Interim Results and feasibility study update
Interim results show loss of US$3.5m; feasibility study substantially complete, expected mid-October 2025.
- Total revenues US$2.5m (prior US$2.1m)
- Loss for period US$3.5m (prior US$3.99m)
- Vanadium pentoxide production 151 tonnes (prior 169.2 tonnes)
- Molybdenum production 27.8 tonnes (prior 14 tonnes)
- Cash balance at period end US$0.4m (prior US$2.5m)
- Non-current liabilities US$17.2m (prior US$12.4m)
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Ferro-Alloy Resources Limited (LSE:FAR), the vanadium producer and developer of the large Balasausqandiq vanadium deposit in Southern Kazakhstan, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 and a revised publication date for the feasibility study.
Overview
The Company's main focus during the year to date has been the completion of the feasibility study (the "Study") into the development of the Balasausqandiq vanadium deposit (the "Project"). The Study was targeted to be published by 30 September 2025 and is substantially complete but requires some final adjustments and confirmations from contributing consultants. The Company is confident that it will be published by the middle of October 2025.
Research and development
As previously announced, the main purpose of the existing process plant was changed to a research and development facility, with concentrates only being treated when profitable to do so. The research and development has been targeted at areas that will assist in the development of the Project and marketing its products.
· Carbon black substitute ("CBS"): the Group commissioned a pilot plant, capable of producing 400 kg per hour of the new CBS product announced earlier in the year. Production of commercial samples of this new type of CBS, to be made from the high carbon / low vanadium waste rock scheduled to be stripped during the mining of Ore-Body 1, has commenced. This pilot plant uses a dry milling process and has operated without problems, allowing the Group to test this method of milling for use in the Project, where it will be applicable to milling the original CBS, made from concentrated tailings, as well as the new form of CBS.
· Vanadium oxides: the Group has commissioned the dissociation oven required for the production of vanadium oxides suitable for the production of battery electrolyte for vanadium redox flow batteries. Process optimisation and product testing are underway. Although the making of such oxides does not form part of the base case of the Study, it is anticipated that this part of the vanadium market will grow dramatically in the coming years. Understanding this technology and proving its feasibility will allow the Group to make the minor adjustments necessary to supply this market at a later date when the market has developed.
- High purity vanadium pentoxide: the Group has commissioned the recrystallisation circuit and centrifuge drying required for the production of high purity vanadium pentoxide or other vanadium oxides. High purity products are required for the manufacture of battery electrolyte and other chemical purposes and commands a price premium over standard vanadium pentoxide.
Processing
- Despite the focus of the existing plant being on research and development, the Group procured and treated vanadium-bearing concentrates that were considered sufficiently profitable to process.
- As a result, the existing plant produced 151 tonnes of vanadium pentoxide (mainly as ammonium metavanadate) in the first six months of the year (H1 2024: 169.2 tonnes) and 27.8 tonnes of molybdenum (in ferro-molybdenum) (H1 2024: 14 tonnes).
Financial
- Total revenues of US$2.5 million for the period (H1 2024: US$2.1 million) reflected the processing of concentrates with a higher molybdenum content than in the prior year, benefiting from the currently high molybdenum prices.
- Overall loss for the period was US$3.5 million (H1 2024: loss of US$3.99 million).
- Cash balance of US$0.4 million at the period end and US$0.5 million as at 23 September 2025.
- The Group has appointed Northcott Capital Limited Northcott, in partnership with Oval Advisory Limited, as lead financial adviser with respect to the financing of the Project.
Corporate
- During the period, the Company issued 10,422,098 ordinary shares of nil par value in the capital of the Company in lieu of cash for the payment of non-executive director fees, payment of certain Group suppliers and fulfilment of a share subscription received from its Astana International Exchange market maker.
Nick Bridgen, CEO of Ferro-Alloy Resources said:
"The results of the research and development projects at the existing plant have been impressive. The Company is positioned to benefit both from the anticipated growth in vanadium demand for energy storage and we now have a superior milling process to develop the fast-moving advent of our carbon black substitute product.
We are eagerly awaiting the imminent publication of the feasibility study to demonstrate the preeminent financial and operating characteristics of the Balasausqandiq project."
Interim Management Report
Introduction
The Group has been engaged primarily in carrying out a feasibility study into the giant Balasausqandiq vanadium project. The study will be announced shortly after this Interim Financial Report and will be the subject of a separate announcement.
Concurrently, the Group operates a small-scale process plant which treats vanadium-bearing concentrates when it is profitable to do so, but with a strategic focus on research and development.
Research and development
The Group continues to progress several research and development initiatives at the existing plant, aimed at building capability for use in the planned major development of the Balasausqandiq project.
Carbon black substitute ("CBS"): The company commissioned a pilot plant, capable of producing 400 kg per hour of the new CBS product announced earlier in the year. Production of commercial samples of this new type of CBS, to be made from the high carbon / low vanadium waste rock scheduled to be stripped during the mining of Ore-Body 1, has commenced.
Vanadium oxides: the Group has commissioned the dissociation oven required for the production of vanadium oxides suitable for the production of battery electrolyte for vanadium redox flow batteries. Process optimisation and product testing are underway.
