FIREFINCH LIMITED (ASX.FFX)

delisted by ASX under Listing Rule 17.12

we understand ASX removed the company from listing because its securities have been suspended from quotation for a continuous period of two years

The settlement agreement with the Government of Mali has been critical in allowing the Company to progress its long-stated plan to return value to shareholders through the distribution of the remaining available assets. The process to distribute assets requires the completion of multiple steps While it is difficult to put specific timeframes around the various steps, the Board is committed to completing the process as quickly as reasonably practicable. The steps include but are not limited to the following: sale of Morila SA, treatment of Leo Lithium shares, cash remaining in FireFinch and shareholder vote.

The Company has received a Notice of Arbitration under the Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law from Entreprise Générale Traoré et Frères SARL. The Arbitration Notice is in connection with Morila SA's purported failure to pay amounts under certain outstanding invoices to EGTF further to a mining services contract between EGTF and Morila SA dated 2021. EGTF claims an amount of no less than XAF 12,838,591,019 (A$31,853,880.29). Firefinch considers that EGTF's claim against Firefinch is entirely without merit. Firefinch is not a party to the Mining Services Contract and there is no agreement between Firefinch and Morila SA that would require Firefinch to meet Morila SA's debts or other liabilities. Firefinch intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims made by EGTF pursuant to the Arbitration Notice with the assistance of international arbitration specialists and will seek to recover from EGTF any and all costs incurred in the context of these proceedings.

The securities of Firefinch Limited were suspended from quotation at FFX's request on 29 June 2022 pursuant to Listing Rule 17.2. FFX's securities will now continue to be suspended from quotation under Listing Rule 17.3.1. Listing Rule 11.2 provides that an entity must not enter into an agreement to dispose of its main undertaking unless the agreement is conditional upon the entity getting the approval of its shareholders. ASX has determined that FFX's entry into the relevant agreements to dispose of its main undertaking is contrary to the requirements of Listing Rule 11.2 and is a breach of this rule.

The company advises that it has entered into the following agreements in respect of the global settlement of various claims made by the Government of Mali against Firefinch and Leo Lithium Ltd: a memorandum of understanding between the Government, Leo, GFL International Co., Ltd (Ganfeng), Firefinch, Mali Lithium B.V and Lithium du Mali SA resolving claims made by the Government in relation to the Morila Gold Mine and the Goulamina Lithium Project; and a deed of covenant and release between Firefinch, Leo and Ganfeng (the Tripartite Deed).

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The Company continues to work with its Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, on finalising the Accounts. The half-year review and interim accounts together with the annual accounts are expected be completed during April 2024. Delays have been experienced whilst discussion continues between FFX and the Government of Mali on the Company's plan to dispose of its interest in Société de Mine de Morila SA.

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The Company has been working closely with its Auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, on the half-year review and interim accounts which have been substantially completed. Finalisation of the half-year review and the interim accounts is subject to an outcome following recent correspondence with the Government of Mali regarding the Company's plans to dispose of its interest in Société des Mines de Morila SA.

The company provides an investor update. The company continues to engage in positive dialogue with the Government of Mali regarding its plans to dispose of its interest in Société des Mines de Morila SA. The company is focused on three priorities: the sale of Morila Limited that controls 80% of Morila SA; engaging and negotiating with parties offering potential value through a corporate transaction for Firefinch shareholders; and engaging with the Government of Mali to assist with the understanding of Morila Gold Mine and what is required to advance the project with a new operator.

The company releases the results of its general meeting.

