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2010 Results - Part 2

15th Mar 2011 09:02

RNS Number : 9462C
European Goldfields Ltd
15 March 2011
 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

European Goldfields Limited

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

(Audited)

 

31 December 2010 and 2009

 

Management's Responsibility for Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of European Goldfields Limited are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The consolidated financial statements include some amounts that are based on management's best estimates using reasonable judgment.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Management maintains an appropriate system of internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are authorised, assets safeguarded and proper records are maintained.

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has met with the Company's external auditors to review the scope and results of the annual audit and to review the consolidated financial statements and related financial reporting matters prior to submitting the consolidated financial statements to the Board of Directors for approval.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been audited by Ernst and Young LLP, Chartered Accountants, and their report follows.

 

Martyn Konig Timothy Morgan-Wynne

Executive Chairman Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Auditors' Report to the Shareholders of European Goldfields Limited

 

Independent Auditors' report

To the Shareholders of European Goldfields Limited:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of European Goldfields Limited, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at 31 December 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated statements of profit and loss, shareholders' equity, cash flows and other comprehensive income/(loss) for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management's responsibility for the consolidated financial statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors' responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors' judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of European Goldfields Limited as at 31 December 2010 and 2009 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

Ernst & Young LLP

London

March, 2011

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at 31 December 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of US Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Note

2010

$

2009

$

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

57,122

113,642

Accounts receivable

4

26,285

26,813

Current taxes receivable

3,668

3,954

Future tax assets

10

-

119

Prepaid expenses

3,221

13,794

Inventory

5

5,733

4,993

96,029

163,315

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

6

126,341

96,100

Deferred exploration and development costs

Greek production stage mineral properties

21,603

24,051

Greek exploration and development stage mineral properties

409,896

405,146

7

431,499

429,197

Romanian exploration and development stage mineral properties

7

57,312

50,173

Turkish exploration stage mineral properties

7

3,306

1,625

492,117

480,995

Investment in associates

8

743

711

Investment other

9

1,975

1,490

Future tax assets

10

1,608

1,489

718,813

744,100

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

11,557

10,784

Derivative financial liability

970

1,064

Deferred revenue

13

3,867

4,549

16,394

16,397

Non-current liabilities

Future tax liabilities

10

90,372

90,083

Provisions

11

6,557

1,900

Asset retirement obligation

12

7,195

7,068

Deferred revenue

13

45,794

48,412

149,918

147,463

Non-controlling interest

2,494

2,930

Shareholders' equity

Capital stock

14

556,771

545,180

Other reserves

14

(3,301)

-

Contributed surplus

14

16,662

10,047

Accumulated other comprehensive income

14

36,510

35,911

Deficit

(56,635)

(13,828)

550,007

577,310

718,813

744,100

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Timothy Morgan-Wynne, Director

Bruce Burrows, Director

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Profit and Loss

As at 31 December 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of US Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Note

2010

$

2009

$

Income

Sales

49,855

62,712

Cost of sales

(37,577)

(44,030)

Depreciation and depletion

(7,462)

(7,012)

Gross profit

4,816

11,670

Other income

Hedge contract profit

577

5,621

Interest income

306

625

Share of profit/(loss) of associate

8

10

(76)

893

6,170

Expenses

Corporate administrative and overhead expenses

15,313

7,295

Loss in dilution of interest in associates

8

-

36

Share-based compensation expense

15,907

6,530

Foreign exchange loss

3,321

1,576

Hellas Gold administrative and overhead expenses

8,294

5,401

Hellas Gold water treatment expenses (non-operating mines)

3,556

3,390

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

12

127

131

Depreciation

1,221

661

Write-down of mineral property

7

590

1,171

48,329

26,191

Loss for the year before income taxes

(42,620)

(8,351)

Income taxes

Current taxes

52

848

Future taxes

571

2,528

10

623

3,376

Loss for the year after income taxes

(43,243)

(11,727)

Non-controlling interest

436

(56)

Loss for the year

(42,807)

(11,783)

Deficit - Beginning of year

(13,828)

(2,045)

Deficit - End of year

(56,635)

(13,828)

Loss per share

Basic

23

(0.23)

(0.07)

Diluted

(0.23)

(0.07)

Weighted average number of shares (in thousands)

Basic

182,754

179,825

Diluted

182,754

179,825

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity

As at 31 December 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of US Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

 

Capital

stock

$

Contributed

surplus

$

 Other

reserves

$

Accumulated

other

 comprehensive

income

$

Deficit

$

Total

$

Balance - 31 December 2008

538,316

7,788

-

43,676

(2,045)

