  18.12                 (description)                                                                                 
                        Changes during                                                                                
                        current period                                                                                
                        (a) Increases                                                                                 
                        through issues                                                                                
                        (b) Decreases                                                                                 
                        through securities                                                                            
                        matured, converted                                                                            
  18.13                 Unsecured notes                                                                               
                        (description)                                                                                 
  18.14                 Changes during                                                                                
                        current period                                                                                
                        (a) Increases                                                                                 
                        through issues                                                                                
                        (b) Decreases                                                                                 
                        through securities                                                                            
                        matured, converted                                                                            
Segment reporting

(Information on the business and geographical segments of the entity must be reported for the current period in
accordance with AASB 1005: Segment Reporting and for half year reports, AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting.
Because entities employ different structures a pro forma cannot be provided. Segment information in the layout
employed in the entity's +accounts should be reported separately and attached to this report.)

Comments by directors

(Comments on the following matters are required by ASX or, in relation to the half yearly report, by AASB 1029:
Interim Financial Reporting. The comments do not take the place of the directors' report and statement (as required
by the Corporations Act) and may be incorporated into the directors' report and statement. For both half yearly and
preliminary final reports, if there are no comments in a section, state NIL. If there is insufficient space to
comment, attach notes to this report.) 

Basis of financial report preparation

 
     19.1 If this report is a half yearly report, it is a general purpose financial report prepared in accordance
with the listing rules and AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting. It should be read in conjunction with the last
+annual report and any announcements to the market made by the entity during the period. The financial statements in
this report are "condensed financial statements" as defined in AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting. This report
does not include all the notes of the type normally included in an annual financial report. (Delete if preliminary
final report.)

  

                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
  Note 1(c)     Financial Position and Financing Arrangements                                                         
                                                                                                                      
  For the half year ended 31 December 2002, the consolidated entity recorded an operating loss of $28,037,000 (2001:  
  $12,100,000) and had a working capital deficiency of $26,009,000. At balance date, the net fair value of financial  
  instruments recognised in the Condensed Statement of Financial Position was a liability of $23.4 million which is   
  classified as Current Liabilities - Other. The consolidated entity holds $12.3 million in support of these          
  financial instruments, which is classified as a Current Receivable in the Condensed Statement of Financial          
  Position. Both of these amounts are included in the working capital position referred to above.                     
                                                                                                                      
  As described in note 6 (set out at item 19.3 of this report), subsequent to the end of the financial period the     
  Australian dollar appreciated against the US dollar which resulted in the net fair value of financial instruments   
  reducing from $23.4 million to $12.3m. This reduction in the liability enabled the close out of the foreign         
  exchange hedge contracts with Westpac Banking Corporation, which if it had occurred at 31 December 2002 would have  
  resulted in a $11.1 million improvement in the working capital position of the consolidated entity. The monies held 
  on deposit by the consolidated entity with Westpac, and disclosed as a Current Receivable in the Statement of       
  Financial Position as at 31 December 2002, were applied in settlement of the transaction. The half-year             
  consolidated financial report has been prepared on the going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of        
  business activities and realisation of assets and settlement of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The 
  directors believe this to be appropriate for the following reasons:                                                 
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
       * Subsequent to 31 December 2002, the foreign exchange contracts with Westpac Banking      Corporation were    
  closed out.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                      
       * The consolidated entity has adopted a mine operating plan based on the current Australian dollar tin price   
  for the Renison Bell operation that seeks to maximise the operating cash flows over the next 18 months and which    
  the Directors believe will meet all present obligations and commitments associated with the ongoing conduct of the  
  business operations of the consolidated entity. The consolidated entity continues to receive the support of all     
  major stakeholders in the implementation of this plan.                                                              
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
 

                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
       * In the event that the Directors consider it necessary to raise additional capital, the Directors reasonably  
  believe that the consolidated entity has the capacity to attract such funding having regard for its demonstrated    
  history of raising equity funds and arranging debt finance. The Directors have commenced preliminary discussions in 
  this regard.                                                                                                        
  However, should there be a material adverse change in certain of these factors, including the Australian dollar tin 
  price and the support from major stakeholders, the Company may be in a position such that it is not be able to      
  continue as a going concern and may be required to realise assets and extinguish liabilities other than in the      
  normal course of business and at amounts different to those stated in the financial report.                         
19.2     Material factors affecting the revenues and expenses of the economic entity for the current period. In a
half yearly report, provide explanatory comments about any seasonal or irregular factors affecting operations.

