TITANIUM SANDS LIMITED
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

The Board is responsible for establishing the Company’s corporate governance framework, the key features of which are set out below. In establishing its corporate governance framework, the Board has referred to the 3rd edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Councils’ Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.

In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 4.10.3, the corporate governance statement discloses the extent to which the Company follows the recommendations. The Company will follow each recommendation where the Board has considered the recommendation to be an appropriate benchmark for its corporate governance practices. Where the Company’s corporate governance practices will follow a recommendation, the Board has made appropriate statements reporting on the adoption of the recommendation. In compliance with the “if not, why not” reporting regime, where, after due consideration, the Company’s corporate governance practices will not follow a recommendation, the Board has explained its reasons for not following the recommendation and disclosed what, if any, alternative practices the Company will adopt instead of those in the recommendation.

This corporate governance statement is current as at 30 September 2020 and has been approved by the Board.

The following governance-related documents can be found on the Company’s website at www.titaniumsands.com.au, under the section marked “Corporate Governance”:
(a) Board Charter;
(b) Board Performance Evaluation Policy;
(c) Code of Conduct;
(d) Audit Committee Charter;
(e) Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter;
(f) Security Trading Policy;
(g) Continuous Disclosure Policy;
(h) Shareholder Communication Policy;
(i) Risk Management Policy; and
(j) Diversity Policy.

Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
Recommendation 1.1
The Company has established the respective roles and responsibilities of its Board and management, and those matters expressly reserved to the Board and those delegated to management and has documented this in its Board Charter.
The responsibilities of the Board include but are not limited to:
(a) setting and reviewing strategic direction and planning;
(b) reviewing financial and operational performance;
(c) identifying principal risks and reviewing risk management strategies; and
(d) considering and reviewing significant capital investments and material transactions.

In exercising its responsibilities, the Board recognises that there are many stakeholders in the operations of the Company, including employees, shareholders, co-ventures, the government and the community. The Board has delegated responsibility for the business operations of the Company to the Managing Director and the management team. The management team, led by the Managing Director is accountable to the Board.

Recommendation 1.2
The Company undertakes appropriate checks before appointing a person or putting forward to shareholders a candidate for election as a director and provides shareholders with all material information in its possession relevant to a decision on whether or not to elect a director.

The checks which are undertaken, and the information provided to shareholders, are set out in the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter.

Recommendation 1.3
The Company has a written agreement with each of the Directors and the Incoming Directors and senior executives setting out the terms of their appointment. The material terms of any employment, service or consultancy agreement the Company, or any of its child entities, has entered into with its Managing Director, any of its directors, and any other person or entity who is a related party of the Managing Director or any of its directors will be disclosed in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.16.4 (taking into consideration the exclusions from disclosure outlined in that rule).

Recommendation 1.4
The Company Secretary is accountable directly to the Board, through the Chair, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board. The Company Secretary is responsible for the application of best practice in corporate governance and also supports the effectiveness of the Board by:
(a) ensuring a good flow of information between the Board, its committees, and Directors;
(b) monitoring policies and procedures of the Board;
(c) advising the Board through the Chairman of corporate governance policies; and
(d) conducting and reporting matters of the Board, including the despatch of Board agendas, briefing papers and minutes.

Recommendation 1.5
The Company has a Diversity Policy, the purpose of which is:
(a) to outline the Company’s commitment to creating a corporate culture that embraces diversity and, in particular, focuses on the composition of its Board and senior management; and
(b) to provide a process for the Board to determine measurable objectives and procedures which the Company will implement and report against to achieve its diversity goals.

The Board intends to set measurable objectives for achieving diversity, specifically including gender diversity and will review and report on the effectiveness and relevance of these measurable objectives. However, due to the current size of the Board and management, these measurable objectives have not yet been set.

Recommendation 1.6
The Chair will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the Board, Board committees and individual directors in accordance with the process disclosed in the Company’s Board performance evaluation policy.
This policy is to ensure:
(a) individual Directors and the Board as a whole work efficiently and effectively in achieving their functions;
(b) the executive Directors and key executives execute the Company’s strategy through the efficient and effective implementation of the business objectives; and
(c) committees to which the Board has delegated responsibilities are performing efficiently and effectively in accordance with the duties and responsibilities set out in the board charter.
(d) This policy will be reviewed annually.

An evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual directors has not been undertaken during the year, however a general review of the Board, its committees and executives occurs on an on-going basis to ensure that structures and performance suitable to the Company’s status as a listed entity are in place.

Recommendation 1.7
The Managing Director is responsible for evaluating the performance of the Company’s senior executives in accordance with the process disclosed in the Company’s Board Performance and Evaluation Policy. The Chair will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the Company’s Managing Director in accordance with the Company’s Board Performance and Evaluation Policy.

An evaluation of the directors has not been undertaken during the year, however a general review of the Board occurs on an on-going basis to ensure that individuals performance suitable to the Company’s status as a listed entity are in place.

Principle 2: Structure the board to add value
Recommendation 2.1
Due to the size of the Board, the Company does not have a separate nomination committee. The roles and responsibilities of a nomination committee are currently undertaken by the Board.

