FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_____________
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of OCTOBER, 2004
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD. (File #0-30614)
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
Suite 2000, 1055 West Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C. Canada, V6E 2E9
(Address of principal executive offices)
Attachments:
1.
Oromin Explorations Ltd. News Release, Dated October 20, 2004,
2.
Oromin Explorations Ltd. News Release, Dated October 29, 2004,
3.
Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, Filed October 29, 2004.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F __________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-________________
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD.
(Registrant)
Date: November 3, 2004
By: “James G. Stewart”
James G. Stewart
Its: Secretary
(Title)
November 3, 2004
VIA EDGAR
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Judiciary Plaza Office Building
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Dear Sir or Madam:
RE:
Oromin Explorations Ltd. - (File #0-30614)
Form 6-K
On behalf of Oromin Explorations Ltd., a corporation under the laws of British Columbia, Canada, we enclose for filing, one (1) copy of Form 6-K, including exhibits.
If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned at your convenience.
Very truly yours,
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD.
“James G. Stewart”
per:
James G. Stewart
Secretary
Enclosures
cc:
Standard & Poor's Corporation (w. 3 copies)
Miller Thomson, Attn: Mr. Rupert Legge
OROMIN
Suite 2000, Guinness Tower, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6E 2E9
& nbsp;
EXPLORATIONS LTD.
Tel: (604) 331-8772 * Fax: (604) 331-8773
October 20, 2004
Trading Symbols: TSX Venture – OLE
Web Site: www.oromin.com
OROMIN NAMED SUCCESSFUL BIDDER IN INTERNATIONAL BID PROCESS AND ACQUIRES HIGHLY PROSPECTIVE SÉNÉGAL GOLD PROJECT
Oromin Explorations Ltd. (TSX-V:OLE) is pleased to report that the Oromin Joint Venture Group has been awarded an exploration concession by the Government of Sénégal covering 230 square kilometres (the “Sabodala Project”) in West Africa.
The 230 square kilometre Sabodala Project is underlain by the same greenstone geologic environment that contains the broad Mali-Sénégal Shear Zone, which hosts many large gold deposits in adjacent Mali, including the Sadiola Gold Deposit of IAMGold and Anglogold. The 9.8 million ounce Sadiola Gold Deposit has an annual production of approximately 600,000 ounces of gold. Additional world-class gold deposits in adjacent Mali hosted by the same structural/geological environment include: Morila (5.6 million ounces); Syama (5.2 million ounces); and Loulo (4.0 million ounces).
The Oromin Joint Venture Group (“OJVG”) is a joint venture betweenOromin (43.5%), a private Saudi Arabian investor group (43.5%) and a private Sénégalese investor group (13%), withOromin providing exploration and management services. The exploration concession grants to the OJVG the sole right to acquire a 100% interest in the 230 square kilometre Sabodala Project by spending at least US$8 million on exploration over 22 months. Under the terms of the OJVG Agreement, the private Saudi group will provide the initial US$3.3 million in exploration expenditures withOromin providing the subsequent US$4.7 million commitment. In addition, the private Saudi group has a right of first refusal to provide financing, through an equity placement inOromin, of up to US$4 million ofOromin’s expenditure commitment. The private Sénégalese investor group holds a free carried interest until the initial US$8 million commitment is completed, at which time the three parties will bear all future costs associated with the exploration and development of the Sabodala Project on a pro rata basis, or be subject to dilution.
The Sabodala Project surrounds the 20 square kilometre exploitation concession (see attached plan map) that hosts a number of mineral prospects, including the Sabodala Gold Deposit, and is located in southeastern Sénégal, some 600 kilometres from the capital city of Dakar. Access to the project area is very good with all-weather roads leading to and throughout the project area, as well as airplane access to a private, paved air-strip within the concession boundaries. The political climate in Sénégal is excellent and the country’s newly enacted Mining Code is very attractive for both exploration and development of mineral resources.