19.3     A description of each event since the end of the current period which has had a material effect and which is
not already reported elsewhere in this Appendix or in attachments, with financial effect quantified (if possible).
 

                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                      
  At the end of the financial period, the consolidated entity had outstanding foreign currency hedging facilities     
  with Westpac Banking Corporation for US$82.5 million at a rate of A$/US$ 0.6705. As disclosed in Note 4, the out of 
  the money position of these contracts has been brought to account at 31 December 2002 based on the spot rate at     
  that date. This has resulted in the consolidated entity providing for the loss of $23.4 million, being the out of   
  the money position.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                      
  Subsequent to balance date, the consolidated entity has closed out its foreign currency hedging facilities with     
  Westpac. The effective rate received upon closing out these facilities was A$/US$ 0.6176. As this rates reflects an 
  appreciation of the A$/US$ since the end of the financial period, the out of the money mark to market value of the  
  hedge contracts at close out was A$12.4 million reflecting an accounting gain of $11.1 million based on the         
  provision at 31 December 2002. The out of the money position at close out was satisfied by the funds held in        
  support of the hedging facilities by Westpac ($12.3 million at 31 December 2002 included in Current Assets -        
  Receivables in the condensed statement of financial position).                                                      
                                                                                                                      
  The financial effect of this transaction, had it occurred at the end of the financial period, is as follows:        
                                                                                                                      
  i)     a reduction in the operating loss for the period by $11.1 million reflecting the appreciation in the A$/US$  
  rate at the time that the hedging facilities were closed out;                                                       
  ii)     a reduction in Current Assets - Receivables of $12.3 million being the deposit held by Westpac in support   
  of the hedging facilities which was used to fund the mark to market position at close out;                          
  iii)     a reduction in Current Liabilities - Other of $23.4 million being the provision for the out of the money   
  position at the end of the financial period; and                                                                    
  iv)     a reduction in Net Liabilities of $11.1 million from $29.6 million to $18.5 million..                       
                                                                                                                      
 
19.4     Franking credits available and prospects for paying fully or partly franked dividends for at least the next
year.
 

19.5     Unless disclosed below, the accounting policies, estimation methods and measurement bases used in this
report are the same as those used in the last annual report. Any changes in accounting policies, estimation methods
and measurement bases since the last annual report are disclosed as follows. (Disclose changes and differences in the
half yearly report in accordance with AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting. Disclose changes in accounting policies
in the preliminary final report in accordance with AASB 1001: Accounting Policies-Disclosure). 
 

19.6      Revisions in estimates of amounts reported in previous interim periods. For half yearly reports the nature
and amount of revisions in estimates of amounts reported in previous +annual reports if those revisions have a
material effect in this half year.
 

19.7     Changes in contingent liabilities or assets. For half yearly reports, changes in contingent liabilities and
contingent assets since the last + annual report.

Additional disclosure for trusts

                                                                                                                
        20.1   Number of units held by the management company or responsible entity or their related parties.   
        20.2   A statement of the fees and commissions payable to the management company or responsible entity. 
                                                                                                                
               Identify:                                                                                        
                    initial service charges                                                                     
                    management fees                                                                             
                    other fees                                                                                  
Annual meeting

(Preliminary final report only) 

                                                                                       
                                 The annual meeting will be held as follows:           
                                 Place                                                 
                                 Date                                                  
                                 Time                                                  
                                 Approximate date the +annual report will be available 
Compliance statement

1     This report has been prepared in accordance with AASB Standards, other AASB authoritative pronouncements and
Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views or other standards acceptable to ASX (see note 12).

                                                                           
                                             Identify other standards used 
2     This report, and the +accounts upon which the report is based (if separate), use the same accounting policies.

3     This report does/does not* (delete one) give a true and fair view of the matters disclosed (see note 2).

4     This report is based on +accounts to which one of the following applies.
(Tick one) 

                                                                                                                      
      The +accounts have been audited.                       X    The +accounts have been subject to review.          

      The +accounts are in the process of being audited or        The +accounts have not yet been audited or reviewed.
      subject to review.                                                                                              

5     If the audit report or review by the auditor is not attached, details of any qualifications are attached/will
follow immediately they are available* (delete one). (Half yearly report only - the audit report or review by the
auditor must be attached to this report if this report is to satisfy the requirements of the Corporations Act.) 

6     The entity has/does not have* (delete one) a formally constituted audit committee.
Sign here:      ............................................................     Date 11 March 2003
(Director)

Print name:      Paul Atherley.