587,735

Equity-based compensation

expense

-

6,820

-

-

-

6,820

Share issue costs

(29)

-

-

-

-

(29)

Restricted share units vested

3,317

(3,317)

-

-

-

-

Share options exercised

or exchanged

3,576

(1,244)

-

-

-

2,332

Change in fair value of

cash flow hedge

-

-

-

(7,850)

-

(7,850)

Revaluation of available for

sale asset

-

-

-

157

-

157

Movement in cumulative

translation adjustment

-

-

-

(72)

-

(72)

Loss for the year

-

-

-

(11,783)

(11,783)

6,864

2,259

-

(7,765)

(11,783)

(10,425)

Balance - 31 December 2009

545,180

10,047

-

35,911

(13,828)

577,310

Equity-based compensation

expense

-

14,593

-

-

-

14,593

Own shares issued under joint

ownership equity plan

3,301

-

(3,301)

-

-

-

Restricted share units vested

4,733

(4,733)

-

-

-

-

Share options exercised

or exchanged

3,557

(3,245)

-

-

-

312

Change in fair value of

cash flow hedge

-

-

-

93

-

93

Revaluation of

available-for-sale asset

-

-

-

485

-

485

Movement in cumulative

translation adjustment

-

-

-

21

-

21

Loss for the year

-

-

-

-

(42,807)

(42,807)

11,591

6,615

(3,301)

599

(42,807)

(27,303)

Balance - 31 December 2010

556,771

16,662

(3,301)

36,510

(56,635)

550,007

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

As at 31 December 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of US Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Note

2010

$

2009

$

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss for the year

(42,807)

(11,783)

Foreign exchange loss

3,321

213

Share of loss of associate

(10)

76

Loss on change of interest in associates

-

36

Depreciation

5,784

4,046

Share-based compensation expense

15,907

6,530

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

127

131

Current taxation

52

848

Future tax asset recognised

571

2,528

Non-controlling interest

(436)

56

Deferred revenue recognised

(3,300)

(5,535)

Depletion of mineral properties

2,899

3,816

Write-down of mineral property

590

1,171

(17,302)

2,133

Net changes in non-cash working capital

18

11,318

(15,138)

(5,984)

(13,005)

Cash flows from investing activities

Deferred exploration and development costs - Romania

(5,377)

(5,478)

Property, plant and equipment - Greece

(27,534)

(25,288)

Deferred development costs - Greece

(3,426)

(2,096)

Deferred exploration costs - Turkey

(1,581)

(1,084)

Purchase of land

 (8,301)

(88)

Purchase of equipment

 (1,059)

(443)

Prepayments - equipment

-

(11,865)

Investment in associate

-

(143)

(47,278)

(46,485)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from exercise of share options

312

2,332

312

2,332

Effect of foreign currency translation on cash

(3,570)

504

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(56,520)

(56,654)

Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of year

113,642

170,296

Cash and cash equivalents - End of year

57,122

113,642

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

As at 31 December 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of US Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

 
Note
 
2010
$
 
2009
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss for the year
 
 
(42,807)
 
(11,783)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income/(loss) in the year
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment
 
 
21
 
(72)
Gains and losses on derivative designated as cash flow hedges
 
 
1,001
 
(3,377)
Income tax benefit/(expense)
 
 
(330)
 
1,148
Gains and losses on derivative designated as cash flow hedges in prior periods transferred to profit in the current year
 
 
(861)
 
(8,517)
Income tax benefit/(expense)
 
 
283
 
2,896
Unrealised gain on available-for-sale financial asset
 
 
485
 
157
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss
 
 
(42,208)
 
(19,548)

 

The accompanying notes are not part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Notes on Consolidated Financial Statements

As at 31 December 2010 and 2009

(in thousands of US Dollars, except per share amounts)

 

 

1. Nature of operations

 

European Goldfields Limited (the "Company"), a company incorporated under the Yukon Business Corporations Act, is a resource company involved in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in Greece, Romania and South-East Europe.

 

The Company's common shares are listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "EGU".

 

The Company is a developer-producer with globally significant gold reserves located within the European Union. The Company generates cash flow from its 95% owned Stratoni operation, a high grade lead/zinc/silver mine in North-Eastern Greece and the sale of gold concentrates from Olympias. European Goldfields will evolve into a mid tier producer through responsible development of its project pipeline of gold and base metal deposits at Skouries and Olympias in Greece and Certej in Romania. The Company plans future growth through development of its highly prospective exploration portfolio in Greece, Romania and Turkey.