The most extensive past exploration on the 230 square kilometres covered by the Sabodala Project was undertaken by BRGM (Geologic Branch of the French Government) between 1976 and 1992. The majority of the BRGM exploration activity throughout this region was focused on the immediate area of the Sabodala Gold Deposit that lies within the 20 square kilometre Sabodala Exploitation Concession, surrounded in its entirety by the much larger exploration concession which comprises the Sabodala Project (see attached plan map). As part of BRGM’s exploration, extensive drilling was carried out at the Sabodala Gold Deposit including intersections of:
Hole | Interval (m) | Gold (g/t) |
S11J | 58.0 | 7.9 |
S2K | 21.0 | 8.9 |
S4L | 35.0 | 5.6 |
S2L | 18.6 | 27.6 |
S1H | 20.5 | 8.5 |
A series of resource calculations, undertaken by BRGM and later audited by Mintech International estimate approximately 500,000 to 1,000,000 ounces of gold resources for the Sabodala Deposit. These calculations predate the implementation of National Instrument 43-101. Subsequent to the exploration efforts of BRGM, a local company initiated small-scale, open-pit mining of near surface oxide ore at the Sabodala Gold Deposit and one other deposit in the region. However, very little exploration using modern techniques has been conducted on the surrounding Sabodala Project as the exploration concession has only just become available through the Government of Sénégal’s international bid procedure.
Encouraging regional exploration results by BRGM indicate that the hosting geologic environment and structural regime controlling the Sabodala Gold Deposit underlie much of the surrounding Sabodala Project. Numerous high priority exploration targets, mineral occurrences, gold prospects and gold deposits occur within the extensive northeasterly trending structural zone transecting the majority of the Sabodala Project.
One such target area, the Golouma Prospect, is associated with multi-episodal quartz stockwork veining and silicification within an extensive circular feature measuring approximately 2.0 kilometres in diameter. This circular feature lies along the eastern flank of the Mali-Sénégal Shear Zone, a 5.0 kilometre wide northeasterly trending structural zone hosting all of the known mineralized showings and deposits (including the Sabodala Gold Deposit) over a minimum 12 kilometre length. The Golouma Prospect has never been drilled although it has been the focus of previous alluvial mining activities within the younger sediment covered valleys adjacent to the highly silicified hillsides distributed within the extensive circular feature. Preliminary trenching results obtained by BRGM from the Golouma Prospect include: 3.4 g/t gold over 4 metres, 5.4 g/t gold over 5.5 metres and 11.4 g/t gold over 6 .5 metres, with none of these trenches exposing the full width of mineralization present. The Golouma Prospect is drill-ready andOromin intends to begin drill evaluation of this prospect as soon as possible following mobilization.
A second priority exploration target, the Kobokoto Prospect, is located on the western flank of the 5 kilometre wide structural zone. As with the Golouma Prospect, the Kobokoto Prospect has never been drilled although BRGM reported grades from a series of exploration pits here ranging from 1. 5 to 63.5 g/t gold and a series of trenches including: 3.5 g/t gold over 3 metres and 4.5 g/t gold over 3 metres, neither trench covering the entire mineralized width. The Kobokoto Prospect is drill-ready andOromin intends to begin drill evaluation of this prospect as soon as possible following mobilization.
Oromin is extremely pleased to have been granted the Sabodala Project exploration concession given the high level of interest in the project from senior international mining companies. The project’s location within the Mali-Sénégal Shear Zone and its proximity to the Sabodala Gold Deposit is highly prospective, giving it significant exploration potential.
Oromin’s geological consultants visited the Sabodala Project to carry out due diligence as part of the international bid process and have begun preparation of a geological report in compliance with National Instrument 43-101.
Orominplans to immediately initiate an aggressive exploration program on the Sabodala Project. Exploration activities will include Landsat-Radarsat imagery interpretation, airborne geophysics, ground geophysics (including magnetics and induced polarization), regional and detailed geochemistry surveys, prospecting, geological and structural mapping, manual and mechanical trenching and extensive drilling, beginning with drilling on the Golouma and Kobokoto prospects in the vicinity of the BRGM trenching as soon as possible after the commencement of exploration.
In addition to the Sabodala Project,Oromin is presently negotiating to acquire a highly prospective gold property in Brazil.
Oromin has been advised by its joint venture partner on its Santa Rosa oil and gas prospect in Argentina, Surge Global Energy Inc. (“Surge”), that Surge expects to complete its purchase of a 50% interest in Santa Rosa shortly. Following the completion of Surge’s acquisition of its 50% interest in Santa Rosa,Oromin and Surge will jointly undertake the next phase of the exploration program, at an estimated cost of US$1,350,000, which will consist of interpretation of seismic data, completion of environmental studies, drilling three exploration wells and, contingent upon success, completing one production well. All required funding for the upcoming phase of exploration and all future exploration and development of the Santa Rosa property, will be borne equally by each party.
To find out more aboutOromin Explorations Ltd. (TSX-V:OLE), visit our website at U.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD.