Notes

 
1.     For announcement to the market The percentage changes referred to in this section are the percentage changes
calculated by comparing the current period's figures with those for the previous corresponding period. Do not show
percentage changes if the change is from profit to loss or loss to profit, but still show whether the change was up
or down. If changes in accounting policies or procedures have had a material effect on reported figures, do not show
either directional or percentage changes in profits. Explain the reason for the omissions in the note at the end of
the announcement section. Entities are encouraged to attach notes or fuller explanations of any significant changes
to any of the items in page 1. The area at the end of the announcement section can be used to provide a cross
reference to any such attachment.

2.     True and fair view If this report does not give a true and fair view of a matter (for example, because
compliance with an Accounting Standard is required) the entity must attach a note providing additional information
and explanations to give a true and fair view.

3.     Condensed consolidated statement of financial performance 

Item 1.1     The definition of "revenue" and an explanation of "ordinary activities" are set out in AASB 1004:
Revenue, and AASB 1018: Statement of Financial Performance.
Item 1.6     This item refers to the total tax attributable to the amount shown in item 1.5. Tax includes income tax
and capital gains tax (if any) but excludes taxes treated as expenses from ordinary activities (eg, fringe benefits
tax).

4.     Income tax  If the amount provided for income tax in this report differs (or would differ but for compensatory
items) by more than 15% from the amount of income tax prima facie payable on the profit before tax, the entity must
explain in a note the major items responsible for the difference and their amounts. The rate of tax applicable to the
franking amount per dividend should be inserted in the heading for the column "Franked amount per security at % tax"
for items 15.4 to 15.7.

5.     Condensed consolidated statement of financial position 

     Format The format of the consolidated statement of financial position should be followed as closely as possible.
However, additional items may be added if greater clarity of exposition will be achieved, provided the disclosure
still meets the requirements of AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting, and AASB 1040: Statement of Financial
Position. Also, banking institutions, trusts and financial institutions may substitute a clear liquidity ranking for
the Current/Non-Current classification.

     Basis of revaluation If there has been a material revaluation of non-current assets (including investments)
since the last +annual report, the entity must describe the basis of revaluation adopted. The description must meet
the requirements of AASB 1010: Accounting for the Revaluation of Non-Current Assets. If the entity has adopted a
procedure of regular revaluation, the basis for which has been disclosed and has not changed, no additional
disclosure is required.

6.     Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows For definitions of "cash" and other terms used in this report
see AASB 1026: Statement of Cash Flows. Entities should follow the form as closely as possible, but variations are
permitted if the directors (in the case of a trust, the management company) believe that this presentation is
inappropriate. However, the presentation adopted must meet the requirements of AASB 1026. +Mining exploration
entities may use the form of cash flow statement in Appendix 5B.

7.     Net tangible asset backing Net tangible assets are determined by deducting from total tangible assets all
claims on those assets ranking ahead of the +ordinary securities (ie, all liabilities, preference shares, outside
+equity interests etc). +Mining entities are not required to state a net tangible asset backing per +ordinary
security.

8.     Gain and loss of control over entities The gain or loss must be disclosed if it has a material effect on the
+accounts. Details must include the contribution for each gain or loss that increased or decreased the entity's
consolidated profit (loss) from ordinary activities and extraordinary items after tax by more than 5% compared to the
previous corresponding period.

9.     Rounding of figures This report anticipates that the information required is given to the nearest $1,000. If
an entity reports exact figures, the $A'000 headings must be amended. If an entity qualifies under ASIC Class Order
98/0100 dated 10 July 1998, it may report to the nearest million dollars, or to the nearest $100,000, and the $A'000
headings must be amended.

10.     Comparative figures  Comparative figures are to be presented in accordance with AASB 1018 or AASB 1029
Interim Financial Reporting as appropriate and are the unadjusted figures from the latest annual or half year report
as appropriate. However, if an adjustment has been made in accordance with an accounting standard or other reason or
if there is a lack of comparability, a note explaining the position should be attached. For the statement of
financial performance, AASB 1029 Interim Financial Reporting requires information on a year to date basis in addition
to the current interim period. Normally an Appendix 4B to which AASB 1029 Interim Financial Reporting applies would
be for the half year and consequently the information in the current period is also the year to date. If an Appendix
4B Half yearly version is produced for an additional interim period (eg because of a change of reporting period), the
entity must provide the year to date information and comparatives required by AASB 1029 Interim Financial Reporting.
This should be in the form of a multi-column version of the consolidated statement of financial performance as an
attachment to the additional Appendix 4B.