High purity vanadium pentoxide: the Group has commissioned the recrystallisation circuit and centrifuge drying required for the production of high purity vanadium pentoxide or other vanadium oxides. High purity products are required for the manufacture of battery electrolyte and other chemical purposes and commands a price premium over standard vanadium pentoxide.
Processing
Despite the focus of the existing plant being on research and development, the Group procured and treated vanadium-bearing concentrates that were considered sufficiently profitable to process.
As a result, the existing plant produced in the first six months of the year 151 tonnes (2023: 169.2 tonnes) of vanadium pentoxide (mainly as ammonium metavanadate) and 27.8 tonnes (2023: 14 tonnes) of molybdenum (in ferro-molybdenum).
Corporate
During the period, the Company issued 10,422,098 ordinary shares of nil par value in the capital of the Company in lieu of cash for the payment of non-executive director fees, payment of certain Group suppliers and fulfillment of a share subscription received from its Astana International Exchange market maker. See note 16 for further details.
Earnings and cash flow
The Group generated total revenues of US$2.5m for the period compared to US$2.1m for the first six months of 2024, representing an increase in overall revenues of 16.7%. The increase in revenue reflects the processing of concentrates with a higher molybdenum content for which prices are more favourable than vanadium pentoxide.
The cost of sales for the period under review was US$3.4m in line, given the volumes and nature of concentrates processed during the period, with the first six months of 2024 (2024: US$3.6m).
Administrative expenses for the period were US$1.5m (2024: US$1.9m) representing an overall decrease of US$0.4m mainly attributable to reductions in employment costs and the costs associated with the Company's listing and the raising of debt finance.
The Group made a loss before and after tax of US$3.5m (2024: loss of US$3.99m).
Net cash outflows used in operating activities were US$0.5m (2024: cash outflow of US$2.6m). Net cash used in investing activities during the period was US$2.2m (2024: cash outflow of US$1.1m) an increased outflow of US$1.1m attributable to the capitalisation of feasibility study costs. Net cash outflow from financing activities was US$1.1m (2024: net cash inflow of US$4.5m) representing the payment of interest on the bonds previously issued by the Company under the Kazakhstan Bond Programme.
Balance sheet review
At the period end, non-current assets totalled US$13.2m (2024: US$14.1m) reflecting, in the main, the impairment of the Group's plant and equipment during the prior financial year.
Current assets, excluding cash balances, totalled US$5m at the period end compared to US$5.1m for the prior period.
The Group held an aggregate cash balance of US$0.4m at the period end (2024: US$2.5m) and US$0.5m as at 23 September 2025.
The Group held non-current liabilities of US$17.2m at the period end (2024: US$12.4m) representing the value of the Company's bonds sold since the inception of the Kazakhstan Bond Programme.
Current liabilities at the period end were US$4.6m (2024: US$3.9m) comprising of trade payables and accrued bond interest.
Environmental, social and governance
Both the existing operation and the planned process plant for Balasausqandiq will have a strongly positive environmental impact. The vanadium from production will benefit energy storage in both vanadium redox flow batteries, the front-running technology for fixed ground long-term energy storage, but also potentially in certain technologies for mobile batteries used in electric vehicles. In its use for alloying steel, the greater strength and performance imparted reduces the amount of steel required.
The CO2 emissions created by our production at Balasausqandiq are expected to be a fraction of most other producers which generally require concentration and high-temperature roasting to liberate the vanadium. The carbon black substitute product which we plan to market as a replacement for carbon black is produced without burning hydrocarbons, as is the usual production process.
Description of principal risks, uncertainties and how they are managed
Current processing operations
Current processing operations make up a small part of the Group's expected future value and allow the Group to gain valuable experience of the vanadium and carbon black industries. The principal risks of this operation are the prices of its products (vanadium, molybdenum and nickel), availability of profitable vanadium-bearing concentrates and the efficiency of recovery of products from those concentrates.
The Group is constantly reviewing the market opportunities for supplies of profitable vanadium-bearing concentrates from reliable suppliers that can deliver concentrates on a timely basis. The Group aims to extract all the useful components of the raw materials so that ultimately no residues remain on site and so that the maximum value is obtained from each tonne treated.
Balasausqandiq project
The Balasausqandiq project is primarily dependent on long-term vanadium prices.
The project is also dependent on raising finance to meet projected capital costs (see below) and the successful construction and commissioning of the project's proposed mine processing facilities. It is not unusual for new mining projects to experience unforeseen problems, incur unexpected costs and be exposed to delays during construction, commissioning, and initial production, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's operations and financial position. The Group has taken steps to mitigate such potential adverse effects by engaging globally recognised engineers and consultants to assist with the development and design of the key elements of the project in addition to the Group's own highly qualified workforce.