Good faith discussions are currently underway between Firefinch and the Government to resolve issues relating to the Company's plans to dispose of its interest in Société des Mines de Morila SA for the benefit of a range of stakeholders including employees, community and the Government. These discussions are ongoing. Firefinch directors continue to work with advisors Treadstone Resource Partners and Gilbert + Tobin to assess options that deliver value to all Firefinch shareholders via a potential corporate transaction. If it becomes apparent that there are no reasonable prospects of a successful corporate transaction within a suitable timeframe, the Company will commence the return of assets to shareholders. The Board is conscious that in the ASX announcement on 30th June 2023 it set a target timeframe of Q3 2023 for a potential corporate transaction. These good faith discussions with Government could potentially impact this timing. However, an update will be provided on or before 30th September 2023.

The company releases a letter regarding the upcoming General Meeting. Firefinch's Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote AGAINST all of the resolutions.

FFX confirms that it recently received a letter from the Minister of Mines, Mali. Firefinch has not received any court order. The letter stated, the Government will not approve any deed of sale of Firefinch's interest in Societe des Mines de Morila SA unless Firefinch resolves issues relating to Morila Gold Mine. Firefinch once again emphasises that it is not a party to any agreements between Morila SA and its vendors and suppliers, nor is there any agreement between Firefinch and Morila SA that would require Firefinch to either continue to fund Morila SA, or meet its debts, or other liabilities. Shareholders are also reminded that FFX has already written down the value of its shareholding in Morila SA to nil. While FFX considers that it has no liabilities relating to Morila Gold Mine, the Company has nevertheless agreed to enter into good faith discussions with the Government. The preferred buyer for Firefinch's interest in Morila SA remains the West African contracting company referred to in the Company's 30th June 2023 ASX announcement. Firefinch will continue to negotiate with this buyer in parallel with Government meetings.

A general meeting of shareholders will be held at 10.00 am (AWST) on 28 August 2023 at CWA House, Second Floor, Boardroom, 1176 Hay Street, West Perth, Western Australia.

On 18 July 2023, the company received a notice from convening shareholders who collectively hold approximately 6% of the fully paid ordinary shares of the company. The convening shareholders have requested the directors call and arrange to hold a general meeting for the purpose of considering the following resolutions: the removal of Mr Brett Fraser, Mr Mark Hepburn and Mr Bradley Gordon as directors of the company with immediate effect; and the appointment of Mr Garry Peter Lougher and Mr Gareth John Edwards as directors of the company with immediate effect. The company will undertake the necessary steps to convene a general meeting in compliance with the Corporations Act.

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The company releases an Appendix 4G.

The company releases its Corporate Governance Statement.

The Company and its advisors have regularly engaged with the Process participants as well as the participants' advisors. Based on these discussions, the Board of Firefinch believes there are reasonable prospects of a binding agreement being reached with a preferred participant that is in the best interests of shareholders. The Process has now advanced to include detailed negotiations and finalisation of the key terms and conditions of a potential transaction, including conditions precedent. If a transaction proceeds, it will require the approval of, or acceptance by, shareholders. The objective of the Board of Firefinch is to conclude these negotiations and announce a binding transaction during this coming quarter, Q3 2023. In the event that the Process fails to deliver a binding agreement, then Firefinch will commence the process of returning cash and Leo Lithium Limited shares held by the Company to shareholders. Firefinch has selected a substantive West African mining contractor as the preferred bidder out of the parties that executed non-binding indicative term sheets to acquire the Company's interest in Morila SA and Birimian. The Proposed Purchaser is well placed as a significant and experienced mining contractor in the region. Firefinch is now focused on working closely with the Proposed Purchaser on negotiating full form binding transaction documents, in parallel with the Proposed Purchaser's work to finalise its due diligence. The sale of the interest in Morila SA and Birimian will be for nominal consideration. The non-binding term sheets contemplate certain conditions precedent.

