ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
For the financial year ended December 31, 2010
Dated March 29, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PRELIMINARY INFORMATION | 1 |
Date of Information | 1 |
Incorporation by Reference of Technical Reports | 1 |
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | 1 |
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates | 3 |
Currency | 3 |
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ITEM 1: CORPORATE STRUCTURE | 4 |
1.1 | Name, Address and Incorporation | 4 |
1.2 | Intercorporate Relationships | 4 |
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ITEM 2: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS | 4 |
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ITEM 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS | 9 |
3.1 | General | 9 |
3.2 | Risk Factors | 13 |
3.3 | Banro's Gold Projects | 22 |
| 3.3.1 | Twangiza | 23 |
| | 3.3.1.1 Twangiza Phase 1 Oxide Project | 23 |
| | 3.3.1.2 Twangiza Phase 1 Economic Assessment | 25 |
| | 3.3.1.3 Twangiza Exploration (2010-2011) | 31 |
| 3.3.2 | Namoya | 32 |
| | 3.3.2.1 Namoya Heap Leach Preliminary Assessment | 32 |
| | 3.3.2.2 Namoya Exploration (2010-2011) | 44 |
| 3.3.3 | Lugushwa | 44 |
| 3.3.4 | Kamituga | 47 |
| 3.3.5 | Other Exploration Properties | 48 |
| 3.3.6 | Qualified Persons | 48 |
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ITEM 4: DIVIDENDS | 48 |
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ITEM 5: DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE | 49 |
5.1 | Authorized Share Capital | 49 |
5.2 | Shareholder Rights Plan | 49 |
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ITEM 6: MARKET FOR SECURITIES | 50 |
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ITEM 7: ESCROWED SECURITIES AND SECURITIES SUBJECT TO | |
| CONTRACTUAL RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER | 52 |
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ITEM 8: DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 52 |
8.1 | Name, Occupation and Security Holding | 52 |
8.2 | Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies | 55 |
8.3 | Personal Bankruptcies | 56 |
8.4 | Penalties or Sanctions | 56 |
8.5 | Conflicts of Interest | 56 |
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ITEM 9: AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION | 57 |
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ITEM 10: PROMOTERS | 59 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
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ITEM 11: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS | 59 |
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ITEM 12: INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS | 59 |
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ITEM 13: TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRAR | 60 |
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ITEM 14: MATERIAL CONTRACTS | 60 |
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ITEM 15: INTERESTS OF EXPERTS | 61 |
15.1 | Names of Experts | 61 |
15.2 | Interests of Experts | 61 |
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ITEM 16: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 61 |
SCHEDULE "A" - AUDIT COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Date of Information
All information in this annual information form ("AIF") is as at December 31, 2010, unless otherwise indicated.
Incorporation by Reference of Technical Reports
The following technical reports, or excerpts from technical reports (as applicable), are incorporated by reference into, and form part of, this AIF. These reports have been filed on, and may be accessed using, the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") on the internet at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
| 1. | The technical report of SENET dated March 9, 2011 (as revised on March 24, 2011) and entitled "Economic Assessment NI 43-101 Technical Report, Twangiza Phase 1 Gold Project, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo". |
| 2. | The technical report of SENET dated March 3, 2011 and entitled “Preliminary Assessment NI 43-101 Technical Report, Namoya Gold Project, Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo". |
| 3. | The technical report of Michael B. Skead (who was Vice President, Exploration of the Company at the time the report was prepared) dated March 30, 2007 and entitled "Third NI 43-101 Technical Report, Lugushwa Project, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo". |
| 4. | Section 2 (entitled "Regional Geology") and section 3 (entitled "Kamituga") of the technical report of Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (UK) Ltd. dated February 2005 and entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Resource Estimation and Exploration Potential at the Kamituga, Lugushwa and Namoya Concessions, Democratic Republic of Congo". |
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein is not incorporated by reference to the extent that any such statement is modified or superseded by a statement contained herein. Any such modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This AIF and the documents incorporated by reference herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. All statements, other than statements which are reporting results as well as statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that Banro Corporation ("Banro" or the "Company") believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding estimates and/or assumptions in respect of gold production, revenue, cash flow and costs, estimated project economics, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, potential mineralization, potential mineral resources and mineral reserves, projected timing of future gold production and the Company's exploration and development plans and objectives with respect to its projects) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual events or results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual events or results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs, production and economic returns; uncertainties relating to the estimates and assumptions used in the economic studies of the Company's projects; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing in the future; failure to establish estimated mineral resources or mineral reserves; fluctuations in gold prices and currency exchange rates; inflation; gold recoveries being less than those indicated by the metallurgical testwork carried out to date (there can be no assurance that gold recoveries in small scale laboratory tests will be duplicated in large tests under on-site conditions or during production); changes in equity markets; political developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the "DRC"); lack of infrastructure; failure to procure or maintain, or delays in procuring or maintaining, permits and approvals; lack of availability at a reasonable cost or at all, of plants, equipment or labour; inability to attract and retain key management and personnel; changes to regulations or policies affecting the Company's activities; the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data; the Company's history of losses and expectation of future losses; the Company's ability to acquire additional commercially mineable mineral rights; risks related to the integration of any new acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; increased competition in the mining industry; and the other risks disclosed in item 3.2 ("Risk Factors") of this AIF.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
The mineral resource and mineral reserve figures referred to in this AIF are estimates and no assurances can be given that the indicated levels of gold will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Company believes that the resource and reserve estimates included in this AIF are well established, by their nature, resource and reserve estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. If such estimates are inaccurate or are reduced in the future, this could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to inferred mineral resources, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will be upgraded to an indicated or measured mineral resource as a result of continued exploration. Confidence in the estimate is insufficient to allow meaningful application of the technical and economic parameters to enable an evaluation of economic viability sufficient for public disclosure, except in certain limited circumstances. Inferred mineral resources are excluded from estimates forming the basis of a feasibility study.
Statements concerning actual mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates are also deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the relevant project or property is developed. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that mineral resources can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Reserve and Resource Estimates
This AIF, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Without limiting the foregoing, this AIF, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, uses the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" resources. U.S. investors are advised that, while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") does not recognize them. Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated resources will ever be converted into reserves. Further, "inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the "inferred resources" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the inferred resources exist, or that they can be mined legally or economically. Disclosure of "contained ounces" is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineral deposits that do not constitute "reserves" as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources contained in this AIF or in the documents incorporated by reference, may not be comparable to information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.
National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Unless otherwise indicated, all reserve and resource estimates contained in or incorporated by reference in this AIF have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC, and reserve and resource information contained herein and incorporated by reference herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. One consequence of these differences is that "reserves" calculated in accordance with Canadian standards may not be "reserves" under the SEC standards.
U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in the Company's Form 40-F Registration Statement (File No. 001-32399), which may be secured from the Company, or from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
Currency
All dollar amounts in this AIF are expressed in United States dollars, except as otherwise indicated. References to "$" or "US$" are to United States dollars and references to "Cdn$" are to Canadian dollars, except as otherwise indicated. For United States dollars to Canadian dollars, based on the Bank of Canada nominal noon rate, the average exchange rate for 2010 and the exchange rate at December 31, 2010 were one United States dollar per $1.0299 and $0.9946 Canadian dollars, respectively. For reporting purposes, the Company prepares its financial statements in United States dollars and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada.
ITEM 1: CORPORATE STRUCTURE
1.1 Name, Address and Incorporation
The head office and registered office of Banro is located at 1 First Canadian Place, Suite 7070, 100 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1E3, Canada.
The Company was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "CBCA") on May 3, 1994 by articles of incorporation. Pursuant to articles of amendment effective May 7, 1996, the name of the Company was changed from Banro International Capital Inc. to Banro Resource Corporation and the authorized share capital of the Company was increased by creating an unlimited number of a new class of shares designated as preference shares, issuable in series. The Company was continued under the Ontario Business Corporations Act by articles of continuance effective on October 24, 1996. By articles of amendment effective on January 16, 2001, the name of the Company was changed to Banro Corporation and the Company's outstanding common shares were consolidated on a three old for one new basis. The Company was continued under the CBCA by articles of continuance dated April 2, 2004. By articles of amendment dated December 17, 2004, the Company's outstanding common shares were subdivided by changing each one of such shares into two common shares.
1.2 Intercorporate Relationships
The following chart illustrates the relationship between Banro and its material subsidiaries, together with the jurisdiction of incorporation of each such subsidiary and the percentage of voting securities beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by Banro.
ITEM 2: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
The Company holds, through four wholly-owned DRC subsidiaries, a 100% interest in four gold properties, which are known as Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga. These properties are covered by a total of 13 exploitation permits and are found along the 210 kilometre-long Twangiza-Namoya gold belt in the South Kivu and Maniema Provinces of eastern DRC. These properties, totalling approximately 2,612 square kilometres, cover all the major, historical producing areas of the gold belt. The Company's business focus is the exploration and development of these four DRC properties. The Company also holds 14 exploration permits covering an aggregate of 2,638 square kilometres. Ten of the permits are located in the vicinity of the Company's Twangiza property and four are located in the vicinity of the Company's Namoya property.
General Development of the Business
Background
In 1996, the Company acquired, by way of several transactions, 72% of the outstanding shares of the DRC company, Société Zaïroise Minière et Industrielle du Kivu S.A.R.L. ("SOMINKI"). The DRC government held the remaining 28% of SOMINKI's shares as a participating interest. SOMINKI, which held 100% of the Projects, was an operating, very well-established mining company in the DRC with a long production history. With the acquisition of control of SOMINKI, the Company also acquired SOMINKI's significant library of geological and exploration data that had accumulated since the early 1920s.
In early 1997, the DRC government ratified a new 25 year (subsequently extended to 30 years) mining convention (the "Mining Convention") among itself, SOMINKI and the Company. The Mining Convention provided for the transfer of all of the mineral assets and real property of SOMINKI to a newly created DRC company, Société Aurifère du Kivu et du Maniema S.A.R.L. ("SAKIMA"), and that 93% of SAKIMA's shares were to be held by the Company, with the remaining 7% to be owned by the DRC government as a non-dilutive interest. The Mining Convention also provided for, among other things, confirmation of title in respect of all of the Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga properties.
Commencing in August 1997 and ending in April 1998, the Company carried out a phase I exploration program on the Twangiza property which consisted of geological mapping, surveying, data verification, airborne geophysical surveying, diamond drilling and resource modeling.
In July 1998, the DRC government, without prior warning or consultation, issued Presidential decrees which effectively resulted in the expropriation of the Company's properties.
In April 2002, the DRC government formally signed a settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") with the Company. The Settlement Agreement called for, among other things, the Company to hold a 100% interest in the Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga properties under a revived Mining Convention. In accordance with the Settlement Agreement, the Company reorganized the said properties by transferring them from SAKIMA to four newly-created, wholly-owned DRC subsidiaries of the Company (which are named Twangiza Mining SARL, Namoya Mining SARL, Lugushwa Mining SARL and Kamituga Mining SARL), each of which owns 100% of its respective property.
In late 2003, the Company re-opened its exploration office in the town of Bukavu in eastern DRC.
Recruitment of Management
During 2004, the Company recruited a management team with extensive African and gold industry experience. Included in the people who joined the Company during 2004 were Peter N. Cowley as Chief Executive Officer, President and a director, Simon F.W. Village as Chairman of the Board and a director, Michael B. Skead as Exploration Manager (later promoted to Vice President, Exploration) and John A. Clarke as a director.
Resumption of Exploration
In November 2004, the Company commenced exploration activities at the Namoya property and in January 2005 the Company commenced exploration activities at the Lugushwa property. The Company commenced the second phase of exploration at the Twangiza property in October 2005.
Stock Exchange Listings
On March 28, 2005, the Company's common shares began trading on the American Stock Exchange (which is now called the NYSE Amex LLC) (the "NYSE Amex"). On November 10, 2005, the Company's common shares began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") and ceased trading on the TSX Venture Exchange concurrent with the TSX listing. RBC Capital Markets acted as sponsor to Banro in its application for listing on the TSX.
Financings (2004 to 2006)
In March 2004, the Company completed a Cdn$16,000,000 private placement financing.
In July 2005, the Company completed an Cdn$18,375,000 private placement financing. This placement was made to an investment fund managed by Capital Research and Management Company and to institutional accounts managed by affiliates of Capital Group International, Inc.
In October 2005, the Company completed a non-brokered Cdn$13,000,000 private placement financing. The subscribers in respect of this financing were an investment fund managed by Actis Capital LLP and an investment fund co-managed by Actis Capital LLP and Cordiant Capital Inc.
In May 2006, the Company completed an equity financing for total gross proceeds of Cdn$56,012,800. The underwriters who conducted this financing were RBC Capital Markets as lead manager, Raymond James Ltd. and MGI Securities Inc.
Acquisition of Additional Properties
In March 2007, the Company announced that its wholly-owned DRC subsidiary, Banro Congo Mining SARL, had acquired 14 exploration permits covering certain ground located between and contiguous to the Company's Twangiza, Kamituga and Lugushwa properties. The applications for these permits were originally filed with the Mining Cadastral shortly after implementation of the DRC's new Mining Code in June 2003.
Preliminary Assessments of Twangiza and Namoya
In July 2007, the Company announced the results of its preliminary assessments (i.e. "scoping studies") of its Namoya and Twangiza properties.
Hiring of New C.E.O.
Michael J. Prinsloo was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective September 17, 2007. Mr. Prinsloo was hired to lead the Company's transition from gold explorer to developer. Prior to joining Banro, Mr. Prinsloo had accumulated some 35 years of experience in the gold mining industry, including acting as Head of South African Operations of Gold Fields Limited from 2002 to 2006. Mr. Prinsloo was also appointed President of the Company in March 2008 following the retirement of Peter N. Cowley as President.
Twangiza Pre-Feasibility Study
In July 2008, the Company announced results of the pre-feasibility study of the Company's Twangiza property.
2008 Financing
In September 2008, the Company completed an equity financing for total gross proceeds of US$21,000,000. This financing was completed through a syndicate of underwriters led by RBC Capital Markets and including CIBC World Markets Inc., UBS Securities Canada Inc. and Raymond James Ltd.
Twangiza Feasibility Study
In January 2009, the Company announced results of the feasibility study of the Company's Twangiza property.
Twangiza Updated Feasibility Study
In June 2009, the Company announced updated results of the feasibility study of the Company's Twangiza property.
2009 Financings
In February 2009, the Company completed a non-brokered equity financing for total gross proceeds of US$14,000,000.
In June 2009, the Company completed an equity financing for total gross proceeds of Cdn$100,001,700. The financing was conducted through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and CIBC World Markets Inc.
Title Confirmation and Ratification of Fiscal Arrangement
In February 2009, the Company announced that following discussions it has received official confirmation from the DRC government that all aspects of the Company's Mining Convention and its mining licenses respecting the Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga properties are in accordance with Congolese law.
In August 2009, the DRC government ratified the fiscal arrangement between the DRC government and the Company. The Company has agreed to enhance its existing commitment to the DRC and the local communities of South Kivu and the Maniema provinces through:
| · | An advance payment of US$2 million to the DRC government to be made when the Company completes the equity and debt financing process for construction of the mine at Twangiza. These funds will also be used to support social infrastructure development in the Twangiza and Luhwindja communities and will be credited against future taxes; |
| · | A pledge of US$200,000 to settle legacy issues with SOMINKI and the transfer to the central government of certain real estate assets redundant to the Company's operations; |
| · | 4% of future net profits, after return of capital, allocated through the central government to the communities of South Kivu and Maniema provinces for the building of infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, schools and health care facilities; and |
| · | A royalty of 1% on gold revenues. |
Purchase of Gold Plant and Commencement of Construction of Phase 1 Oxide Mine at Twangiza
The Company intends to develop Twangiza in phases, commencing with the construction of a "Phase 1" oxide mining operation. To that end, the Company completed in September 2009 the purchase of a refurbished gold processing plant capable of achieving an upgraded throughput capacity of 1.3 million tonnes per annum. SENET Engineering was selected as the overall project manager and also manages the erection and commissioning of the plant. The Company began mobilizing equipment at Twangiza in January 2010 in order to facilitate the commencement of construction activities in February 2010. The resettlement process involving all consultative activities with local community members and the construction of resettlement houses commenced during the fourth quarter of 2009. Work on bridge upgrades and roads to the Twangiza site commenced in February 2010. See "Twangiza Phase 1 Oxide Project" below (item 3.3.1.1 of this AIF) with respect to the current status of construction activities at the Twangiza Phase 1 project.
2010 Financing
In May 2010, the Company completed an equity financing for total gross proceeds of Cdn$137,555,000. The financing was conducted through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and CIBC World Markets Inc.
Management Changes
In August 2010, the Company announced the restructuring of its executive management group and that it had fully staffed the mine development team responsible for constructing the Twangiza Phase 1 mine. The restructuring included the departure of Michael J. Prinsloo as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in September 2010, and the appointment of Banro’s Chairman of the Board, Simon Village, as interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pending the appointment of Mr. Prinsloo’s successor. Gary Chapman, who joined Banro in July 2010, took over responsibility for mine development from Mr. Prinsloo. See item 8 of this AIF, "Directors and Officers".
Preliminary Assessment of Namoya Heap Leach Project
In January 2011, the Company announced the results of a preliminary assessment of the Company’s Namoya heap leach project. This preliminary assessment was prepared with input from a number of independent consultants including, among others, SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. (mining and environmental) and SENET (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa) (processing and infrastructure). SENET also undertook the preliminary economic valuation and technical report compilation for the preliminary assessment. This preliminary assessment followed on from the 2007 preliminary assessment of Namoya (see "Preliminary Assessments of Twangiza and Namoya" above) which assumed a CIL (carbon-in-leach) only processing route for the mineral resources. This current preliminary assessment, which assumes a heap leach only processing route, was undertaken to assess a lower capital cost alternative to the previous CIL option.
2011 Financing
In February 2011, the Company completed an equity financing for total gross proceeds of Cdn$$56,875,000. The financing was conducted through a syndicate of investment dealers led by GMP Securities L.P. and included CIBC World Markets Inc., Cormark Securities Inc. and Raymond James Canada Inc.
Twangiza Phase 1 Economic Assessment
In March 2011, the Company announced the results of an economic assessment in respect of the Company’s Twangiza Phase 1 project. This economic assessment was prepared with input from a number of independent consultants including the following: SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. (mineral resources), SRK Consulting (SA) (Pty) Ltd. (mining and mineral reserves), Metago Environmental Engineers (Pty) Ltd (tailings management facility), and SENET (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa) (processing and Infrastructure). SENET also undertook the economic valuation and technical report compilation for the economic assessment.