“Chet Idziszek”
Chet Idziszek, President
NO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
![[orominform6koctober002.jpg]](https://capedge.com/proxy/6-K/0001176256-04-000310/orominform6koctober002.jpg)
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD.
Suite 2000, 1055 West Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6E 2E9
Phone: 604-331-8772 Fax: 604-331-8773
October 29, 2004
Trading Symbol: TSX Venture – OLE
Website: www.oromin.com
NEWS RELEASE
Oromin Explorations Ltd. (“Oromin”), announces that it has granted incentive stock options entitling the purchase of a total of 295,781 common shares of Oromin at a price of $0.303 per share, exercisable until October 29, 2009. The grant of these options is subject to regulatory approval.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD.
“Chet Idziszek”
Chet Idziszek, President
NO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD.
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Six months ended August 31, 2004
(Unaudited – Prepared by Management)
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
In accordance with National Instrument 51-102 released by the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Company discloses that its auditors have not reviewed the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the period ended August 31, 2004.
Oromin Explorations Ltd.
(An exploration stage company)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at
(Unaudited – Prepared by Management)
August 31, 2004 | February 29, 2004 | |
ASSETS | ||
Current | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,258,797 | $ 515,795 |
Receivables | 14,754 | 7,670 |
Prepaid expenses and deposits | 4,872 | 4,872 |
1,278,423 | 528,337 | |
Equipment | 7,551 | 5,294 |
Resource properties and deferred costs(Note 4) | 1,868,888 | 2,310,978 |
Performance bond – restricted cash | 143,520 | 146,071 |
$ 3,298,382 | $ 2,990,680 | |
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||
Current | ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ 427,522 | $ 291,002 |
Shareholders’ equity | ||
Capital stock (Note 5) | ||
Authorized | ||
100,000,000 common shares without par value | ||
25,695,308 common shares (February 29, 2004 – 21,195,308) | 11,640,280 | 11,010,280 |
Share subscriptions (Note 5) | - | 330,000 |
Contributed surplus (Note 5) | 182,746 | 122,568 |
Deficit | (8,952,166) | (8,763,170) |
2,870,860 | 2,699,678 | |
$ 3,298,382 | $ 2,990,680 |
Nature of operations and going concern (Note 1)
Approved by the Board
“Chet Idziszek” Director
“James G. Stewart” Director
Oromin Explorations Ltd.
(An exploration stage company)
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Deficit
(Unaudited – Prepared by Management)
Three Months Ended August 31, 2004 | Three Months Ended August 31, 2003 | Six Months Ended August 31, 2004 | Six Months Ended August 31, 2003 | |
Expenses | ||||
Amortization | $ 372 | $ 524 | $ 745 | $ 1,048 |
Filing and transfer agent fees | 7,950 | 8,887 | 10,725 | 12,520 |
Office and rent | 15,654 | 7,881 | 27,674 | 22,888 |
Professional fees | 19,623 | 9,893 | 27,917 | 19,571 |
Shareholder information | 438 | 5,666 | 2,198 | 6,344 |
Stock-based compensation (Note 6) | - | - | 60,178 | - |
Travel and public relations | 1,597 | 568 | 8,389 | 5,758 |
Wages and benefits | 5,495 | 4,890 | 10,989 | 9,780 |
(51,129) | (38,309) | (148,815) | (77,909) | |
Other INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||
Interest income | 2,613 | 1,400 | 4,586 | 2,544 |
Foreign exchange loss | (33,401) | (19,827) | (44,767) | (32,736) |
(30,788) | (18,427) | (40,181) | (30,192) | |
Loss for the period | (81,917) | (56,736) | (188,996) | (108,101) |
Deficit - beginning of period | (8,870,249) | (8,516,919) | (8,763,170) | (8,465,554) |
Deficit - end of period | $ (8,952,166) | $ (8,573,655) | $ (8,952,166) | $ (8,573,655) |
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ (0.00) | $ (0.00) | $ (0.01) | $ (0.01) |
Weighted number of shares outstanding | 25,695,308 | 20,195,308 | 24,996,396 | 19,850,693 |
Oromin Explorations Ltd.