Geopolitical situation
While the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia is not directly impacting the Group, the Directors remain vigilant of the situation. The continued main risk of the conflict is to the Group's transport routes, many of which involve transit through Russia. Whilst these are currently operating without issue, sanctions have been made against Russian and Belarusian vehicles transiting through Europe (but not against vehicles registered in other jurisdictions in the region such as Kazakhstan). There is a risk that further sanctions might prevent transit through Russia into Latvia, through which the majority of the Group's exports flow. The Group continues to review alternative transit routes for raw material imports and product exports through the West of Kazakhstan, either via the Caspian Sea or overland south of the Caspian Sea. Routes to China are working normally.
Financing risk
The Balasausqandiq project will require substantial funds to be raised in debt and equity which will be dependent upon market conditions at the time of fundraising.
In March of 2021 the Company signed an investment agreement with Vision Blue Resources Ltd ("Vision Blue"). Under the terms of this agreement and in addition to Vision Blue's participation in the 2022 and 2025 equity fundraises, investments totalling US$14.5m have already been made and Vision Blue has the right to subscribe a further US$2.5m at the original deal price of 9 pence per share at any time up to two months after the announcement of the Phase 1 feasibility study. Vision Blue also has further options to subscribe up to US$30m at higher prices to partially finance the construction of the project.
Climate change risk
The Group has not identified any particular climate change related scenarios that would likely have a significant impact on the Balasausqandiq project or the existing operation. The existing operation already functions in an environment that is subject to extreme weather conditions and is, therefore, considered to have a strong resilience to existing and future climate-related scenarios.
- Risks associated with the developing nature of the Kazakh economy
According to the World Bank, Kazakhstan has transitioned from lower-middle-income to upper-middle-income status in less than two decades. Kazakhstan's regulatory environment has similarly developed and the Company believes that the period of rapid change and high risk is coming to an end. Nevertheless, the economic and social regulatory environment continues to develop and there remain some areas where regulatory risk is greater than in developed economies.
Commodity price risk
As already noted above, the success of the Group is dependent upon the long-term prices of the products to be produced by the planned mine processing facilities. As a result of there being no formally established trading markets for the Company's principal products from the project, there is a risk that price fluctuations and volatility for these products may have an adverse impact on the Group's future financial performance.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
- the condensed set of unaudited financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and its undertakings included in the consolidation as a whole, as required by DTR 4.2.4R;
- the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R; and
- the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R.
This interim financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2025 has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
William Callewaert
Director
| Condensed unaudited Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income for the six months ended 30 June 2025 | Note | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue from customers (pricing at shipment) | 2 | 2,533 | 2,170 | 4,722 |
| Final pricing adjustments after delivery | 2 | ( 4 ) | ( 21 ) | 16 |
| Total revenue | 2 | 2,529 | 2,149 | 4,738 |
| Cost of sales | 3 | (3,354) | (3,622) | (7,550) |
| Gross loss | (825) | (1,473) | (2,812) | |
| Other income | 4 | 42 | 7 | 50 |
| Administrative expenses | 5 | (1,547) | (1,850) | (3,022) |
| Impairment loss | - | - | (954) | |
| Distribution expenses | (59) | (58) | ( 149 ) | |
| Other expenses | 6 | (36) | (24) | (563) |
| Loss from operating activities | (2,425) | (3,398) | (7,450) | |
| Net finance cost | 8 | (1,072) | (593) | (1,979) |
| Loss before income tax | (3,497) | (3,991) | (9,429) | |
| Income tax | - | - | - | |
| Loss for the period | (3,497) | (3,991) | (9,429) |
Other comprehensive loss Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
| Condensed unaudited Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income for the six months ended 30 June 2025 | Note | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations | (523) | (761) | (1,080) | |
| Total comprehensive loss for the period | (4,020) | (4,752) | (10,509) | |
| Loss per share (basic and diluted) | 16 | (0.0 0 7) | (0.0 0 8 ) | (0.020) |
These condensed unaudited financial statements were approved by the directors on 29 September 2025 and signed by:
_____________________________
William Callewaert
Director
| Condensed unaudited Statement of Financial Position for the six months ended 30 June 2025 | Note | Unaudited 3 0 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 3 0 June 2024 $000 | Audited 31 December 2024 $000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 9 | 3,237 | 5,404 | 3,535 | ||
| Exploration and evaluation assets | 10 | 8,975 | 7,836 | 7,999 | ||
| Intangible assets | 11 | 17 | 20 | 18 | ||
| Prepayments | 14 | 944 | 853 | 971 | ||
| Total non-current assets | 13,173 | 14,113 | 12,523 | |||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Inventories | 12 | 2,198 | 1,800 | 874 | ||
| Trade and other receivables | 1 3 | 2,083 | 2,152 | 1,237 | ||
| Prepayments | 14 | 732 | 1,166 | 853 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 15 | 391 | 2,528 | 3,777 | ||
| Total current assets | 5,404 | 7,646 | 6,741 | |||
| Total assets | 18,577 | 21,759 | 19,264 | |||