ITEM 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
3.1 General
The Company holds, through four wholly-owned DRC subsidiaries, a 100% interest in four gold properties, which are known as Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga. These properties are covered by a total of 13 exploitation permits and are found along the 210 kilometre-long Twangiza-Namoya gold belt in the South Kivu and Maniema Provinces of eastern DRC. These properties, totalling approximately 2,612 square kilometres, cover all the major, historical producing areas of the gold belt. The Company's business focus is the exploration and development of these four DRC properties. See items 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3 and 3.3.4 of this AIF for additional information relating to these properties.
The Company also holds 14 exploration permits covering an aggregate of 2,638 square kilometres. Ten of the permits are located in the vicinity of the Company's Twangiza property and four are located in the vicinity of the Company's Namoya property.
The following illustrates the location of the Company's four principal properties and the related exploitation permits.
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/40-F/0001144204-11-017895/pg13.jpg)
Under DRC mining law, an exploitation permit entitles the holder thereof to the exclusive right to carry out, within the perimeter over which it is granted and during its term of validity, exploration, development, construction and exploitation works in connection with the mineral substances for which the permit has been granted and associated substances if the holder has obtained an extension of the permit. In addition, an exploitation permit entitles the holder to: (a) enter the exploitation perimeter to conduct mining operations; (b) build the installations and infrastructures required for mining exploitation; (c) use the water and wood within the mining perimeter for the requirements of the mining exploitation, provided that the requirements set forth in the environmental impact study and the environmental management plan of the project are complied with; (d) use, transport and freely sell the holder's products originating from within the exploitation perimeter; (e) proceed with concentration, metallurgical or technical treatment operations, as well as the transformation of the mineral substances extracted from the exploitation perimeter; and (f) proceed to carry out works to extend the mine.
Without an exploitation permit, the holder of an exploration permit may not conduct exploitation work on the perimeter covered by the exploration permit. So long as a perimeter is covered by an exploitation permit, no other application for a mining or quarry right for all or part of the same perimeter can be processed.
An exploration permit entitles the holder thereof to the exclusive right, within the perimeter over which it is granted and for the term of its validity, to carry out mineral exploration work for mineral substances, substances for which the licence is granted and associated substances if an extension of the permit is obtained. However, the holder of an exploration permit cannot commence work on the property without obtaining approval in advance of its mitigation and rehabilitation plan. An exploration permit also entitles its holder to the right to obtain an exploitation permit for all or part of the mineral substances and associated substances, if applicable, to which the exploration permit or any extension thereto applies if the holder discovers a deposit which can be economically exploited.
On February 13, 1997, the Company entered into a mining convention with the Republic of Zaire (now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and SOMINKI (the "Mining Convention"). In July 1998, the Company was expropriated of all its properties, rights and titles by Presidential decree. The Company initiated arbitration procedures against the DRC State seeking compensation for this expropriation. A settlement agreement between the DRC State and the Company was signed in April 2002 (the "Settlement Agreement"). The Settlement Agreement effectively revived the expropriated Mining Convention. Under this revived Mining Convention, the Company held a 100% equity interest in its Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga properties, was entitled to a ten-year tax holiday from the start of production, and was exempt from custom duties and royalty payments.
On July 11, 2002, the DRC State enacted a Mining Code (the "Mining Code") to govern all the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the DRC. Holders of mining rights who derived their rights from previously existing mining conventions had the option to choose between being governed, either exclusively by the terms and conditions of their own mining convention with the DRC State or by the provisions of the Mining Code. Pursuant to this right of option which is prescribed in Section 340 paragraph 1 of the Mining Code, the Company elected to remain subject to the terms and conditions of its Mining Convention with respect to its 13 exploitation permits it acquired before the enactment of the Mining Code. Nevertheless, the 14 exploration permits (which were acquired by the Company after the implementation of the Mining Code) are exclusively governed by the provisions of the Mining Code and related mining regulations.
Employees
As at December 31, 2010, the Company and its subsidiaries had a total of 290 full-time employees. The following provides a breakdown of these employees by location:
Location | | Number of Employees |
| | |
Banro office in Toronto, Canada | | 6 |
| | |
Banro office and sampling facility in Bukavu, DRC | | 72 |
| | |
Banro office in Kinshasa, DRC | | 9 |
| | |
Twangiza Phase 1 project | | 104 |
| | |
Twangiza exploration | | 41 |
| | |
Namoya project | | 28 |
| | |
Lugushwa project | | 27 |
| | |
Kamituga project | | 3 |
| | |
Total: | | 290 |
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any unionized employees.
Social and Environmental Policies
(a) The Banro Foundation
Since launching its current exploration programs in late 2004, Banro has been working with local communities to promote development. In late 2005, the Company formalized this commitment to community development with the creation of the Banro Foundation. The Banro Foundation is a registered charity in the DRC with a mandate to support education, health and infrastructure improvements, principally in the local communities where Banro operates. The Company funds the Banro Foundation and has created a management structure that ensures local participation in decision-making. The Foundation focuses on needs that have been identified by local committees of community leaders and invests in improvements that will benefit communities as a whole. To the extent possible, the Foundation employs local labour in all initiatives. Since 2009, the projects completed by the Banro Foundation include four new high schools, a potable water delivery system serving 18,000 people in four villages, the construction or re-construction of over 100 kilometres of roads and bridges, a large health centre, a women’s resource centre and two separate distributions of medical equipment from Canada to regional hospitals and clinics in South Kivu province. Additional information with respect to the Banro Foundation, including a list of the projects undertaken by the Banro Foundation to date, can be found on the Company's web site at www.banro.com.
(b) Job Creation
Banro is committed to the creation of jobs and economic opportunities for local Congolese. In a short period of time, Banro has gone from having no presence in the eastern DRC to being one of the largest private employers in the region. As it has grown, the Company has deliberately created opportunities for many local Congolese. As of March 1, 2011, the Company employed 224 Congolese directly and an additional 3,147 Congolese indirectly through contractors and local labour hire companies.
(c) Environmental Protection and Workplace Safety
As set out in the Business Conduct Policy adopted by the Company (a copy of this policy can be obtained from SEDAR at www.sedar.com), the Company believes that effectiveness in environmental standards, along with occupational health and safety, is an essential part of achieving success in the mineral exploration and development business. The Business Conduct Policy states that Banro will therefore work at continuous improvement in these areas and will be guided by the following principles: (a) creating a safe work environment; (b) minimizing the environmental impacts of its activities; (c) building cooperative working relationships with local communities and governments in the Company's areas of operations; (d) reviewing and monitoring environmental and safety performance; and (e) prompt and effective response to any environmental and safety concerns.
Banro adheres to the E3 Environmental Excellence in Exploration guidelines, which were developed by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.
Banro's management has also taken steps to ensure that all employees and suppliers respect and adhere to the laws of the DRC with respect to the protection of threatened and endangered species.
The Twangiza Phase 1 project is working to international best practice standards in environmental and social appraisal. SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. was contracted to develop an Equator Principles 2-compliant environmental and social impact assessment (the "ESIA") report and associated environmental and social impact mitigation and management plan.
3.2 Risk Factors
There are a number of risks that may have a material and adverse impact on the future operating and financial performance of Banro and could cause the Company's operating and financial performance to differ materially from the estimates described in forward-looking statements relating to the Company. These include widespread risks associated with any form of business and specific risks associated with Banro's business and its involvement in the gold exploration and development industry.
An investment in the Company's common shares is considered speculative and involves a high degree of risk due to, among other things, the nature of Banro's business (which is the exploration and development of gold properties), the present stage of its development and the location of Banro's projects in the DRC. In addition to the other information presented in this AIF, a prospective investor should carefully consider the risk factors set out below and the other information that Banro files with Canadian securities regulators and with the SEC in the U.S. before investing in the Company's common shares. The Company has identified the following non-exhaustive list of inherent risks and uncertainties that it considers to be relevant to its operations and business plans. Such risk factors could materially affect the Company's future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to the Company. As well, additional risks that the Company is unaware of or that are currently believed to be immaterial may become important factors that affect the Company's business.
Risks of Operating in the DRC
Banro's projects are located in the DRC. The assets and operations of the Company are therefore subject to various political, economic and other uncertainties, including, among other things, the risks of war and civil unrest, expropriation, nationalization, renegotiation or nullification of existing licenses, permits, approvals and contracts, taxation policies, foreign exchange and repatriation restrictions, changing political conditions, international monetary fluctuations, currency controls and foreign governmental regulations that favour or require the awarding of contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political climate in the DRC may adversely affect Banro's operations. Operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to, but not limited to, restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, currency remittance, income taxes, foreign investment, maintenance of claims, environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use and mine safety. Failure to comply strictly with applicable laws, regulations and local practices relating to mineral rights, could result in loss, reduction or expropriation of entitlements. In addition, in the event of a dispute arising from operations in the DRC, the Company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts in Canada. The Company also may be hindered or prevented from enforcing its rights with respect to a governmental instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity. It is not possible for the Company to accurately predict such developments or changes in laws or policy or to what extent any such developments or changes may have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. There are also risks associated with the enforceability of the Company's mining convention with the DRC and the government of the DRC could choose to review the Company's titles at any time. Should the Company's rights, its mining convention or its titles not be honoured or become unenforceable for any reason, or if any material term of these agreements is arbitrarily changed by the government of the DRC, the Company's business, financial condition and prospects will be materially adversely affected.
Some or all of the Company's properties are located in regions where political instability and violence is ongoing. Some or all of the Company's properties are inhabited by artisanal miners. These conditions may interfere with work on the Company's properties and present a potential security threat to the Company's employees. There is a risk that operations of the Company may be delayed or interfered with, due to the conditions of political instability, violence and the inhabitation of the properties by artisanal miners. The Company uses its best efforts to maintain good relations with the local communities in order to minimize such risks.
The DRC is a developing nation which recently emerged from a period of civil war and conflict. Physical and institutional infrastructure throughout the DRC is in a debilitated condition. The DRC is in transition from a largely state controlled economy to one based on free market principles, and from a non-democratic political system with a centralized ethnic power base, to one based on more democratic principles (presidential and parliamentary elections were successfully held in 2006). There can be no assurance that these changes will be effected or that the achievement of these objectives will not have material adverse consequences for Banro and its operations. The DRC continues to experience instability in parts of the country due to certain militia and criminal elements. While the government and United Nations forces are working to support the extension of central government authority throughout the country, there can be no assurance that such efforts will be successful.
No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to maintain effective security in connection with its assets or personnel in the DRC where civil war and conflict have disrupted exploration and mining activities in the past and may affect the Company's operations or plans in the future.
HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases represent a serious threat to maintaining a skilled workforce in the mining industry in the DRC. HIV/AIDS is a major healthcare challenge faced by the Company's operations in the country. There can be no assurance that the Company will not lose members of its workforce or workforce man-hours or incur increased medical costs, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations.
The DRC has historically experienced relatively high rates of inflation.
No History of Mining Operations or Profitability
The Company's properties are in the exploration or development stage. The development of properties found to be economically feasible will require the construction and operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure. As a result, Banro is subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations and business enterprises including: the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities; the availability and costs of skilled labour and mining equipment; the availability and costs of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements; the need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits, and the timing of those approvals and permits; and, the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities. The costs, timing and complexities of mine construction and development are increased by the remote location of the Company's properties. It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems and delays during construction, development, and mine start-up. In addition, delays in the commencement of mineral production often occur. Accordingly, there are no assurances that the Company's activities will result in profitable mining operations or that the Company will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce gold at any of its properties.
Gold Prices
The future price of gold will significantly affect the development of Banro's projects. Gold prices are subject to significant fluctuation and are affected by a number of factors which are beyond Banro's control. Such factors include, but are not limited to, interest rates, inflation or deflation, fluctuation in the value of the United States dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional supply and demand, and the political and economic conditions of major gold-producing countries throughout the world. The price of gold has fluctuated widely in recent years, and future serious price declines could cause development of and commercial production from Banro's mineral interests to be impracticable. If the price of gold decreases, projected cash flow from planned mining operations may not be sufficient to justify ongoing operations and Banro could be forced to discontinue development and sell its projects. Future production from Banro's projects is dependent on gold prices that are adequate to make these projects economic.
The SEC has Proposed Rules That May Affect Mining Operations in the DRC
The Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act has directed the SEC to adopt rules regarding disclosure on potential conflict minerals that are necessary to the functionality or production or a product manufactured by a company that files reports with the SEC, and the SEC has issued proposed rules in response to their requirement. Conflict minerals include columbite-tantalite, cassiterite, gold, wolfamite or their derivatives or any other mineral or its derivatives determined by the Secretary of State to be financing conflict in the DRC or a bordering country. Under the rules as proposed by the SEC, reporting companies must disclose the origin of and certain other information concerning the conflict minerals. Banro is currently exploring and developing properties in the DRC and is planning to mine for conflict minerals (i.e. gold). The mining of minerals is deemed to be considered the manufacturing of such minerals.
If the proposed rules are adopted in their present form, and Banro mines any of the minerals named above in the DRC, Banro will be required to disclose in its Annual Report on Form 40-F that it files with the SEC its minerals originated in the DRC and will need to furnish a conflict minerals report which includes a due diligence report of the issuer and a certified independent private sector audit that is to be made publicly available on Banro’s website. The report will need to disclose whether or not Banro and the audit have determined that the conflict minerals are "conflict free", meaning that they did not benefit or finance armed groups in the DRC. The report must include the due diligence measures that Banro took regarding the source and chain of custody of the minerals.
As the final rules have not been implemented, both content of the final rules and their effect remain uncertain. Compliance with the new rules may be demanding on both financial resources and personnel. The requirement that all SEC reporting companies disclose whether their products include conflict minerals, and if so, information concerning the origin of the conflict minerals, might cause companies to take steps, or require their suppliers to take steps, to assure that minerals originating in the DRC are not included in minerals supplied to them for use in their products. Accordingly, it is possible that the rules could adversely affect the ability of Banro to sell minerals mined in the DRC or the price at which the minerals can be sold.
Government Regulation
Banro's mineral exploration and development activities are subject to various laws governing prospecting, mining, development, production, taxes, labour standards and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances, land use, water use, land claims of local people and other matters. Although Banro's exploration and development activities are currently carried out in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, no assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and regulations will not be applied in a manner which could limit or curtail development.
Many of Banro's mineral rights and interests are subject to government approvals, licenses and permits. Such approvals, licenses and permits are, as a practical matter, subject to the discretion of the DRC government. No assurance can be given that Banro will be successful in maintaining any or all of the various approvals, licenses and permits in full force and effect without modification or revocation. To the extent such approvals are not maintained, Banro may be delayed, curtailed or prohibited from continuing or proceeding with planned exploration or development of mineral properties.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be delayed or curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in the exploration or development of mineral properties may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations.
Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations or more stringent implementation thereof could have a substantial adverse impact on Banro and cause increases in exploration expenses, capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in development of mineral interests.
Exploration and Mining Risks
The Company's properties are in the exploration or development stage. The exploration for and development of mineral deposits involves significant risks that even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. While the discovery of an ore body may result in substantial rewards, few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenditures are required to locate and establish mineral reserves, to develop metallurgical processes and to construct mining and processing facilities at a particular site. Whether a mineral deposit, once discovered, will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; metal prices which are highly cyclical; and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in Banro not receiving an adequate return on invested capital.
There is no certainty that the expenditures made by Banro towards the search for and evaluation of mineral deposits will result in discoveries that are commercially viable. In addition, in the case of a commercial ore-body, depending on the type of mining operation involved, several years can elapse from the initial phase of drilling until commercial operations are commenced.
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. Such operations are subject to all the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration for, and development and production of gold and other precious or base metals, including unusual and unexpected geologic formations, seismic activity, rock bursts, fires, cave-ins, flooding and other conditions involved in the drilling and removal of material as well as industrial accidents, labour force disruptions, fall of ground accidents in underground operations, unanticipated increases in gold lock-up and inventory levels at heap-leach operations and force majeure factors, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of, mines and other producing facilities, damage to person or property, environmental damage, delays, increased production costs, monetary losses and possible legal liability. Milling operations are subject to hazards such as equipment failure or failure of mining pit slopes and retaining dams around tailings disposal areas, which may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability. The Company may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance against certain environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from production, is not generally available to the Company or to other companies within the mining industry. The Company may suffer a material adverse effect on its business if it incurs losses related to any significant events that are not covered by insurance policies.
Development of an Active Market and Volatility
There can be no assurance that an active market for the Company's securities will be sustained. The market price of the Company's securities may fluctuate significantly based on a number of factors, some of which are unrelated to the financial performance or prospects of the Company. These factors include macroeconomic developments in North America and globally, market perceptions of the attractiveness of particular industries, short-term changes in commodity prices, other precious metal prices, the attractiveness of alternative investments, currency exchange fluctuation, the political environment in the DRC and the Company's financial condition or results of operations as reflected in its financial statements. Other factors unrelated to the performance of the Company that may have an effect on the price of the securities of the Company include the following: the extent of analytical coverage available to investors concerning the business of the Company may be limited if investment banks with research capabilities do not follow the Company's securities; lessening in trading volume and general market interest in the Company's securities may affect an investor's ability to trade significant numbers of securities of the Company; the size of the Company's public float may limit the ability of some institutions to invest in the Company's securities; the Company's operating performance and the performance of competitors and other similar companies; the public's reaction to the Company's press releases, other public announcements and the Company's filings with the various securities regulatory authorities; changes in estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track the Company's securities or the shares of other companies in the resource sector; the arrival or departure of key personnel; acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures involving the Company or its competitors; the factors listed in this AIF under the heading "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements"; and a substantial decline in the price of the securities of the Company that persists for a significant period of time could cause the Company's securities to be delisted from any exchange on which they are listed at that time, further reducing market liquidity. If there is no active market for the securities of the Company, the liquidity of an investor's investment may be limited and the price of the securities of the Company may decline. If such a market does not develop, investors may lose their entire investment in the Company's securities.
Financing Requirements
The Company does not have a history of mining operations, and there is no assurance that it will produce revenue, operate profitably or provide a return on investment in the future. The Company has only incurred operating losses, and the development of its projects is still at an early stage. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due.
The Company will require significant financing in order to carry out plans to develop its projects. The Company has no operating revenues and is currently wholly reliant upon external financing to fund such plans. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available to the Company or, if it is, that it will be offered on acceptable terms. If additional financing is raised through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities of the Company, the interests of the Company's shareholders in the net assets of the Company may be diluted. Any failure of the Company to obtain required financing on acceptable terms could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and its ability to continue as a going concern, and may require the Company to cancel or postpone planned capital expenditures.
The Company expects that it will be considered passive foreign investment company or "PFIC"
Holders of common shares and warrants of the Company that are U.S. taxpayers should be aware that, due to the nature of the Company's assets and the income that it expects to generate, the Company expects to be a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC") for the current year, and may be a PFIC in subsequent taxable years. Whether the Company will be a PFIC for the current or future taxable year will depend on the Company's assets and income over the course of each such taxable year and, as a result, cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date of this AIF. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the determination made by the Company concerning its PFIC status for any taxable year. U.S. federal income tax laws contain rules which result in materially adverse tax consequences to U.S. taxpayers that own shares of a corporation which has been classified as a PFIC during any taxable year of such holder's holding period. A U.S. taxpayer who holds stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a PFIC may mitigate such negative tax consequences by making certain U.S. federal income tax elections, which are subject to numerous restrictions and limitations. Holders of the Company's common shares and warrants are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Company's common shares and warrants.
