Tlou Energy
Limited
("Tlou"
or "the Company")
Quarterly Activities Report
for the quarter ended 31 March 2024
Highlights
Ø Construction of the 66kV
transmission line connecting Tlou's Lesedi project directly to
Botswana's power grid and the broader Southern African Power Pool
has been completed
Ø The substation to
connect Tlou's power generators to the transmission line
is approximately 50% complete
Ø Gas gathering lines being
laid to connect Tlou's gas wells to the generation
site
Ø Continued gas production at
the Lesedi 4 and Lesedi 6 production pods
Ø Preparations underway for
further production pod drilling with drilling rig
secured
Activities
Tlou Energy has three project areas
referred to as the:
§ Lesedi Project
- focused on gas-to-power development as well as
exploration and evaluation.
§ Mamba Project
- focused on exploration and
evaluation.
§ Boomslang
Project - focused on exploration and
evaluation.
Lesedi
Project
The Lesedi project is Tlou's most
advanced. The Lesedi project remains at the forefront of Botswana's
gas to power sector, making substantial progress in the development
of the proposed 10MW gas-to-power project.
Gas
to Power Project
The initial electricity produced at
Lesedi is intended to fulfill the 10 MW Power Purchase Agreement
(PPA) with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), the national power
utility. The ongoing Lesedi project involves various development
components, including drilling of gas production wells,
transmission lines, substations, gas gathering and a power
generation site.
Gas
production and gathering
The Company has two gas production
pods, Lesedi 4 and Lesedi 6. Both pods continue to flow gas as the
water level is being lowered.
Tlou is confident that with the
in-house knowledge gained from previous drilling efforts,
extracting more and more gas out of the coal reservoir will become
progressively simpler and more cost effective due to economies of
scale.
Work on the gas gathering lines
commenced during the quarter. This involves laying of pipe to take
gas from the wells to the generation site.
Preparatory work for the next
drilling campaign has also begun. The Company has secured a
drilling rig and discussions are ongoing with relevant suppliers
and specialist drilling personnel.
In addition, some minor changes to
drilling techniques are being assessed with the aim of further
increasing gas production rates.
Transmission Line Construction
To connect to the national grid, the
Company constructed a 100km 66kV transmission line to tie in with
the existing power grid. Construction of
the transmission line has been completed by the contractor. Minor
finishing works and the addition of switchgear at the Serowe end
will be done prior to the line being energised. The line is planned
to remain under care and maintenance until energisation which is
expected later this year.
Substation Construction
In addition to the transmission
line, an electrical substation is required at the Lesedi end of the
transmission line. At the opposite end the line has been connected
to the existing BPC substation at Serowe. The substation at Lesedi
has being designed to facilitate expansion beyond 10MW which will
be beneficial as the projects grows. The Lesedi substation is
approximately 50% complete. It is currently anticipated that this
work will be completed in Q3 2024.
Lesedi project licences
The project area has four
Prospecting Licenses (PL) and a Production Licence which is the
focus area for the development of Tlou's independently certified
gas reserves and contingent resources. The table below summarises
the status of the Lesedi licences:
Licence
|
Expiry
|
Status
|
Production Licence
2017/18L
|
Aug-42
|
Current
|
PL001/2004
|
Mar-26
|
Current
|
PL003/2004
|
Mar-26
|
Current
|
PL035/2000
|
Mar-25
|
Current
|
PL037/2000
|
Mar-25
|
Current
|
****
Mamba
Project
The Mamba project is in the
exploration and evaluation phase with further operations required
on the licences. It consists of five Prospecting Licences covering
an area of approximately 4,500 Km2. The Mamba area is
situated adjacent to Lesedi. In the event of successful drilling
results at Mamba, it is envisioned that this area would be
developed as a separate project from Lesedi. The Mamba area
provides the Company with flexibility and optionality. The status
of the Mamba licences is as follows:
Licence
|
Expiry
|
Status
|
PL 237/2014
|
Dec-25
|
Current
|
PL 238/2014
|
Dec-25
|
Current
|
PL 239/2014
|
Dec-25
|
Current
|
PL 240/2014
|
Dec-25
|
Current
|
PL 241/2014
|
Mar-26
|
Current
|
Further work on the Mamba project is
proposed once the Lesedi project is in production with initial work
likely to include a seismic survey and the drilling of
core-holes.