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||
| Share capital | 56,118 | 55,027 | 55,027 | |||
| Additional paid-in capital | 397 | 397 | 397 | |||
| Share-based payment reserve | 42 | 20 | 42 | |||
| Foreign currency translation reserve | (5,725) | (4,883) | (5,202) | |||
| Accumulated losses | (54,032) | (45,097) | (50,535) | |||
| Total equity | (3,200) | 5,464 | (271) | |||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||
| Loans and borrowings | 17 | 17,134 | 12,396 | 17,134 | ||
| Provisions | 24 | 30 | 24 | |||
| Total non-current liabilities | 17,158 | 12,426 | 17,158 | |||
| Current liabilities | ||||||
| Trade and other payables | 18 | 4,316 | 3,636 | 1,843 | ||
| Deferred income | 19 | - | - | 102 | ||
| Interest payable | 17 | 303 | 233 | 432 | ||
| Total current liabilities | 4,619 | 3,869 | 2,377 | |||
| Total liabilities | 21,777 | 16,295 | 19,535 | |||
| Total equity and liabilities | 18,577 | 21,759 | 19,264 | |||
| Condensed unaudited Statement of Changes in Equity for the six months ended 30 June 2025 | Share capital $000 | Additional paid in capital $000 | Share-based payment reserve $000 | Foreign currency translation reserve $000 | Accumulated losses $000 | Total $000 |
| Balance at 1 January 2024 | 55,027 | 397 | 20 | (4,122) | (41,106) | 10,216 |
| Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | (3,991) | (3,991) |
| Other comprehensive income | ||||||
| Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations | - | - | - | (761) | - | (761) |
| Total comprehensive loss for the year | - | - | - | (761) | (3,991) | (4,752) |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 55,027 | 397 | 20 | (4,883) | (45,097) | 5,464 |
| Balance at 31 December 2024 | 55,027 | 397 | 42 | (5,202) | (50,535) | (271) |
| Balance at 1 January 2025 | 55,027 | 397 | 42 | (5,202) | (50,535) | (271) |
| Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (3,497) | (3,497) |
| Other comprehensive loss | ||||||
| Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations | - | - | - | ( 52 3) | - | ( 52 3) |
| Total comprehensive loss for the period | - | - | - | ( 52 3) | (3,497) | (4,020) |
| Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity | ||||||
| Shares issued, net of issue costs | 1,091 | - | - | - | - | 1,091 |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | 56,118 | 397 | 42 | (5,725) | (54,032) | (3,200) |
| Condensed unaudited Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended 30 June 2025 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |||
| Cash flows from operating activities | Note | |||||
| Loss for the period | (3,497) | (3,991) | (9,429) | |||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 3, 5 | 404 | 391 | 962 | ||
| Impairment of plant and equipment | - | - | 954 | |||
| Profit on sale of plant and equipment | - | - | (42) | |||
| Write-off of property, plant and equipment | - | 3 | 2 | |||
| Write-down of inventory to net realisable value | - | - | 71 | |||
| Write-off of prepayments | - | - | 273 | |||
| Share-based payment expense | - | - | 22 | |||
| Net finance costs | 8 | 1,072 | 593 | 1,979 | ||
| Cash used in operating activities before changes in working capital | (2,021) | (3,004) | (5,208) | |||
| Change in inventories | (1,324) | 183 | 1,109 | |||
| Change in trade and other receivables | (846) | (836) | 79 | |||
| Change in prepayments | 148 | (369) | 47 | |||
| Change in trade and other payables | 3,451 | 1,495 | (298) | |||
| Change in deferred income | 19 | 102 | (102) | - | ||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (490) | (2,633) | (4,271) | |||
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||
| Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | 9 | (104) | (135) | (204) | ||
| Acquisition of exploration and evaluation assets | 10 | (2,101) | (1,002) | (2,113) | ||
| Acquisition of intangible assets | 11 | - | (1) | (3) | ||
| Proceeds on fixed asset disposal | - | 45 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (2,205) | (1,138) | (2,275) | |||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||
| Proceeds from issue of share capital | 16 | 10 | - | - | ||
| Proceeds from borrowings | 17 | - | 5,003 | 10,003 | ||
| Issue cost on borrowing | - | - | (565) | |||
| Interest paid | 17 | (1,123) | (523) | (1,041) | ||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (1,113) | 4,480 | 8,397 | |||
| Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents | (3,808) | 709 | 1,851 | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period / year | 15 | 3,777 | 1,952 | 1,952 | ||
| Effect of movements in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | 422 | (133) | (26) | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period / year | 391 | 2,528 | 3,777 | |||
Notes to the Condensed unaudited Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2025
1 (a) Basis of preparation
These Condensed unaudited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS") on a going concern basis.
The same accounting policies and basis of preparation have been followed as adopted in the annual financial statements of the Group which were published on 29 April 2025.
Going concern
The consolidated unaudited financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2025 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS on a going concern basis.
The operations of the Group are financed from a combination of cash flows generated by the existing operation, bond issues and funds raised from shareholders and strategic investors. In common with many pre-production entities, the Group will need to raise further funds in order to progress from the feasibility study phase into construction and ultimately into production.
Following the publication of the Balasausqandiq Phase 1 feasibility study, the Directors are confident based on their previous experience and success in raising capital and the results of the feasibility study to date, that the Company will be able to secure further funding and will, therefore, continue as a going concern for at least the next 12 months.