 
     11. Additional information An entity may disclose additional information about any matter, and must do so if the
information is material to an understanding of the reports. The information may be an expansion of the material
contained in this report, or contained in a note attached to the report. The requirement under the listing rules for
an entity to complete this report does not prevent the entity issuing reports more frequently. Additional material
lodged with the +ASIC under the Corporations Act must also be given to ASX. For example, a director's report and
declaration, if lodged with the +ASIC, must be given to ASX.

 
     12. Accounting Standards ASX will accept, for example, the use of International Accounting Standards for foreign
entities. If the standards used do not address a topic, the Australian standard on that topic (if one exists) must be
complied with.

 
     13. Corporations Act financial statements This report may be able to be used by an entity required to comply
with the Corporations Act as part of its half-year financial statements if prepared in accordance with Australian
Accounting Standards.

 
     14. Issued and quoted securities The issue price and amount paid up is not required in items 18.1 and 18.3 for
fully paid securities.

15     Details of expenses AASB 1018 requires disclosure of expenses from ordinary activities according to either
their nature or function. For foreign entities, there are similar requirements in other accounting standards accepted
by ASX. AASB ED 105 clarifies that the disclosures required by AASB 1018 must be either all according to nature or
all according to function. Entities must disclose details of expenses using the layout (by nature or function)
employed in their +accounts.

The information in lines 1.23 to 1.27 may be provided in an attachment to Appendix 4B.

Relevant Items AASB 1018 requires the separate disclosure of specific revenues and expenses which are not
extraordinary but which are of a size, nature or incidence that disclosure is relevant in explaining the financial
performance of the reporting entity. The term "relevance" is defined in AASB 1018. There is an equivalent requirement
in AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting. For foreign entities, there are similar requirements in other accounting
standards accepted by ASX.

 
     16  Dollars If reporting is not in A$, all references to $A must be changed to the reporting currency. If
reporting is not in thousands of dollars, all references to "000" must be changed to the reporting value.

17.     Discontinuing operations

 
Half yearly report

All entities must provide the information required in paragraph 12 for half years beginning on or after 1 July 2001.

Preliminary final report

Entities must either provide a description of any significant activities or events relating to discontinuing
operations equivalent to that required by paragraph 7.5 (g) of AASB 1029: Interim Financial Reporting, or, the
details of discontinuing operations they are required to disclose in their +accounts in accordance with AASB 1042
Discontinuing Operations.

In any case the information may be provided as an attachment to this Appendix 4B.

 
18. Format

  
This form is a Word document but an entity can re-format the document into Excel or similar applications for
submission to the Companies Announcements Office in ASX.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT 

To the members of Murchison United NL 

Scope 
We have reviewed the financial report of Murchison United NL for the half-year ended 31 December 2002, set out on
pages 5 to 12, including the Directors' Declaration. The financial report includes the consolidated financial
statements of the consolidated entity comprising Murchison United NL and the entities it controlled at the end of the
half-year or from time to time during the half-year. The company's directors are responsible for the financial
report. We have conducted an independent review of the financial report in order to state whether, on the basis of
the procedures described, anything has come to our attention that would indicate that the financial report is not
presented fairly in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1029 "Interim Financial Reporting" and other mandatory
professional reporting requirements in Australia and statutory requirements and in order for the company to lodge the
financial report with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. 

Our review has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards applicable to review engagements. Our
review was limited primarily to inquiries of the consolidated entity's personnel and analytical review procedures
applied to financial data. These procedures do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, thus
the level of assurance provided is less than that given in an audit. We have not performed an audit and, accordingly,
we do not express an audit opinion. 

Review Statement 

As a result of our review, we have not become aware of any matter that makes us believe that the half-year financial
report of Murchison United NL is not in accordance with: 

(a)      the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i)      giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity's financial position as at 31 December 2002 and its
performance for the half-year ended on that date; and 

(ii)      complying with Accounting Standard AASB 1029 "Interim Financial Reporting", and the Corporations
Regulations 2001; 

(b)      other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia. 

Inherent uncertainty regarding continuation as a going concern 

Without qualification to the statement expressed above, attention is drawn to the following matter. As a result of
the matters described in note 1(c), there is significant uncertainty whether the entity will be able to continue as a
going concern and therefore whether it will realise its assets and extinguish its liabilities in the normal course of
business and at the amounts stated in the financial report. 
 
 
Ernst & Young 
 
 
J P Dowling 
Partner 
Perth 
Date: 11 March 2003 
 
 
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