Bushveld kicks off business rescue proceedings amid financial woes

Bushveld Minerals Ltd said on Tuesday that its principal subsidiaries have entered into business rescue, following Monday’s AIM trading halt.

The South Africa-focused vanadium producer’s shares were suspended due to concerns over its financial stability. Its main operations are now seeking ‘protection from legal action while their future is assessed and potential plans to rescue the business are implemented’.

These subsidiaries include mining rights holder Bushveld Vametco Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a service conductor working on the company’s behalf known as Bushveld Vametco Alloys (Pty) Ltd, and Bushveld Minerals SA (Pty) Ltd, which is used for its Johannesburg head office.

The past month has seen Bushveld scramble to resolve a funding shortfall highlighted in its third-quarter report. Earlier in November, Bushveld announced its failure to secure funds ‘to sustain its operations or meet its immediate liabilities’.

Chief Executive Officer Craig Coltman attributed the downward spiral to a depressed vanadium market, lack of cash for plant maintenance and ‘historically high, long outstanding creditor balances’.

Bushveld said it will focus on continuing operations whilst seeking funding solutions. It has nominated Matuson & Associates as rescue practitioner, and is in talks with Guernsey insolvency practitioners.

Coltman said Matuson ‘share our belief that there is reasonable cause for business recovery.’

Bushveld shares were last quoted at 0.31 pence in London. The stock was suspended from trading on Monday.

Copyright 2024 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Ways to help you invest your money

Our investment accounts

Put your money to work with our range of investment accounts. Choose from ISAs, pensions, and more.

Need some investment ideas?

Let us give you a hand choosing investments. From managed funds to favourite picks, we’re here to help.

Read our expert tips and insights

Our investment experts share their knowledge on how to keep your money working hard across the markets.