Accordingly, the Directors believe that it is appropriate that the Company adopts the going concern basis of accounting in preparation of these financial statements but note that the requirement to raise further funding is considered to be a material uncertainty. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would be required if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.
Use of estimates and judgements
Inventories (Note 12)
The Group holds material inventories which are assessed for impairment at each reporting date. The assessment of net realisable value requires consideration of future cost to process and sell and spot market prices at the period end less applicable discounts. The estimates are based on market data and historical trends.
Exploration and evaluation assets (Note 10)
The Group holds material exploration and evaluation assets and judgement is applied in determining whether impairment indicators exist under the Group's accounting policy. In determining that no impairment indicator exists management have considered the Competent Person's Report on the asset, the strategic plans for exploration and future development and the status of the Subsoil Use Agreement ("SUA"). Judgement was required in determining that a current application for deferral of obligations under the SUA will be granted and management anticipate such approvals being provided given their understanding of the Kazakh market and plans for the asset.
Unaudited status
These Condensed unaudited Financial Statements have not been audited or reviewed by the Group's auditor.
2 Revenue
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 202 4 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales of vanadium products | 1,457 | 1,264 | 3,076 |
| Sales of ferro-molybdenum | 1,055 | 720 | 1,517 |
| Tolling revenue | - | 179 | - |
| Service revenue | 21 | 7 | 129 |
| Total revenue from customers under IFRS 15 | 2,533 | 2,170 | 4 , 722 |
| Other revenue (adjustments to price after delivery and fair value changes) | (4) | (21) | 16 |
| Total revenue | 2,529 | 2,149 | 4,738 |
Vanadium products
Under certain sales contracts the single performance obligation is the delivery of ammonium metavanadate ("AMV") to the designated delivery point at which point possession, title and risk on the product transfers to the buyer. The buyer makes an initial provisional payment based on volumes and quantities assessed by the Company and market spot prices of vanadium pentoxide for AMV at the date of shipment. The final payment is received once the product has reached its final destination with adjustments for quality / quantity and pricing. The final pricing is based on the historical average market prices during a quotation period based on the date the product reaches the port of destination and an adjusting payment or receipt will be made to the revenue initially received. Where the final payment for a shipment made prior to the end of an accounting period has not been determined before the end of that period, the revenue is recognised based on the spot price that prevails at the end of the accounting period.
Other revenue related to the change in the fair value of amounts receivable and payable under the sales contracts between the date of initial recognition and the period end resulting from market prices is recorded as other revenue.
3 Cost of sales
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | 2,162 | 2,438 | 4,729 |
| Wages, salaries and related taxes | 600 | 659 | 1,401 |
| Depreciation | 366 | 355 | 783 |
| Electricity | 67 | 60 | 139 |
| Other | 159 | 110 | 498 |
| 3,354 | 3,622 | 7,550 | |
| 4 Other income | |||
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Currency conversion gain | 9 | 3 | 5 |
| Other | 33 | 4 | 45 |
| 42 | 7 | 50 | |
| 5 Administrative expenses | |||
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Wages, salaries and related taxes | 867 | 955 | 1,688 |
| Professional services | 63 | 120 | 332 |
| Taxes other than income tax | 18 | - | 71 |
| Listing and financing expenses | 234 | 356 | 163 |
| Audit | 136 | 107 | 124 |
| Materials | 16 | 22 | 48 |
| Rent | 21 | 37 | 37 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 38 | 36 | 70 |
| Insurance | 14 | 43 | 45 |
| Bank fees | 10 | 5 | 18 |
| Travel expenses | 12 | 23 | 44 |
| Communication and information services | 7 | 9 | 16 |
| Other | 111 | 137 | 366 |
| 1,547 | 1,850 | 3,022 | |
| 6 Other expenses | |||
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Currency conversion loss | 35 | 20 | 49 |
| Write-down of inventory to net realisable value | - | - | 71 |
| Write-down of obsolete assets | - | - | 2 |
| Impairment loss | - | - | 273 |
| Share-based payment expense | - | - | 22 |
| Other | 1 | 4 | 146 |
| 36 | 24 | 563 | |
| 7 Personnel costs | |||
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Wages, salaries and related taxes | 1 ,532 | 1,702 | 3,640 |
| 1 ,532 | 1,702 | 3,640 | |
Personnel costs of US$502,000 (2024: US$537,000) have been charged to cost of sales, US$867,000 (2024: US$955,000) to administrative expenses and US$163,000 (2024: US$210,000) were charged to cost of inventories which were not yet sold as at the end of the period.