The company remains in active discussions with participants on the process for a potential transaction with Firefinch that delivers value and liquidity to FFX shareholders. FFX is working to assess the potential transactions. Non-binding indicative term sheets have been executed with a number of suitable parties for the purchase of the company's interests in Societe des Mines de Morila SA. These non-binding term sheets form the basis for negotiation of a definitive sale and purchase agreement in relation to 100% of Firefinch's shares in Morila Limited. Firefinch is not a party to any agreements between Morila SA and its vendors and suppliers, nor is there any agreement between Firefinch and Morila SA that would require Firefinch to either continue to fund Morila SA, nor meet its debts. However, finding a new owner for Morila SA is being pursued in the interests of a range of stakeholders, including employees, community and the Government of Mali. FFX expects to be in a position to execute a binding agreement in the near future.

The company releases the results of its AGM.

The company's AGM will be held on 31 May 2023 at 1pm (AWST) at Celtic Club, 48 Ord Street, West Perth, Western Australia 6005.

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The company lodges its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2022.

The company lodges its Interim Report for the half year ended 30 June 2022.

The company has received a number of non-binding indicative proposals, which the Board has considered together with the assistance of Treadstone Resource Partners. The Board considers that these proposals are sufficiently robust to warrant continued negotiation and discussion with the bidding parties. The process is now entering the next phase and the Board will update shareholders in Q2 CY23 regarding the progress towards a binding transaction. The Company is close to completing both its half year accounts for the six months ending 30 June 2022 and full year accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022. These accounts are being reviewed and audited respectively by PwC. The Company plans to release these reports by 31 March 2023. The Company's current material assets as at 20th March 2023 are cash of approximately A$36.8m and shares in LLL valued at approximately A$96m based on share price 20th March 2023. The Company has no corporate debt. The LLL shares are currently under escrow and cannot be dealt with in any way, including being distributed to FFX shareholders, until June 2024. A search has been underway to find a new owner for the Morila Gold Mine with the desire that the Morila Gold Project under a new owner reaches its full potential for the benefit of all stakeholders. As at the time of this letter, the Company is in advanced discussions relating to a potential transaction for a sale of its 80% interest in Morila SA for a nominal consideration. During the next quarter, the Board's critical objectives will remain delivering liquidity and value for FFX shareholders, and finding a new owner for Morila that will create a positive future for employees, the community and the people of Mali.

The audits are well underway with good progress made by the Firefinch financial team and its Auditor, Price Waterhouse Coopers. There have been complex technical matters to address in respect to the accounting treatment of Firefinch's interest in its 80% shareholding of Société des Mines de Morila, the Malian company that owns the Morila Gold Mine. This has included a re-assessment of the work already competed on the June 30, 2022 financial statements due to the announcement the Company made to the market on 3 November 2022, titled "˜Morila Gold Project Recapitalisation Update'. Both the halfyear accounts and the audited financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2022 will be published with ASX by the end of March 2023.

The company releases an application for quotation of securities.

The company releases a notification regarding unquoted securities.

Firefinch remains the 80% shareholder of Société des Mines de Morila ("Morila SA"), the Malian company that owns the Morila Gold Mine FFX does not fund, or provides advice to Morila SA. The Morila Gold Mine is continuing to operate. The Commercial Court of Bamako, Mali has temporarily suspended all individual proceedings against Morila SA and has also ordered appointment of an expert to prepare a report on the financial and economic situation of Morila SA. FFX was not aware of the Court process being initiated, is not a party to the proceedings and does not expect the outcome of the process to impact the Company. FFX continues to seek to find a new owner for Morila SA. The strategic review process referred to in the shareholder letter of 14th December 2022 is progressing.

