Shaft Sinker cautious of South Africa worker strikes
Shaft Sinker Holdings expects 2013 full-year results to meet market forecasts following a major restructuring.
Shaft Sinker Holdings expects 2013 full-year results to meet market forecasts following a major restructuring.
The provider of shaft sinking services to mining industries said it anticipates its restructuring, which began at the start of the year, to boost performance in the second half.
As part of the shake-up, the company removed a level of operational management to improve efficiency.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The company also sees the full-year gaining from higher margin Hindustan Zinc and Kibali Goldmine contracts.
However, the group said it is cautious of the risks of South African labour situation which remains tense as wage negotiations begin next month.
Its project partner, Lonmin, has been hit by illegal strikes by its employees.
The group warned it may suffer efficiency losses from the issue, which may negatively impact margins.
"The operational underperformance at certain South African projects has necessitated management taking further action resulting in far reaching changes to its project management structures," said Chief Executive Officer, Alon Davidov.
Joint-venture platinum mining projects Saffy and Hossy were expected to be scaled down in the first quarter of this year but were bolstered by extensions to the scope of the work.
The Hossy Shaft is, however, projected to discontinue towards the end of this year.
The Karee 3 shaft and ore development project has been converted to an agreed target cost contract which provides for a reduced risk profile and improved profitability.
At AngloGold Ashanti's Moab Khotsong project, work continues to make progress with revenues and margins ahead of management's estimates. Costs associated with the previous strike action were recovered in line with the terms of the contract.
The Impala 16 shaft contracts at the main and ventilation shafts will come to an end in June following historical low rates and underperformance at the project which resulted in a fall in margins.
The group said it continues to pursue new projects and is awaiting client adjudication on several tenders and proposals in South Africa and Europe.
"Notwithstanding the adverse impact of external factors, including the forthcoming labour negotiations in South Africa, we are working very hard to secure substantial new contracts to build long term strength in the order book and we are confidentthat this high quality order book will lead to sustainable revenue streams and on-going returns to shareholders," Davidov added.
At the end of March, Shaft Sinker had gross cash of around £3.0m and interest bearing debt of around £10m.
Shares rose 0.70% to 36p at 12:34 Friday.
RD
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
-
What happens if you can’t pay your tax bill, and what is "Time to Pay"?
Millions are due to file their tax return this Friday as the self-assessment deadline closes. Though the nightmare is not over until you pay the taxman what you owe - or face a penalty. But what happens if you can't afford to pay HMRC your tax bill, and what is "Time to Pay"?
By Kalpana Fitzpatrick Published
-
What does Rachel Reeves’s plan for growth mean for UK investors?
Rachel Reeves says she is going “further and faster” to kickstart the UK economy, but investors are unlikely to be persuaded
By Katie Williams Published