8 Finance costs
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 202 4 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 202 4 $000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net foreign exchange gain | 79 | (28) | 337 | ||||
| Unwinding of discount on bonds | - | - | 302 | ||||
| Interest expense on financial liabilities (bonds) | 993 | 621 | 1,340 | ||||
| Net finance costs | 1,072 | 593 | 1,979 | ||||
| 9 Property, plant and equipment | |||||||
| Land and buildings $000 | Plant and equipment $000 | Vehicles $000 | Computers $000 | Other $000 | Construction in progress $000 | Total $000 | |
| Cost | |||||||
| Balance at 1 January 2024 | 5,015 | 3,822 | 522 | 49 | 256 | 242 | 9,906 |
| Additions | - | 81 | - | 2 | - | 52 | 135 |
| Transfers | - | 194 | - | - | - | (194) | - |
| Disposals | - | (3) | - | - | (1) | - | (4) |
| Foreign currency translation difference | (179) | (150) | (19) | (1) | (9) | (2) | (360) |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 4,836 | 3,944 | 503 | 50 | 246 | 98 | 9,677 |
| Balance at 31 December 2024 | 4,410 | 3,448 | 452 | 42 | 267 | 66 | 8,685 |
| Balance at 1 January 2025 | 4,410 | 3,448 | 452 | 42 | 267 | 66 | 8,685 |
| Additions | - | 101 | - | - | 3 | - | 104 |
| Disposals | - | (12) | - | (4) | (2) | - | (18) |
| Foreign currency translation difference | 27 | 20 | 3 | - | 1 | - | 51 |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | 4,437 | 3,557 | 455 | 38 | 269 | 66 | 8,822 |
| Depreciation | |||||||
| Balance at 1 January 2024 | 851 | 2 , 6 21 | 361 | 33 | 89 | - | 3 , 955 |
| Depreciation for the period | 226 | 227 | 17 | 3 | 10 | - | 483 |
| Disposals | - | (1) | - | - | - | - | (1) |
| Foreign currency translation difference | (41) | (104) | (14) | (1) | (4) | - | (164) |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 1,036 | 2,743 | 364 | 35 | 95 | - | 4,273 |
| Balance at 31 December 2024 | 1,208 | 3 , 448 | 3 4 1 | 3 1 | 122 | - | 5 , 150 |
| Balance at 1 January 2025 | 1,208 | 3,448 | 341 | 31 | 122 | - | 5 , 150 |
| Depreciation for the period | 200 | 201 | 15 | 3 | 10 | - | 429 |
| Disposals | - | (12) | - | (4) | (2) | - | (18) |
| Foreign currency translation difference | 97 | (80) | 1 | - | 6 | - | 24 |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 1,505 | 3,557 | 357 | 30 | 136 | - | 5,585 |
| Carrying amounts | |||||||
| At 1 January 2024 | 4,164 | 1, 201 | 16 1 | 16 | 167 | 242 | 5 , 951 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 3,800 | 1,201 | 139 | 15 | 151 | 98 | 5,404 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 3 , 202 | - | 1 11 | 1 1 | 1 45 | 66 | 3 , 535 |
| At 30 June 2025 | 2,932 | - | 98 | 8 | 133 | 66 | 3,237 |
Depreciation expense of US$366,000 (2024: US$355,000) has been charged to cost of sales, excluding cost of finished goods that were not sold at year-end, US$38,000 (2024: US$36,000) to administrative expenses, and US$9,000 has been charged to the cost of finished goods that were not sold at the end of the period (2024: US$96,000).
Construction in progress relates to upgrades to the processing plant.
10 Exploration and evaluation assets
The Group's exploration and evaluation assets relate to the Balasausqandiq deposit. During the six month period ended 30 June 2025, the Group capitalised the costs of technical design, sample test-work and project management costs, all relating to the Group's Phase 1 feasibility study. As at 30 June 2025, the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets was US$9.0m (2024: US$7.8m).
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January | 7,999 | 7,145 | 7,145 | |
| Additions (Phase 1 feasibility study) | 2,101 | 1,002 | 1,619 | |
| Foreign currency translation difference | (1,125) | (311) | (765) | |
| Balance at 30 June / 31 December | 8,975 | 7,836 | 7,999 | |
| 11 Intangible assets | ||||
| Mineral rights $000 | Patents $000 | Computer software $000 | Total $000 | |
| Cost | ||||
| Balance at 1 January 2024 | 84 | 34 | 3 | 121 |
| Additions | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| Foreign currency translation difference | (3) | (1) | - | (4) |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 81 | 34 | 3 | 118 |
| Balance at 31 December 2024 | 73 | 3 1 | 3 | 1 07 |
| Balance at 1 January 2025 | 73 | 31 | 3 | 107 |
| Additions | - | - | - | - |
| Foreign currency translation difference | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | 73 | 32 | 3 | 108 |
| Amortisation | ||||
| Balance at 1 January 2024 | 84 | 14 | 3 | 101 |
| Amortisation for the year | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| Foreign currency translation difference | (3) | (1) | - | (4) |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 81 | 14 | 3 | 98 |
| Balance at 31 December 2024 | 73 | 1 3 | 3 | 89 |
| Balance at 1 January 2025 | 73 | 13 | 3 | 89 |
| Amortisation for the year | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| Foreign currency translation difference | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | 73 | 15 | 3 | 91 |
| Carrying amounts | ||||
| At 1 January 2024 | - | 20 | - | 20 |
| At 30 June 2024 | - | 20 | - | 20 |
| At 31 December 2024 | - | 18 | - | 18 |
| At 30 June 2025 | - | 17 | - | 17 |
During the six months ended 30 June 2025 and 2024, amortisation of intangible assets was charged to administrative expenses.