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The Company releaes its Managing Director's letter to shareholders. The Company's current material assets as at 14 December 2022 are cash of approximately $38m and shares in Leo Lithium valued at approximately A$ 103m. The Company has no corporate debt. The LLL shares are currently under escrow and cannot be dealt with in any way, including being distributed to FFX shareholders, until June 2024. The Board has decided to commence a strategic review process that will invite suitable bidders to submit proposals to the Company that deliver compelling value and liquidity to FFX shareholders. Work is underway with the Company's auditor PwC to prepare and publish the reviewed half year accounts for the six months ending 30 June 2022 and the audited full year accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022. This work has commenced with the half yearly report expected to be published by February 2023 and the full year report published by end March 2023. Once the Company is up to date with its periodic reporting obligations, it will then engage with ASX as a priority regarding the suspension of the Company's securities and the on-going requirements for quotation on ASX, including taking into consideration FFX no longer funding the Morila Gold Mine. The Company has taken immediate steps to reduce overheads in order to preserve cash and value for FFX shareholders. The Company is continuing to liaise with Morila SA and local authorities regarding the possible mitigation of the impact of the decision to cease funding the Morila Gold Mine, on the mine workers and the local community. This said, there is present and real risk that Morila SA may be forced into insolvency now that FFX has ceased its funding.

The company releases its Chairman's letter to shareholders.

Recapitalisation of the Morila Gold Mine will not proceed. Firefinch has informed its 80% indirectly owned Malian subsidiary Société des Mines de Morila SA (Morila SA) that it is unable to continue to fund Morila SA. Firefinch expects that Morila SA will be forced to enter into a Malian insolvency process. Firefinch's expects its investment in Morila SA to be written down to nil. Firefinch remains in a strong financial position.

The company requests that its securities remain in voluntary suspension until the finalisation of the proposed funding, which is anticipated to occur by the end of November 2022.

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The company releases a notice of cancelation of proposed issue of securities.

Having regard to recent downward movements in the United States dollar gold price and the Australian dollar/ United States dollar exchange rate, the Company, in consultation with the Joint Lead Managers to the Placement, have determined that it is not appropriate to complete the Placement as currently contemplated. The Company and the Joint Lead Managers are now considering alternative funding options.

The company releases a notice of proposed issue of securities.

The company releases an Investor Presentation.

A$90 million equity raise to provide Firefinch with a strong balance sheet to continue the Morila production ramp up under the Company's Stage 1 and Stage 2 production plan through to 2024. "¢ In addition to the equity raise, the Company's current mining services contractor, MEIM Morila SARL, to convert approximately US$23.4 million of outstanding debt and future liabilities to equity, subject to shareholder approval. Upon settlement of both tranches of the Placement, Firefinch will have a pro-forma 31 August 2022 cash balance of ≈A$126 million (before costs). Firefinch to launch a Share Purchase Plan offer to shareholders of up to A$10 million, subject to shareholder approval and subject to the discretion of the Board to accept oversubscriptions. New leadership team with a proposed restructured board to leverage industry knowledge and expertise. Following the August update to the Morila Deposit's Mineral Resources and today's production target defined for the 18-month period to March 2024, a revised operating strategy provides a clear path to achieve business improvement, drive production and develop the significant resource base at Morila. Firefinch expects to release an updated Morila Ore Reserve and Life of Mine Plan in the December quarter 2022. Current directors to unanimously recommend that Firefinch shareholders vote in favour of the resolutions required to give effect to the recapitalisation package.

Production Target of 180,000 ounces defined for the 18 month period to March 2024. Medium term production plan (MTPP) based on recently updated Mineral Resources. AISC averages US$1,425/oz "“ US$1475/oz over the period of the MTPP. August production from Morila totalled 8,122 ounces of gold, a new record for the mine under Firefinch's ownership. Updates to Ore Reserves and longer term Life of Mine Plan to be finalised in Q4 CY2022.

S&P Dow Jones Indices announced today the changes in the S&P/ASX Indices, effective prior to the open of trading on Monday, September 19, 2022, as a result of the September quarterly review. FFX was removed.

Morila Deposit's Mineral Resources increased by over a million ounces to 3.3 million ounces. Resource update based on Firefinch's intensive 2022 drilling, with new results. Morila Gold Project's total Mineral Resources now in excess of 3.5 million ounces. Completion of the updated Mineral Resource enables detailed mine planning to be finalised, which will enable completion of an updated business plan for Morila.

