Author: Fiona Craig

Pan African Resources (LSE:PAF) reported a decrease in the number of CHESS Depositary Interests over its ordinary shares quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange during August 2026.

The number of CDIs declined to 61,780,474 at the end of August from 71,610,794 at the end of July, representing a net decrease of 9,830,320 instruments during the month.

The change reflected net transfers between the company’s ASX-quoted CDIs and ordinary shares traded on the London and Johannesburg exchanges.

The movement relates to the market through which investors hold the company’s securities rather than a corresponding change in Pan African Resources’ overall share capital.

More about Pan African Resources

Pan African Resources PLC is a precious metals producer with a primary listing in London and additional listings in Johannesburg and Australia.

In Australia, the company’s ordinary shares can be traded through CHESS Depositary Interests, providing investors with an ASX-listed instrument representing the underlying shares.

Pan African Resources is incorporated in England and Wales and also operates through Pan African Resources Funding Company Limited in South Africa. Its securities are available through several international trading lines, including ADRs.

Bluebird Mining Ventures (LSE:BMV) reported interim results covering its transition from legacy exploration activities toward a business model focused on gold streaming, mining and treasury assets.

During the period, the company expanded its board and advisory team, introduced new incentive arrangements and allocated capital to Bitcoin, tokenised gold and physical gold.

BMV also completed the disposal of its South Korean gold interests. Under the transaction, the company removed its future funding obligations relating to the assets while retaining a 2.5% net smelter return royalty over the Gubong and Kochang projects.

During the half-year, Bluebird raised approximately US$1.55 million through equity fundraisings and reduced its warrant liability.

The company also made its first Bitcoin-linked streaming investment through a 4.8MW mining project in Texas. The project entered production in June and generated initial streaming revenue during the period.

Treasury Assets Total US$696,144

As of 30 June 2026, Bluebird reported digital assets valued at US$696,144, comprising holdings including Bitcoin and tokenised gold. The company also held US$207,429 in cash.

BMV revised its accounting policies during the period with the stated aim of reflecting market values for mining equipment and qualifying digital assets.

The company is developing gold streaming arrangements under which producers receive capital in exchange for a share of future production. It is also working on a Bitcoin streaming model designed to provide mining infrastructure to counterparties without requiring upfront capital expenditure from them.

Management is seeking to develop recurring revenue from streaming and royalty arrangements while managing liquidity and capital allocation across the business.

More about Bluebird Mining Ventures

Bluebird Mining Ventures Ltd is a London-listed gold streaming, mining and treasury company with activities spanning precious metals and digital assets.

Its business model includes streaming and royalty arrangements as well as holdings of physical gold, tokenised gold and Bitcoin. The company states that it primarily uses Bitcoin as a payment mechanism and short-term working capital tool rather than as a speculative investment.

BMV’s strategy includes providing financing to producers through streaming structures in exchange for interests in future production, alongside investments in mining infrastructure and treasury assets.

NeoTerra Group Plc (LSE:TERA) has terminated its Growth Capital Facility after issuing only the initial tranche of shares provided for under the financing arrangement.

Under the facility, 12,000,000 ordinary shares were issued to Zeus at nominal value as an initial tranche. NeoTerra said no additional shares were drawn under the facility.

Following the termination, control of the initial tranche of 12,000,000 shares is being returned to NeoTerra in accordance with the mechanism established under the arrangement.

The termination changes the company’s existing funding arrangements as it continues exploration and development activities across its African critical minerals portfolio.

More about NeoTerra Group Plc

NeoTerra Group Plc is a London Main Market-listed exploration and development company focused on critical raw materials projects in Africa.

Its portfolio includes the Monte Muambe project in Mozambique, which covers rare earths, fluorspar and gallium and is held under a 25-year mining licence. The project has also received U.S. government grant funding.

NeoTerra additionally holds the Sesana copper-silver project in Botswana, located near MMG’s Khoemacau mine.

The company is evaluating additional projects as it develops a portfolio spanning commodities used in clean energy, technology, defence and industrial applications.

Manx Financial Group (LSE:MFX) reported increased lending activity across parts of the business during the first half of 2026, alongside the development of new financial technology products and partnerships.

Conister Bank increased its loan-to-deposit ratio during the period while maintaining profitability and its capital ratios. The bank also entered into a commercial agreement with Fiinu covering a new overdraft product.

The Group has begun implementing an artificial intelligence strategy, initially focusing on automating the handling of Discretionary Commission Arrangements claims. According to Manx Financial, the initiative is intended to reduce costs and improve processing efficiency.

Manx Financial is also pursuing an Irish consumer credit licence. If obtained, the licence could allow certain products to be passported into the European Union.

Payment Assist Lending Volumes Rise 31.9%

Payment Assist reported a 31.9% increase in core automotive Buy Now Pay Later lending volumes during the period and surpassed £1 billion in cumulative customer transactions.

The business also entered into agreements with additional dealers, car supermarkets and warranty providers.

Payment Assist is developing additional customer products covering areas including insurance, breakdown cover and vehicle repair services. It is also working on a “garage wallet” intended to facilitate repeat customer use across its network of more than 9,000 partner locations.

The company has also launched Ignition, a payments platform for the automotive sector that combines conventional payment methods with a range of financing options.

Manx Financial’s board expects continued investment in Ignition and development of the Manx Ventures portfolio to increase the markets available to the Group and contribute to future earnings growth.

More about Manx Financial

Manx Financial Group is a diversified financial services company operating through businesses including Conister Bank, Payment Assist and Manx Ventures across the Isle of Man and the U.K.

