LionGold responds to SGX query on auditor's disclaimer of opinion

The board of Catalist-listed LionGold Corp said the gold miner can operate as a going concern, in response to a Singapore Exchange (SGX) query on external auditor PwC's disclaimer of opinion on the matter.

"The board confirms that all material disclosures have been provided for trading of the company's shares to continue," LionGold said.

The company will be seeking approval from shareholders on Sep 14 for the proposed issue of up to S$100 million of redeemable convertible bonds.

Referring SGX to notes in its recently published annual report, LionGold said the first tranche of S$50 million will be enough to repay its outstanding convertible bonds, which is being restructured. The tranche will also be enough to fund its operations for the foreseeable future, the notes said.

The notes also said that the ability to obtain shareholder approvals and the certainty of completion of the issuance of the first tranche represent a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern.

"While a material uncertainty exists, the board believes that the group will be able to raise sufficient funds to enable the group to fund its operations for the foreseeable future," LionGold said in the notes.

SGX also queried LionGold on the due diligence it performed on auditor Baker Tilly, whom LionGold is proposing to replace PwC with due to cost reasons and the company's reduced scope of operations.

Among other things, LionGold said that the change in auditors was considered in December 2014 and January 2015, before PwC expressed its disclaimer of opinion.

LionGold closed trading at 1.4 Singapore cents, up 0.2 cent or 16.7 per cent, before its announcement.