History of Losses and Expected Future Losses
The Company has incurred losses since its inception. The Company incurred the following net losses during each of the following periods:
| · | US$3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010; |
| · | US$4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009; and |
| · | US$8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. |
The Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately US$70.4 million as of December 31, 2010. The losses do not include capitalized mineral property exploration and development costs.
The Company expects to continue to incur losses unless and until such time as one or more of its properties enter into commercial production and generate sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. The development of the Company's properties will require the commitment of substantial financial resources. The amount and timing of expenditures will depend on a number of factors, including the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants' analysis and recommendations, the rate at which operating losses are incurred, and the Company's acquisition of additional properties, some of which are beyond the Company's control. There can be no assurance that the Company will ever achieve profitability.
Infrastructure for the Projects
The Company's projects are located in remote areas of the DRC, which lack basic infrastructure, including sources of power, water, housing, food and transport. In order to develop any of its projects Banro will need to establish the facilities and material necessary to support operations in the remote locations in which they are situated. The remoteness of each project will affect the potential viability of mining operations, as Banro will also need to establish substantially greater sources of power, water, physical plant and transport infrastructure than are currently present in the area. The transportation of equipment and supplies into the DRC and the transportation of resources out of the DRC may also be subject to delays that adversely affect the ability of the Company to proceed with its mineral projects in the country in a timely manner. Failure in electrical power shortages of the supply of diesel, mechanical parts and other items required for the Company's operations could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. The lack of availability of such sources may adversely affect mining feasibility and will, in any event, require Banro to arrange significant financing, locate adequate supplies and obtain necessary approvals from national, provincial and regional governments, none of which can be assured. The Company's interests in the DRC are accessed over lands that may also be subject to the interests of third parties which may result in further delays and disputes in the carrying out of the Company's operational activities.
Uncertainty in the Estimation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
The mineral resource and mineral reserve figures referred to in this AIF and in the Company's filings with the SEC and applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, press releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time are estimates. These estimates are imprecise and depend upon geological interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable. There can be no assurance that these estimates will be accurate or that this mineralization could be mined or processed profitably.
The Company has not commenced production on any of its properties, and has not defined or delineated any proven or probable reserves on any of its properties other than Twangiza. Mineralization estimates for the Company's properties may require adjustments or downward revisions based upon further exploration or development work or actual production experience. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by drilling results. There can be no assurance that minerals recovered in small scale tests will be duplicated in large scale tests under on-site conditions or in production scale.
The resource and reserve estimates referred to in this AIF have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in the market price for gold may render portions of the Company's mineralization uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineralization. Any material reductions in estimates of mineralization, or of the Company's ability to extract this mineralization, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
The Company has not established the presence of any proven or probable reserves at any of its properties other than Twangiza. There can be no assurance that subsequent testing or future studies will establish proven and probable reserves on such properties. The failure to establish proven and probable reserves on such properties could severely restrict the Company's ability to successfully implement its strategies for long-term growth.
Uncertainty Relating to Inferred Mineral Resources
There is a risk that the inferred mineral resources referred to in this AIF cannot be converted into mineral reserves as the ability to assess geological continuity is not sufficient to demonstrate economic viability. Due to the uncertainty that may attach to inferred mineral resources, there is no assurance that inferred mineral resources will be upgraded to resources with sufficient geological continuity to constitute proven and probable mineral reserves as a result of continued exploration.
Dependence on Limited Properties
The Twangiza, Lugushwa, Namoya and Kamituga properties account for the Company's material mineral properties. Any adverse development affecting the progress of any of these properties may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial performance and results of operations.
Market Perception
Market perception of junior gold exploration companies such as the Company may shift such that these companies are viewed less favourably. This factor could impact the value of investors' holdings and the ability of the Company to raise further funds, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and prospects.
Uninsured Risks
Although the Company maintains directors and officers insurance and insurance on its premises in Toronto, Canada, its insurance does not cover all the potential risks associated with its operations, including industrial accidents, damages to equipment and facilities, labour disputes, pollution, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, rock bursts, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, fires, changes in the regulatory environment and natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, earthquakes and other environmental occurrences. In addition, Banro may elect not to obtain coverage against these risks because of premium costs or other reasons, and where coverage is maintained, losses may exceed policy limits. Losses from these events may cause Banro to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its financial performance and results of operations.
Environmental Risks and Hazards
All phases of Banro's operations are subject to environmental regulation. These regulations mandate, among other things, the maintenance of air and water quality standards and land reclamation. They also set forth limitations on the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays on behalf of the Company and may cause material changes or delays in the Company's intended activities. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect Banro's operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the properties on which Banro holds interests which are unknown to Banro at present and which have been caused by previous owners or operators of the properties. Reclamation costs are uncertain and planned expenditures may differ from the actual expenditures required. Banro has acquired its principal mineral properties through a cession from SOMINKI. As such, Banro will be liable to the DRC State for any environmental damage caused by SOMINKI as previous owner and operator of such properties.
Difficulties for Investors in Foreign Jurisdictions in Bringing Actions and Enforcing Judgments
The Company is organized under the laws of Canada and its principal executive office is located in Toronto, Canada. All of the Company's directors and officers, and all of the experts referred to in this AIF, reside outside of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets, and a substantial portion of the Company's assets, are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors in the United States or otherwise outside of Canada to bring an action against directors, officers or experts who are not resident in the United States or in other jurisdictions outside Canada. It may also be difficult for an investor to enforce a judgment obtained in a United States court or a court of another jurisdiction of residence predicated upon the civil liability provisions of federal securities laws or other laws of the United States or any state thereof or the equivalent laws of other jurisdictions outside Canada against those persons or the Company.
Uncertainty of Acquiring Additional Commercially Mineable Mineral Rights
Most exploration projects do not result in the discovery of commercially mineable ore deposits and no assurance can be given that any anticipated level of recovery of ore reserves will be realized or that any identified mineral deposit will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) ore body which can be legally and economically exploited. Estimates of reserves, resources, mineral deposits and production costs can also be affected by such factors as environmental permitting regulations and requirements, weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions. Material changes in ore reserves, grades, stripping ratios or recovery rates may affect the economic viability of any project.
Banro's future growth and productivity will depend, in part, on its ability to identify and acquire additional commercially mineable mineral rights, and on the costs and results of continued exploration and development programs. Mineral exploration is highly speculative in nature and is frequently non-productive. Substantial expenditures are required to: establish ore reserves through drilling and metallurgical and other testing techniques; determine metal content and metallurgical recovery processes to extract metal from the ore; and construct, renovate or expand mining and processing facilities.
In addition, upon an ore discovery, it takes several years from the initial phases of exploration until production is possible. During this time, the economic feasibility of production may change. As a result of these uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the Company will successfully acquire additional commercially mineable (or viable) mineral rights.
Litigation Risks
The Company may from time to time be involved in various legal proceedings. While the Company believes it is unlikely that the final outcome of any such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operation, defence and settlement costs can be substantial, even with respect to claims that have no merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular legal matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's future cash flow, results of operations or financial condition.
Future Hedging Activities
The Company has not entered into forward contracts or other derivative instruments to sell gold that it might produce in the future. Although the Company has no near term plans to enter such transactions, it may do so in the future if required for project financing. Forward contracts obligate the holder to sell hedged production at a price set when the holder enters into the contract, regardless of what the price is when the product is actually mined. Accordingly, there is a risk that the price of the product is higher at the time it is mined than when the Company entered into the contracts, so that the product must be sold at a price lower than could have been received if the contract was not entered. There is also the risk that the Company may have insufficient gold production to deliver into forward sales positions. The Company may enter into option contracts for gold to mitigate the effects of such hedging.
Future Sales of Common Shares by Existing Shareholders
Sales of a large number of the Company's common shares in the public markets, or the potential for such sales, could decrease the trading price of such shares and could impair Banro's ability to raise capital through future sales of common shares. Banro has previously completed share issuances at prices per share which are lower than the current market price of its common shares. Accordingly, some of the Company's shareholders have an investment profit in the Company's common shares that they may seek to liquidate.
Currency Risk
The Company uses the United States dollar as its functional currency. Fluctuations in the value of the United States dollar relative to other currencies (including the Canadian dollar) could have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements by creating gains or losses. No currency hedge policies are in place or are presently contemplated.
Dependence on Management and Key Personnel
The success of the Company depends on the good faith, experience and judgment of the Company's management and advisors in supervising and providing for the effective management of the business and the operations of the Company. The Company is dependent on a relatively small number of key personnel, the loss of any one of whom could have an adverse effect on the Company. The Company currently does not have key person insurance on these individuals. The Company may need to recruit additional qualified personnel to supplement existing management and there is no assurance that the Company will be able to attract such personnel.
Competition
The natural resource industry is intensely competitive in all of its phases. Significant competition exists for the acquisition of properties producing, or capable of producing, gold or other metals. The Company competes with many companies possessing greater financial resources and technical facilities than itself. The Company may also encounter increasing competition from other mining companies in its efforts to hire experienced mining professionals. Competition for exploration resources at all levels is currently very intense, particularly affecting the availability of manpower, drill rigs and helicopters. Increased competition could also adversely affect the Company's ability to attract necessary capital funding or acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for mineral exploration in the future.
Conflict of Interest
A number of directors of the Company also serve as directors and/or officers of other companies involved in the exploration and development of natural resource properties. As a result, conflicts may arise between the obligations of these individuals to the Company and to such other companies.
3.3 Banro's Gold Properties
The Company holds, through four wholly-owned DRC subsidiaries, a 100% interest in four gold properties, which are known as Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga. These properties are covered by a total of 13 exploitation permits and are found along the 210 kilometre-long Twangiza-Namoya gold belt in the South Kivu and Maniema Provinces of eastern DRC. These properties, totalling approximately 2,612 square kilometres, cover all the major, historical producing areas of the gold belt. The Company's business focus is the exploration and development of these four DRC properties. The Company also holds 14 exploration permits covering an aggregate of 2,638 square kilometres. Ten of the permits are located in the vicinity of the Company's Twangiza property and four are located in the vicinity of the Company's Namoya property.
During fiscal 2010, the Company was engaged in the construction of the Company’s Twangiza Phase 1 oxide mine, and continued its exploration activities at its Twangiza, Namoya and Lugushwa properties. No ground exploration was undertaken with respect to the Company's Kamituga property or the 14 exploration permit areas.
It is expected that the Twangiza Phase 1 oxide mine will commence gold production in the fourth quarter of 2011. Banro intends to use the Twangiza Phase 1 cash flow to build the Company’s Namoya heap leach gold project (see “Namoya” below, which is at item 3.3.2 of this AIF), which in turn is planned to enable the Company to build the Twangiza Phase 2 project, which contemplates the mining of the Twangiza sulphide resource. Banro is currently engaging independent consultants to complete an economic assessment of the Twangiza Phase 2 sulphide project, which study is anticipated to include, among other things, sulphide mineral reserve estimates for the Phase 2 project, as well as estimates of Phase 2 capital and operating costs, gold production, cash flow and net present value information.
Banro believes that this staged development and internal financing plan will allow Banro to continue to build on its positive experience at the Twangiza Phase 1 project in sourcing and installing plant and mining equipment in the eastern DRC in order to grow Banro’s production profile along the Twangiza-Namoya gold belt.
3.3.1 Twangiza
The 1,156 square kilometre Twangiza property is located in the South Kivu Province of the DRC, approximately 35 kilometres west of the Burundi border and approximately 45 kilometres to the south southwest of the town of Bukavu, the provincial capital. The Twangiza property consists of six exploitation permits. Banro's wholly-owned DRC subsidiary, Twangiza Mining SARL, has a 100% interest in the said permits.
The current exploration at Twangiza commenced in October 2005 and to date a total of 443 diamond drill holes totalling 80,694.97 metres have been completed. The program has included resource delineation drilling on the 3.5 kilometre northerly trending mining target comprising the Twangiza Main and Twangiza North deposits. LIDAR, airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys over the entire Twangiza property were completed in 2007 and target generation and ground follow-up were initiated in 2008 on a number of targets.
The most recent mineral resource estimates for Twangiza, which are summarized below, came at the end of the fourth phase of resource drilling and sampling of the Twangiza Main and Twangiza North deposits, which was completed in October 2008.
In January 2009, the Company announced results of a feasibility study of the Twangiza property, and in June 2009, the Company announced results of an updated feasibility study of the Twangiza property. Both such studies were prepared with input from a number of independent consultants.
3.3.1.1 Twangiza Phase 1 Oxide Project
The Company intends to develop Twangiza in phases, commencing with the construction of a "Phase 1" oxide mining operation. To that end, the Company completed in September 2009 the purchase of a refurbished gold processing plant capable of achieving an upgraded throughput capacity of 1.3 million tonnes per annum (“Mtpa”). The Company began mobilizing earthmoving and other construction equipment at Twangiza in January 2010 in order to facilitate the commencement of construction activities in February 2010. It is expected that the Twangiza Phase 1 mine will commence gold production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
During fiscal 2010 and up to the date of this AIF, the following progress has been made in the following key areas with respect to the construction of the Company’s Twangiza Phase 1 mine:
Access Roads
Work on bridge upgrades and roads to the Twangiza Phase 1 site commenced in February 2010 and was completed during the second quarter of 2010. The 31 kilometer section of track connecting Twangiza to the National Road 2 (the “N2”) from Bukavu has been widened and upgraded along its entire length. Three bridges were replaced with new structures and drains and culverts installed where necessary. The greater part of the road surface, including all steep inclines, has been capped with sheeting material and the road is in good condition and is able to be used throughout the wet season.
The road from the N2 to Twangiza was extended by a further 5 kilometres to provide access to the bottom of the tailings management facility (the “TMF”) for construction purposes. In addition, a road was established from the plant site to a position above the TMF wall. A design has been completed that will connect these two sections of road to provide the permanent access to site. Roads have been established between accommodation and areas of infrastructure. Haul roads will be designed to connect identified mining areas, based on the latest mining schedules, to the plant and stockpiles.
Resettlement
The resettlement process at Twangiza involving all consultative activities with local community members and the construction of resettlement houses commenced during the fourth quarter of 2009. The implementation plan involving the physical movement of families from within and around the plant site, commenced early in May 2010 as per schedule and was completed by the end of June 2010 including the payment of agreed compensation. To date, 122 households have been resettled. It is expected that a further 158 households will be compensated and resettled for the remainder of 2011. In addition to the construction of houses, an elementary school, two churches and a medical clinic have been completed at the Cinjira resettlement village. Resettlement is being conducted in a phased manner to suit construction and mining plans and to enable the construction activities to proceed effectively.
Processing Plant
The refurbished gold processing plant, which was purchased in Australia, arrived in Mombasa, Kenya in July 2010 and has been transported to site, with all long‐lead items ordered. Detailed engineering designs have been completed to 80% in all disciplines. Procurement and expediting of goods to site stands at 70% complete. All bulk earthworks for the plant and accommodation terraces were completed during July 2010. Concrete work stands at 70% complete and work associated with steelwork, mechanical, electrical and pipe work are approximately 40% complete.
Mine Infrastructure
The processing plant was purchased together with a number of prefabricated mobile units that will be used for administration and other mine facilities, including the gold room. The set up and construction of the administration and plant offices, training centre and medical clinic commenced during fiscal 2010 and some of the facilities were fully completed by the end of 2010. Reagent warehouses have been established but a general store area will be built on the main plant terrace during 2011. A number of shipping containers are being converted to provide additional plant facilities and workshops.
Accommodation
A camp has been established immediately to the south of the processing plant to provide accommodation during construction of the plant. This camp is able to accommodate some 184 personnel, comprising 16 duplex units as well as dormitory units. Additional buildings have been erected to provide a dining area, kitchen, food storage, recreation, laundry facilities and offices.
Tailings Management Facility
Design work for the TMF is still in progress; however construction activities have commenced with regards to water diversion and borrow pit access roads. The TMF is being designed to accept 1.3 Mtpa of solids for the first year and 1.7 Mtpa for the remainder of its 8.5 year life, providing the need for a TMF with a storage capacity of 14.3 million tonnes of solids.
The focus for the remainder of 2011 with respect to the Twangiza Phase 1 project will be to maintain the construction schedules and interface sequences of the different sub-projects to support the overall project's completion in the fourth quarter of 2011. In addition, as part of the development schedule, activities such as resourcing and training of employees, interaction with the local communities as well as the implementation of management systems are to be advanced in order to have the mine operational prior to the commencement of production.
3.3.1.2 Twangiza Phase 1 Economic Assessment
The plant and infrastructure design for the Twangiza Phase 1 oxide processing plant has recently been made to accommodate a step wise increase in oxide processing from the initial design (1.3 Mtpa) to 1.7 Mtpa. In March 2011, the Company announced results of an economic assessment (the “Twangiza Phase 1 Study”) of the Twangiza Phase 1 project utilizing a 1.7 Mtpa oxide processing plant. The Phase 1 Study was prepared with input from a number of independent consultants including: SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. (mineral resources), SRK Consulting (SA) (Pty) Ltd (mining and mineral reserves), Metago Environmental Engineers (Pty) Ltd (tailings management facility) and SENET (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa) (processing and infrastructure). SENET also undertook the economic valuation and technical report compilation for the Twangiza Phase 1 Study. The following is a reproduction of the summary from the technical report of SENET dated March 9, 2011 (as revised on March 24, 2011) and entitled “Economic Assessment NI 43-101 Technical Report, Twangiza Phase 1 Gold Project, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo” (the “Twangiza Phase 1 Technical Report”), a copy of which report can be obtained from SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Refer to the Twangiza Phase 1 Technical Report for full details of the Twangiza Phase 1 Study. The Twangiza Phase 1 Technical Report is incorporated by reference into this AIF.
Reproduction of Summary from Twangiza Phase 1 Technical Report
INTRODUCTION
This report has been prepared in response to an invitation by Banro Corporation (Banro) for SENET (Pty) Ltd (SENET) to execute an economic assessment on the upgrade of the Twangiza Phase 1 Project to process 1.7Mtpa of oxide ore from its currently-rated throughput of 1.3Mtpa of oxide ore.
In June 2009 an update to the original feasibility study (produced in February 2009) was press released by Banro. This updated feasibility study focused on optimisation studies undertaken on the measured and indicated resources from which the mining production schedules were developed. In several instances, the economic assessment reported herein refers to information contained in the updated feasibility study report, as much of the information remained the same.
This economic assessment focused on the upgrade of the existing 1.3Mtpa operation, which would extract and process oxide ore from the Twangiza Main and Twangiza North Pits.