****
Boomslang
Project
Prospecting Licence, PL011/2019
designated "Boomslang", is approximately 1,000 Km2 and
is situated adjacent to the Company's existing licences. To date,
the Company has not carried out ground operations in the Boomslang
area. Like the Mamba project the first stage of operations is
likely to include a seismic survey following by core-hole
drilling.
The status of the Boomslang licence
is as follows:
Licence
|
Expiry
|
Status
|
PL 011/2019
|
Jun-24
|
Current
|
PL renewal applications are
submitted three months prior to expiration. During the reporting
quarter a renewal application for PL011/2019 was
submitted.
****
Cash Position
At the end of the quarter the
Company had ~A$5.98m cash on hand (unaudited). The aggregate value
of payments to related parties and their associates of A$120k for
the quarter (shown in item 6.1 of the Quarterly Cashflow Report)
relates to directors' salaries and fees (including tax and
superannuation payments made on their behalf) and office
rent.
The information contained within
this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as
stipulated under the retained EU law version of the Market Abuse
Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (the "UK MAR") which is part of UK law
by virtue of the European Union (withdrawal) Act 2018. The
information is disclosed in accordance with the Company's
obligations under Article 17 of the UK MAR. Upon the publication of
this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be
in the public domain.
By
Authority of the Board of Directors
Mr. Anthony Gilby
Managing Director
****
For further information regarding
this announcement please contact:
Tlou Energy
Limited
|
+61 7 3040
9084
|
Tony Gilby,
Managing Director
|
|
Solomon
Rowland, General Manager
|
|
|
|
Grant
Thornton (Nominated Adviser)
|
+44 (0)20
7383 5100
|
Harrison
Clarke, Colin Aaronson, Ciara
Donnelly
|
|
|
|
Zeus Capital (UK
Broker)
|
+44 (0)20
3829 5000
|
Simon Johnson
|
|
|
|
Investor Relations
|
|
Ashley Seller (Australia)
|
+61 418 556
875
|
FlowComms Ltd - Sasha Sethi
(UK)
|
+44 (0)
7891 677 441
|
About Tlou
Tlou is developing energy solutions
in Sub-Saharan Africa through gas-fired power and ancillary
projects. The Company is listed on the ASX (Australia), AIM (UK)
and the BSE (Botswana). The Lesedi Gas-to-Power Project ("Lesedi")
is 100% owned and is the Company's most advanced project. Tlou's
competitive advantages include the ability to drill cost
effectively for gas, operational experience and Lesedi's strategic
location in relation to energy customers. All major government
approvals have been achieved.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain
certain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ
materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking
statements. Such forward-looking information involves risks and
uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. No
representation is made that any of those statements or forecasts
will come to pass or that any forecast results will be achieved.
You are cautioned not to place any reliance on such statements or
forecasts. Those forward-looking and other statements speak only as
at the date of this announcement. Save as required by any
applicable law or regulation, Tlou Energy Limited undertakes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or oil and gas
exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report
Name of entity
|
Tlou Energy Limited
|
ABN
|
|
Quarter ended ("current
quarter")
|
79 136 739 967
|
|
31 March 2024
|
Consolidated statement of cash
flows
|
Current quarter
$A'000
|
Year to date (9 months)
$A'000
|
1.