 

The underlying value of the deferred exploration and development costs for mineral properties is dependent upon the existence and economic recovery of reserves in the future, and the ability to fund the development of the properties.

 

For the coming year, the Company believes it has adequate funds available to meet its corporate and administrative obligations and its planned expenditures on its mineral properties.

 

 

2. Basis of Presentation

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada ("Canadian GAAP"), which assumes the Company will be able to realise assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. These consolidated financial statements do not include the adjustments that would be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company has sufficient funding for its needs until all the permits to construct its new mines are received, at which point additional capital will be required. The Company intends to achieve this through a combination of debt and equity funding.

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies

 

These consolidated financial statements reflect the following significant accounting policies.

 

Basis of consolidation - Business acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method and the results of operations of these businesses are included in these consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. Investments in associates over which the Company has significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.

 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the following subsidiaries:

 

Company

Country of incorporation

 

Ownership

Deva Gold (Barbados) Ltd

Barbados

100% owned

European Goldfields (Services) Limited

England

100% owned

European Goldfields Mining (Netherlands) B.V.

Netherlands

100% owned

European Goldfields (Greece) B.V.

Netherlands

100% owned

European Goldfields Deva SRL

Romania

100% owned

Macedonian Copper Mines SA

Greece

100% owned

Hellas Gold S.A.

Greece

95% owned

Deva Gold S.A.

Romania

80% owned

Greater Pontides Exploration B.V.

Netherlands

51% owned

Pontid Madencilik San. ve Ltd

Turkey

51% owned

Pontid Altin Madencilik Ltd. Sti.

Turkey

51% owned

Greek Nurseries SA

Greece

50% owned

 

The 20% minority interest held in the Company's 80% owned subsidiary, Deva Gold S.A. ("Deva Gold"), is accounted for in these consolidated financial statements. The Company is required to fund 100% of all costs related to the exploration and development of the mineral properties held by Deva Gold. As a result, the Company is entitled to the refund of such costs (plus interest) out of future cash flows generated by Deva Gold, prior to any dividends being distributed to shareholders.

 

Associates - Associates are those entities in which the Company has a material long term interest and in respect of which the group exercises significant influence over operational and financial policies, normally owning between 20% and 50% of the voting equity, but which it does not control.

 

Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are initially recognised at cost. The Company's share of its associates' post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the statement of profit and loss. Cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. When the Company's share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured receivables, the Company does not recognise further losses, unless it has unsecured obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

 

When the group no longer has significant influence over an associate, accounting for the investment as an associate ceases. The carrying value of the investment in the associate at the date it ceases to be an associate is transferred to the new designated class of financial asset. The investment is then accounted for under the requirements of the new financial asset designation.

 

Investments - Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets, principally equity securities that are designated as available-for-sale or are not classified in any other investment category. After initial recognition available-for sale financial assets are measured at fair value with gains or losses being recognised as a separate component of equity until the investment is derecognised or until the investment is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously reported in equity is recognised in profit or loss.

 

The fair values of investments that are actively traded in organised financial markets are determined by reference to quoted market bid prices at the close of business on the reporting date.

 

Inventory - Inventories of ore mined and metal concentrates are valued at the lower of combined production cost and net realisable value. Production costs include the costs directly related to bringing the inventory to its current condition and location, such as materials, labour, mine site overheads, related depreciation of mining and processing facilities and related depletion of mineral properties and deferred exploration and development costs. Exploration materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value and on a weighted average basis.

 

Property, plant and equipment - Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis based on a useful life of 3 years for office equipment, 6 years for vehicles, 10 years for leasehold improvements, at rates varying between 3 and 5 years for exploration equipment and at rates varying between 4 and 20 years for buildings. Depreciation for equipment used for exploration and development are capitalised to mineral properties.

 

Deferred exploration and development costs - Acquisition costs of resource properties, together with direct exploration and development costs incurred thereon, are deferred and capitalised. Upon reaching commercial production, these capitalised costs are transferred from exploration properties to producing properties on the consolidated balance sheets and are amortised into operations using the unit-of-production method over the estimated useful life of the estimated related ore reserves.

