Financing Mozal Project
Financing Mozal Project
Country Profile
Gained its freedom from Portugese in 1974 after a civil war broke out between the Frelimo & Renamo The two sides signed a peace accord in 1992 Post this, the Mozambican Govt. made constant efforts to improve the macroeconomic situation & encourages the private sector investment. The GDP and FDI were increasing & the inflation decreased. But still, Mozambique remained a poor underdeveloped country
Investment opportunity
Pros
GDP growth
0.5% - growth rate (1980-91) 6.5% - growth rate (1992-96)
Cons Legal & approval system Openness to trade Pessimistic approach of potential investor
Challenges faced
No existing infrastructure Unskilled labor Logistical challenges Health issues Expectations of world standards was unlikely considering the above issues
About Mozal
It began as consortium of three entities naming Eskom, Alusaf & Mozambican Govt. To built Aluminum smelter due to potential availability of hydroelectric power The project worth was estimated at around US$ 1.4 billion Its a low cost smelter
Who is involved?
It was a joint venture between Genecor & IDC Genecor became the worlds fourth largest producer of aluminum after acquiring Billiton from Royal-Dutch shell in 1994 Alusaf(Subsidiary of Genecor) and the Industrial development corporation of South Africa each owned a share of 25% IDC-Government owned development bank in SA. There goal was to promote entrepreneurship and financing private sector enterprises In 1996-They constructed a 1.8 billion Hillside smelter
Financing
Sources of Fund Cash during start-up Subordinate debt Equity Senior debt Total Amount (in millions) 35 150 500 680 1365 Percentage 2.56% 10.98% 36.63% 49.81% 100%
Future of Project
Currency denomination: US dollar Sponsors are potential buyers The plant was targeted for an industrial free zone exempting it from paying tax Chase-Manhattan corp-trustee responsible for collecting sale proceeds, paying debt holders, remitting operating expenses & paying dividends
Average production cost $1510 per ton(Excluding depreciation & financing charges) but Mozal projected breakeven price $1493 per ton(Including depreciation & financing charges) in the 4th year and further declining to $1070 in the 11th year
Profitability
Selling price of the metal is higher than the Mozal cost
About IFC
A member of World bank group founded in the year 1956 and owned by 172 member countries Invests in private sector for social cause like reducing poverty, increasing the living standards etc. Provides multilateral source of debt and equity for private sector projects The loans provided by IFC arent backed by the sovereign funds
They mainly concentrate on the green field projects Financial ROR-projects IRR was based on the constant price projections considering interest & tax For the appraisal of Mozal took a tenure of three months (Jan March, 1997)
Anticipated Outcomes
Increase in:
GDP by $157 million (9% compared to 6.4%) Exports by $430 million Net foreign exchange by $161 million
It would generate 5000 construction jobs Provide critical infrastructure and investment along with Maputo corridor Assess environmental and social impact
Recommendations
IFC should immediately seize the opportunity presented in the financing of Mozal. Investment in the project on the part of the IFC would generate valuable social, financial, and economic benefits
Recommendations
The use of the South African power supply, the obtaining of alumina from Australia, the technology from France, and the holding of sales proceeds in a foreign bank account provide an excellent structure that will alleviate sovereign, expropriation, and operating risks. The Mozal Project has qualified sponsors: at $78 billion and a conglomerate such as Mitsubishi Corporation has signed in as a strong candidate with infinitesimal chance of default.
Updated status
Overall Project status: Delayed from due date Scheduled: Considering prior status it is now likely to be delayed Budget: Budget allocation has been done adequately Project Risk: There has been a fluctuation from the status of being No risk to some risk as there are delays in infrastructure of 4 unitsw
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