12 Inventories
| Unaudited 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited 31 December 2024 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw materials and consumables | 1,548 | 815 | 516 |
| Finished goods | 528 | 975 | 287 |
| Work in progress | 122 | 10 | 71 |
| 2,198 | 1,800 | 874 |
During the six months ended 30 June 2025, inventories expensed to profit and loss amounted to US$2.2m (2024:US$2.4m).
13 Trade and other receivables
| Current | Unaudited 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 | Audited 31 December 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $000 | $000 | ||
| Trade receivables from third parties | 914 | 1, 2 15 | 319 |
| Due from employees | 37 | 20 | - |
| VAT receivable | 1,190 | 918 | 781 |
| Other receivables | - | 63 | 195 |
| 2,141 | 2 ,216 | 1,295 | |
| Expected credit loss provision for receivables | (58) | (64) | (58) |
| 2 ,083 | 2 ,152 | 1,237 | |
| 14 Prepayments | |||
| Unaudited 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Non-current Prepayments | 944 | 853 | 971 |
| 944 | 853 | 971 | |
| Current | |||
| Prepayments for goods and services | 732 | 1,166 | 853 |
| 732 | 1,166 | 853 | |
| 15 Cash and cash equivalents | |||
| Unaudited 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Cash at current bank accounts | 324 | 551 | 209 |
| Cash at bank deposits | 67 | 1,976 | 3,567 |
| Petty cash | - | 1 | 1 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 391 | 2,528 | 3,777 |
| 16 Equity | |||
| (a) Share capital | |||
| Number of shares unless otherwise stated Ordinary shares | |||
| Unaudited 30 June 2025 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 | Audited 31 December 2024 | |
| Par value | - | - | - |
| Outstanding at beginning of year | 483,222,238 | 483,222,238 | 483,222,238 |
| Shares issued | 10,422,098 | - | - |
| Outstanding at end of period / year | 493,644,336 | 483,222,238 | 483,222,238 |
Ordinary shares
On 6 January 2025, the Company issued 1,684,160 ordinary shares of nil par value in the capital of the Company in lieu of cash for the payment of non-executive director fees (1,151,724 ordinary shares issued in lieu of US$142,500) and certain Group suppliers (532,436 ordinary shares issued in lieu of US$65,877). Additionally, the Company received a share subscription of US$10,000 for 80,823 ordinary shares of nil par value in the capital of the Company from its Astana International Exchange market maker.
On 13 March 2025, the Company issued a total of 8,657,115 ordinary shares of nil par value in the capital of the Company in lieu of cash (US$872,552.76) for the payment of a Group supplier.
Reserves
Share capital: Value of shares issued less costs of issuance.
Additional paid in capital: Amounts due to shareholders which were waived.
Share-based payment: Share options issued during the period.
Accumulated losses: Cumulative net losses.
Dividends
No dividends were declared for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (2024: US$ nil).
Loss per share (basic and diluted)
The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share has been based on the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding. There are no convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock, so basic and diluted losses are equal.
- Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (basic and diluted)
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loss for the period, attributable to owners of the Company | (3,497) | (3,991) | (9,429) |
| Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders | (3,497) | (3,991) | (9,429) |
| (ii) Weighted-average number of ordinary shares (basic and diluted) | |||
| Shares | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 |
| Issued ordinary shares at 1 January (after subdivision) | 483,222,238 | 483,222,238 | 483,222,238 |
| Effect of shares issued (weighted) | 7,313,189 | - | - |
| Weighted-average number of ordinary shares at period / year end | 490,535,427 | 483,222,238 | 483,222,238 |
| Loss per share of common stock attributable to the Company: (Basic and diluted / US$) | (0.0071) | (0.0083) | (0.020) |
17 Loans and borrowings
In 2023 the Company launched a US$20m bond programme in Kazakhstan ("the Programme") and has issued four tranches of unsecured corporate bonds under the Programme with effective interest rates of 9.2%, 10.4%, 11% and 13.5% respectively.
With respect to the first tranche of bonds (2023), investors have subscribed for a total of 1,500 bonds with a nominal value of US$2,000 each. These bonds are unsecured, have a three-year term and bear a coupon rate of 9%, paid twice-yearly. The bonds have been listed on AIX with ISIN number KZX000001474.
With respect to the second tranche of bonds (2023), investors have subscribed for a total of 50,000 bonds with a nominal value of US$100 each. These bonds are unsecured, have a three-year term and bear a coupon rate of 10%, paid quarterly. The bonds have been listed on AIX with ISIN number KZX000001623.
With respect to the third tranche of bonds (2024), investors have subscribed for a total of 50,000 bonds with a nominal value of US$100 each. These bonds are unsecured, have a three-year term and bear a coupon rate of 11%, paid quarterly. The bonds have been listed on AIX with ISIN number KZX000001946.