The duties of the full Board in its capacity as a nomination committee are set out in the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter which is available on the Company’s website.

When the Board meets as a remuneration and nomination committee is carries out those functions which are delegated to it in the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter. Items that are usually required to be discussed by a Remuneration and Nomination Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.

The Board has adopted a Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of a Nomination Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.

Recommendation 2.2
The mix of skills and diversity which the Board is looking to achieve in its composition is:
(a) a broad range of business experience; and
(b) technical expertise and skills required to discharge duties.

Recommendation 2.3
The Board considers the independence of directors having regard to the relationships listed in Box 2.3 of the Principles and Recommendations. Currently the Board is structured as follows:
(a) Dr James Seale (Managing Director)
(b) Mr Lee Christensen (Chairman); and
(c) Mr Jason Ferris (Director).

Mr Ferris was appointed to the Board on 31 July 2014. Mr Christensen was appointed as Chairman of the Board on 16 April 2015. Dr Searle was subsequently appointed to the Board as Managing Director on 2 March 2016. Dr Searle is not considered an independent director due to his executive role within the Company. In addition, Mr Ferris is also not considered independent due to his association with Mr Robert Nelson (substantial shareholder) with which the Company acquired a material asset during the financial year. Mr Christensen is considered an independent director of the Company.

Recommendation 2.4
Given the size and nature of the Company, the Board considers the composition of the Board is appropriate at this stage. Accordingly, the Board does not have a majority of independent directors.

Recommendation 2.5
Mr Christensen is an independent Chairman of the Board.

Recommendation 2.6
It is a policy of the Company, that new Directors undergo an induction process in which they are given a full briefing on the Company. Where possible this includes meetings with key executives, tours of the premises, an induction package and presentations.

In order to achieve continuing improvement in Board performance, all Directors are encouraged to undergo continual professional development. Specifically, Directors are provided with the resources and training to address skills gaps where they are identified.

Principle 3: Act ethically and responsibly
Recommendation 3.1
The Company is committed to promoting good corporate conduct grounded by strong ethics and responsibility. The Company has established a Code of Conduct (Code), which addresses matters relevant to the Company’s legal and ethical obligations to its stakeholders. It may be amended from time to time by the Board, and is disclosed on the Company’s website.

The Code applies to all Directors, employees, contractors and officers of the Company.

Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting
Recommendation 4.1
Due to the size of the Board, the Company does not have a separate Audit Committee. The roles and responsibilities of an audit committee are undertaken by the Board.

The full Board in its capacity as the audit committee is responsible for reviewing the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting and overseeing the independence of the external auditors. The duties of the full Board in its capacity as the audit committee are set out in the Company’s Audit Committee Charter which is available on the Company’s website.

When the Board meets as an audit committee is carries out those functions which are delegated to it in the Company’s Audit Committee Charter. Items that are usually required to be discussed by an Audit Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.

The Board is responsible for the initial appointment of the external auditor and the appointment of a new external auditor when any vacancy arises. Candidates for the position of external auditor must demonstrate complete independence from the Company through the engagement period. The Board may otherwise select an external auditor based on criteria relevant to the Company’s business and circumstances. The performance of the external auditor is reviewed on an annual basis by the Board.

The Board has adopted an Audit Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of the Audit Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.

Recommendation 4.2
Before the Board approves the Company financial statements for each financial period it will receive from the Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer or equivalent a declaration that, in their opinion, the financial records of the Company for the relevant financial period have been properly maintained and that the financial statements for the relevant financial period comply with the appropriate accounting standards and give a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the Company and the consolidated entity and that the opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.

Recommendation 4.3
Under section 250RA of the Corporations Act, the Company’s auditor is required to attend the Company’s annual general meeting at which the audit report is considered, or to arrange to be represented by a person who is a suitably qualified member of the audit team that conducted the audit and is in a position to answer questions about the audit. Each year, the Company will write to the Company’s auditor to inform them of the date of the Company’s annual general meeting. In accordance with section 250S of the Corporations Act, at the Company’s annual general meeting where the Company’s auditor or their representative is at the meeting, the Chair will allow a reasonable opportunity for the members as a whole at the meeting to ask the auditor (or its representative) questions relevant to the conduct of the audit; the preparation and content of the auditor’s report; the accounting policies adopted by the Company in relation to the preparation of the financial statements; and the independence of the auditor in relation to the conduct of the audit. The Chair will also allow a reasonable opportunity for the auditor (or their representative) to answer written questions submitted to the auditor under section 250PA of the Corporations Act.

Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
Recommendation 5.1
The Company is committed to:
(a) ensuring that shareholders and the market are provided with full and timely information about its activities;
(b) complying with the continuous disclosure obligations contained in the Listing Rules and the applicable sections of the Corporations Act; and
(c) providing equal opportunity for all stakeholders to receive externally available information issued by the Company in a timely manner.

