VCI Global Provides Preliminary Funding for Saudi Project

Rhea-AI Summary

VCI Global (NASDAQ: VCIG) announced a plan to support Magnum Mining & Exploration (ASX: MGU) by raising at least $210 million for its Green Pig Iron Project in Saudi Arabia. VCI's subsidiary, V Capital Consulting, will manage the funding in collaboration with 2x1.Digital. Magnum will receive $10 million for working capital and $200 million for the HIsmelt plant, matched by the Saudi Investment Development Fund. Investors will get shares in Midmetal and potentially Magnum. If successful, VCI and 2x1.Digital will each gain 10% of Midmetal's shares, with 2x1.Digital also securing a board position at Magnum. The agreement is initially binding for four months, renewable by mutual consent.

Positive

• VCI Global is involved in a significant funding project worth at least $210 million.
• Magnum will receive immediate working capital of $10 million.
• The remaining $200 million, combined with matching funds from SIDF, will facilitate the HIsmelt plant project.
• Investors will receive shares in Midmetal and potentially in Magnum, indicating strong investor incentives.
• VCI Global stands to gain 10% of Midmetal’s shares if the funding is completed successfully.
• 2x1.Digital will gain a board position at Magnum, increasing oversight and potential influence.

Negative

• The project relies heavily on the successful completion of the capital raising, which is not guaranteed.
• The agreement is only binding for four months, indicating potential instability without mutual renewal.
• The project’s success is contingent on Magnum’s shareholder approval, introducing an element of uncertainty.
• The substantial amount of $200 million needs to be matched by SIDF, which may pose a risk if conditions change.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The planned capital raising of no less than $210 million for Magnum Mining & Exploration Limited’s Green Pig Iron Project in Saudi Arabia is significant. First, the inclusion of $10 million as working capital could bolster Magnum's liquidity and operational capacity in the short term. Additionally, the remaining $200 million for the Midmetal HIsmelt plant, matched by the Saudi Investment Development Fund, indicates robust financial backing for the project.

For investors, the key takeaway here is the potential for substantial shareholding in Midmetal and Magnum. Investors in the capital raising will receive fully paid ordinary shares up to a 50% total aggregate interest in Midmetal and up to 19.99% in Magnum, subject to shareholder approval. This equity distribution could enhance shareholder value if the project proceeds successfully.

However, it's important to highlight the potential risks. The project's success hinges on the completion of the capital raising and securing the matched funding from the SIDF. Any delay or failure in these processes could adversely impact timelines and expected returns.

Market Research Analyst

The announcement illuminates key market implications for investors. The Green Pig Iron Project states the production of high purity pig iron, a material essential to various manufacturing sectors. Demand for 'green' industrial processes is growing, driven by environmental regulations and market preferences for sustainable operations. This project positions Magnum and its partners strategically within this evolving industry landscape.

The involvement of VCI Global and 2x1.Digital in facilitating this sizable capital raising underscores their confidence in the project's feasibility. For retail investors, this collaboration could be viewed as a vote of confidence, reflecting a thorough due diligence process and anticipation of positive market reception.

However, the dependence on external funding and regulatory approval introduces variables that could affect the project's timeline and profitability. Investors should monitor the progress of the capital raising and any developments regarding regulatory approvals or market acceptance of the project's output.

Tech Expert

The Green Pig Iron Project described in the announcement is technologically noteworthy. The focus on 'green' high purity pig iron production aligns with the global trend towards sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial processes. The HIsmelt technology, which reduces emissions and increases efficiency in iron making, represents a significant innovation in the metallurgy industry.

For investors, understanding the technological benefits and potential market disruptions is crucial. The promise of cleaner production methods could attract attention from environmentally conscious stakeholders and regulatory bodies, potentially leading to favorable regulatory conditions and market premiums for 'green' products.