The scope of this economic assessment can be summarised as follows:
Ø | Identifying the mining and processing plant equipment and services that would require replacement or upgrading in order to allow for the increase in annual throughput from 1.3Mtpa to 1.7Mtpa and providing a capital expenditure associated with this; |
Ø | Updating the processing operating costs based on the increase in annual throughput; |
Ø | Conduct a Whittle optimisation for the 1.7Mtpa optimisation using updated processing operating costs, a range of gold prices and mining operating costs; |
Ø | Design practical pits based on the optimized pit shell selected; |
Ø | Generate a production schedule based on a cut-off grade of 1.00g/t ; |
Ø | Reviewing the tailings management facility’s ability to accommodate the increased throughput rate (total tonnage stored would not change); |
Ø | Updating the operating costs associated with mining and processing, reflecting the increase in throughput; |
Ø | Developing a financial model that incorporates the total capital expenditure to-date and the additional capital associated with the upgrade. The financial model would report on the sensitivity of the project towards head grade, fuel price, capital costs and operating costs; |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Twangiza project is located in the South Kivu Province of the DRC, 45 kilometres to the south-southwest of Bukavu, the provincial capital. The Twangiza property consists of six exploitation permits totalling 1,164 square kilometres which are wholly-owned by Banro through a DRC subsidiary, Twangiza Mining SARL. The current exploration commenced in October 2005 and up to November 2008, more than 330 diamond drill holes have been completed. There has also been extensive re-sampling of old mine adits, which exist along the 3.5 kilometre long, north trending mining target, which hosts the two principal deposits of Twangiza Main and Twangiza North. Gold mineralization is hosted in sediments (mudstones and siltstones) and in porphyry sills, confined by a doubly plunging anticlinal structure.
Work on the Twangiza project is in full swing with engineering, procurement, logistics and construction disciplines now all playing their respective roles on the project for the 1.3Mtpa oxide processing plant. All bulk earthworks for the plant and accommodation terraces were completed during July 2010. By the end of January 2011, concrete work was 66% complete against a baseline of 67%. Work associated with steelwork, mechanical, electrical and pipe work (SMEIP) was 28% complete compared with a baseline target of 27%. The refurbished plant purchased in Australia arrived in Mombasa in July and has been transported to site, with all long-lead items ordered. The project baseline program shows construction is on track to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2011. The focus of this economic assessment has primarily been on identifying the changes and modifications required to increase the annual throughput of the process plant to 1.7Mtpa from its current design capacity of 1.3Mtpa.
MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT
SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. (“SRK (UK)”) prepared an independent estimate of the Mineral Resources at Twangiza, which was reported in Banro’s press release dated January 14, 2009 and has now been separated into “Oxide” and “Non-Oxide” components as set out in the table below. Martin Pittuck, an employee of SRK (UK), was the “qualified person” (as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101) responsible for this estimate.
The Mineral Resource estimate was reported according to the definitions and guidelines given in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves. The Mineral Resource Statement uses a cut off grade of 0.5 g/t gold; it has been restricted to an optimum pit shell which uses a US$1,000/oz gold price assumption is considered therefore to have reasonable prospects for economic extraction by open pit mining. SRK has not re-reported the Mineral Resource inside the US$1,200 pit shell used for reporting Mineral Reserves because the pit shells are already limited by the base of the oxide, and subsequently only a very slight increase in Mineral Resource would be expected in lateral extensions.
The table below details the “Oxide” and “Non-Oxide” components of the Twangiza Mineral Resource estimate split by confidence category, at a cut off grade of 0.5 g/t gold.
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE BY CONFIDENCE CATEGORY (EFFECTIVE DATE: NOVEMBER 2011)
OXIDE MINERAL RESOURCE CATEGORY | | TONS (Mt) | | GRADE (g/t Au ) | | OUNCES (Moz) |
MEASURED | | 11.1 | | 2.49 | | 0.89 |
INDICATED | | 6.8 | | 1.9 | | 0.4 |
MEASURED AND INDICATED | | 17.9 | | 2.3 | | 1.3 |
INFERRED (EXCLUDING VALLEY FILL) | | 0.7 | | 1.7 | | 0.04 |
INFERRED (VALLEY FILL) | | 1.0 | | 4.2 | | 0.1 |
NON-OXIDE MINERAL RESOURCE CATEGORY | | TONS (Mt) | | GRADE (g/t Au ) | | OUNCES (Moz) |
MEASURED | | 6.1 | | 2.22 | | 0.43 |
INDICATED | | 83.5 | | 1.4 | | 3.9 |
MEASURED AND INDICATED | | 89.6 | | 1.5 | | 4.3 |
INFERRED | | 6.4 | | 1.3 | | 0.3 |
NB: Any apparent errors are due to rounding and are therefore not considered material to the estimate
ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
An economic assessment of the Twangiza Phase 1 Project was completed in January 2011 and the results are summarized in this report. This economic assessment has been prepared with input from a number of independent consultants including SRK (UK) (mineral resource statement), SRK Consulting, Johannesburg (mineral reserves and mining), Metago (tailing storage facility) and SENET, Johannesburg (processing and infrastructure). SENET also undertook the economic valuation and report compilation.
Mineral resources
The Mineral Resources as set out above were estimated by Martin Pittuck, an employee of SRK (UK), who is the “qualified person” (as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101).
Mine plan
SRK Consulting (SA) (Pty) Ltd. (“SRK (SA)”) undertook the mine planning process for the Phase 1 Twangiza oxide open pit for this oxide economic assessment, based on Banro's Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources delineated to date. Pit optimizations were undertaken on the oxide components of the two principal deposits at Twangiza: namely Twangiza Main and Twangiza North, using the following estimates and factors:
PIT OPTIMIZATION PARAMETERS
PARAMETER | | VALUE |
GOLD PRICE (LOWER LIMIT) | | US$1,000/oz |
GOLD PRICE (BASE CASE) | | US$1,200/oz |
GOLD PRICE (UPPER LIMIT) | | US$1,400/oz |
DIESEL FUEL PRICE | | US$1.00/litre |
MINING DILUTION | | 5% at zero grade |
MINING RECOVERY | | 95% |
PIT SLOPES | | Minus 28 to 30 degrees |
METALLURGICAL RECOVERY | | OXIDE ORE : MAIN | 90.1% |
| | OXIDE ORE : NORTH | 91.2% |
The following oxide mineral reserves were estimated by SRK (SA) to be contained in a practical pit design. This excludes the Valley Fill material:
TWANGIZA OXIDE MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE (EFFECTIVE DATE: MARCH 4, 2011)
CATEGORY | | DEPOSIT | | TONS (Mt) | | GRADE (g/t Au ) | | GOLD (Moz) |
PROVEN | | OXIDE MAIN AND NORTH | | 10.25 | | 2.42 | | 0.797 |
PROBABLE | | OXIDE MAIN AND NORTH | | 5.28 | | 1.96 | | 0.333 |
PROVEN + PROBABLE | | OXIDE MAIN AND NORTH | | 15.53 | | 2.26 | | 1.130 |
SRK (SA)’s above independent estimate of the Twangiza Oxide Mineral Reserves is based on the above Mineral Resource estimate. The Mineral Resources are inclusive of the Mineral Reserves. The Mineral Reserves were estimated by Mark Sturgeon, who is a “qualified person” as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and an employee of SRK (SA). The Mineral Reserve Statement is reported in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 requirements. The two deposits at Twangiza are to be mined simultaneously to provide a throughput of 1.7 million tons of oxide ore per annum to the processing plant. An additional 1.3 million tons of material originating from a valley fill source, at an estimated grade of approximately 3 g/t could be processed, in addition to the proven and probable north and main pit oxide reserves. More work is required to increase the confidence in this valley fill resource and to demonstrate the feasibility of mining and processing before the valley fill can be converted and added to the Mineral Reserve. If treated, this material would effectively displace the lowest grade faction of the open pit ore in the mill feed, which would then be stockpiled to the end of life of the open pit. The Twangiza project has a favourable stripping ratio of 1.52, which is an important contributing factor to the mine’s low operating costs. The estimated total open pit mine operating cost of US$5.46 per ton of ore is equivalent to US$1.78 per ton of rock mined, based on an owner operated mining option.
Processing
During the initial evaluation of the processing capacity of the existing plant, it had been identified as being able to process an annual tonnage of 1.3Mtpa. With subsequent in-depth investigations to identify the optimal comminution circuit operating parameters by a specialist firm, it was established that the processing plant could be modified to increase the annual throughput to a maximum of 1.7Mtpa.
With this in mind, large capital items that cannot be modified later were already specified for the increased duty, with the balance of the smaller modifications targeted for upgrading once debottlenecking of the process plant operation at 1.3Mtpa has been completed.
The aim of the process design component of this economic assessment was to complete a detailed investigation into the balance of the smaller modifications targeted for upgrading the plant to 1.7Mtpa, and to establish a capital cost and mining program associated with these modifications.
Priority has been given to the minimizing of production downtime during equipment selection and construction philosophy.
The detailed engineering design and procurement of plant equipment would be executed concurrently with the final stages of construction and commissioning of the processing plant in its current configuration. The installation of new plant equipment would be planned with the majority of the installation work taking place during the ramp-up phase of the processing plant towards achieving nameplate capacity at 1.3Mtpa, with smaller tie-ins taking place during planned maintenance shutdowns. The steel structures and pipe work in the areas requiring more extensive modifications would be pre-erected where practical and installed during shutdowns specifically planned for these events.
Tailings management facility
As part of this economic assessment, Metago Environmental Engineers (the designers of the Twangiza tailings management facility) were tasked with evaluating the facility’s ability to accommodate the increased throughput rate. The TMF wall does not change in size or layout as the TMF basin will hold the same final tonnes (and hence volume) of tailings irrespective of the plant throughput rate. However the increase in production rate from 1.3Mtpa to 1.7Mtpa means that wall raising will be brought forward, as will the costs thereof.
CAPITAL COST SUMMARY
The table below summarizes the estimated capital costs associated with increasing the annual throughput of the mine from 1.3Mtpa to 1.7Mtpa.
The current mining philosophy of an owner’s mining fleet operated by a contractor has been retained, and additional cost provisions have been made to allow for the purchasing of additional mining fleet equipment to accommodate the increased throughput.
CAPITAL COST SUMMARY
ITEM | | COST (US$’000) | |
CAPITALISED EXPENDITURE | | | |
MINING – SUSTAINING CAPITAL (ADDITIONAL FLEET TO MINE 1.7MTPA) | | | 12,358 | |
TAILINGS – SUSTAINING CAPITAL | | | 71,420 | |
POWER PLANT DEMOBILIZATION | | | 113 | |
MINE REHABILITATION AND CLOSURE | | | 3,385 | |
TOTAL – CAPITALISED EXPENDITURE | | | 87,275 | |
OPERATING COST SUMMARY
The following operating costs were estimated and incorporated into the financial analysis:
SUMMARY OF LOM OPERATING COSTS
ITEM | | UNIT | | VALUE | |
MINING OPERATING COSTS | | | | | |
ANNUAL UNIT MINING OPERATING COST | | US$/t processed | | | 4.93 | |
ANNUAL UNIT MINING OPERATING COST | | US$/oz | | | 73.11 | |
PROCESSING PLANT OPERATING COSTS | | | | | | |
ANNUAL UNIT PROCESSING PLANT OPERATING COST | | US$/t processed | | | 17.77 | |
ANNUAL UNIT PROCESSING PLANT OPERATING COST | | US$/oz | | | 263.22 | |
GENERAL & ADMINISTRATION COSTS (INCL. ASSAY COSTS) | | | | | | |
ANNUAL UNIT G&A + ASSAYING OPERATING COST | | US$/t processed | | | 2.81 | |
ANNUAL UNIT G&A + ASSAYING OPERATING COST | | US$/oz | | | 41.62 | |
NSR ROYALTY & REFINING CHARGES | | | | | | |
ANNUAL UNIT ROYALTY & REFINING OPERATING COST | | US$/t processed | | | 1.08 | |
ANNUAL UNIT ROYALTY & REFINING OPERATING COST | | US$/oz | | | 16.00 | |
| | | | | | |
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS | | | | | | |
ANNUAL CASH OPERATING COST | | US$/t processed | | | 26.59 | |
ANNUAL CASH OPERATING COST | | US$/oz | | | 395 | |
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
This economic assessment has produced a cash flow valuation model for the Twangiza Phase 1 project based on the geological and engineering work completed to date. The financial analysis does not include the high grade valley fill material for which the optimal mining and processing methodology is being determined. The base case was developed using a long-term gold price of US$1,200 per ounce and 5% discount rate. The financial model also reflects the favourable fiscal aspects of the mining convention governing the Twangiza project, which include 100% equity interest and a 10 year tax holiday from the start of production. An administrative tax of 5% for the importation of plant, machinery and consumables has been included in the projected capital and operating costs. Calculated sensitivities show the significant upside leverage to gold prices and the robust nature of the projected economics to operating assumptions:
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SUMMARY
ITEM | | UNIT | | GOLD PRICE OF US$1,200/oz @ 5% discount | | | GOLD PRICE OF US$1,400/oz @ 5% discount | |
LIFE OF MINE GOLD PRODUCTION | | oz | | | 1,004,796 | | | | 1,004,796 | |
PRODUCTION PERIOD | | years | | | 8.76 | | | | 8.76 | |
ANNUAL GOLD PRODUCTION | | oz | | | 114,744 | | | | 114,744 | |
LIFE OF MINE DIRECT OPERATING COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 378 | | | | 378 | |
TOTAL CASH OPERATING COSTS FOR FIRST 5 YEARS | | US$/oz | | | 356 | | | | 356 | |
LIFE OF MINE TOTAL CASH OPERATING COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 395 | | | | 397 | |
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 87 | | | | 87 | |
TOTAL PRODUCTION COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 482 | | | | 484 | |
POST-TAX NET PRESENT VALUE | | US$ million | | | 581 | | | | 743 | |
NET CASHFLOW AFTER TAX AND CAPEX | | US$ million | | | 692 | | | | 883 | |
Sensitivity analysis
A sensitivity analysis was performed on the after tax profits by varying the gold price between US$1,000 and US$1,600 per ounce. The results are summarized below.
| | NET PRESENT VALUE (US$ ‘000) | |
GOLD PRICE (US$/oz) | | 0% DISCOUNT | | | 5% DISCOUNT | | | 10% DISCOUNT | |
1,600 | | | 1 074 285 | | | | 904 218 | | | | 776 882 | |
1,500 | | | 978 789 | | | | 823 433 | | | | 707 089 | |
1,400 | | | 883 293 | | | | 742 649 | | | | 637 296 | |
1,300 | | | 787 797 | | | | 661 864 | | | | 567 503 | |
1,200 | | | 692 301 | | | | 581 079 | | | | 497 711 | |
1,100 | | | 596 805 | | | | 500 294 | | | | 427 918 | |
1,000 | | | 501 280 | | | | 419 490 | | | | 358 112 | |
*****************[End of Summary from Twangiza Phase 1 Technical Report]**************
Cautionary Statement
Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. U.S. investors should read the "Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Reserve and Resource Estimates" above concerning the difference between "resources" and "reserves".
3.3.1.3 Twangiza Exploration (2010-2011)
The current exploration at Twangiza commenced in October 2005, and to date a total of 443 diamond drill holes totalling 80,694.97 metres have been completed. The program has included the extensive geological mapping along the 3.5 kilometre long resource delineation, of the north trending mining target, which hosts the two principal deposits of Twangiza Main and Twangiza North.
Exploration at Twangiza in 2010 focused on generating new targets outside the Twangiza Main and North deposits. Field activities included soil, rock chip and channel sampling, pitting, auger drilling and diamond and reverse circulation drilling.
An infill drilling program continued at the Twangiza West and Twangiza East mineralized trends near the Twangiza Main deposit. Forty diamond drill holes totalling 3,854.6 meters were completed on the Twangiza West and East zones to facilitate the resource evaluation of an oxide potential zone delineated by previous drilling programs.
In February 2010, the Company announced results of the first phase of exploration at the newly discovered Ntula prospect, located approximately 27 kilometres west-north-west of the Twangiza Main and Twangiza North deposits. The initial exploration work at Ntula included geological mapping, soil sampling, and rock chip sampling of artisanal workings and outcrops. Regional exploration has continued at the Ntula prospect with trenching, surface mapping and sampling. A diamond drilling program commenced during 2010 and to date 8 diamond drill holes have been completed totaling 970 meters and generating 892 core samples. Results for this program are pending.
Geological mapping and rock-chip sampling were also conducted at the Tshondo prospect, located 9 kilometres west of the Twangiza Main deposit, as follow up work of previous encouraging rock results.
The 2011 exploration program at Twangiza will focus on (a) the near mine targets to fully evaluate the Twangiza East and West flanking structures, at Twangiza and (b) regional targets located outside the Twangiza anticline but which have the potential to add substantial resources to the current mineral resource of Twangiza.
The 2011 near deposit exploration is also planned to identify new drill targets within the Twangiza anticlinal structure, while the regional exploration activities will consist of stream sediment sampling, gridding, geological mapping, soil, trench and adit sampling, auger and diamond drilling. These activities are planned to be undertaken at the Mufwa, Ntula, Tshondo and Kaziba prospects. Other targets include the radiometric and southern anomalies and other regional targets yet to be generated from the LIDAR, airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys.
3.3.2 Namoya
The Namoya project consists of one exploitation permit covering an area of 172 square kilometres and is located approximately 225 kilometres southwest of the town of Bukavu in Maniema Province in the east of the DRC. Namoya Mining SARL, which is wholly-owned by Banro, has a 100% interest in the said permit. Exploration commenced in December 2004 and to date, 209 diamond drill holes have been completed together with extensive re-sampling of old mine adits along the 2.5 kilometre long, northwest trending mineralized zone which hosts the four main deposits of Mwendamboko, Kakula, Namoya Summit and Muviringu. Exploration including drilling is continuing to assess the current prospects as well as a number of new prospects on the Namoya project.
3.3.2.1 Namoya Heap Leach Preliminary Assessment
In January 2011, the Company announced the results of a preliminary assessment of a heap leach project at Namoya (the “Namoya Heap Leach Study”). The Namoya Heap Leach Study follows on from the preliminary assessment of Namoya completed in 2007 which assumed a CIL (carbon-in-leach) only processing route for the mineral resources. The Namoya Heap Leach Study, which assumes a heap leach only processing route, was undertaken to assess a lower capital cost alternative to the previous CIL option.
The Namoya Heap Leach Study was prepared with input from a number of independent consultants including, among others, SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. ("SRK (UK)") (mining and environmental) and SENET (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa) (processing and infrastructure). SENET also undertook the preliminary economic valuation and technical report compilation for the Namoya Heap Leach Study. The following is a reproduction of the summary from the technical report of SENET dated March 3, 2011 and entitled “Preliminary Assessment NI 43-101 Technical Report, Namoya Gold Project, Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo” (the “Namoya Technical Report”), a copy of which report can be obtained from SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Refer to the Namoya Technical Report for full details of the Namoya Heap Leach Study. The Namoya Technical Report is incorporated by reference into this AIF.