 

Based on annual impairment reviews made by management, in the event that the long-term expectation is that the net carrying amount of these capitalisedexploration and development costs will not be recovered such as would be indicated where:

 

- Producing properties:

·; the carrying amounts of the capitalised costs exceed the related undiscounted net cash flows of reserves;

 

- Exploration properties:

·; exploration activities have ceased;

·; exploration results are not promising such that exploration will not be planned for the foreseeable future;

·; lease ownership rights expire; or

·; insufficient funding is available to complete the exploration program;

 

Then the carrying amount is written down to fair value accordingly and the write-down amount charged to operations.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets - All long-lived assets and intangibles held and used by the Company are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset that an entity expects to hold and use may not be recoverable, future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its disposition must be estimated. If the undiscounted value of the future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, impairment is recognised based on the fair value of the assets.

 

Asset retirement obligation - The fair value of the liability of an asset retirement obligation is recorded when it is legally incurred and the corresponding increase to the mineral property is depreciated over the life of the mineral property. The liability is adjusted over time to reflect an accretion element considered in the initial measurement at fair value and revisions to the timing or amount of original estimates and for drawdowns as asset retirement expenditures are incurred. As at 31 December 2010 and 2009, the Company had an asset retirement obligation relating to its Stratoni property in Greece.

 

Deferred revenue - The Company receives prepayments for the sale of all of the silver metal to be produced from ore extracted during the mine-life within an area of some 7 km² around its zinc-lead-silver Stratoni mine as well as for sale of gold pyrite concentrate in northern Greece. The prepayments, which are accounted for as deferred revenue, are recognised as sales revenue on the basis of the proportion of the settlements during the period expected to the total settlements.

 

Revenue recognition - Revenues from the sale of concentrates are recognised and are measured at market prices when the rights and obligations of ownership pass to the customer. A number of the Company's concentrate products are sold under pricing arrangements where final prices are determined by quoted market prices in a period subsequent to the date of sale. These concentrates are provisionally priced at the time of sale based on forward prices for the expected date of the final settlement. The terms of the contracts result in non-hedge derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, because of the difference between the provisional price and the final settlement price. These embedded derivatives are adjusted to fair value through revenue each period until the date of final price determination. Subsequent variations in the price are recognised as revenue adjustments as they occur until the price is finalised.

 

Income taxes - Income taxes are calculated using the asset and liability method of tax accounting. Under this method, current income taxes are recognised for the estimated income taxes payable for the current period. Future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the substantially enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The benefit of the temporary differences is not recognised to the extent the recoverability of future income tax assets is not considered more likely than not.

 

Equity-based compensation - The Company operates a share option plan and a restricted share unit plan. The Company accounts for equity-based compensation granted under such plans using the fair value method of accounting. Under such method, the cost of equity-based compensation is estimated at fair value and is recognised in the profit and loss statement as an expense, or recognised as deferred exploration and development costs when the compensation is directly attributed to mineral properties. This cost is recognised over the relevant vesting period for grants to directors, officers and employees, and measured in full at the earlier of performance completion or vesting of grants to non-employees. Any consideration received by the Company on exercise of share options is credited to share capital.

 

Cash settled awards - The Company operates a deferred phantom unit plan, and accounts for the compensation granted using the liability method of accounting. The cost of each unit is recognised at the date of grant and is marked-to-market based on the Company's share price at the end of every reporting period.

 

Earnings per share ("EPS") - EPS is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding. Diluted per share amounts are calculated using the treasury stock method whereby proceeds deemed to be received on the exercise or exchange of share options and warrants and on the granting of restricted share units in the per share calculation are applied to reacquire common shares at the average market price during the period.

 

Foreign currency translation - The Company's functional currency is the United States dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities and revenue and expenses arising from foreign currency transactions are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction. Exchange gains or losses arising from the translation are included in operations.

 

Integrated foreign subsidiaries and associates are accounted for under the temporal method. Under this method, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical rates. Revenue and expenses are translated at actual or average rates for the period. Exchange gains or losses arising from the translation are included in operations except for those related to mineral properties which are capitalised.

 

Self-sustaining foreign subsidiaries and associates are accounted for under the current rate method. Under this method, all assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at actual or average rates for the period. Exchange gains or losses arising from the translation are recorded in equity in the cumulative translation adjustment component of other comprehensive income.

 

Estimates, risks and uncertainties - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant estimates and assumptions include those related to the recoverability of deferred exploration, development costs for mineral properties, asset retirement obligations and equity-based compensation. While management believes that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could vary significantly.

 

Financial instruments - The Company'sinvestments and investments in marketable securities have been classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Fair values are determined directly by reference to published price quotations in an active market. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are reflected in other comprehensive income and included in shareholders' equity on the balance sheet.