Conister Bank provides retail and commercial lending funded by deposits, while Payment Assist operates in automotive finance and payments technology. Manx Ventures is the Group’s venture investment business and invests in companies that can access funding through Conister Bank.

The Group is also seeking regulatory approval to extend certain lending activities into the European Union and is implementing artificial intelligence technology in parts of its operations.

Reabold Resources (LSE:RBD) has provided a Day 35 update on its recommended all-share offer for Union Jack Oil plc (LSE:UJO), reporting valid acceptances representing approximately 5.70% of Union Jack’s issued share capital.

As of the relevant reporting point, Reabold had received valid acceptances covering 8,352,272 Union Jack shares.

The total includes 3,132,144 Union Jack shares subject to irrevocable undertakings, representing approximately 2.14% of the company’s issued share capital.

The all-share offer was initially announced in July and is being conducted under the UK Takeover Code.

Reabold said the offer remains open for acceptance by Union Jack shareholders until 1.00 p.m. London time on 25 September 2026, which is currently the unconditional date.

Reabold’s board has recommended that remaining Union Jack shareholders accept the offer. The board has said it believes combining Union Jack’s assets with Reabold would create a more robust and competitive business.

More about Reabold Resources

Reabold Resources plc is an investing company focused on gas projects and upstream energy assets.

The company’s strategy includes acquiring and developing assets with a focus on the European energy sector.

Boohoo Group plc (LSE:DEBS), through its Debenhams Group operations, has provided an update on its block listing arrangements covering employee share schemes.

The company reported that 98,489 shares were allotted under the arrangements between 8 January and 7 July 2026.

Following those allotments, 1,722,849 securities remain available under the existing block listing arrangements.

The block listing relates to shares used in connection with the group’s employee share schemes.

More about Debenhams Group

Debenhams Group operates a multi-brand online retail platform covering fashion, home and beauty. Its shopping destinations include Debenhams, Karen Millen, boohoo, MAN and PLT.

The business traces the Debenhams brand’s history to 1778 and now operates through digital channels, combining the Debenhams online department store with a portfolio of fashion-focused e-commerce brands.

The group serves customers in the U.K. and international markets through its online retail operations.

Victoria PLC (LSE:VCP) provided shareholders with an update ahead of its Annual General Meeting, reporting the completion of operational changes in Spain and Turkey alongside progress on refinancing its 2028 bonds and preferred equity.

The flooring manufacturer said productivity upgrades have been completed at its V4 ceramics line in Spain. Victoria has also finished relocating Balta’s rug weaving equipment from Belgium to Turkey.

According to the company, these measures are expected to increase efficiency, output and EBITDA during the remainder of the year and contribute to performance in FY28.

Victoria said its U.K. business remains robust and has no credit exposure to Headlam plc, which has indicated plans to appoint administrators. Management said developments at Headlam could create market opportunities for Victoria.

Elsewhere, the company reported volatile trading conditions across its other markets. Rising energy, diesel and other input costs have led the group to introduce additional measures intended to mitigate their effect on margins and cash generation.

Victoria also reported progress with the proposed refinancing of its 2028 bonds and preferred equity. Completion remains targeted for the fourth quarter, with documentation expected to be available in mid-September.

Executive Chairman Geoff Wilding said the group has made an encouraging start to the year driven by increased management focus and actions.

More about Victoria PLC

Victoria PLC is an international flooring designer, manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Worcester, U.K. Its products include carpet, underlay, ceramic tiles, luxury vinyl tile, artificial grass and flooring accessories.

The AIM-listed company has operations across Europe, the U.S. and Australia and employs approximately 5,000 people across more than 30 sites.

Victoria’s stated strategy includes acquisitions and organic growth, with a focus on increasing earnings and cash flow per share.

Botswana Minerals (LSE:BMIN) has moved its AI-assisted exploration programme in north-west Botswana from regional data analysis to targeted fieldwork as it works to identify potential drill targets across its Ngamiland licences.

On the company’s southern licences in eastern Ngamiland, AI-based analysis has identified nine principal corridors considered prospective for copper mineralisation. These include a priority target located next to historical copper oxide and carbonate mineralisation.

Botswana Minerals is also examining whether the geology identified within its licence area could have a regional connection with Namibia’s Matchless Belt.

On the northern licences, the company is preparing to begin field sampling across targets identified as priorities through AI analysis and geochemical data. The work is intended to further define these areas and identify specific locations for potential drilling.

Data generated from the sampling programme will be assessed alongside geophysical information and historical drill core as Botswana Minerals determines which targets should receive further exploration work.

The company said the planned next stages of the programme will be funded from its existing cash resources.

More about Botswana Minerals plc

Botswana Minerals plc is an exploration company listed on AIM and the Botswana Stock Exchange, with a focus on copper and strategic minerals in Botswana.

The company is applying AI-assisted exploration techniques across licences in the Ngamiland region to identify areas prospective for copper and polymetallic mineralisation.

Empyrean Energy (LSE:EME) has scheduled its Annual General Meeting for 29 September 2026 in London and has distributed its Annual Report and Accounts and notice of AGM to shareholders.

The company said voting for the AGM will be conducted electronically. Shareholders requiring a hard-copy proxy form can request one from the company’s registrars.

Empyrean has also changed its registered office to new premises on Fetter Lane in central London.

The AGM arrangements and registered office change form part of the company’s corporate administration and shareholder meeting procedures.

More about Empyrean Energy

Empyrean Energy PLC is an AIM-listed oil and gas company focused on exploration and production activities.

The company operates a portfolio of hydrocarbon assets alongside its related corporate activities.