|
Cash flows from operating
activities
|
|
|
1.1
|
Receipts from customers
|
1.2
|
Payments for
|
|
|
|
(a) exploration &
evaluation
|
|
(b)
development
|
|
|
|
(c)
production
|
|
|
|
(d) staff
costs
|
(235)
|
(786)
|
|
(e) administration and
corporate costs
|
(200)
|
(1,164)
|
1.3
|
Dividends received (see
note 3)
|
|
|
1.4
|
Interest received
|
1
|
12
|
1.5
|
Interest and other costs of finance
paid
|
|
|
1.6
|
Income taxes paid
|
|
|
1.7
|
Government grants and tax
incentives
|
|
|
1.8
|
Other (provide details if
material)
|
(20)
|
114
|
1.9
|
Net
cash from / (used in) operating activities
|
(454)
|
(1,825)
|
|
2.
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
2.1
|
Payments to acquire or
for:
|
|
(a) entities
|
|
(b) tenements
|
|
|
|
(c) property, plant and
equipment
|
(983)
|
(1,110)
|
|
(d) exploration &
evaluation
|
(1,178)
|
(9,290)
|
|
(e)
investments
|
|
|
|
(f) other
non-current assets
|
|
|
2.2
|
Proceeds from the disposal
of:
|
|
|
|
(a) entities
|
|
(b) tenements
|
|
|
|
(c) property, plant and
equipment
|
|
|
|
(d)
investments
|
|
|
|
(e) other non-current
assets
|
|
|
2.3
|
Cash flows from loans to other
entities
|
|
|
2.4
|
Dividends received (see
note 3)
|
|
|
2.5
|
Other (provide details if
material)
|
|
|
2.6
|
Net
cash from / (used in) investing activities
|
(2,160)
|
(10,399)
|
|
3.
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
7,355
|
7,920
|
3.1
|
Proceeds from issues of equity
securities (excluding convertible debt securities)
|
3.2
|
Proceeds from issue of convertible
debt securities
|
|
|
3.3
|
Proceeds from exercise of
options
|
|
|
3.4
|
Transaction costs related to issues
of equity securities or convertible debt securities
|
(13)
|
(77)
|
3.5
|
Proceeds from borrowings
|
570
|
3,570
|
3.6
|
Repayment of borrowings
|
|
|
3.7
|
Transaction costs related to loans
and borrowings
|
|
|
3.8
|
Dividends paid
|
|
|
3.9
|
Other (provide details if
material)
|
(14)
|
(14)
|
3.10
|
Net
cash from / (used in) financing activities
|
7,898
|
11,399
|
|
4.
|
Net
increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the
period
|
|
|
4.1
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period
|
730
|
6,851
|
4.2
|
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities (item 1.9 above)
|
(454)
|
(1,825)
|
4.3
|
Net cash from / (used in) investing
activities (item 2.6 above)
|
(2,160)
|
(10,399)
|
4.4
|
Net cash from / (used in) financing
activities (item 3.10 above)
|
7,898
|
11,399
|
4.5
|
Effect of movement in exchange rates
on cash held
|
(38)
|
(50)
|
4.6
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
5,976
|
5,976
|
5.
|
Reconciliation of cash and cash
equivalents at the end of the quarter
(as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows) to the
related items in the accounts
|
Current quarter
$A'000
|
Previous quarter
$A'000
|
5.1
|
Bank balances
|
5,976
|
730
|
5.2
|
Call deposits
|
|
|
5.3
|
Bank overdrafts
|
|
|
5.4
|
Other (provide details)
|
|
|
5.5
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter (should equal
item 4.6 above)
|
5,976
|
730
|
6.
|
Payments to related parties of the
entity and their associates
|
Current quarter
$A'000
|
6.1
|
Aggregate amount of payments to
related parties and their associates included in
item 1
|
120
|
6.2
|
Aggregate amount of payments to
related parties and their associates included in
item 2
|
|
Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your
quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an
explanation for, such payments.
|
7.
|
Financing facilities Note: the term "facility' includes all forms of financing
arrangements available to the entity.
