Bezant Resources PLC (LON:BZT) will aim to fast-track its platinum assets in Colombia in to production while it waits for the tax situation in the Philippines to be resolved.
The junior has options over a number of alluvial platinum and gold licences in Colombia following its acquisition of Leeward Island Exploration in January for US$1mln in cash plus 37mln shares.
Ed Nealon, chairman, said: “Value in the prevailing difficult market conditions must be generated from revenues and, with our historic track record in platinum development and production.
“We think that our proposed low-cost platinum production model, set against the sizeable cost base of South African miners and depleting stockpiles, should leave Bezant well positioned to take advantage of a future small, efficient production facility.”
In the Philippines, progress at the huge Mankayan copper-gold project has been halted by a proposed 50% mining tax, which has deterred investment for mining generally.
Bezant is now hoping national elections in May in the Philippines may see a more pro-mining candidate elected and the tax issues resolved.
The company added Laurence Read will move to an executive role from a non-exec position previously.
Bezant ended the half year to December with cash of £1.5mln and posted an interim net loss of £265,000.
Group expenditure remains low following the implementation of significant cost cutting initiatives introduced in 2014, including a reduction in directors' and management fees, wages and other costs, said Nealon.