Reproduction of Summary from Namoya Technical Report
INTRODUCTION & PROJECT OVERVIEW
This report has been prepared in response to an invitation by Banro Corporation (Banro) for SENET Pty. Ltd (SENET) to execute a preliminary assessment for the Namoya Gold Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Namoya project consists of one exploitation permit covering an area of 174 km2 and is located approximately 225 km southwest of the town of Bukavu in Maniema Province in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the "DRC") (Figures 1 to 3). Namoya Mining SARL, which is wholly owned by Banro Corporation ("Banro"), has a 100% interest in the said permit. The Namoya property comprises four separate deposits: Mwendamboko and Muviringu to the northwest, Kakula in the centre and Namoya Summit to the southeast (Figure 4).
The main host rock for the gold mineralization is fine grained sericite schist with associated albite, quartz, chlorite and calcite. Quartz veins and quartz ‘stock works’ cross-cut the majority of the host sediments which have also been intruded by quartz-feldspar porphyry. The quartz systems and its associated sediments host the primary gold mineralization.
This technical report summarizes the results of the most recent mineral resource update of the Namoya mineralization, as well as the recently completed preliminary economic assessment of the Namoya project. This report is intended to comply with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101, including Form 43-101F1.
MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT
The most recent mineral resource estimates for Namoya which were press released on January 24 2011, followed from closed space shallow core drilling and sampling of the mineralized regolith material. A total of 1594 shallow holes, consisting of 5964 m of core, with an average hole depth of 3.74 m (ranging from 0.5 m to 7.7 m) had been drilled over Namoya during the period under review. A total of 212 holes (822.70 m) yielding 1,017 samples out of these shallow holes which were located on the Mwendamboko and Muviringu Deposit were included in the data used for the regolith resource determination. These new mineral resource estimates have been incorporated into a Preliminary Assessment of the Namoya Heap Leach Gold Project. As part of Banro's QA/QC procedures, internationally recognised standards, duplicates and blanks were inserted into the sample batches. A total of 13,393 relative density measurements were taken from drill core at the deposits to convert volumes into tonnages. The mineral resources were estimated from the current and previous core drilling programs as well as previous verified adit information.
The methodology employed in estimating the mineral resources utilized a 3-dimensional wireframe model of the mineralization interpreted with 0.4 - 1.0 g/t Au sample cut-off, defined first in plan and on cross sections at 20m - 40 m intervals. The ore body models were constrained within the wireframe with primary block dimensions of 10 m in the strike and cross structure directions, and 5 m in the vertical direction.
Semi-variograms were constructed for each deposit using one metre sample composite of the gold values. Some structure was apparent in the along strike and down-dip directions, and a Krige interpolation algorithm was adopted for the estimates given in the table below.
The recent topographic survey and in particular the updated pit survey at Mwendamboko have been used to deplete the models. Ore classification was carried out using solid wireframes to flag blocks as indicated and inferred. The improved geological knowledge coupled with the increased data density, the continuity of the mineralization and the increase reliability of the database, have allowed mineral resources to be classified with higher confidence.
SRK Consulting (UK) Limited ("SRK"), who undertook the initial data compilation in 1998 and followed it up with a valuation between 1999 and 2009, have reviewed the estimation method in respect of the Namoya Project, and determined the underlying model to be fit for the purposes of a Preliminary Assessment given that classification boundaries do not affect the Preliminary Assessment and that an open pit constraint is applied in the Preliminary Assessment process; however some recommendations are proposed going forward.
The table below summarizes the current mineral resource estimates for Namoya using a 0.4 g/t Au block cut-off.
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE BY DEPOSIT (EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 24, 2011)
DEPOSIT | | CLASS | | TONS (Mt) | | GRADE (g/t) | | GOLD (Moz) |
MWENDAMBOKO | | MEASURED | | 2.92 | | 3.02 | | 0.28 |
MWENDAMBOKO | | INDICATED | | 4.20 | | 2.20 | | 0.30 |
MWENDAMBOKO | | INFERRED | | 4.01 | | 1.73 | | 0.22 |
KAKULA | | MEASURED | | 0.82 | | 2.04 | | 0.05 |
KAKULA | | INDICATED | | 1.76 | | 2.50 | | 0.14 |
KAKULA | | INFERRED | | 1.27 | | 1.69 | | 0.07 |
NAMOYA SUMMIT | | MEASURED | | 0.32 | | 2.43 | | 0.03 |
NAMOYA SUMMIT | | INDICATED | | 2.78 | | 2.27 | | 0.20 |
NAMOYA SUMMIT | | INFERRED | | 1.95 | | 2.13 | | 0.13 |
MURIVINGU | | MEASURED | | 0.20 | | 2.46 | | 0.02 |
MURIVINGU | | INDICATED | | 1.55 | | 2.36 | | 0.12 |
MURIVINGU | | INFERRED | | 1.72 | | 2.14 | | 0.12 |
TOTAL MEASURED | | 4.27 | | 2.76 | | 0.38 |
TOTAL INDICATED | | 10.31 | | 2.29 | | 0.76 |
TOTAL INFERRED | | 8.95 | | 1.89 | | 0.54 |
NB: Any apparent errors are due to rounding and are therefore not considered material to the estimate
The estimates for the Mineral Resources at Namoya compare to the previous (March 2009) estimates as follows:
CURRENT ESTIMATE (2010)
CATEGORY | | TONS (Mt) | | GRADE (g/t ) | | GOLD (Moz) |
MEASURED | | 4.27 | | 2.76 | | 0.38 |
INDICATED | | 10.31 | | 2.29 | | 0.76 |
TOTAL | | 14.58 | | 2.43 | | 1.14 |
INFERRED | | 8.95 | | 1.89 | | 0.54 |
NB: Any apparent errors are due to rounding and are therefore not considered material to the estimate
PREVIOUS ESTIMATE (MARCH 2009 SRK ESTIMATES)
CATEGORY | | TONS (Mt) | | GRADE (g/t ) | | GOLD (Moz) |
MEASURED | | 4.73 | | 2.49 | | 0.38 |
INDICATED | | 12.43 | | 1.92 | | 0.77 |
TOTAL | | 17.16 | | 2.08 | | 1.14 |
INFERRED | | 12.57 | | 1.51 | | 0.61 |
NB: Any apparent errors are due to rounding and are therefore not considered material to the estimate
At a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t gold, there is 26% less material but with 17.5% higher grade, resulting in 4% less gold content in this in-house model relative to the previous SRK 2009 estimates. The higher grade but lower tonnage of the in-house model relative to the previous SRK model is a function of tighter wireframe modelling of the mineralization. The current mineral resource estimates are encouraging in terms of the increased grade and gives a clear scope of the project.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
An updated Preliminary Assessment (PA) of the Namoya Project was completed in January 2011 and the results are summarized in this report.
The Preliminary Assessment has been prepared with input from a number of independent consultants including SRK Consulting, Cardiff (mining and environmental), SGS Lakefield, Johannesburg (metallurgical testwork), Kappes Cassiday and Associates in Reno, Nevada (heap leach metallurgical testwork), AMEC, London (heap leach pads and ponds) and SENET, Johannesburg (processing and infrastructure). SENET also undertook the preliminary economic valuation and report compilation.
This Preliminary Assessment follows on from the 2007 Preliminary Assessment of Namoya which assumed a CIL (carbon-in-leach) only processing route for the Mineral Resources. This current Preliminary Assessment, which assumes a heap leach only processing route, was undertaken to assess a lower capital cost alternative to the previous CIL option.
Mineral resources
The Namoya project's attributed Mineral Resources (which are set out in the following table) have been derived from resource drilling and assays received before October 10, 2010. These Mineral Resource estimates were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 based on information compiled by Banro's Vice President, Exploration, Daniel Bansah, who is a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101. Independent consultants, SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. (“SRK”), determined in a report prepared for Banro in March 2009 that all fieldwork undertaken at Namoya by Banro between 2004 and 2009 was compliant with National Instrument 43-101 and provided updated Mineral Resource estimates for Namoya (reference is made to Banro’s March 11, 2009 press release). Following a closed space shallow core drilling and sampling of the regolith material, Banro undertook updated in-house Mineral Resource estimates for Namoya, which are set out in the table below. At a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t gold, there is 26% less material but with 17.5% higher grade, resulting in 4% less gold content in this in-house model relative to the previous SRK 2009 estimates. The higher grade but lower tonnage of the in-house model relative to the previous SRK model is a function of tighter wireframe modelling of the mineralization. This has resulted in higher grades particularly in the Inferred model.
NAMOYA MINERAL RESOURCES (EFFECTIVE DATE JANUARY 24, 2011)
| | MEASURED | | | INDICATED | | | INFERRED | |
TYPE | | tons | | | g/t | | | oz | | | tons | | | | g/t | | | oz | | | tons | | | g/t | | | oz | |
OXIDE | | | 2,860,847 | | | | 3.03 | | | | 279,064 | | | | 4,726,560 | | | | 1.99 | | | | 302,544 | | | | 3,021,195 | | | | 1.54 | | | | 149,448 | |
TRANSIT. | | | 1,409,819 | | | | 2.20 | | | | 99,905 | | | | 3,163,990 | | | | 2.44 | | | | 248,460 | | | | 2,511,713 | | | | 1.85 | | | | 149,388 | |
FRESH | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,414,945 | | | | 2.68 | | | | 208,332 | | | | 3,419,254 | | | | 2.22 | | | | 244,290 | |
TOTAL | | | 4,270,666 | | | | 2.76 | | | | 378,969 | | | | 10,305,495 | | | | 2.29 | | | | 759,336 | | | | 8,952,162 | | | | 1.89 | | | | 543,126 | |
(Using a 0.4 g/t cut-off grade)
Mine plan
SRK reviewed Banro’s Mineral Resource estimates as set out above and determined the underlying model to be fit for the purposes of this Preliminary Assessment given that classification boundaries do not affect the Preliminary Assessment and that an open pit constraint is applied in the Preliminary Assessment process; however some recommendations are proposed going forward. SRK undertook a mine plan based on Banro’s Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources delineated to date as set out above. Pit optimizations were undertaken on the four principal deposits at Namoya based on the following parameters:
PIT OPTIMIZATION PARAMETERS
PARAMETER | | VALUE |
GOLD PRICE | | US$1,000/oz |
DIESEL FUEL PRICE | | US$1.20/litre |
MINING DILUTION | | 5% at zero grade |
MINING RECOVERY | | 95% |
PIT SLOPES | | Minus 40 to 50 degrees |
METALLURGICAL RECOVERY | | OXIDE ORE | 86% |
| | TRANSITIONAL | 84% |
The following Mineral Resources for the oxide and transitional material were determined to be contained in an engineered pit design, optimum for owner operated mining:
NAMOYA OPEN PIT MINERAL RESOURCES (OXIDE & TRANSITIONAL MATERIAL ONLY)
YEAR | | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | TOTAL | |
ORE (x 1,000 t) | | | 1,991 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,001 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,001 | | | | 1,236 | | | | 13,230 | |
GRADE (g/t) | | | 2.60 | | | | 2.23 | | | | 2.04 | | | | 2.27 | | | | 1.95 | | | | 2.07 | | | | 3.25 | | | | 2.29 | |
WASTE (x 1,000 t) | | | 3,291 | | | | 3,757 | | | | 6,046 | | | | 7,574 | | | | 8,855 | | | | 7,981 | | | | 3,096 | | | | 40,600 | |
STRIP RATIO | | | 1.65 | | | | 1.87 | | | | 3.00 | | | | 3.78 | | | | 4.42 | | | | 3.99 | | | | 2.5 | | | | 3.07 | |
LG ORE (x 1,000) | | | 30.6 | | | | 50.1 | | | | 39.2 | | | | 27.7 | | | | 42.6 | | | | 47.7 | | | | 11.3 | | | | 249.2 | |
GRADE (g/t) | | | 0.42 | | | | 0.43 | | | | 0.46 | | | | 0.54 | | | | 0.52 | | | | 0.55 | | | | 0.61 | | | | 0.49 | |
TOTAL TONS TO PLANT | | | 1,991 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,001 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,001 | | | | 1,485 | | | | 13,479 | |
GRADE (g/t) | | | 2.60 | | | | 2.23 | | | | 2.04 | | | | 2.27 | | | | 1.95 | | | | 2.07 | | | | 2.79 | | | | 2.26 | |
Economic open pit cut-off grades are estimated at 0.46 g/t Au for oxide and 0.67 g/t Au for the transitional materials. The mine schedule proposes the sequential mining of oxides and transitional ores from the open pits. Low grade stockpiles will also be processed at the end of the mine.
Processing
Previous metallurgical testwork, including recovery and comminution studies, has been completed for the Namoya oxide, transitional and fresh rock (sulphide) ore categories by SGS Lakefield in Johannesburg. These results indicated that excellent metallurgical recoveries, averaging 93.6% for oxides, 93% for the transitional and 92.6% for the fresh rock for a gravity and CIL plant, could be achieved for the low to medium competency ores. For the heap leach testwork, two bulk samples of oxide and transitional material were submitted to Kappes Cassiday and Associates in Reno, Nevada. These results demonstrated high metallurgical recoveries at a minus 10mm crush with moderate to low cement requirements for heap stability and percolation. Based on this testwork, SENET estimated final metallurgical recoveries for a heap leach operation to average 86% for the oxides and 84% for the transitional ore types.
SENET scoped a 2.0MTPA heap leach processing facility with an up-front, three stage crushing system to produce minus 10 mm material which will be agglomerated and transported and stacked on a permanent leach pad via a series of conveyors. The mine site terrain at Namoya is well suited for a heap leach facility with the gentle slopes away from the small range of hills that contain the four pits, favourable for the location of leach pads and ponds.
The proposed mine processing plant production schedule is as follows:
PROCESSING PLANT PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
YEAR | | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | TOTAL | |
TONS PROCESSED | | | 1,991 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,000 | | | | 2,001 | | | | 2,002 | | | | 1,485 | | | | 13,479 | |
GRADE (g/t Au) | | | 2.60 | | | | 2.23 | | | | 2.04 | | | | 2.27 | | | | 1.95 | | | | 2.07 | | | | 2.79 | | | | 2.26 | |
MET. RECOVERY (%) | | | 86 | | | | 86 | | | | 85.7 | | | | 85.6 | | | | 85.3 | | | | 84.9 | | | | 84 | | | | 85.4 | |
PRODUCTION (oz) | | | 142,953 | | | | 123,556 | | | | 112,619 | | | | 124,938 | | | | 106,838 | | | | 113,299 | | | | 111,867 | | | | 836,070 | |
CASH COSTS (US$/oz) | | | 281 | | | | 330 | | | | 382 | | | | 369 | | | | 449 | | | | 419 | | | | 309 | | | | 359 | |
Power
The total installed power for the mine is estimated at 4MW and will be provided by diesel generators.
Accessibility and transport
SENET has undertaken a preliminary and high-level analysis of access routes to the Namoya project for plant and equipment as well as ongoing production materials and consumables. Access to Bukavu is available predominantly via tar road from the port of Mombasa in Kenya. From Bukavu, it is proposed to use the N5 road to Uvira/Fizi and then upgrade the secondary road to Namoya.
Environmental and social aspects
Data collection and reporting for the pre-feasibility environmental and socio-economic baseline study at Namoya by SRK were largely completed by the end of 2009. Going forward, these will be updated as well as the water studies which remain to be finalised.
CAPITAL COST SUMMARY
The following table summarizes the expected capital costs for the Namoya project as projected by the independent consultants and includes preliminary discussions with equipment providers, supplemented with knowledge gained from current projects in Africa, including Banro’s Twangiza project where SENET is the overall EPCM contractor.
CAPITAL COST SUMMARY - OWNER OPERATED
ITEM | | COST (US$’000) | |
MINING | | | |
PLANT & EQUIPMENT | | | 15.27 | |
HAUL ROADS | | | 1.96 | |
FACILITIES | | | 1.81 | |
SUB-TOTAL | | | 19.04 | |
| | | | |
PROCESS PLANT | | | | |
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT | | | 7.00 | |
EARTHWORKS & CIVILS | | | 5.56 | |
PLATEWORK, STRUCTURAL & PIPING | | | 4.43 | |
ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION | | | 2.10 | |
HEAP LEACH AGGLOMERATION & STACKING EQUIPMENT | | | 8.14 | |
HEAP LEACH PADS & PONDS | | | 5.76 | |
TRANSPORTATION | | | 4.69 | |
SUB-TOTAL | | | 37.68 | |
| | | | |
INFRASTRUCTURE | | | | |
POWER PLANT & FUEL FARM | | | 3.14 | |
ITEM | | COST (US$’000) | |
BUILDINGS & ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES | | | 5.29 | |
OFFSITE ACCESS ROAD | | | 8.83 | |
VEHICLES & MOBILE PLANT | | | 1.87 | |
TRANSPORTATION | | | 1.20 | |
OTHER | | | 3.13 | |
SUB-TOTAL | | | 23.46 | |
| | | | |
OWNERS PREPRODUCTION COSTS | | | 3.04 | |
EPCM | | | 9.55 | |
OTHER (COMPENSATION, PLANT PREPROD. & INSURANCES | | | 7.17 | |
WORKING CAPITAL | | | 5.19 | |
CONTINGENCY | | | 13.11 | |
TOTAL PROJECT INITIAL CAPITAL COSTS | | | 118.24 | |
ONGOING CAPITAL | | | 15.1 | |
Other scoping scenarios
Capital cost estimates were also produced for three other scenarios with the following results:
OTHER SCOPING SCENARIOS – CAPITAL COSTS
ITEM | | H L ONLY CONTRACT MINING (US$’000) | | | H L + C I L OWNER MINING (US$’000) | | | H L + C I L CONTRACT MINING (US$’000) | |
CAPEX – PLANT & INFRAST. : HEAP LEACH | | | 101,253 | | | | 99,452 | | | | 101,426 | |
CAPEX – PLANT & INFRAST. : CIL | | | 0 | | | | 39,631 | | | | 39,631 | |
CAPEX – MINING | | | 5,004 | | | | 23,457 | | | | 5,166 | |
ONGOING CAPITAL | | | 8,915 | | | | 20,834 | | | | 8,915 | |
TOTAL CAPITAL | | | 115,172 | | | | 183,373 | | | | 155,138 | |
(HL denotes Heap Leach and CIL denotes Carbon-in-Leach)
OPERATING COST SUMMARY
Life-of-Mine operating costs for the owner operated heap leach option were determined and are summarized in table below.