 

All derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Marked-to-market adjustments on these instruments are included in net profit, unless the instruments are designated as part of a cash flow hedge relationship.

 

All other financial instruments are recorded at cost or amortised cost, subject to impairment reviews. Transaction costs incurred to acquire financial instruments are included in the underlying balance.

 

Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include cash and deposits with original maturities of three months or less.

Hedges - The Company uses derivative and non-derivative financial instruments to manage changes in commodity prices. Hedge accounting is optional and it requires the Company to document the hedging relationship and test the hedging item's effectiveness in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged item on an ongoing basis.

 

The Company uses cash flow hedges to manage base metal commodity prices. The effective portion of the change in fair value of a cash flow hedging instrument is recorded in other comprehensive income and is reclassified to earnings when the hedge item impacts profit. Any ineffectiveness is recorded in net profit.

 

If a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge ceases to be effective or is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued and the gain or loss at that date is deferred in other comprehensive income and recognised concurrently with the settlement of the related transaction. If a hedged anticipated transaction is no longer probable, the gain or loss is recognised immediately in profit. Subsequent gains and losses from ineffective derivative instruments are recognised in profit in the period they occur.

 

Comprehensive income - Comprehensive income includes both net profit and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes holding gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, gains and losses on certain derivative instruments and foreign currency gains and losses relating to self-sustaining foreign operations, all of which are not included in the calculation of net earnings until realised.

 

 

4. Accounts receivable

 

This balance comprises the following:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Trade receivables

877

6,712

Value added taxes recoverable

23,087

18,360

Other receivables

2,321

1,741

26,285

26,813

 

 

5. Inventory

 

This balance comprises the following:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Ore mined

 149

102

Metal concentrates

 3,181

2,195

Material and supplies

 2,403

2,696

5,733

4,993

 

 

The components of cost of sales were as follows:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Mining cost

 24,712

24,907

Direct labour

 3,246

4,611

Indirect labour

 1,046

520

Other overhead costs

 5,234

6,162

Increase in gross inventories

 (740)

(1,311)

Freight charges

 4,079

9,141

37,577

44,030

 

 

6. Property, plant and equipment

 

Plant and

equipment

$

Vehicles

$

Mine

development,

land and

buildings

$

Total

$

Cost - 2009

At 31 December 2008

46,354

2,062

35,738

84,154

Additions

17,886

143

7,726

25,755

Disposals

-

(98)

-

(98)

At 31 December 2009

64,240

2,107

43,464

109,811

Accumulated depreciation - 2009

At 31 December 2008

4,668

1,284

3,801

9,753

Provision for the year

1,601

204

2,251

4,056

Disposals

-

(98)

-

(98)

At 31 December 2009

6,269

1,390

6,052

13,711

Net book value at 31 December 2009

57,971

717

37,412

96,100

Cost - 2010

At 31 December 2009

64,240

2,107

43,464

109,811

Additions

14,982

380

20,798

36,160

Disposals

(20)

(5)

-

(25)

Reclassification

(16,060)

-

16,060

-

At 31 December 2010

63,142

2,482

80,322

145,946

Accumulated depreciation - 2010

At 31 December 2009

6,269

1,390

6,052

13,711

Provision for the year

1,814

235

3,845

5,894

At 31 December 2010

8,083

1,625

9,897

19,605

Net book value at 31 December 2010

55,059

857

70,425

126,341

 

The net book value amount of property, plant and equipment not amortised amounted to $88,601 (2009 - $75,499).

 

 

7. Deferred exploration and development costs

 

Greek mineral properties:

 

Stratoni

$

Olympias

$

Skouries

$

Other exploration

$

Total

$

Balance - 31 December 2008

26,652

237,362

166,292

253

430,559

Deferred exploration and

development costs

636

606

1,257

33

2,532

Depletion of mineral properties

(3,237)

(657)

-

-

(3,894)

(2,601)

(51)

1,257

33

(1,362)

Balance - 31 December 2009

24,051

237,311

167,549

286

429,197

Deferred exploration and

451

1,482

2,872

396

5,201

development costs

Depletion of mineral properties

(2,899)

-

-

-

(2,899)

(2,448)

1,482

2,872

396

2,302

Balance - 31 December 2010

21,603

238,793

170,421

682

431,499

 

The Stratoni, Skouries and Olympias properties are held by the Company's 95% owned subsidiary, Hellas Gold. In September 2005, the Stratoni property commenced production in certain areas while still developing the mine to reach commercial production.