(An exploration stage company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited – Prepared by Management)
Three Months Ended August 31, 2004 | Three Months Ended August 31, 2003 | Six Months Ended August 31, 2004 | Six Months Ended August 31, 2003 | ||
Cash flows from operating activities | |||||
Net loss for the period | $ (81,917) | $ (56,736) | $ (188,996) | $ (108,101) | |
Items not affecting cash | |||||
Amortization | 372 | 524 | 745 | 1,048 | |
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 5,091 | (1,559) | 2,551 | 11,118 | |
Stock-based compensation | - | - | 60,178 | - | |
Changes in non-cash working capital items: | |||||
Prepaid expenses | - | - | - | 15,428 | |
Receivables | (5,456) | 2,720 | (7,084) | 1,934 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 37,622 | 26,471 | 136,520 | 28,619 | |
(44,288) | (28,580) | 3,914 | (49,954) | ||
Cash flows from financing activity | |||||
Capital stock issued for cash | - | - | 300,000 | 224,409 | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||||
Purchase of equipment | (3,002) | - | (3,002) | - | |
Proceeds from sale of interest in Argentina project | - | - | 832,680 | - | |
Expenditures on resource properties and deferred costs | (266,496) | 8,314 | (390,590) | (21,005) | |
(269,498) | 8,314 | 439,088 | (21,005) | ||
Change in cash and cash equivalents | (313,786) | (20,266) | 743,002 | 153,450 | |
Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of period | 1,572,583 | 274,567 | 515,795 | 100,851 | |
Cash and cash equivalents - End of period | $ 1,258,797 | $ 254,301 | $ 1,258,797 | $ 254,301 | |
Supplemental disclosure with respect to cash flows (note 10) | |||||
Oromin Explorations Ltd.
(An Exploration Stage Company)
Notes to The Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars – Unaudited, Prepared by Management)
For the six months ended August 31, 2004
1.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN
The Company is in the business of exploring its resource properties. The Company’s current oil and gas exploration activities are in the pre-production stage. Consequently, the Company considers itself to be an exploration stage Company. The recoverability of the Company’s investments in oil and gas properties is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the exploration and future profitable commercial production or proceeds from the disposition thereof.
As at August 31, 2004, the Company has working capital of $850,901 (February 29, 2004 - $237,335). The Company’s ability to fulfill its obligations is dependent on its ability to secure additional financing, and while it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance it will be able to do so in the future. Accordingly, there is substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. Management is actively pursuing additional funds by way of private placement to meet its level of general and administrative expenditures and expenditures on the exploration of its oil and gas properties. In addition, management is pursuing joint venture partners to jointly explore the Company’s oil and gas properties in Argentina.
These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that would be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
2.
Interim Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements do not contain all the information required for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 29, 2004.
3.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of their application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements of the Company.
4.
RESOURCE PROPERTIES AND DEFERRED COSTS
Argentina | Sénégal | Total | |
Balance, February 29, 2004 | $ 2,310,978 | $ - | $ 2,310,978 |
Camp/admin costs | - | 778 | 778 |
Contractors and geologic staff | 102,663 | 207,255 | 309,918 |
Land and legal | 17,346 | 12,174 | 29,520 |
Report and mapping | 919 | 327 | 1,246 |
Travel and accommodation | - | 49,128 | 49,128 |
Proceeds from sale of interest (initial payment) | (832,680) | - | (832,680) |
Balance, August 31, 2004 | $ 1,599,226 | $ 269,662 | $ 1,868,888 |
a)
Argentina
On September 29, 2000, the Company submitted a bid to the Secretariat of Energy of the Republic of Argentina to acquire certain oil and gas rights in the Cuyana Basin of central Argentina. In March 2001, the Secretariat of Energy of the Republic of Argentina approved the Company’s bid to acquire a 100% interest in the oil and gas exploration rights in the Province of Mendoza in central Argentina (the “Santa Rosa property”). These exploration rights are for a period of six years and will be converted into exploitation rights for a period of 25 years if commercial quantities of hydrocarbons are discovered. Upon the successful bid, the Company agreed to incur US$600,000 of exploration expenditures by March 20, 2003, (incurred) as a performance guarantee on the property. The Company has yet to receive formal title to the Santa Rosa property and exploration rights. &nb sp;
In April 2003, Cynthia Holdings Limited (“Cynthia”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement with The Havana Group, Inc. (“Havana”) whereby Cynthia agreed to sell to Havana an effective 50% interest in the Santa Rosa property owned by Exploraciones Oromin, S.A. (“Oromin, S.A.”) in exchange for US$1,500,000. This agreement amends previous letter agreements.