SUMMARY OF LOM OPERATING COSTS: HEAP LEACH OWNER OPERATED
ITEM | | UNIT COST (US$/TON) | | | UNIT COST (US$/OZ) | |
MINING | | | 10.03 | | | | 161.66 | |
PROCESSING | | | 8.10 | | | | 130.62 | |
G & A | | | 3.14 | | | | 50.61 | |
ROYALTY & REFINING COSTS | | | 0.99 | | | | 16.00 | |
TOTAL | | | 22.26 | | | | 358.89 | |
Other scoping scenarios
Operating cost estimates were also produced for the other three scenarios with the following results:
OTHER SCOPING SCENARIOS – OPERATING COSTS
ITEM | | H L ONLY CONTRACT MINING (US$/t) | | | H L + C I L OWNER MINING (US$/t) | | | H L + C I L CONTRACT MINING (US$/t) | |
MINING | | | 16.62 | | | | 11.50 | | | | 17.57 | |
PROCESSING | | | 8.29 | | | | 10.20 | | | | 10.19 | |
G&A | | | 3.46 | | | | 2.80 | | | | 2.70 | |
ROYALTY & REFINING COST | | | 1.02 | | | | 1.06 | | | | 1.05 | |
TOTAL | | | 29.38 | | | | 25.56 | | | | 31.51 | |
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
A cash flow valuation model for the Namoya Project was produced based upon the geological and engineering work completed to date using diesel generating power and with owner mining. The financial model also reflects the favourable fiscal aspects of the Namoya Project’s Mining Convention, which includes 100% equity interest and 10 year tax holiday from the start of production. An administrative tax of 5% for the importation of plant, machinery and consumables, a 1% royalty on gold sales and a 4% community net profits tax have been included in the projected capital and operating costs. The Base Case was developed using a long-term gold price of US$1,100 per ounce resulted in the following:
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SUMMARY – HEAP LEACH OWNER MINING
ITEM | | UNITS | | HEAP LEACH OWNER MINING | |
LOM GOLD PRODUCTION | | oz | | | 836,070 | |
PRODUCTION PERIOD | | years | | | 6.74 | |
GOLD ANNUAL PRODUCTION – LOM | | oz | | | 124,053 | |
LOM DIRECT OPERATING COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 343 | |
LOM TOTAL CASH OPERATING COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 359 | |
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 159 | |
TOTAL PRODUCTION COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 518 | |
POST TAX NPV | | US$ million | | | 270 | |
IRR | | % | | | 62.6 | |
UNDISCOUNTED PAYBACK PERIOD | | years | | | 1.01 | |
PROJECT NET CASHFLOW AFTER TAX & CAPEX | | US$ million | | | 471.90 | |
Calculated sensitivities show the significant upside leverage to gold prices and robust nature of the projected economics to operating assumptions.
Sensitivities
Gold price sensitivities
GOLD PRICE SENSITIVITIES
GOLD PRICE | | IRR | | | NPV (US$’000) | |
US$/oz | | % | | | 5% | | | 10% | | | 15% | |
1,000 | | | 54.1 | | | | 289 | | | | 216 | | | | 163 | |
1,100 | | | 62.6 | | | | 355 | | | | 270 | | | | 207 | |
1,200 | | | 70.6 | | | | 421 | | | | 324 | | | | 251 | |
Other sensitivities
CAPITAL COST SENSITIVITIES
| | IRR | | | NPV (US$’000) | |
CAPEX VARIATION (%) | | % | | | 5% | | | 10% | | | 15% | |
-10% | | | 69.4 | | | | 368 | | | | 282 | | | | 218 | |
+10% | | | 56.8 | | | | 342 | | | | 258 | | | | 195 | |
OPERATING COST SENSITIVITIES
| | IRR | | | NPV (US$’000) | |
OPEX VARIATION (%) | | % | | | 5% | | | 10% | | | 15% | |
-10% | | | 65.3 | | | | 379 | | | | 289 | | | | 222 | |
+10% | | | 59.8 | | | | 331 | | | | 251 | | | | 191 | |
The above financial analysis does not take into account ongoing exploration, feasibility, financing or interest costs.
Other scoping scenarios
Scoping project economics and financial analysis were also run on a number of other scenarios with the following results:
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SUMMARY - OTHER SCOPING SCENARIOS
FINANCIAL SUMMARY | | | | H L ONLY CONTRACT MINING | | | H L + C I L OWNER MINING | | | H L + C I L CONTRACT MINING | |
LOM GOLD PRODUCTION | | oz | | | 776,642 | | | | 996,565 | | | | 878,574 | |
PRODUCTION PERIOD | | years | | | 6.12 | | | | 7.55 | | | | 6.71 | |
GOLD ANNUAL PRODUCTION – LOM | | oz | | | 126,970 | | | | 131,929 | | | | 130,944 | |
LOM DIRECT OPERATING COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 447 | | | | 371 | | | | 465 | |
LOM TOTAL CASH OPERATING COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 463 | | | | 387 | | | | 481 | |
TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 148 | | | | 184 | | | | 177 | |
TOTAL PRODUCTION COSTS | | US$/oz | | | 611 | | | | 571 | | | | 658 | |
POST TAX NPV | | M US$ | | | 244 | | | | 314 | | | | 242 | |
IRR | | % | | | 66.7 | | | | 55.1 | | | | 54.6 | |
UNDISCOUNTED PAYBACK PERIOD | | years | | | 0.96 | | | | 1.27 | | | | 1.21 | |
NET CASHFLOW AFTER TAX & CAPEX | | M US$ | | | 408.03 | | | | 557.15 | | | | 414.54 | |
The results of this preliminary assessment of the Namoya Project are encouraging and warrant the progression of the Namoya project to the feasibility study stage.
PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES
Banro is actively pursuing a number of alternatives for enhancing and increasing the economics and financial returns relating to the Namoya project. These include delineating additional resources from the known deposits as well as from a number of new prospects.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the exploration program at Namoya for the remainder of 2011 should focus on the following:
● | Continue with regional follow up exploration programs to identify new targets; |
● | Diamond drilling to test defined targets from follow up programs in order to generate additional Mineral Resources; |
● | Infill diamond drilling to obtain sufficient information for moving the Inferred Resources to the higher confidence Measured and Indicated categories; |
● | Refine the geological model and update the resource model, and subsequently convert the mineral resources to mineral reserves on completion of optimised pit designs; |
● | Completion of a feasibility study to provide increased confidence on the economic viability of the Namoya Project. For completion of the feasibility study, the following will need to be undertaken in addition to the infill drilling: |
● | Geotechnical drilling to better assess pit slope stabilities for the proposed open pits; |
● | Additional metallurgical testwork to further define the chemical and physical characteristics of the various ore material types in order to optimise heap leach plant recoveries and further define the processing plant flowsheet; |
● | Select preferred plant and other plant infrastructure sites (i.e. heap leach pad area, access roads, haul roads, waste dumps, accommodation village) and undertake initial geotechnical assessment and sterilization programs; |
● | Undertake a feasibility study on the hydroelectric potential for the Namoya Project; |
● | Further refine access and transportation routes; |
● | Complete the feasibility Environmental and Social Impact Assessment; |
● | Refine and complete engineering designs; |
● | Further refine capital and operating costs. |
The budget for the Namoya Project for 2011 is US$6.03 million. A total of US$2.3 million has been assigned to drilling which accounts for approximately 38% of the total budget. The actual expenditures incurred at Namoya during 2011 will be dependent on the exploration results achieved during 2011.
********************[End of Summary from Namoya Technical Report]*****************
Cautionary Statements
The Namoya Heap Leach Study is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the conclusions reached in the Namoya Heap Leach Study will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no assurance that any mineral resources will ultimately be reclassified as proven or probable reserves.
U.S. investors should read the "Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Reserve and Resource Estimates" above concerning the difference between "resources" and "reserves".
3.3.2.2 Namoya Exploration (2010-2011)
The 2010 exploration program at Namoya initially focused on target generation activities and in the last quarter on infill definition drilling at Mwendamboko. The regional target generation activities included soil sampling, trenching, pitting and channel sampling. In addition, auger drilling and Stitz coring were respectively used to test soil anomalies and sampling of historical tailings.
The 2011 exploration program at Namoya will focus on (a) definition drilling on the four principal deposits of Mwendamboko, Kakula, Muviring and Namoya Summit, (b) the drilling of other targets (Kanguarbe, Seketi and Filon B) within the main grid, and (c) target generation programs on the rest of the concession. These programs will provide increased confidence on the economic viability of the Namoya project, a function which is required to complete the planned feasibility study.
For completion of the feasibility study, the following additional work will have to be undertaken:
| • | geotechnical drilling to better assess pit slope stabilities for the proposed open pits; |
| • | additional metallurgical testwork to further define the chemical and physical characteristics of the various ore material types in order to optimise heap leach plant recoveries and further define the processing plant flowsheet; |
| • | select the preferred plant and other plant infrastructure sites (i.e. heap leach pad area, access roads, haul roads, waste dumps, accommodation village) and undertake initial geotechnical assessment and sterilization programmes; |
| • | further refine access and transportation routes; |
| • | design infrastructural sites; |
| • | engineering of hybrid plant design as initiated by SENET; and |
| • | complete the environmental and social impact assessment that was suspended in 2008. |
3.3.3 Lugushwa
The Lugushwa project consists of three exploitation permits covering an area of 641 square kilometres and is located approximately 150 kilometres southwest of the town of Bukavu in the South Kivu Province in the east of the DRC. Banro's wholly-owned DRC subsidiary, Lugushwa Mining SARL, has a 100% interest in the said permits.
The Lugushwa area was explored and exploited for alluvial gold between 1957 and 1963. However, from 1963 to the outbreak of political unrest in 1996/7, primary gold mineralization was the main exploration and mining target. Production records are incomplete, but at least 457,000 ounces of alluvial gold were produced, with a further 10,000 ounces from primary sources.
The Lugushwa property is dominated by Mesoproterozioic Lower Urundian meta-sedimentary rocks. The lithologies present are:
| · | Quartzite and sandstones - mainly massive and often interbedded with the host metapelites. |
| · | Chloritic and mica-bearing metapelites - red to grey in colour, often with disseminated sulphide agglomerations, mainly arsenopyrite. These metapelites constitute the bulk of the lithologies present at Lugushwa and are often described as highly altered and fine grained. They are locally dark grey and graphitic. Some bluish-violet metapelite also identified with tourmaline, garnet, and feldspar is sometimes present (D1 Simali ‘Filon de Luxe’ deposit). Although usually not displaying a schistose fabric sensu stricto, these metasediments have generally been referred to as "schists" by previous workers. |
| · | Gneisses - located in the southern and northwestern parts of the property, but are not associated with the central zone covered by the historical and current exploration, and little detail is available. |
| · | Amphibolites - present in three thin bands, the most important forming part of the G7 Mapale deposit, consisting of fine grained massive or schistose amphibolite. Recent petrographic work has established this lithology to be a weakly metamorphosed diorite. |
| · | Granites and pegmatites - similar to the gneiss unit, being on the peripheries of the property and mostly associated with tin mineralization. |
| · | Quartz veins - stringers and intersecting vein sets are present in all these lithologies. |
The degree of metamorphism in the rocks hosting gold mineralization is generally weak, up to lower greenschist facies. A weak to moderate foliation is usually developed in the finer grained lithologies, but the development of a proper schistose fabric is rare except in confined shear zones.
The dominant structural grain in the Lugushwa property is northeast-southwest. This trend is mainly confined to the central part of the property. An ENE regional lineament appears to truncate the northeast-southwest trend in the northern and western parts of the property rotating lithomagnetic units into near east west orientation.
Another significant aeromagnetic structural trend comprises east-west lineaments, interpreted to represent reactivated riedel shears contemporaneous with the main deformation event causing the major ENE lineament. There is a distinct and notable change in this orientation in the south of the property, where the major structures are oriented in a west-northwest east-southeast direction. In the northwest part of the Lugushwa property the rocks are more clearly folded, with a northeast axial trend extending toward the Kamituga property.
Gold mineralization takes the form of (a) cross-cutting and bedding/ foliation parallel auriferous quartz vein sets in several orientations, with disseminated, sulphide-associated mineralization in the surrounding rock, and (b) discrete, locally high grade quartz veins. The mineralization controls are interpreted to be:
| · | Lithological, with less competent and more chemically reactive metapelite units interbedded with quartzite and siltstones. |
| · | Folding, this has (a) caused more abundant and complex fracturing and bedding-parallel dilation in the axial zones of the folds, and (b) focused fluids in the low pressure zones in the fold closures. |
| · | Late deformation, which resulted in shearing that formed channel-ways for the mineralizing fluids. |
The table below summarizes the current mineral resource estimates for the Lugushwa property utilizing a 1.0 g/t Au cut-off grade. These estimates are included in the technical report of Michael B. Skead dated March 30, 2007 and entitled "Third NI 43-101 Technical Report, Lugushwa Project, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo" (the "Lugushwa Technical Report"). The Lugushwa Technical Report is incorporated by reference into this AIF.
| | | | | | | | | |
Inferred | | | 37,000 | | | | 2.3 | | | | 2,735 | |
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and there is no assurance that any mineral resources will ultimately be reclassified as proven or probable reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. U.S. investors should read the "Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Reserve and Resource Estimates" above concerning the difference between "resources" and "reserves".
An exploration camp was established at Lugushwa by Banro in January 2005. Exploration consisting of gridding, geological mapping, soil, trench and adit sampling continued during 2006, with core drilling commencing in February 2006. A total of 54 core holes totaling 8,332 metres were drilled in 2006. Drilling was focused at prospects G20/21, D18/19, Carriere A and Kimbangu. In 2007, exploration continued to evaluate the G20/21 and D18/18 prospects at Lugushwa. To achieve this objective, 12,000 meters of core drilling was budgeted for, but due to poor performance by the drilling contractor, only 11 core holes totaling 2,493.06 metres were drilled resulting in the termination of the drilling programme in May 2007. Due to a lack of a new drilling contractor, no further drilling was undertaken in 2007. As part of the regional programme, LIDAR, airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys were completed over the entire Lugushwa property during 2007.
The 2008 exploration at Lugushwa focused on evaluation of the G20/21 and D18/18 prospects. To achieve this objective, 32 holes totaling 5,518 meters of core drilling were completed. The 2008 drilling programme was undertaken by an independent drilling contractor, Major Drilling Services. In total, the Company has drilled 97 core holes at Lugushwa totaling 16,333 metres since the commencement of drilling in 2006. As part of the regional programme, preliminary interpretation of the geophysical airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys that were completed over the Lugushwa property during 2007 was undertaken in 2008. GeX Services carried out the preliminary interpretation of the Gdata and produced a suite of geo-referenced images, from which in-house interpretations have been made. In 2009, further interpretation of the Gdata was carried out by SRK (UK). The target generation and ground follow-up exercise that was initiated in 2007 was continued in 2008 and 2009, leading to the definition of new drill targets. Metallurgical testwork on the various ore types (oxide, transitional and sulphide) has also been initiated, and the results will be incorporated into the planned preliminary assessment (i.e., "scoping study").
In addition to the drilling program, ongoing exploration has continued to assess the full extent of the main mineralized trend at Lugushwa. Soil sampling has now extended the main mineralised trend to 4,600 metres from Kimbangu in the northeast to the new prospect of Mpongo in the southwest.
The Company's focus at Lugushwa is on upgrading the inferred mineral resources to higher confidence resources, progressing to the completion of a scoping study. An increased amount of metallurgical testwork is also planned to further optimise the recoveries of the oxide, transitional and sulphide ore types.
During 2010, exploration at Lugushwa focused on extending the Lugushwa grid and included an extensive auger drilling, trenching, soil, rock chip and stream sediment sampling program which has successfully identified new targets for follow-up drilling. The ongoing target generation and ground follow-up exercise is planned to be intensified to define new regional and drill targets. The bulk of the proposed exploration work at Lugushwa for 2011 will focus on regional grassroots exploration covering areas outside the current Lugushwa soil grid. The target generation and planning process will involve the use of historical stream sediment data, interpreted data from airborne geophysics, LIDAR data and regional scale Landsat interpretation. Additionally, metallurgical testwork is also planned to be undertaken during the second quarter to pave the way for shallow oxide drilling during the third quarter of 2011.
3.3.4 Kamituga
The following provides a summary regarding the Kamituga property. Refer to the technical report of SRK (UK) (formerly Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (UK) Ltd.) dated February 2005 and entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Resource Estimation and Exploration Potential at the Kamituga, Lugushwa and Namoya Concessions, Democratic Republic of Congo" (the "SRK Technical Report") (a copy of which report can be obtained from SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov) for detailed disclosure regarding the Kamituga property. Section 2 (entitled "Regional Geology") and section 3 (entitled "Kamituga") of the SRK Technical Report are incorporated by reference into this AIF.
The Kamituga property consists of three exploitation permits covering an area of 643 square kilometres and is located approximately 100 kilometres southwest of the town of Bukavu in the South Kivu Province in the east of the DRC. Banro’s wholly-owned DRC subsidiary, Kamituga Mining SARL, has a 100% interest in the said permits. Kamituga is the most mature of the Company's four main properties, having previously been the site of major alluvial and underground mining operations.
Gold was first reported in the Kamituga region during the early 1920s with the discovery of alluvial gold in the Luliaba, Mobale, Kahushimira, Kamakundu and Idoka rivers. Commercial alluvial mining commenced in 1924. Exploration during the 1930s also led to the discovery of numerous high grade quartz veins with hard rock mining commencing in 1937 at the Mobale underground operation. At the closure of the Kamituga operations in 1996, approximately 1.5 million ounces of gold had been produced from alluvial and hard rock mining.
SRK noted in the SRK Technical Report: "…there is much evidence to support the wide scale occurrence of gold mineralization. Most of the work to date has been confined to the area surrounding the Mobale Mine and very little appears to have been conducted throughout the remaining area of the concession."
In the SRK Technical Report, SRK outlined the following mineral resource estimate for Kamituga, using a 1.0 g/t cut-off grade and based on polygonal methods using historical assay results from underground and surface channel sampling:
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and there is no assurance that any mineral resources will ultimately be reclassified as proven or probable reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. U.S. investors should read the "Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Reserve and Resource Estimates" above concerning the difference between "resources" and "reserves".
Mineralisation at Kamituga is hosted within quartz veins containing gold either present as free native gold or associated with sulphides, particularly arsenopyrite. Veins are present in zones along slippage planes parallel to the schistosity or at fold axes resulting from dextral movement of blocks along east-west fault planes due to the intrusion of a deep seated granitoid body. Late stage brittle shear has caused local offset of the vein system up to several tens of metres.
During 2007, the Kamituga property was covered by the LIDAR, aeromagnetic and radiometric surveys that were carried out as part of the Company's regional programme.
The Company commenced ground exploration activities at Kamituga in February 2011. The exploration activities being undertaken will consist of reviewing and assessing the historical data, stream sediment sampling, gridding, geological mapping, soil, trench and adit sampling, followed by drilling. The exploration work will initially focus on: (a) regional targets located outside the old mine workings to identify additional zones of oxide mineralization; and (b) bulk tonnage potential in the vicinity of the Little Mobale open pit, where disseminated sulphide wall rock mineralization may have been neglected in the past, when the mining focus was on high grade quartz veins and stockworks.