The Company requests that its securities remain in voluntary suspension until the finalisation of the proposed funding, which is anticipated to occur by the end of October 2022.

Under Listing Rule 17.6, an entity (if not already suspended) that had not paid its annual listing fees by close of business on Friday, 19 August 2022 would have its securities suspended from Official Quotation before the commencement of trading on Monday, 22 August 2022. The following entity has failed to pay to ASX Limited the annual listing fees for the year ending 30 June 2023, and each entity's securities are already suspended from quotation. Under Listing Rule 17.15, any entity that has not paid its annual listing fees as required by Listing Rule 16.5 by 5.00 pm AEST on Friday, 26 August 2022 will be removed from the Official List with effect from the close of trading on Friday, 26 August 2022.

The Australian Taxation Office has issued Class Ruling 2022/76 in respect of the Australian income tax implications on the demerger of Leo Lithium Limited for certain shareholders of Firefinch. The Class Ruling provides that a capital gains tax event happened upon the transfer of Leo Lithium shares to Firefinch shareholders on the Implementation Date. The Commissioner accepts that a reasonable apportionment is to attribute 40.91% of the total cost base of the Firefinch shares to the Firefinch shares and 59.09% of the total cost base to the corresponding Leo Lithium shares.

The company issues a response to ASX Aware Letter.

The company lodges its Quarterly Activities/Appendix 5B Cash Flow Report.

The Company requests that its securities remain in voluntary suspension until the finalisation of the proposed funding, which is anticipated to occur by the end of August 2022.

The company releases a response to ASX Aware Query.

The company issues a response to ASX Aware Query.

The company releases a notification of cessation of securities.

The company has sold 28.6 million shares in Leo Lithium Limited through a block trade executed after market on Monday 4th July 2022 at a sale price of A$0.455 per Leo share. The net proceeds of the Trade will result in the company receiving a cash injection of A$12.9 million. The remaining 210.9 million shares in the company holds in Leo are subject to escrow until 23 June 2024.

Morila June quarter production approximately 13,300 ounces of gold relative to guidance of 17-20,000 ounces of gold. Full year production guidance withdrawn. Production underperformance primarily due to poor equipment availability, in part due to ECOWAS sanctions. Equipment now arriving at site which will alleviate operational pressures. Changes have been made to the mine plan resulting in an immediate improvement in productivity at the Morila Super Pit. Cost saving initiatives implemented, and financial controls enhanced. Upgrade to Morila Resource and Reserve estimate anticipated during the September quarter. Updated resource and reserve estimate will feed into a new mine plan, production and cost outlook and forward capital requirements.

The company considers it is now appropriate for the period of voluntary suspension to be extended to enable the company to manage its continuous disclosure obligations whilst continuing discussions with third parties regarding the proposed funding of the company. The company requests that its securities remain in voluntary suspension until the finalisation of the proposed funding, which is anticipated to occur by the end of July 2022.

The company releases a notification of cessation of securities.

The securities of Firefinch Limited will be suspended from quotation immediately under Listing Rule 17.2, at the request of FFX, pending the release of an announcement regarding an update to operational performance and production guidance at the Morila Gold Project.

The suspension of trading in the securities of Firefinch Limited will be lifted immediately, following the release by FFX of an announcement regarding the completion of the purchase of the Morila Gold Mine.

The company has completed the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Morila gold mine in Mali. The final acquisition price was US$27.67 million (A$38.4 million) plus a US$1.2 million adjustment for gold in Dore and in fine carbon. The parties were advised by the Government of Mali that it did not object to the transaction and was supportive of Firefinch efforts to rejuvenate the mine.

The securities of Firefinch Limited will be suspended from quotation immediately under Listing Rule 17.2, at the request of FFX, pending the release of an announcement regarding the completion of the purchase of the Morila Gold Mine.

name changed from Mali Lithium Limited