The Company has adopted a Disclosure Policy, which is disclosed on the Company’s website. The Disclosure Policy sets out policies and procedures for the Company’s compliance with its continuous disclosure obligations under the ASX Listing Rules, and addresses financial markets communication, media contact and continuous disclosure issues. It forms part of the Company’s corporate policies and procedures and is available to all staff.

The Company Secretary manages the policy. The policy will develop over time as best practice and regulations change and the Company Secretary will be responsible for communicating any amendments. This policy will be reviewed by the Board as required.

Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders
Recommendation 6.1
The Company provides information about itself and its governance to investors via its website at www.titaniumsands.com.au. The Company is committed to maintaining a Company website with general information about the Company and its operations and information specifically targeted at keeping the Company’s shareholders informed about the Company. In particular, where appropriate, after confirmation of receipt by ASX, the following will be posted to the Company website:
(a) relevant announcements made to the market via ASX;
(b) media releases;
(c) investment updates;
(d) Company presentations and media briefings;
(e) copies of press releases and announcements for the preceding three years; and
(f) copies of annual and half yearly reports including financial statements for the preceding three years.

Recommendation 6.2
The Company has a Shareholder Communication and Investor Relations Policy which aims to ensure that Shareholders are informed of all major developments of the Company. The policy is disclosed on the Company’s website.
Information is communicated to Shareholders via:
(a) reports to Shareholders;
(b) ASX announcements;
(c) annual general meetings; and
(d) the Company website.

This Shareholder Communication and Investor Relations policy will be formally reviewed by the Board each year. While the Company aims to provide sufficient information to Shareholders about the Company and its activities, it understands that Shareholders may have specific questions and require additional information. To ensure that Shareholders can obtain all relevant information to assist them in exercising their rights as Shareholders, the Company has made available a telephone number and relevant contact details (via the website) for Shareholders to make their enquiries.

Recommendation 6.3
The Board encourages full participation of Shareholders at meetings to ensure a high level of accountability and identification with the Company’s strategies and goals. However, due to the size and nature of the Company, the Board does not consider a policy outlining the policies and processes that it has in place to facilitate and encourage participating at meetings of shareholders to be appropriate at this stage.

Recommendation 6.4
Shareholders are given the option to receive communications from, and send communication to, the Company and its share registry electronically. To ensure that shareholders can obtain all relevant information to assist them in exercising their rights as shareholders, the Company has made available a telephone number and relevant contact details (via the website) for shareholders to make their enquiries.

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk
Recommendation 7.1
Due to the size of the Board, the Company does not have a separate Risk Committee. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s risk management and control framework.

When the Board meets as a risk committee is carries out those functions which are delegated to it in the Company’s Risk Committee Charter. Items that are usually required to be discussed by a Risk Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.

The Board has adopted a Risk Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of the Risk Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.

The Board has adopted a Risk Management Policy, which is disclosed on the Company’s website. Under the policy, responsibility and control of risk management is delegated to the appropriate level of management within the Company with the Managing Director having ultimate responsibility to the Board for the risk management and control framework.

The risk management system covers:
(a) operational risk;
(b) financial reporting;
(c) compliance / regulations; and
(d) system / IT process risk.

A risk management model is to be developed and will provide a framework for systematically understanding and identifying the types of business risks threatening the Company as a whole, or specific business activities within the Company.

Recommendation 7.2
The Board will review the Company’s risk management framework as required to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound, to determine whether there have been any changes in the material business risks the Company faces and to ensure that the Company is operating within the risk appetite set by the Board.

Arrangements put in place by the Board to monitor risk management include, but are not limited to:
(a) monthly reporting to the Board in respect of operations and the financial position of the Company; and
(b) quarterly rolling forecasts prepared.

Recommendation 7.3
The Company does not have, and does not currently intend to establish, an internal audit function. To evaluate and continually improve the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal control processes, the Board relies on ongoing reporting and discussion of the management of material business risks as outlined in the Company’s Risk Management Policy.

Recommendation 7.4
Given the speculative nature of the Company’s business, it is subject to general risks and certain specific risks. The Company has identified those economic, environmental and/or social sustainability risks to which it has a material exposure and the Board are responsible for managing those risks.

Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
Recommendation 8.1
Due to the size of the Board, the Company does not have a separate remuneration committee. The roles and responsibilities of a remuneration committee are currently undertaken by the Board. The duties of the full board in its capacity as a remuneration committee are set out in the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter which is available on the Company’s website.

When the Board meets as a remuneration committee is carries out those functions which are delegated to it in the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter. Items that are usually required to be discussed by a Remuneration Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.

The Board has adopted a Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.

Recommendation 8.2
Details of the Company’s policies on remuneration will be set out in the Company’s “Remuneration Report” in each Annual Report published by the Company.

Recommendation 8.3
The Company does not currently have an equity-based remuneration scheme.

Security Trading Policy
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 12.9, the Company has adopted a trading policy which sets out the following information:

(a) closed periods in which directors, employees and contractors of the Company must not deal in the Company’s securities;
(b) trading in the Company’s securities which is not subject to the Company’s trading policy; and
(c) the procedures for obtaining written clearance for trading in exceptional circumstances.

The Company’s Security Trading Policy is available on the Company’s website.