The agreement is structured such that Oromin, S.A. will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cynthia. Currently, Oromin, S.A. is owned directly by Oromin Explorations Ltd. and not by Cynthia although management intends to make Oromin, S.A. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cynthia.
In exchange for selling the effective 50% interest, Cynthia will issue to Havana 1,000 common shares, representing 50% of the outstanding voting common shares, for US$1,500,000. Havana will be issued one common share for every US$1,500 paid. The agreement provides that the purchase price will be fixed to equivalent Canadian dollars as at July 31, 2002 of approximately $2,376,450. In addition, Havana will also issue to Irie Isle Limited (“Irie”) 1,000,000 unregistered common shares. Irie is the parent company of Cynthia.
Havana and Irie have agreed that the operations of Oromin, S.A. will be borne equally by each party pursuant to monthly cash calls which will be structured as subscriptions for additional common shares of Cynthia. Havana and Irie have also agreed that Irie will be the operator of Oromin, S.A. and have the casting vote on all operating decisions.
A director of the Company became a director of Havana in August 2002.
Cynthia received C$832,680 (US$600,000) towards this agreement during the six months ended August 31, 2004.
b)
Sénégal
The Company has deferred certain costs relating to the technical due diligence of a potential mineral property acquisition in Sénégal. Subsequent to August 31, 2004, the Company was awarded an exploration concession in Sénégal covering 230 square kilometres known as the Sabodala Project. The Sabodala Project will be owned by the Oromin Joint Venture Group (“OJVG”), a joint venture between the Company as to 43.5%, a private Saudi Arabian investor group as to 43.5% and a private Sénégalese investor group as to 13%, with the Company providing exploration and management services. The exploration concession grants to the OJVG the sole right to acquire a 100% interest in the 230 square kilometre Sabodala Project by spending at least US$8 million on exploration over 22 months. Under the terms of the OJVG joint venture agreement, the private S audi group will provide the initial US$3.3 million in exploration expenditures with the Company providing the subsequent US$4.7 million commitment. In addition, the private Saudi group has a right of first refusal to provide financing, through an equity placement in the Company, up to US$4 million of the Company’s expenditure commitment. The private Sénégalese investor group holds a free carried interest until the initial US$8 million commitment is completed, at which time the three parties will bear all future costs associated with the exploration and development of the Sabodala Project on a pro rata basis, or be subject to dilution.
5.
CAPITAL STOCK AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
Number of Shares | Amount | Contributed Surplus | ||
Authorized 100,000,000 common shares without par value | ||||
Balance as at February 29, 2004 | 21,195,308 | $ 11,010,280 | $ 122,568 | |
For cash pursuant to private placement | 3,000,000 | 450,000 | - | |
For cash on exercise of warrants | 1,500,000 | 180,000 | - | |
Stock-based compensation (Note 6) | - | - | 60,178 | |
Balance as at August 31, 2004 | 25,695,308 | $ 11,640,280 | $ 182,746 | |
In March 2004, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement consisting of 3,000,000 units at a price of $0.15 per unit for proceeds of $450,000. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one non-transferable share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.25 per share until March 1, 2006. The Company had received subscription proceeds of $330,000 towards this private placement during the year ended February 29, 2004.
6.
STOCK OPTIONS
The total fair value of stock options granted during the current period entitling the purchase of up to 300,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.25 per share until March 3, 2009, was $60,178 which has been recorded in the results of operations as stock-based compensation.
The following weighted average assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes valuation of options granted during the period.
Risk-free interest rate
3.5%
Expected life
5 years
Annualized volatility
111%
Dividend rate
0%
As at August 31, 2004, the following stock options were outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise Price | Number of Shares | Expiry Date |
$ 0.24 | 145,000 | May 12, 2005 |
0.20 | 433,000 | September 28, 2005 |
0.34 | 191,749 | February 8, 2006 |
0.20 | 245,000 | July 4, 2006 |
0.16 | 50,000 | December 1, 2008 |
0.25 | 909,000 | January 22, 2009 |
0.25 | 300,000 | March 3, 2009 |
2,273,749 |
7.
WARRANTS
As at August 31, 2004, the following share purchase warrants were outstanding and exercisable:
Number of Shares | Exercise Price | Expiry Date |
2,045,454 | $ 0.18 | April 1, 2005 |
1,499,999 | 0.25 | March 1, 2006 |
3,545,453 |
8.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
a)
During the six months ended August 31, 2004, the Company incurred professional fees of $62,588 (2003 - $20,560) with companies related by directors in common. Professional fees have either been expensed to operations or capitalized to resource properties, based on the nature of the expenditure.
b)
As at August 31, 2004, accounts payable includes $256,413 (February 29, 2004 - $151,823) due to companies with directors in common.
c)
The Company received $832,680 from a company with directors in common pursuant to an agreement to sell a 50% interest in the Santa Rosa Property (Note 4a)).
