CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES REPORTS FIRST HALF 2024 RESULTS

Rhea-AI Summary

China Natural Resources (NASDAQ: CHNR) reported its financial results for H1 2024. The company reduced its net loss to CNY0.12 million (US$0.02 million) compared to CNY9.46 million in H1 2023. Administrative expenses decreased to CNY4.00 million (US$0.55 million) from CNY4.88 million in 2023. The company recorded a fair value gain on financial instruments of CNY3.86 million (US$0.53 million) compared to a loss of CNY0.09 million in the previous year.

The company continues to focus on exploration activities at the Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine, though its William Minerals acquisition faces delays. As of June 30, 2024, CHNR maintained a cash position of US$1.21 million.

Positive

• Significant reduction in net loss from CNY9.46M to CNY0.12M year-over-year
• Fair value gain on financial instruments of CNY3.86M versus previous loss
• Decreased administrative expenses from CNY4.88M to CNY4.00M
• Elimination of losses from discontinued operations

Negative

• Delay in William Minerals acquisition
• No other income compared to CNY0.50M in previous period
• cash position of US$1.21M

Insights

Financial Analyst

The financial results reveal a mixed performance with some notable improvements. The reduction in administrative expenses to CNY4.00 million from CNY4.88 million shows better cost management, though primarily due to one-time professional fees in 2023. The shift from a CNY9.46 million loss to just CNY0.12 million loss is significant, but largely attributed to non-operational factors like fair value gains on warrants (CNY3.86 million) and disposal of a loss-making division.

The US$1.21 million cash position appears concerning given the company's market cap of $6.2 million. The delay in William Minerals acquisition and lack of revenue-generating operations raise liquidity concerns. The fair value gain on warrants, while improving bottom-line results, doesn't reflect operational improvements. The elimination of losses from discontinued operations is positive, but the company needs to demonstrate ability to generate sustainable revenues from its mining operations.

Mining Industry Expert

The operational outlook appears challenging. The Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine exploration activities mentioned are proceeding cautiously, but there's no clear timeline or production metrics provided. The delayed acquisition of William Minerals suggests potential complications in expansion plans. For a mining company, the absence of revenue figures and production data in the financial results is noteworthy and concerning.

The strategic pivot from water treatment to mining operations indicates a fundamental business transformation, but success will depend on execution at the Moruogu Tong Mine and completing the William Minerals acquisition. The current state suggests a company in transition rather than one with established mining operations, which creates significant uncertainty for near-term performance.

HONG KONG, Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China Natural Resources Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR) (the "Company") today announced its results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024. For the convenience of the reader, amounts in Chinese Yuan ("CNY") have been translated into United States dollars ("US$") at the rate of US$1.00 = CNY7.2673 as quoted by www.ofx.com on June 30, 2024, except as otherwise disclosed.

Mr. Wong Wah On Edward, Chairman of the Company, commented, "We are prudently investing in our exploration activities as we work to extract further value from the Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine. Although the acquisition of William Minerals has encountered delay, we are using our best endeavors to resolve the condition precedent to the closing of the acquisition. We will move forward and leverage our mining expertise as we continue to execute on our long-term business strategy."

Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024

Administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 were CNY4.00 million (US$0.55 million), as compared to expenses of CNY4.88 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was mainly due to the professional service fees incurred in 2023 in relation to the Company's potential acquisition of Zimbabwe lithium mines.

Other income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was nil, as compared to CNY0.50 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was mainly caused by other income relating to impairment reversal of other receivables, which were fully impaired and written off in prior years but collected in 2023.

Fair value gain on financial instruments for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was CNY3.86 million (US$0.53 million), as compared to a loss of CNY0.09 million for the same period in 2023. The amount represented the fluctuation of fair values of the Company's outstanding warrants.

The loss for the period from discontinued operations, net of tax was nil for the period ended June 30, 2024, as compared with CNY4.96 million for the same period in 2023. The loss in 2023 was the result of an expected credit loss assessment of receivables and contract assets, due to the fact that the amount of uncollected and aged receivables and contract assets was relatively higher than the amount in 2022.

Loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was CNY0.12 million (US$0.02 million) as compared to CNY9.46 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in loss was mainly due to fair value gain on financial instruments – warrants, and the disposal of loss-generating water treatment business in 2023.

The Company had a US$1.21 million balance of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2024.

About China Natural Resources:

China Natural Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR) is currently a holding company that operates in exploration and mining business. Upon the completion of Precise Space-Time Technology disposition on July 28, 2023, the Company is engaged in the acquisition and exploitation of mining rights in Inner Mongolia, including exploring for lead, silver and other nonferrous metal, and is actively exploring business opportunities in the healthcare and other non-natural resource sectors. In 2023, China Natural Resources agreed to acquire Williams Minerals, which operates a lithium mine in Zimbabwe, for a maximum consideration of US$1.75 billion. Currently, we are actively working with all involved parties to close the deal as soon as possible. Williams Minerals is owned by China Natural Resources' controlling shareholder, Feishang Group Limited, and a non-affiliate, Top Pacific (China) Limited.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the intent, belief and current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to: the potential presented by the exploration and mining sector in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") and other industry sectors in the PRC generally; the impact on the Company's financial position, growth potential and business of in the sale of Precise Space-Time Technology and Shanghai Onway specifically; the experience, supply chain and customer relationships and market insights of the Precise Space-Time Technology team; and the Company's ability to locate and execute on strategic opportunities in non-natural resources sectors. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ from its forward-looking statements are uncertainties associated with metal price volatility; uncertainties concerning the viability of mining and estimates of reserves at the Company's Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine in Inner Mongolia; uncertainties regarding our ability to acquire a mining permit and to extract mineral reserves located in the Moruogu Tong Mine in an economically feasible manner; uncertainties related to our ability to fund operations and capital expenditures; uncertainties relating to the acquisition of Williams Minerals that were not discovered by us through our due diligence investigation; uncertainties related to the completion of the acquisition of Williams Minerals which is conditional upon satisfaction or waiver of various conditions; failure to complete the acquisition of Williams Minerals may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations; uncertainties related to the realization of the anticipated benefits associated with it; the potential lack of appetite for the Company's current holdings as consideration for a transaction; uncertainties related to geopolitical events and conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; uncertainties regarding the impact of climate change on our operations and business; uncertainties related to possible future increases in operating expenses; the fluctuations of interest rates and foreign exchange rates; the results of the next assessment by the Staff of the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications department of the Company's compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules; uncertainties related to governmental, economic and political circumstances in the PRC; uncertainties related to the Company's ability to fund operations; uncertainties related to possible future increases in operating expenses, including costs of labor and materials; uncertainties related to the political situation between the PRC and the United States, and potential negative impacts on companies with operations in the PRC that are listed on exchanges in the United States; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. When, in any forward-looking statement, the Company, or its management, expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, that expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and is believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the stated expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 AND 2023 (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2023				2024				2024
		CNY				CNY				US$
		(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Administrative expenses			(4,879)				(3,996)				(550)
Other income			500				—				—
Fair value (loss)/gain on financial instruments			(86)				3,862				531
Finance costs			(44)				(30)				(4)
Finance income			3				42				6
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX			(4,506)				(122)				(17)
Income tax expense			—				—				—
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD FROM CONTINUING    OPERATIONS			(4,506)				(122)				(17)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Loss for the period from discontinued operations,    net of tax			(4,955)				—				—
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD			(9,461)				(122)				(17)
ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
From continuing operations			(4,506)				(122)				(17)
From discontinued operations			(6,236)				—				—
Non-controlling interests
From continuing operations			—				—				—
From discontinued operations			1,281				—				—
			(9,461)				(122)				(17)
LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO     OWNERS OF THE COMPANY:
Basic and diluted
- For loss from continuing operations			(0.55)				(0.01)				—
- For loss from discontinued operations			(0.76)				—				—
- Loss per share			(1.31)				(0.01)				—

 

CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF JUNE 30, 2024 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 2023 (Amounts in thousands)
		December 31,				June 30,
		2023				2024				2024
		CNY				CNY				US$
		(Audited)				(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment			53				54				7
Right-of-use assets			346				—				—
Other non-current assets			247,530				254,238				34,984
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS			247,929				254,292				34,991
CURRENT ASSETS
Prepayments			1,107				1,067				147
Other receivables			18				21				3
Cash and cash equivalents			4,753				8,779				1,208
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS			5,878				9,867				1,358
TOTAL ASSETS			253,807				264,159				36,349

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade payables			100				100				14
Other payables and accruals			82,610				79,405				10,926
Derivative financial liabilities			—				4,419				608
Lease liabilities			360				376				52
Due to related companies			9,069				6,221				856
Due to the Shareholder			85,673				77,317				10,639
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES			177,812				167,838				23,095
TOTAL LIABILITIES			177,812				167,838				23,095
EQUITY
Issued capital			450,782				450,782				62,029
Other capital reserves			758,775				770,874				106,074
Accumulated losses			(1,122,851)				(1,122,973)				(154,524)
Other comprehensive losses			(10,711)				(2,362)				(325)
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE    COMPANY			75,995				96,321				13,254
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS			—				—				—
TOTAL EQUITY			75,995				96,321				13,254
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY			253,807				264,159				36,349

The condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss of the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and the condensed consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss and the condensed consolidated statements of financial position have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Commission on April 30, 2024.

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SOURCE China Natural Resources, Inc.

FAQ

What was CHNR's net loss for H1 2024?

China Natural Resources reported a net loss of CNY0.12 million (US$0.02 million) for H1 2024.

How much did CHNR's administrative expenses decrease in H1 2024?

Administrative expenses decreased from CNY4.88 million in H1 2023 to CNY4.00 million (US$0.55 million) in H1 2024.

What was CHNR's cash position as of June 30, 2024?

CHNR had a cash and cash equivalents balance of US$1.21 million as of June 30, 2024.

What caused the improvement in CHNR's financial performance in H1 2024?

The improved performance was mainly due to fair value gain on financial instruments (warrants) and the disposal of the loss-generating water treatment business in 2023.

What is the status of CHNR's William Minerals acquisition?

The William Minerals acquisition is currently facing delays, with the company working to resolve condition precedents to close the acquisition.