Add notes as necessary for an
understanding of the sources of finance available to the
entity.
|
Total facility amount at quarter
end
$A'000
|
Amount drawn at quarter end
$A'000
|
7.1
|
Loan facilities
|
1,000
|
480
|
7.2
|
Credit standby
arrangements
|
|
|
7.3
|
Other (please specify)
|
|
|
7.4
|
Total financing facilities
|
1,000
|
480
|
|
|
|
7.5
|
Unused financing facilities available at quarter
end
|
520
|
7.6
|
Include in the box below a
description of each facility above, including the lender, interest
rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any
additional financing facilities have been entered into or are
proposed to be entered into after quarter end, include a note
providing details of those facilities as well.
|
During the quarter ILC BC Pty Ltd
(the "Financier") provided an unsecured loan facility that enables
Tlou Energy Limited (the "Borrower") to seek advances from time to
time from the Financier up to a maximum amount of A$1 million or
such higher amount as the Financier might in future agree in
writing. Interest is charged at 10% per annum on amounts drawn
down. The loan is repayable 10 Business Days after the Financier
requests payment of all outstanding amounts from the Borrower or
when the Borrower elects to repay the Financier all outstanding
amounts.
|
8.
|
Estimated cash available for future
operating activities
|
$A'000
|
8.1
|
Net cash from / (used in) operating
activities (item 1.9)
|
454
|
8.2
|
(Payments for exploration & evaluation classified as investing
activities) (item 2.1(d))
|
1,178
|
8.3
|
Total relevant outgoings
(item 8.1 + item 8.2)
|
1,632
|
8.4
|
Cash and cash equivalents at quarter
end (item 4.6)
|
5,976
|
8.5
|
Unused finance facilities available
at quarter end (item 7.5)
|
520
|
8.6
|
Total available funding
(item 8.4 + item 8.5)
|
6,496
|
|
|
|
8.7
|
Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.6 divided
by item 8.3)
|
4.0
|
Note: if the entity has reported positive relevant outgoings
(ie a net cash inflow) in item 8.3, answer item 8.7 as
"N/A". Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding
available must be included in item 8.7.
|
8.8
|
If item 8.7 is less than
2 quarters, please provide answers to the following
questions:
|
|
8.8.1 Does
the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level
of net operating cash flows for the time being and, if not, why
not?
|
|
Answer:
|
|
8.8.2 Has
the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps,
to raise further cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are
those steps and how likely does it believe that they will be
successful?
|
|
Answer:
|
|
8.8.3 Does
the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet
its business objectives and, if so, on what basis?
|
|
Answer:
|
|
Note: where item 8.7 is less than 2 quarters, all of
questions 8.8.1, 8.8.2 and 8.8.3 above must be
answered.
|
Compliance statement
1 This statement has
been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies
which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.
2 This statement
gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.
Date:
.....26/04/2024...............................................................
Authorised by: ....By the
Board.............................................................
(Name of body or officer authorising
release - see note 4)
Notes
1. This
quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report
provide a basis for informing the market about the entity's
activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and
the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes
to disclose additional information over and above the minimum
required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.
2. If
this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance
with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and
provisions of, AASB 6:
Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources and
AASB 107: Statement of Cash
Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow
report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting
standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the
corresponding equivalent standards apply to this report.
3.
Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from
operating activities or cash flows from investing activities,
depending on the accounting policy of the entity.
4. If
this report has been authorised for release to the market by your
board of directors, you can insert here: "By the board". If it has
been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your
board of directors, you can insert here: "By the [name of board committee - eg Audit and Risk Committee]". If it
has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure
committee, you can insert here: "By the Disclosure
Committee".
5. If
this report has been authorised for release to the market by your
board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying
with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance
Council's Corporate Governance
Principles and Recommendations, the board should have
received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion,
the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained,
that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards
and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and
that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system
of risk management and internal control which is operating
effectively.