8.
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company has one operating segment, being the exploration of resource properties. The Company’s equipment and resource properties are located in the following geographic areas as at August 31, 2004:
Argentina | $ 1,599,226 |
Canada | 7,551 |
Sénégal | 269,662 |
$ 1,876,439 |
9.
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE WITH RESPECT TO CASH FLOWS
During the six months ended August 31, 2004, the Company conducted the following non-cash transaction:
Transferred $330,000 to capital stock from share subscriptions on closing the private placement completed March 1, 2004 (Note 5).
FORM 51-102F1
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD
ENDED AUGUST 31, 2004
OROMIN EXPLORATIONS LTD.
FORM 51-102F1
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2004
The following discussion and analysis, prepared as of October 25, 2004, should be read together with the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six month period ended August 31, 2004 and related notes attached thereto, which are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
The reader should also refer to the annual audited financial statements for the years ended February 29, 2004 and February 28 2003, and the Management Discussion and Analysis for those years.
Statements in this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary considerably from these statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Additional information related to the Company is available for view on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com.
Description of Business
The Company is in the business of exploring its resource properties. At August 31, 2004, the Company’s sole property was an oil and gas exploration block known as the Santa Rosa Property which is located in the Republic of Argentina.
The Company’s interest in the Santa Rosa Property is subject to an agreement between Cynthia Holdings Ltd. (“Cynthia”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and The Havana Group Inc. (“Havana”) to sell an effective 50% interest in the Santa Rosa Property to Havana. Cynthia received US$600,000 during the period and the balance remains owing. Following the completion of Havana’s purchase of the 50% interest in the Santa Rosa Property, Cynthia and Havana will jointly undertake the next phase of the exploration program, at an estimated cost of US$1,350,000, which will consist of interpretation of seismic data, completion of environmental studies, drilling three exploration wells and, contingent upon success, completing one production well. All required funding for the upcoming phase of exploration and all future exploration and development of the Santa Rosa Prope rty, will be borne equally by each party.
Subsequent to the end of the period, the Company was awarded an exploration concession by the Government of Sénégal covering 230 square kilometres known as the Sabodala Project. The Sabodala Project will be owned by the Oromin Joint Venture Group (“OJVG”), a joint venture between the Company as to 43.5%, a private Saudi Arabian investor group as to 43.5% and a private Sénégalese investor group as to 13%, with the Company providing exploration and management services. The exploration concession grants to the OJVG the sole right to acquire a 100% interest in the 230 square kilometre Sabodala Project by spending at least US$8 million on exploration over 22 months. Under the terms of the OJVG joint venture agreement, the private Saudi group will provide the initial US$3.3 million in exploration expenditures with the Company providing the subsequent US$4.7 million comm itment. In addition, the private Saudi group has a right of first refusal to provide financing, through an equity placement in the Company, up to US$4 million of the Company’s expenditure commitment. The private Sénégalese investor group holds a free carried interest until the initial US$8 million commitment is completed, at which time the three parties will bear all future costs associated with the exploration and development of the Sabodala Project on a pro rata basis, or be subject to dilution.
The Company’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “OLE”.
Performance Summary
The following is a summary of significant events and transactions that occurred during the period:
1.
In March 2004, Cynthia Holdings Ltd. (“Cynthia”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, received US$600,000 from The Havana Group Inc. (“Havana”) pursuant to an agreement to sell an effective 50% interest in the Santa Rosa Property to Havana.
2.
In March 2004, the Company issued 3,000,000 units at a price of $0.15 per unit to generate net proceeds of $450,000 pursuant to a non-brokered private placement. Each unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one half non-transferable share purchase warrant, each whole warrant entitling the purchase of one additional share of the Company at a price of $0.25 per share until March 1, 2006. The Company had received $330,000 toward this private placement in the year ended February 29, 2004.
3.
In May 2004, the Company issued 1,500,000 common shares pursuant to the exercise of warrants for proceeds of $180,000.
Selected Annual Information
The following table provides a brief summary of the Company’s financial operations. For more detailed information, refer to the Financial Statements.