 

 

Romanian mineral properties:

Certej

$

Other

exploration

$

Total

$

Balance - 31 December 2008

38,832

6,355

45,187

Project exploration and development

3,672

547

4,219

Permit acquisition

157

-

157

Write-down of mineral property

-

(1,171)

(1,171)

Project overhead

1,551

159

1,710

Depreciation

58

13

71

5,438

(452)

4,986

Balance - 31 December 2009

44,270

5,903

50,173

Project exploration and development

2,031

985

3,016

Permit acquisition

88

-

88

Write-down of mineral property

-

(590)

(590)

Project overhead

4,208

332

4,540

Depreciation

72

13

85

6,399

740

7,139

Balance - 31 December 2010

50,669

6,643

57,312

 

The Certej exploitation licence and the Baita-Craciunesti exploration licence are held by the Company's 80%-owned subsidiary, Deva Gold. Minvest S.A. (a Romanian state owned mining company), together with three private Romanian companies, hold the remaining 20% interest in Deva Gold. The Company is required to fund 100% of all costs related to the exploration and development of these properties. As a result, the Company is entitled to the refund of such costs (plus interest) out of future cash flows generated by Deva Gold, prior to any dividends being distributed to shareholders. The Voia and Cainel exploration licences are held by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, European Goldfields Deva SRL.

 

The Company acquired the Magura Tebii property in 2008, as part of a consolidation of exploration ground in the area. The Company carried out a series of exploration investigations including, soil surveys, ground geophysical surveys, trenching and diamond core drilling. These detailed programmes established that the mineralization located at Magura Teebii was of insufficient tenor and size to meet the Company's targets as either a satellite to the Certej project or a stand-alone mine and therefore the decision was made by the Company not to progress this project and the license will be allowed to expire. A total of $590 was written down being historic costs capitalized relating to Magura Tebii.

 

Since the award of the Cainel Exploration Licence in 2005, the Company conducted an extensive programme of mapping, surface sampling, investigation of historic workings and dumps, drilling and geological interpretation on the property. This work concluded that the main mineralised structures had been mined out to practical mining depths and that there were no indications of significant extensions to the known mineralisation. Permit wide soil sampling was completed in 2009 which identified no other near surface resources and therefore the decision was made by the Company to relinquish the licence. In 2009 a total of $1,171 was written down being historic costs capitalised relating to Cainel.

 

As at the 31 December 2010, the following cost had been incurred on the remaining Romanian mineral properties:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Baita-Craciunesti

3,325

3,334

Voia

2,030

1,847

Magura Tebii

-

181

Exploration projects

1,288

541

6,643

5,903

 

 

Turkish mineral properties:

Ardala

$

Other

exploration

$

Total

$

Balance - 31 December 2008

449

7

456

Exploration

225

40

265

Project overhead

695

108

803

Permit acquisition

86

-

86

Depreciation

13

2

15

1,019

150

1,169

Balance - 31 December 2009

1,468

157

1,625

Exploration

535

126

661

Project overhead

558

432

990

Permit acquisition

5

6

11

Depreciation

16

3

19

1,114

567

1,681

Balance - 31 December 2010

2,582

724

3,306

 

 

The Turkish licences are held through a Turkish Company, Pontid Madencilik. Currently the Company has a 51% interest in all the properties and the Company will fund 100% of all costs related to the development of these properties. Ownership of the Ardala property may be increased to 80% by funding to completion of a Bankable Feasibility Study. All other concessions funded to a Bankable Feasibility Study will be 90% owned by the Company. The owner of the remaining 49% of the properties is Ariana Resources plc.

 

 

8. Investment in associates

 

2010

$

2009

$

Balance - Beginning of year

711

2,075

Shares acquired

-

141

Share of profit/(loss) of associate

 10

(76)

Cumulative translation adjustment

 22

(32)

Share issue cost

-

(28)

Loss in dilution of interest in associates

-

(36)

Reclassification as investment available-for-sale

-

(1,333)

Balance - End of year

743

711

 

 

In January 2008, Hellas Gold acquired a 50% share of Greek Nurseries SA for a consideration of $834 (€530), at the date of acquisition the Company had no net assets.

 

In May 2008, the Company subscribed for 20.13% of the issued share capital of Ariana through a $1,858 (£929) private placement of shares. The difference between the cost of the investment of $1,830 and the underlying net book value of Ariana was $132 at the date of acquisition. This excess represented additional fair value assigned to mineral properties of Ariana and was to be depleted upon commencement of mining operations of Ariana.