3.3.5 Other Exploration Properties
The Company's wholly-owned DRC subsidiary, Banro Congo Mining SARL, holds 14 exploration permits covering an aggregate of 2,638 square kilometres of ground located between and contiguous to the Company's Twangiza, Kamituga and Lugushwa properties and northwest of Namoya. The applications for these permits were originally filed with the Mining Cadastral shortly after implementation of the DRC's new Mining Code in June 2003 (the permits were acquired by Banro Congo Mining SARL in 2007).
No ground field work has been conducted in respect of these properties. Two of the permit areas (located between Kamituga and Lugushwa) were covered by the LIDAR, aeromagnetic and radiometric surveys that were carried out during 2007 as part of the regional program. During 2008, the Company continued its regional program, and covered a further ten of the permit areas with aeromagnetic and radiometric surveys. SRK (UK) carried out further interpretation and target generation work in 2009, with ground follow-up planned to commence in the third quarter of 2011.
3.3.6 Qualified Persons
The "qualified person" (as such term is defined in NI 43-101) who oversees the Company's exploration programs is Daniel K. Bansah. Mr. Bansah, who is Vice President, Exploration of Banro, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this AIF. See item 15.1 of this AIF for the names of the "qualified persons" (as such term is defined in NI 43-101) for the purposes of the various technical reports referred to in items 3.3.1 to 3.3.4 of this AIF.
ITEM 4: DIVIDENDS
Subject to the requirements of the CBCA, there are no restrictions in the Company's articles or by-law that would restrict or prevent the Company from paying dividends or distributions. However, the Company has not paid any dividend or made any other distribution in respect of its outstanding shares and management does not anticipate that the Company will pay dividends or make any other distribution in respect on its shares in the foreseeable future. The Company's board of directors, from time to time, and on the basis of any earnings and the Company's financial requirements or any other relevant factor, will determine the future dividend or distribution policy of the Company with respect to its shares.
ITEM 5: DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
5.1 Authorized Share Capital
The Company's authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of preference shares, issuable in series, of which 173,225,125 common shares and no preference shares were issued and outstanding as of the date of this AIF.
On February 24, 2011, the Company closed an underwritten private placement of 17,500,000 special warrants of the Company (the "Special Warrants") at a price of Cdn$3.25 per Special Warrant for aggregate gross proceeds of Cdn$56,875,000. Each Special Warrant entitles the holder thereof to receive one common share of the Company. The Special Warrants are exercisable by the holders thereof at any time for no additional consideration, and all unexercised Special Warrants will be deemed to be exercised on March 31, 2011.
The following is a summary of the material provisions attaching to the Company’s common shares and preference shares.
Common Shares
The holders of the common shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend all meetings of the shareholders of the Company and shall have one vote for each common share held at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Subject to the prior rights of the holders of the preference shares or any other shares ranking senior to the common shares, the holders of the common shares are entitled to (a) receive any dividends as and when declared by the board of directors, out of the assets of the Company properly applicable to the payment of dividends, in such amount and in such form as the board of directors may from time to time determine, and (b) receive the remaining property of the Company in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.
Preference Shares
The board of directors of the Company may issue the preferences shares at any time and from time to time in one or more series, each series of which shall have the designations, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions fixed by the directors. The preference shares of each series shall rank on a parity with the preference shares of every other series, and shall be entitled to priority over the common shares and any other shares of the Company ranking junior to the preference shares, with respect to priority in the payment of dividends and the return of capital and the distribution of assets of the Company in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.
5.2 Shareholder Rights Plan
Effective April 29, 2005, the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan"). The Rights Plan was implemented by way of a shareholder rights plan agreement (the "Rights Plan Agreement") dated as of April 29, 2005 between the Company and Equity Transfer Services Inc. (now named Equity Financial Trust Company), as rights agent. The Rights Plan Agreement was approved by shareholders of the Company at the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on June 29, 2005. Shareholders of the Company, at the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on June 27, 2008, approved an extension to the term of the Rights Plan Agreement to the termination of the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company in the year 2011.
The objectives of the Rights Plan are to ensure, to the extent possible, that all shareholders of the Company are treated equally and fairly in connection with any take-over bid for the Company. The Rights Plan discourages discriminatory, coercive or unfair take-overs of the Company and gives the Company's Board time if, in the circumstances, the Board determines it is appropriate to take such time, to pursue alternatives to maximize shareholder value in the event an unsolicited take-over bid is made for all or a portion of the outstanding common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares").
The Rights Plan discourages coercive hostile take-over bids by creating the potential that any Common Shares which may be acquired or held by such a bidder will be significantly diluted. The potential for significant dilution to the holdings of such a bidder can occur as the Rights Plan provides that all holders of Common Shares who are not related to the bidder will be entitled to exercise rights ("Rights") issued to them under the Rights Plan and to acquire Common Shares at a substantial discount to prevailing market prices. The bidder or the persons related to the bidder will not be entitled to exercise any Rights under the Rights Plan. Accordingly, the Rights Plan will encourage potential bidders to make take-over bids by means of a "Permitted Bid" (as such term is defined in the Rights Plan Agreement) or to approach the Board to negotiate a mutually acceptable transaction. The Permitted Bid provisions of the Rights Plan are designed to ensure that in any take-over bid for outstanding Common Shares all shareholders are treated equally and are given adequate time to properly assess such take-over bid on a fully-informed basis.
The Board authorized the issuance of one Right in respect of each Common Share outstanding at the close of business on April 29, 2005 (the "Record Time"). In addition, the Board authorized the issuance of one Right in respect of each additional Common Share issued after the Record Time. The Rights trade with and are represented by the Company's Common Share certificates, including certificates issued prior to the Record Time. Until such time as the Rights separate from the Common Shares and become exercisable, Rights certificates will not be distributed to shareholders. At any time prior to the Rights becoming exercisable, the Board may waive the operation of the Rights Plan with respect to certain events before they occur. The issuance of the Rights is not dilutive until the Rights separate from the underlying Common Shares and become exercisable or until the exercise of the Rights.
A copy of the Rights Plan Agreement, together with an amending agreement to the Rights Plan Agreement, can be obtained from SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Reference is made to the Rights Plan Agreement, as amended, for additional information with respect to the Rights Plan.
ITEM 6: MARKET FOR SECURITIES
The Company's common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") and on the NYSE Amex LLC, in each case under the symbol "BAA". The Company's common shares commenced trading on the predecessor stock exchange to the NYSE Amex LLC on March 28, 2005 and commenced trading on the TSX on November 10, 2005. Prior to November 10, 2005, such shares traded on the TSX Venture Exchange.
The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices and volume of trading of the Company's common shares for the months indicated, as reported by the TSX.
Month | | High | | | Low | | | Volume | |
| | (Cdn$) | | | (Cdn$) | | | | (# | ) |
2010 | | | | | | | | | | |
December | | | 4.08 | | | | 2.78 | | | | 19,741,814 | |
November | | | 3.31 | | | | 2.73 | | | | 6,323,498 | |
October | | | 3.17 | | | | 2.34 | | | | 14,268,588 | |
September | | | 2.68 | | | | 1.89 | | | | 10,211,755 | |
August | | | 2.03 | | | | 1.60 | | | | 25,858,563 | |
July | | | 2.18 | | | | 1.77 | | | | 5,373,471 | |
June | | | 2.19 | | | | 1.67 | | | | 10,445,843 | |
May | | | 2.49 | | | | 1.80 | | | | 25,753,845 | |
April | | | 2.49 | | | | 2.03 | | | | 4,179,749 | |
March | | | 2.26 | | | | 1.95 | | | | 2,489,653 | |
February | | | 2.27 | | | | 1.75 | | | | 2,997,891 | |
January | | | 2.45 | | | | 1.90 | | | | 4,761,789 | |
The closing price of the common shares of the Company on March 28, 2011 was Cdn$2.49 per share, as reported by the TSX.
In September 2008, the Company completed a financing involving the issuance of units of the Company, with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of US$2.20 until September 17, 2011. The Warrants are listed on the TSX under the symbol "BAA.WT" and on the NYSE Amex under the symbol "BAA.WS".
The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices and volume of trading of the Warrants for the months indicated, as reported by the TSX.
Month | | High | | | Low | | | Volume | |
| | (Cdn$) | | | (Cdn$) | | | | (# | ) |
2010 | | | | | | | | | | |
December | | | 1.85 | | | | 0.90 | | | | 1,392,576 | |
November | | | 1.40 | | | | 0.81 | | | | 149,760 | |
October | | | 1.36 | | | | 0.75 | | | | 282,850 | |
September | | | 0.64 | | | | 0.40 | | | | 811,400 | |
August | | | 0.50 | | | | 0.40 | | | | 396,000 | |
July | | | 0.40 | | | | 0.40 | | | | 117,938 | |
June | | | 0.50 | | | | 0.36 | | | | 407,700 | |
May | | | 0.60 | | | | 0.35 | | | | 92,250 | |
April | | | 0.66 | | | | 0.47 | | | | 349,200 | |
March | | | 0.76 | | | | 0.65 | | | | 10,660 | |
February | | | 0.86 | | | | 0.55 | | | | 20,200 | |
January | | | 0.98 | | | | 0.80 | | | | 23,500 | |
The closing price of the Warrants on March 28, 2011 was Cdn$0.56 per Warrant, as reported by the TSX.
ITEM 7: | ESCROWED SECURITIES AND SECURITIES SUBJECT TOCONTRACTUAL RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER |
To the knowledge of the Company, no securities of the Company are held in escrow or are subject to a contractual restriction on transfer.
ITEM 8: DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
8.1 Name, Occupation and Security Holding
The following table sets forth, as of the date hereof, the name and municipality of residence of each director and officer of the Company, as well as such individual's current position(s) with the Company, principal occupation(s) during the past five years and period of service as a director (if applicable). Each director will hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the by-law of the Company.
Name, Municipality of Residence and Current Position(s) with Banro | | Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years | | Director Since |
John A. Clarke (1) (2) West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Director | | Mining executive; Vice Chairman of Nevsun Resources Ltd. (a mineral exploration and development company) from August 2008 to September 2009; prior to August 2008, President of Nevsun Resources Ltd. | | February 3, 2004 |
Peter N. Cowley Surrey, United Kingdom Director | | Chief Executive Officer and President of Loncor Resources Inc. (a gold exploration company) from November 2009 to present; President of the Company from June 2004 to March 2008; prior to June 2004, Managing Director (Ashanti Exploration) of Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited (a gold mining company). Currently also a non-executive director of Cluff Gold plc (a gold mining company). | | January 13, 2004 |
Arnold T. Kondrat Toronto, Ontario, Canada Executive Vice President and a director | | Executive Vice President of the Company; Executive Vice President of Loncor Resources Inc. (a gold exploration company) from October 2009 to present; consultant to BRC DiamondCore Ltd. (a diamond exploration company) from February 2008 to present and, prior to February 2008, Executive Vice President of BRC DiamondCore Ltd.; President of Sterling Portfolio Securities Inc. (a private venture capital firm); Executive Vice President of Gentor Resources, Inc. (a mineral exploration company). | | May 3, 1994 |
Richard J. Lachcik (2) Oakville, Ontario, Canada Director | | Partner of Macleod Dixon llp (a law firm). (3) | | August 23, 1996 |
Name, Municipality of Residence and Current Position(s) with Banro | | Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years | | Director Since |
Dr. Peter A. Ruxton (1) Kent, United Kingdom Director | | Chief Executive Officer and President of Gentor Resources, Inc. (a mineral exploration company) from March 2010 to present; a partner of Tembo Capital LLP (a corporate finance firm) from March 2009 to present; a partner of Actis LLP (an emerging market private equity fund) from June 2004 to December 2008. | | October 7, 2010 |
Bernard R. van Rooyen (1)(2) Johannesburg, South Africa Director | | Deputy Chairman of Mvelaphanda Resources Limited (a company which holds major interests in public gold, platinum and diamond mining companies) from March 2004 to present; President of the Company from November 1996 to January 2001; director of various private and public companies engaged in mining. | | June 16, 1997 |
Simon F.W. Village Kent, United Kingdom Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and a director | | Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since November 2004 and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2010; consultant to BRC DiamondCore Ltd. (a diamond exploration company) from May 2007 to present; consultant to Loncor Resources Inc. (a gold exploration company) from January 2010 to present; Managing Director, Gold Investment Services, of the World Gold Council (an international marketing organization for the gold industry formed and funded by the world's leading gold mining companies) from September 2002 to October 2004. | | March 8, 2004 |
Daniel K. Bansah East Legon, Accra, Ghana Vice President, Exploration | | Vice President, Exploration of the Company since September 2007; Mineral Resources Manager for the Company from June 2004 to September 2007; prior to June 2004, Group Mineral Resources Manager with Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited (a gold mining company). | | Not applicable |
Gary Chapman Pretoria, South Africa Vice President, Operations | | Vice President, Operations of the Company since July 2010; Operations Manager of Tarkwa Gold Mine (held by a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited (a gold mining company)) from November 2008 to June 2010; prior to November 2008, Mineral Resource Manager of Tarkwa Gold Mine. | | Not applicable |
Geoffrey G. Farr Toronto, Ontario, Canada Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | | Vice President, General Counsel of the Company since February 2011; in-house legal counsel to Loncor Resources Inc. (a gold exploration company) from February 2011 to present; consultant to Gentor Resources, Inc. (a mineral exploration company) from February 2011 to present; Corporate Secretary of BRC DiamondCore Ltd. (a diamond exploration company); partner of Macleod Dixon llp (a law firm)(3) until February 2011. | | Not applicable |
Name, Municipality of Residence and Current Position(s) with Banro | | Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years | | Director Since |
Donat K. Madilo Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Chief Financial Officer | | Chief Financial Officer of the Company since September 2007 and Treasurer of the Company prior to September 2007; Treasurer of BRC DiamondCore Ltd. (a diamond exploration company); Chief Financial Officer of Loncor Resources Inc. (a gold exploration company) from November 2008 to present; prior to November 2008, Treasurer of Nevada Bob's International Inc. (prior to November 2008, Loncor Resources Inc. was named Nevada Bob's International Inc. and was an international licensor); Chief Financial Officer of Gentor Resources, Inc. (a mineral exploration company) from March 2010 to present. | | Not applicable |
Jacobus P. Nel Johannesburg, South Africa Vice President, Non-Technical Services | | Vice President, Non-Technical Services of the Company since September 2009; Chief Operating Officer of the Gold Fields Business & Leadership Academy (a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited (a gold mining company)) from January 2006 to May 2009; prior to January 2006, Vice President, Human Resources of Gold Fields International Mining, South Africa (a gold mining company). | | Not applicable |
Désire Sangara Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Vice President, Government Relations | | Vice President, Government Relations of the Company since September 2007; Administrative Manager for the Company from September 2004 to September 2007; prior to September 2004, Country Manager for Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited (a gold mining company). | | Not applicable |
Tomas D. Sipos Toronto, Ontario, Canada Vice President, Corporate Development | | Vice President, Corporate Development of the Company since March 2011; Vice President, Corporate Development of Loncor Resources Inc. (a gold exploration company) from March 2011 to present; Head of Investor Relations for Gabriel Resources Ltd. (a gold mining company) from June 2009 to February 2011; Senior Investment Officer at International Finance Corporation (IFC) (part of the World Bank group) from May 2007 to May 2009; Managing Director, Investment Banking for European Privatization and Investment Corporation (an investment bank) from March 2001 to April 2007. | | Not applicable |
Name, Municipality of Residence and Current Position(s) with Banro | | Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years | | Director Since |
Brian P. Scallan Johannesburg, South Africa Vice President, Project and Corporate Finance | | Vice President, Project and Corporate Finance of the Company since March 2010; Vice President, Finance of BRC DiamondCore Ltd. (a diamond exploration company) from August 2008 to present; Head of Funding at Nikanor PLC (an AIM listed company developing a copper cobalt mine in the DRC) from November 2006 to February 2008; prior to November 2006, self-employed consultant providing project and corporate finance advisory consultancy work in Africa. | | Not applicable |
(1) | Member of the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company (the "Audit Committee"). |
(2) | Member of the compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company. |
(3) | Macleod Dixon llp acts as counsel to the Company. |
As of the date hereof, the directors and officers of the Company as a group beneficially own, or control or direct, directly or indirectly, 2,697,924 common shares of the Company, representing 1.56% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as of the date hereof. As well, the directors and officers of the Company as a group hold, as of the date hereof, 6,528,000 stock options granted pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan and 49,500 common share purchase warrants of the Company.
8.2 Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
No director or officer of Banro, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of Banro to affect materially the control of Banro, is, or within the 10 years before the date of this AIF has been, a director or officer of any company that, while that person was acting in that capacity,
| (a) | was the subject of a cease trade or similar order, or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; |
| (b) | was subject to an event that resulted, after the director or officer ceased to be a director or officer, in the company being the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; or |
| (c) | or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, save as described below. |
As a result of not filing its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 by the filing deadline, Mediterranean Resources Ltd. (which was then named Mediterranean Minerals Corp.) ("Mediterranean") was made subject to an issuer cease trade order issued by the British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario Securities Commissions which was revoked on August 17, 2005 (following the filing of the required records). Mr. John A. Clarke, a director of the Company, is a director of Mediterranean and was a director of Mediterranean during the time the said cease trade order was in effect.
As a result of not filing its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 by the filing deadline, Eurasia Gold Inc. (which was then named Eurasia Gold Corp.) ("Eurasia") was made subject to an issuer cease trade order issued by the British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario Securities Commissions which was revoked on June 29, 2005 (following the filing of the required records). Mr. Richard J. Lachcik, a director of the Company, was a director of Eurasia during the time the said cease trade order was in effect.
Mr. Brian P. Scallan (who is an officer of the Company) was a director of Diamond Core Resources (Pty) Ltd ("Diamond Core") at the time Diamond Core was the subject of a final liquidation order by the Northern Cape High Court in South Africa in July 2009. As well, an application to liquidate Diamond Core Technical Services (Pty) Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Diamond Core, was also made during 2009. At the time of this application, Mr. Scallan was a director of Diamond Core Technical Services (Pty) Ltd. Mr. Scallan has advised the Company that the application to liquidate Diamond Core Technical Services (Pty) Ltd was withdrawn.
8.3 Personal Bankruptcies
No director or officer of the Company, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company, or a personal holding company of any such persons has, within the 10 years before the date of this AIF, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director, officer, shareholder or personal holding company.
8.4 Penalties or Sanctions
No director or officer of the Company, or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company, or a personal holding company of any such persons has
| (a) | been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to Canadian securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or |
| (b) | been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision. |
8.5 Conflicts of Interest
To the best of the Company's knowledge, there are no existing or potential material conflicts of interest between the Company or a subsidiary of the Company and a director or officer of the Company or of a subsidiary of the Company.