Year Ended February 29, 2004 | Year Ended February 28, 2003 | Year Ended February 28, 2002 | |
Total revenues | nil | nil | nil |
Net loss | $297,616 | $193,126 | $79,385 |
Basic and diluted loss per share | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.01) |
Total assets | 2,990,680 | 2,444,494 | 4,581,547 |
Total long-term liabilities | nil | nil | nil |
Cash dividends | nil | nil | nil |
During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2004, the total assets of the Company increased to $2,990,680 from $2,444,494 as at February 28, 2003, primarily due to funds raised by way of private placement and on the exercise of warrants which generated proceeds of $344,409. The Company also received $330,000 in share subscriptions pursuant to a private placement that closed March 1, 2004. The significant increase in loss during the year ended February 29, 2004 compared to the loss for the year ended February 28, 2003 is due to stock-based compensation of $110,518.
During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2003, the total assets of the Company decreased to $2,444,494 from $4,581,547 as at February 28, 2002, due principally to the repayment of the loan made in a previous period which was used by the Company to make a capital contribution to its Argentine subsidiary, Exploraciones Oromin S.A., in order to permit Exploraciones Oromin S.A. to qualify as a bidder for the Santa Rosa Property.
The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties in accordance with the accounting guidelines published by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. All costs of exploration and development of oil and gas properties are capitalised and accumulated in cost centres. General and administrative costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The Company follows the fair value method for measuring compensation costs.
The Company has not paid any dividends on its common shares. The Company has no present intention of paying dividends on its common shares, as it anticipates that all available funds will be invested to finance the growth of its business.
Results of Operations
The Company’s largest cash inflow was $832,680 (US$600,000) received from the Havana Group representing the first payment toward the sale of a 50% interest in the Santa Rosa property in Argentina. The Company's largest cash outflow in the six month period ended August 31, 2004 was as a result of exploration expenditures of $390,590. These expenditures consisted of $269,662 spent on technical due diligence of the Sabodala Project, and $120,928 in expenditures on the Santa Rosa property in Argentina. Expenditures on the due diligence of the Sabodala Project are comprised of $778 for related administrative costs, $207,255 paid to consulting geologists for assessment of the prospect and guided assistance while in Africa, $12,174 in legal costs related to bid submission and $49,128 for travel and accommodation. Expenditures in Argentina include $102,663 paid to contractors and geological staff and $17,346 for land and legal costs.
Expenses for the six month period ended August 31, 2004 were $148,815, up from $77,909 for the six month period ended August 31, 2003. This increase is primarily due to stock-based compensation of $60,178 recorded on the granting of stock options during the six month period ended August 31, 2004. No stock options were granted during the six month period ended August 31, 2003. Professional fees increased by $8,346 during the same period due primarily to the costs of auditing the Company’s Argentine subsidiary.
Summary of Quarterly Results
Three Months Ended August 31, 2004 $ | Three Months Ended May 31, 2004 $ | Three Months Ended February 29, 2004 $ | Three Months Ended November 30, 2003 $ | Three Months Ended August 31, 2003 $ | Three Months Ended May 31, 2003 $ | Three Months Ended February 28, 2003 $ | Three Months Ended November 30, 2002 $ | |
Total assets | 3,298,382 | 3,342,677 | 2,990,680 | 2,616,211 | 2,641,157 | 2,629,699 | 2,444,494 | 2,402,357 |
Resource properties and deferred costs | 1,868,888 | 1,602,392 | 2,310,978 | 2,248,519 | 2,219,044 |
2,185,635 |
2,146,303 | 2,069,096 |
Working capital (deficiency) | 850,901 | 1,196,853 | 237,335 | (94,407) | (47,687) | 43,493 | (103,420) | 197,688 |
Shareholders’ equity | 2,870,860 | 2,952,777 | 2,699,678 | 2,301,336 | 2,328,675 | 2,385,411 | 2,212,367 | 2,274,912 |
Revenues | nil | nil | nil | nil | nil | nil | nil | nil |
Net loss | (81,917) | (107,079) | (162,176) | (27,339) | (56,736) | (51,365) | (62,545) | (37,995) |
Loss per share | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.01) | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.00) | (0.00) |
Significant changes in key financial data from 2002 to 2004 can be attributed to expenditures on the Santa Rosa property in Argentina and the sale of share capital. During the six months ended August 31, 2004, the Company received $832,680 (US$600,000) representing the initial payment towards the sale of a 50% interest in the Santa Rosa property in Argentina significantly increasing working capital and reducing cumulative resource property costs.