 

In January 2009, Ariana performed a share issue which the Company took part in, however this resulted in a dilution of ownership as the Company did not subscribe to 20.13% of the new shares being issued. After the share issue the Company held 19.87% interest in Ariana. During September 2009 and March 2010 Ariana carried out further share placements in which the Company did not subscribe. As at 31 December 2010, the Company held 12.74% of the issued share capital (2009 - 16.58%). Since October 2009, the Company no longer has a representative on the board of Ariana and therefore no longer has significant influence and therefore accounted for its investment in Ariana as an investment available-for-sale.

 

 

9. Investment other

 

2010

$

2009

$

Balance - Beginning of year

1,490

-

Reclassification from investment in associate

-

1,333

Fair value adjustment

485

157

Balance - End of year

1,975

1,490

 The above investment is accounted for as an available-for-sale asset.

 

 

10. Income taxes

 

The following table reconciles the expected income tax recovery at the Canadian statutory income tax rate to the amounts recognised in the consolidated statements of profit and loss:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Income tax rate

33.00%

34.00%

Income taxes at statutory rates

(14,064)

(2,839)

Tax rate difference from foreign jurisdictions

1,232

323

Permanent differences

5,204

(391)

Under provision prior year

-

654

Change in tax rate

(60)

(60)

Change in valuation allowance

8,311

5,689

623

3,376

 

 

The following table reflects future income tax assets:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Loss carry forwards

12,605

10,091

Plant and equipment

108

45

Retirement obligation

1,321

1,396

Accruals

97

-

Inventory

34

-

Personal indemnities

49

47

Capital raising costs

451

853

Valuation allowance

(13,057)

(10,824)

1,608

1,608

Less: Current portion

-

(119)

Future income tax assets recognised

1,608

1,489

 

The following table reflects future income tax liabilities:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Mineral properties

84,124

84,491

Plant and equipment

1,901

1,329

Exploration and development expenditure

3,525

3,187

Accrued expenses & other

227

286

Inventory

-

10

Retirement obligation

595

780

Future income tax liabilities recognised

90,372

90,083

 

The tax liability relating to the mineral property arises as a result of the increase in value placed on the mineral properties held by Hellas Gold on acquisition by the Company. This future tax liability will reverse as the corresponding mineral properties are amortised.

 

As at 31 December 2010, the Company has available tax losses for income tax purposes of $44,434 (2009 - $36,258) which may be carried forward to reduce taxable income derived in future years.

 

 

The non-capital losses expire as follows:

 

2010

$

2017

13,127

2016

3,909

2015

9,262

2014

722

Non expiring losses

17,414

44,434

 

In addition, the Company incurred share issue costs and other deductible temporary differences, which have not yet been claimed for income tax purposes, totalling as at 31 December 2010 $451 (2009 - $1,357).

 

A valuation allowance has been provided as a portion of the potential income tax benefits of these carry-forward non-capital losses and deductible temporary differences and the realisation thereof is not considered more likely than not.

 

 

11. Provisions

 

2010

$

2009

$

Deferred phantom unit plan

6,557

1,900

6,557

1,900

 

 

12. Asset retirement obligation

 

Management has estimated the total future asset retirement obligation based on the Company's ownership interest in the Stratoni mines and facilities. This includes all estimated costs to dismantle, remove, reclaim and abandon the facilities at the Stratoni property, and the estimated time period during which these costs will be incurred in the future. The following table reconciles the asset retirement obligation for the financial years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Asset retirement obligation - Beginning of year

7,068

6,937

Accretion expense

127

131

Asset retirement obligation - End of year

7,195

7,068

 

As at 31 December 2010, the undiscounted amount of estimated cash flows required to settle the obligation is $7,805 (2009 - $7,805). The estimated cash flow has been discounted using a credit adjusted risk free rate of 5.04% (2009 - 5.04%). The expected period until settlement is four years (2009 - five years).

 

 

13. Deferred revenue

 

In April 2007, Hellas Gold agreed to sell to Silver Wheaton (Caymans) Ltd. ("Silver Wheaton") all of the silver metal to be produced from ore extracted during the mine-life within an area of some 7 km² around its zinc-lead-silver Stratoni mine in northern Greece (the "Silver Wheaton Transaction"), up to 15 million ounces, or 20 million ounces if additional silver is processed through the Stratoni mill from areas other than the current producing mine. The sale was made in consideration of a prepayment to Hellas Gold of $57.5 million in cash, plus a fee per ounce of payable silver to be delivered to Silver Wheaton of the lesser of $3.90 (subject to an inflationary adjustment beginning after year three) and the prevailing market price per ounce. During the year ended 31 December 2010, Hellas Gold delivered concentrate containing 780,251 ounces (2009 - 772,865 ounces) of silver for credit to Silver Wheaton.