With respect to the fourth tranche of bonds (2024), investors have subscribed for a total of 50,000 bonds with a nominal value of US$100 each. These bonds are unsecured, have a three-year term with an option to redeem 12 months early and bear a coupon rate of 13.5%, paid quarterly. The bonds have been listed on AIX with ISIN number KZX000003348.
| Unaudited 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited 31 December 2024 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current liabilities Bonds payable | 1 7,134 | 12,396 | 1 7,134 |
| 1 7,134 | 12,396 | 1 7,134 | |
| Current liabilities Interest payable | 303 | 233 | 432 |
| 303 | 233 | 432 | |
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| At 1 January | 17,566 | 7,527 | 7,527 |
| Cash flows: | |||
| -Interest paid | (1,123) | (523) | (1,041) |
| -Proceeds from loans and borrowings | - | 5,003 | 10,003 |
| Total | 16,443 | 12,007 | 16,489 |
| Non-cash flows | |||
| - Interest accruing in the period | 993 | 622 | 1,340 |
| - Bond discount / premium | - | - | (263) |
| At 30 June / 31 December | 17,436 | 12,629 | 17,566 |
| 18 Trade and other payables | |||
| Unaudited 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Trade payables | 2,861 | 2,565 | 1,273 |
| Debt to employees | 269 | 242 | 188 |
| Other taxes | 381 | 52 | 310 |
| Advances received | 805 | 777 | 72 |
| 4,316 | 3 ,636 | 1,843 | |
| 19 Deferred income | |||
| Unaudited 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited 31 December 2024 $000 | |
| Government grants | - | - | 102 |
| - | - | 102 | |
During 2023, the Group was awarded grant funding by the Kazakhstan Science Fund for the development of technology for the production of mixed vanadium oxides for use in vanadium redox flow batteries.
20 Contingencies
- Insurance
- Taxation contingencies
The taxation system in Kazakhstan is relatively new and is characterised by frequent changes in legislation, official pronouncements and court decisions which are often unclear, contradictory and subject to varying interpretations by different tax authorities. Taxes are subject to review and investigation by various levels of authorities which have the authority to impose severe fines, penalties and interest charges. A tax year generally remains open for review by the tax authorities for five subsequent calendar years but under certain circumstances a tax year may remain open for longer.
There are no tax claims or disputes at present.
21 Segment reporting
Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025
| Processing $000 | Subsoil $000 | Corporate $000 | Total $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2,529 | - | - | 2,529 |
| Cost of sales | (3,354) | - | - | ( 3,354 ) |
| Other income | 42 | - | - | 42 |
| Administrative expenses | ( 390 ) | ( 28 ) | ( 1,129 ) | ( 1,547 ) |
| Distribution & other expenses | ( 95 ) | - | - | ( 95 ) |
| Finance costs | (283) | - | (789) | (1,072) |
| Loss before tax | (1,551) | ( 28 ) | ( 1,918 ) | (3,497) |
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 | ||||
| Processing $000 | Subsoil $000 | Corporate $000 | Total $000 | |
| Revenue | 2,149 | - | - | 2,149 |
| Cost of sales | (3,622) | - | - | ( 3,622 ) |
| Other income | 6 | - | 1 | 7 |
| Administrative expenses | ( 475 ) | ( 4 2 ) | ( 1,333 ) | ( 1,850 ) |
| Distribution & other expenses | ( 82 ) | - | - | ( 82 ) |
| Finance costs | 217 | - | (810) | (593) |
| Loss before tax | (1,807) | ( 4 2 ) | ( 2,142 ) | (3,991) |
| Audited year ended 31 December 2024 | ||||
| Processing $000 | Subsoil $000 | Corporate $000 | Total $000 | |
| Revenue | 4,738 | - | - | 4,738 |
| Cost of sales | (7,550) | - | - | (7,550) |
| Other income | 49 | - | 1 | 50 |
| Administrative expenses | (1,132) | (40) | (1,850) | (3,022) |
| Impairment charge | (954) | - | - | (954) |
| Distribution & other expenses | (690) | - | (22) | (712) |
| Finance costs | 394 | - | (2,373) | (1,979) |
| Loss before tax | (5,145) | (40) | (4,244) | (9,429) |
Included in revenue arising from processing are revenues of US$2.2m (2024: US$1.3m) which arose from sales to two of the Group' largest customers. No other single customer contributes 10 per cent or more to the Group's revenue.
All of the Group's assets are attributable to the Group's processing operations.
Sales to the Group's largest customers during the six months ended 30 June 2025 were as follows:
Customer A US$ 1.9m (81%) (2024:US$ 0.4m)
Customer B US$ 0.3m (14%) (2024: US$1.0m)
22 Related party transactions
Transactions with management and close family members
Management remuneration
| Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2025 $000 | Unaudited six-month period ended 30 June 2024 $000 | Audited year ended 31 December 2024 $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wages, salaries and related taxes | 538 | 538 | 1,053 |
The amount of wages and salaries outstanding at 30 June 2025 is equal to US$ nil (2024: US$ nil).
23 Subsequent events
On 7 July 2025, the Company issued 16,666,667 ordinary shares of nil par value in the capital of the Company, raising gross proceeds of £1,000,000, having received share subscriptions from investors including certain directors of the Company and VBR.
Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.