Liquidity
The Company does not currently own or have an interest in any producing resource properties and has not derived any revenues from the sale of resource products in the last three financial years. The Company's exploration activities have been funded through sales of common shares, and the Company expects that it will continue to be able to utilize this source of financing until it develops cash flow from its operations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to obtain required financing in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. In the near term, the Company plans to continue its exploration activities on its Santa Rosa Property and begin exploration of the Sabodala Project.
Based on its existing working capital, the Company requires additional financing for the Santa Rosa Property if it is to proceed with drilling during the current fiscal year and for the Sabodala Project if it is to fully implement its planned exploration program thereon during the current fiscal year. If such funds are not available or cannot be obtained or are insufficient to cover such costs, the Company will be forced to curtail its exploration activities to a level for which funding is available or can be obtained. Accordingly, there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
August 31, 2004 | February 29, 2004 | |
Working capital | $850,901 | $237,335 |
Deficit | (8,952,166) | (8,763,170) |
Capital Resources
During the six month period ended August 31, 2004, the Company issued 3,000,000 units at a price of $0.15 per unit to generate net proceeds of $450,000 pursuant to a non-brokered private placement. Each unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one half non-transferable share purchase warrant, each whole warrant entitling the purchase of one additional share of the Company at a price of $0.25 per share until March 1, 2006. The Company had received $330,000 of the proceeds of this private placement in the year ended February 29, 2004.
The Company also issued 1,500,000 common shares and received proceeds of $180,000 during the six months ended August 31, 2004, pursuant to the exercise of warrants.
While the Company has sufficient funds to meet its anticipated general and administrative expenses for the balance of the fiscal year, the Company will require additional financing if it is to proceed with its proposed exploration programs for its Santa Rosa Property and Sabodala Project during the current fiscal year.
Related Party Transactions
During the six months ended August 31, 2004, the Company incurred professional fees of $62,588 with companies related by directors in common. These payments were comprised of $33,663 paid to a director of the Company for geological consulting services and $28,925 accrued or paid to a company controlled by a director and officer of the Company for legal services.
As at August 31, 2004, accounts payable includes $256,413 due to related parties as a result of office, rent and wages costs incurred with a company with directors in common pursuant to cost sharing arrangements, geological consulting services incurred with a director and legal fees incurred with a company controlled by a director.
The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Cynthia Holdings Limited, received $832,680 from The Havana Group Inc. (“Havana”) pursuant to an agreement to sell an effective 50% interest in the Santa Rosa Property to Havana. At the time that the agreement was entered into, the Company was not related to Havana, however, since the date of the agreement, Chet Idziszek, the President and a director of the Company was appointed as a director of Havana and the agreement has been amended a number of times subsequent to Mr. Idziszek becoming a director of Havana.
These transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the Company and the related parties.
Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, performance bond and accounts payable. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. The fair value of these financial instruments is approximately equal to their carrying values, unless otherwise noted. As at August 31, 2004 approximately 64% of cash and cash equivalents is held in US dollars. The performance bond is 100% US dollars and as at August 31, 2004, approximately 30% of the Company’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities are denominated in US dollars. The Company does not use derivative instruments or foreign exchange contracts to hedge against gains or losses arising from foreign exchange fluctuations.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent to August 31, 2004, the Company was awarded an exploration concession by the Government of Sénégal covering 230 square kilometres known as the Sabodala Project. The Sabodala Project will be owned by the Oromin Joint Venture Group (“OJVG”), a joint venture between the Company as to 43.5%, a private Saudi Arabian investor group as to 43.5% and a private Sénégalese investor group as to 13%, with the Company providing exploration and management services. The exploration concession grants to the OJVG the sole right to acquire a 100% interest in the 230 square kilometre Sabodala Project by spending at least US$8 million on exploration over 22 months. Under the terms of the OJVG joint venture agreement, the private Saudi group will provide the initial US$3.3 million in exploration expenditures with the Company providing the subsequent US$4.7 million commitment . In addition, the private Saudi group has a right of first refusal to provide financing, through an equity placement in the Company, up to US$4 million of the Company’s expenditure commitment. The private Sénégalese investor group holds a free carried interest until the initial US$8 million commitment is completed, at which time the three parties will bear all future costs associated with the exploration and development of the Sabodala Project on a pro rata basis, or be subject to dilution.