Nevertheless, the commercial viability of such technology depends on factors including production costs, scalability and market demand for high purity pig iron. Investors should stay informed on any technological advancements and pilot results to assess the project's long-term viability.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global”, “VCIG”, or the “Company”), is pleased to announce plans to facilitate the Capital Raising of no less than US$210 million for Magnum Mining & Exploration Limited (ASX: MGU) (“Magnum”) through its subsidiary, V Capital Consulting Limited (“VCCL”).

The agreement with VCCL and 2x1.Digital Private Limited (“2x1.Digital”) is to undertake a capital raising of no less than US$210 million (“Capital Raising”) to advance Magnum’s Green Pig Iron Project (the “Project”) in Saudi Arabia. Magnum is to receive no less than US$10 million as working capital, and the remaining amount, no less than US$200 million, is to be provided as 50% of the capital for the Midmetal HIsmelt plant. The remaining 50% funding for the Midmetal HIsmelt plant will be matched by the Saudi Investment Development Fund (“SIDF”). Investors participating in the Capital Raising will receive fully paid ordinary shares in Midmetal in proportion to their participation in the Capital Raising up to a total aggregate interest in Midmetal of 50%; and, subject to Magnum’s shareholder approval, fully paid ordinary shares in Magnum in proportion to their participation in the Capital Raising up to a total aggregate interest in Magnum of 19.99%.

Magnum and Middle East for Metallic Industrial (“Midmetal”) have entered into a project funding agreement (“PFA”) with VCCL and 2x1.Digital, under which VCCL and 2x1.Digital will use their best endeavors to complete the Capital Raising to fund the building of a HIsmelt plant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that will see the planned production of Green High Purity Pig Iron by Midmetal. Midmetal, the vehicle for the Project, is 50% owned by Magnum. Midmetal has secured certification for funding of up to 50% of the costs of the Project from the KSA Government, through SIDF.

Under the PFA, and on its successful completion, VCCL and 2x1.Digital will each receive 10% of Midmetal’s ordinary shares. 2x1.Digital will also have the right to receive a position on the Board of Magnum. The PFA is binding for a term of four months, renewable by the mutual agreement of the parties.

“Through VCCL, we are proud to support Magnum in their pursuit of sustainable innovation within the mining and exploration industry. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering growth and advancing transformative projects in the global market,” said Dato’ Victor Hoo, Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VCI Global.

About VCI Global Limited

VCI Global is a diversified holding company. Through its subsidiaries, it focuses on consulting, fintech, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and gamification. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, our main operations are centered in Asia, with significant visibility across Asia Pacific, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. VCIG primarily offers consulting services in capital markets, real estate, AI, and technology. In technology businesses, the company operates a proprietary financing platform that serves companies and individuals, as well as a secured messaging platform serving governments and organizations. We also invest, incubate, accelerate, and commercialize businesses and technologies in AI, robotics, and gamification.

For more information on the Company, please log on to https://v-capital.co/. 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company’s ability to grow its business and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, customer acceptance of new products, the effects of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and future measures taken by authorities in the countries wherein the Company has supply chain partners, the demand for the Company’s products and the Company’s customers’ economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, successfully managing and, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release, except in accordance with applicable law.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For media queries, please contact:

VCI Global Limited
enquiries@v-capital.co

FAQ

What is the main goal of VCI Global's recent funding initiative?

VCI Global aims to raise at least $210 million to support Magnum Mining & Exploration's Green Pig Iron Project in Saudi Arabia.

How much working capital will Magnum receive from the funding?

Magnum will receive no less than $10 million as working capital.

What is the role of the Saudi Investment Development Fund in this project?

The Saudi Investment Development Fund will match the $200 million funding for the HIsmelt plant, covering 50% of the project's costs.

What do investors receive for participating in this capital raising?

Investors will receive shares in Midmetal and potentially shares in Magnum, subject to shareholder approval.

What happens if the capital raising is not completed?

The project may face financial instability and potential delays if the capital raising is not completed successfully.

For how long is the project funding agreement binding?

The agreement is binding for an initial term of four months, renewable by mutual agreement.