ITEM 9: AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION
The Audit Committee's Charter
The text of the Audit Committee's charter is attached to this AIF as Schedule "A".
Composition of the Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are as follows: John A. Clarke, Peter A. Ruxton and Bernard R. van Rooyen. Each such member is "independent" within the meaning of National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees ("NI 52-110"). Each such member is also "financially literate" within the meaning of NI 52-110.
Relevant Education and Experience of Audit Committee Members
The following is a description of the education and experience of each Audit Committee member that is relevant to the performance of his responsibilities as an Audit Committee member:
John A. Clarke
From 1997 to August 2008, Mr. Clarke was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nevsun Resources Ltd., a mineral exploration and development company which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE Amex. He was Vice Chairman of Nevsun Resources Ltd. from August 2008 to September 2009.
From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Clarke was with Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited ("Ashanti") engaged as a General Manager in a range of roles, including strategic planning, mine production and the technical/administrative support of mining operations. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Clarke was an Executive Director of Ashanti and was in charge of business development, including company strategic planning, Africa-wide exploration programs, and the acquisition of listed companies. His roles with Ashanti required experience and understanding of all of the issues required in assessing/analyzing and preparing technical and financial plans and statements for mining and exploration operations.
Mr. Clarke holds a Masters of Business Administration from Middlesex Polytechnic (now Middlesex University). This degree included in-depth courses in accounting principles, standards and practices.
Peter A. Ruxton
Dr. Ruxton is currently Chief Executive Officer and President of Gentor Resources, Inc., a mineral exploration company which reports to the S.E.C. in the U.S. In December 2000, he completed an MBA from the Institute for Financial Management (Manchester Business School & University of Wales). Following the completion of his MBA, Dr. Ruxton spent eight years as a Fund Manager, joining the Commonwealth Development Corporation as an Investment Manager in its Minerals, Oil & Gas team with a focus on Africa and Emerging Markets. Following the creation of Actis Capital LLP in 2004, he was employed initially as Investment Principal with promotion to the Partnership in 2006. Dr. Ruxton is a non-executive director of TSX, AIM & JSE-listed Platmin Ltd and has been a member of the audit committee of this company since 2004.
Bernard R. van Rooyen
From 1980 to 1990, Mr. van Rooyen was Executive Director, Corporate Finance and Non-Technical Services to Gold Fields of South Africa Limited, an international mining company listed in Johannesburg, New York, London and various European Exchanges. He was responsible for, among other things, the entire financial system from financial accounts through management accounts, cost control and management information to the treasury.
From 1998 to 2005, Mr. van Rooyen served as a non-executive director on the audit committee of Gold Fields Limited, an international gold producer with a market capitalization of approximately US$10 billion and the successor to Gold Fields of South Africa Limited. Gold Fields Limited is listed in Johannesburg, New York, London and Frankfurt.
Mr. van Rooyen is currently a non-executive member of the audit committee of Trans Hex Group Ltd, a producer and marketer of diamonds listed on the JSE Limited.
Mr. van Rooyen was President of the Company from November 1996 to January 2001.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
At no time since the commencement of the year ended December 31, 2010 has the Company relied on an exemption in section 2.4 of NI 52-110 (De Minimis Non-audit Services), section 3.2 of NI 52-110 (Initial Public Offerings), section 3.3(2) of NI 52-110 (Controlled Companies), section 3.4 of NI 52-110 (Events Outside Control of Member), section 3.5 of NI 52-110 (Death, Disability or Resignation of Audit Committee Member) or section 3.6 of NI 52-110 (Temporary Exemption for Limited and Exceptional Circumstances), on an exemption from NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted under Part 8 of NI 52-110 (Exemptions) or on section 3.8 of NI 52-110 (Acquisition of Financial Literacy).
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the commencement of the Company's financial year ended December 31, 2010 was a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the board of directors of the Company.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has not adopted specific policies or procedures for the engagement of non-audit services.
External Auditors Service Fees
The following table summarizes (a) the total fees of Deloitte & Touche llp ("Deloitte"), the external auditors of the Company, in respect of the financial years of the Company ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and (b) certain fees billed by BDO Canada llp ("BDO") (the external auditors of the Company until April 27, 2009) in respect of the financial year of the Company ended December 30, 2009. All dollar amounts in the following table are expressed in Canadian dollars.
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Audit Fees | | $ | 240,500 | | | $ | 260,218 | (1) |
Audit-Related Fees | | | 53,500 | (2) | | $ | 41,034 | (3) |
Tax Fees | | | - | | | $ | 500 | (4) |
All Other Fees | | $ | 13,000 | (5) | | $ | 29,350 | (6) |
(1) | $92,958 (Deloitte: $77,131; BDO: $15,827) of these fees related to the review of the Company's quarterly financial statements. |
(2) | The services comprising these fees related to the Company’s May 2010 financing. |
(3) | The services comprising these fees related to the Company's June 2009 financing. |
(4) | The services comprising these fees relate to the preparation of the Delaware tax return for the Company's U.S. subsidiary, Banro American Resources Inc. |
(5) | The services comprising these fees related to implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards. |
(6) | The services comprising these fees (which services were performed by BDO) related to internal control documentation and the Company’s International Financial Reporting Standards. |
ITEM 10: PROMOTERS
No person or company has been, within the two most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year, a "promoter" (as such term is defined under applicable Canadian securities laws) of the Company or of a subsidiary of the Company.
ITEM 11: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
Legal Proceedings
The Company is not aware of any current or pending material legal proceeding to which it is or is likely to be a party or of which any of its properties are or are likely to be the subject.
Regulatory Actions
During the financial year ended December 31, 2010, (a) no penalties or sanctions were imposed against the Company by a court or regulatory body, and (b) no settlement agreements were entered into by the Company before a court relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority.
ITEM 12: INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Other than as described below or elsewhere in this AIF, no director or officer of the Company or person or company that beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Company, or any of their respective associates or affiliates, had or has any material interest, directly or indirectly, in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years or during the current financial year that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the Company.
Based on public filings, the Company understands that (a) institutional accounts (the "Tradewinds Accounts") managed by affiliates of Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC may hold, in the aggregate, more than 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Company, and (b) institutional accounts (the "JPMorgan Accounts") managed by affiliates of JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited may hold, in the aggregate, more than 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
In September 2008, the Company completed an equity financing which involved (including the exercise by the underwriters of an over-allotment option) the issue and sale of a total of 12,000,000 units of the Company at a price of US$1.75 per unit for total gross proceeds of US$21,000,000, with each such unit consisting of one common share of the Company and one-half of one Warrant (with each whole Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of US$2.20 until September 17, 2011). The Company understands that Tradewinds Accounts purchased units under this financing. Arnold T. Kondrat (Executive Vice President and a director of the Company) purchased 5,000 units under this financing and Donat K. Madilo (Chief Financial Officer of the Company) purchased 10,000 units under this financing.
In February 2009, the Company completed an equity financing which involved the issue and sale of a total of 10,000,000 common shares of the Company at a price of US$1.40 per share for total gross proceeds of US$14,000,000. The Company understands that Tradewinds Accounts purchased shares under this financing. Michael J. Prinsloo (President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company at the time) purchased 100,000 shares under this financing and Simon F.W. Village (Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company) purchased 117,750 shares under this financing.
In June 2009, the Company completed an equity financing which involved the issue and sale of a total of 43,479,000 common shares of the Company at a price of Cdn$2.30 per share for total gross proceeds of Cdn$100,001,700. The Company understands that Tradewinds Accounts purchased shares under this financing.
In May 2010, the Company completed an equity financing which involved the issue and sale of a total of 67,100,000 common shares of the Company at a price of Cdn$2.05 per share for total gross proceeds of Cdn$137,555,000. The Company understands that Tradewinds Accounts purchased shares under this financing. Mr. Village purchased 93,712 shares under this financing and Mr. Kondrat purchased 100,000 shares under this financing.
In February 2011, the Company completed an equity financing which involved the issue and sale of a total of 17,500,000 Special Warrants at a price of Cdn$3.25 per Special Warrant for aggregate gross proceeds of Cdn$56,875,000. The Company understands that JPMorgan Accounts purchased Special Warrants under this financing. JPMorgan Accounts may also have purchased securities under one or more of the other financings referred to above.
ITEM 13: TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRAR
The main transfer agent and registrar for the Company's common shares is Equity Financial Trust Company at its offices in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Registrar and Transfer Company at its offices in Cranford, New Jersey, United States of America, is co-transfer agent for the Company's common shares.
Equity Financial Trust Company at its offices in Toronto, Ontario, Canada is the warrant agent in respect of the Company's Warrants.
ITEM 14: MATERIAL CONTRACTS
There are no contracts that are material to Banro entered into by Banro within the most recently completed fiscal year, or before the most recently completed fiscal year but after January 1, 2002 which are still in effect, other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business that are not required to be filed under National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations and the contract set forth below:
| 1. | the Rights Plan Agreement dated as of April 29, 2005 between the Company and Equity Transfer & Trust Company, as rights agent, as amended by a shareholder rights plan amendment agreement dated as of June 27, 2008 (see item 5.2 of this AIF). |
ITEM 15: INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
15.1 Names of Experts
| (a) | Deloitte & Touche llp, Chartered Accountants and Licensed Public Accountants, who provide the auditors' report accompanying the Company's annual consolidated financial statements in respect of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009. Deloitte & Touche llp has confirmed to the Company that Deloitte & Touche llp is independent in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct as outlined by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. |
| (b) | Rudi Rautenbach, Martin Pittuck, H.G. Waldeck and Robin G.I. Bolton, who were the "qualified persons" (as such term is defined in NI 43-101) for the purpose of the Twangiza Phase 1 Technical Report. |
| (c) | Daniel K. Bansah, Sean Cremin and Rudi Rautenbach, who were the "qualified persons" (as such term is defined in NI 43-101) for the purpose of the Namoya Technical Report. |
| (d) | Michael B. Skead, who was the "qualified person" (as such term is defined in NI 43-101) for the purpose of the Lugushwa Technical Report. |
| (e) | Martin Pittuck and A. Gareth O'Donovan, who were the "qualified persons" (as such term is defined in NI 43-101) for the purpose of the SRK Technical Report. |
15.2 Interests of Experts
To the knowledge of the Company, none of the individuals referred to in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of item 15.1 above beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, 1% or more of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
Mr. Bansah, who is Vice President, Exploration of Banro, currently holds 313,000 stock options of the Company granted pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan.
Mr. Skead, who was Vice President, Exploration of Banro at the time the Lugushwa Technical Report was prepared and is no longer with Banro, held at the time the Lugushwa Technical Report was prepared 200,000 stock options of the Company granted pursuant to the Company's stock option plan.
ITEM 16: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Additional information, including directors' and officers' remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of the Company's securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, is contained in the Company's information circular for its most recent annual meeting of shareholders that involved the election of directors. Additional financial information is provided in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Schedule "A"
Banro Corporation
Terms of Reference
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Banro Corporation
Mandate
The Audit Committee (the "Committee") is a committee of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Banro Corporation ("Banro") established for the purpose of overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of Banro and external audits of the consolidated financial statements of Banro. In connection therewith, the Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in relation to Banro's internal accounting standards and practices, financial information, accounting systems and procedures, financial reporting and statements and the nature and scope of the annual external audit. The Committee also recommends for Board approval Banro’s audited annual consolidated financial statements and other mandatory financial disclosure.
Banro’s external auditor is accountable to the Board and the Committee as representatives of shareholders of Banro. The Committee shall be directly responsible for overseeing the relationship of the external auditor. The Committee shall have such access to the external auditor as it considers necessary or desirable in order to perform its duties and responsibilities. The external auditor shall report directly to the Committee.
The objectives of the Committee are as follows:
| 1. | to be satisfied with the credibility and integrity of financial reports; |
| 2. | to support the Board in meeting its oversight responsibilities in respect of the preparation and disclosure of financial reporting, including the consolidated financial statements of Banro; |
| 3. | to facilitate communication between the Board and the external auditor and to receive all reports of the external auditor directly from the external auditor; |
| 4. | to be satisfied with the external auditor's independence and objectivity; and |
| 5. | to strengthen the role of independent directors by facilitating in-depth discussions between members of the Committee, management and Banro’s external auditor. |
| 1. | The Committee shall comprise at least 3 directors, none of whom shall be an officer or employee of Banro or any of its subsidiaries or any affiliate thereof. Each Committee member shall satisfy the independence, financial literacy and experience requirements of applicable securities laws, rules or guidelines, any applicable stock exchange requirements or guidelines and any other applicable regulatory rules. In particular, each member of the Committee shall have no direct or indirect material relationship with Banro or any affiliate thereof which could reasonably interfere with the exercise of the member's independent judgment. Determinations as to whether a particular director satisfies the requirements for membership on the Committee shall be made by the full Board. |
| 2. | Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. Each member shall serve until his successor is appointed, unless he shall resign or be removed by the Board or he shall otherwise cease to be a director of Banro. |
| 3. | The Chair of the Committee may be designated by the Board or, if it does not do so, the members of the Committee may elect a Chair by vote of a majority of the full Committee membership. The Committee Chair shall satisfy the independence, financial literacy and experience requirements (as described above). |
| 4. | The Committee shall have access to such officers and employees of Banro and to such information respecting Banro as it considers to be necessary or advisable in order to perform its duties and responsibilities. |
| 1. | At all meetings of the Committee, every question shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast. In case of an equality of votes, the matter will be referred to the Board for decision. |
| 2. | A quorum for meetings of the Committee shall be a majority of its members. |
| 3. | Meetings of the Committee shall be scheduled at least quarterly and at such other times during each year as it deems appropriate. Minutes of all meetings of the Committee shall be taken. The Chief Financial Officer shall attend meetings of the Committee, unless otherwise excused from all or part of any such meeting by the Committee Chair. The Chair of the Committee shall hold in camera sessions of the Committee, without management present, at every meeting. |
| 4. | The Committee shall report the results of meetings and reviews undertaken and any associated recommendations to the Board. |
| 5. | The Committee shall meet periodically with Banro’s external auditor (in connection with the preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements and otherwise as the Committee may determine), part or all of each such meeting to be in the absence of management. |
Responsibilities
As discussed above, the Committee is established to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the accounting and financial reporting processes of Banro and external audits of Banro’s consolidated financial statements. In that regard, the Committee shall:
| 1. | satisfy itself on behalf of the Board with respect to Banro's internal control systems including identifying, monitoring and mitigating business risks as well as compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory requirements. The Committee shall also review with management, the external auditor and, if necessary, legal counsel, any litigation, claim or other contingency (including tax assessments) that could have a material effect on the financial position or operating results of Banro (on a consolidated basis), and the manner in which these matters may be, or have been, disclosed in the financial statements; |
| 2. | review with management and the external auditor the annual consolidated financial statements of Banro, the reports of the external auditor thereon and related financial reporting, including Management's Discussion and Analysis and any earnings press releases, (collectively, "Annual Financial Disclosure") prior to their submission to the Board for approval. This process should include, but not be limited to: |
| (a) | reviewing changes in accounting principles, or in their application, which may have a material impact on the current or future year's financial statements; |
| (b) | reviewing significant accruals, reserves or other estimates; |
| (c) | reviewing accounting treatment of unusual or non-recurring transactions; |
| (d) | reviewing adequacy of reclamation fund; |
| (e) | reviewing disclosure requirements for commitments and contingencies; |
| (f) | reviewing financial statements and all items raised by the external auditor, whether or not included in the financial statements; and |
| (g) | reviewing unresolved differences between Banro and the external auditor. |
Following such review, the Committee shall recommend to the Board for approval all Annual Financial Disclosure;
| 3. | review with management all interim consolidated financial statements of Banro and related financial reporting, including Management's Discussion and Analysis and any earnings press releases, (collectively "Quarterly Financial Disclosure") and, if thought fit, approve all Quarterly Financial Disclosure; |
| 4. | be satisfied that adequate procedures are in place for the review of Banro’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from Banro’s financial statements, other than Annual Financial Disclosure or Quarterly Financial Disclosure, and shall periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures; |
| 5. | review with management and recommend to the Board for approval, any financial statements of Banro which have not previously been approved by the Board and which are to be included in a prospectus of Banro; |
| 6. | review with management and recommend to the Board for approval, Banro’s Annual Information Form; |
| 7. | with respect to the external auditor: |
(a) receive all reports of the external auditor directly from the external auditor;
(b) discuss with the external auditor:
| (i) | critical accounting policies; |
| (ii) | alternative treatments of financial information within GAAP discussed with management (including the ramifications thereof and the treatment preferred by the external auditor); and |
| (iii) | other material, written communication between management and the external auditor; |
| (c) | consider and make a recommendation to the Board as to the appointment or re-appointment of the external auditor, being satisfied that such auditor is a participant in good standing pursuant to applicable securities laws; |
| (d) | review the terms of engagement of the external auditor, including the appropriateness and reasonableness of the auditor's fees and make a recommendation to the Board as to the compensation of the external auditor; |
| (e) | when there is to be a replacement of the external auditor, review with management the reasons for such replacement and the information to be included in any required notice to securities regulators and recommend to the Board for approval the replacement of the external auditor along with the content of any such notice; |
| (f) | oversee the work of the external auditor in performing its audit or review services and oversee the resolution of any disagreements between management and the external auditor; |
| (g) | review and discuss with the external auditor all significant relationships that the external auditor and its affiliates have with Banro and its affiliates in order to determine the external auditor's independence, including, without limitation: |
| (i) | requesting, receiving and reviewing, on a periodic basis, written or oral information from the external auditor delineating all relationships that may reasonably be thought to bear on the independence of the external auditor with respect to Banro; |
| (ii) | discussing with the external auditor any disclosed relationships or services that the external auditor believes may affect the objectivity and independence of the external auditor; and |
| (iii) | recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response to the external auditor's information to satisfy itself of the external auditor's independence; |
| (h) | as may be required by applicable securities laws, rules and guidelines, either: |
| (i) | pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the external auditor to Banro (and its subsidiaries, if any), or, in the case of de minimus non-audit services, approve such non-audit services prior to the completion of the audit; or |
| (ii) | adopt specific policies and procedures for the engagement of the external auditor for the purposes of the provision of non-audit services; |
| (i) | review and approve the hiring policies of Banro regarding partners, employees and former partners and employees of the present and former external auditor of Banro; |
| 8. | (a) | establish procedures for: |
| (i) | the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by Banro regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters; and |
| (ii) | the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of Banro of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; and |
| (b) | review with the external auditor its assessment of the internal controls of Banro, its written reports containing recommendations for improvement, and Banro's response and follow-up to any identified weaknesses; |
| 9. | with respect to risk management, be satisfied that Banro has implemented appropriate systems of internal control over financial reporting (and review senior management's assessment thereof) to ensure compliance with any applicable legal and regulatory requirements; |
| 10. | review annually with management and the external auditor and report to the Board on insurable risks and insurance coverage; and |
| 11. | engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties and set and pay the compensation for any such advisors. |