 

In September 2007, Hellas Gold entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Celtic Resources Holdings Plc ("Celtic") for the sale of 50,000 wet metric tonnes of gold bearing pyrite concentrate, for which Hellas Gold received a prepayment of $4.71 million in cash. During the year a total of Nil wmt (2009 - 24,680 wmt) of concentrate was delivered to Celtic.

 

The following table reconciles movements on deferred revenue associated with Celtic and the Silver Wheaton transaction:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Deferred revenue - Beginning of year

52,961

58,496

Revenue recognised

(3,300)

(5,535)

49,661

52,961

Less: Current portion

(3,867)

(4,549)

Deferred revenue: non - current

45,794

48,412

 

 

14. Capital stock

 

Authorised:

- Unlimited number of common shares, without par value

- Unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series, without par value

 

Issued and outstanding (common shares - all fully paid)

Number of shares

Amount

$

Balance - 31 December 2008

179,382,381

538,316

Restricted share units vested

947,925

3,317

Share options exercised or exchanged

1,009,507

3,576

Share issue costs, net of tax

-

(29)

1,957,432

6,864

Balance - 31 December 2009

181,339,813

545,180

Restricted share units vested

1,061,335

4,733

Share options exercised or exchanged

783,973

3,557

Issued to JOE Plan

500,000

3,301

2,345,308

11,591

Balance - 31 December 2010

183,685,121

556,771

 

 

Contributed surplus

 

2010

$

2009

$

Equity-based compensation expense

16,084

9,469

Other

578

578

16,662

10,047

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Cumulative translation adjustment

36,839

36,818

Fair value of cash flow hedge

(970)

(1,064)

Available-for-sale asset

641

157

36,510

35,911

 

Other reserve

 

2010

$

2009

$

Purchase of treasury shares

(3,301)

-

(3,301)

-

 

 

15. Share options, restricted share units and deferred phantom units

 

Share option plan

 

The Company operates a Share Option Plan (together with its predecessor, the "Share Option Plan") authorising the directors to grant options with a maximum term of 5 years, to acquire common shares of the Company to the directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries, on terms that the Board of Directors may determine, within the limitations of the Share Option Plan. The share options have a vesting period ranging between 1 and 3 years and in certain instances vest upon the achievement of corporate milestones. Upon change of control of the Company they would typically become 100% vested. The maximum number of common shares of the Company which may be reserved for issuance for all purposes under the Share Option Plan shall not exceed 15% of the common shares issued and outstanding from time to time, being 27,552,768 shares as at 31 December 2010 (2009 - 27,200,972).

 

An option holder under the Share Option Plan may elect to dispose of its rights under all or part of its options (the "Exchanged Rights") in exchange for the following number of common shares of the Company (or at the Company's option for cash) in settlement thereof (the "Settlement Common Shares"):

 

Number of

settlement common shares

=

Number of optioned shares issuable on exercise of the

Exchanged Rights

X

(Current price - Exercise price)

Current price

 

 

As at 31 December 2010, the following share options were outstanding:

 

Expiry date

Number of exercisable options

Number of Options

Exercise

Price

$

2011

50,000

50,000

4.10

2011

17,000

17,000

3.25

2011

600,000

600,000

3.85

2012

250,000

250,000

5.87

2013

-

18,332

6.80

2013

50,000

95,000

5.07

2013

360,000

360,000

3.54

2014

1,300,000

1,300,000

6.00

2014

900,000

900,000

6.03

2015

-

62,500

6.06

2015

37,500

75,000

7.24

2015

-

62,500

11.66

2015

-

2,525,000

13.95

3,564,500

6,315,332

8.87

 

 

During the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, share options were granted, exercised, exchanged, forfeited and expired as follows:

 

Number of options

Weighted

average

exercise price

C$

Balance - 31 December 2008

3,491,665

4.01

Options granted

1,350,000

6.04

Options exercised

(960,000)

2.72

Options exchanged for shares

(125,000)

4.46

Options forfeited

(50,000)

6.80

Options expired

(300,000)

4.18

Balance - 31 December 2009

3,406,665

5.10

Options granted

4,325,000

10.76

Options exercised

(143,333)

2.29

Options exchanged for shares

(1,233,000)

5.90

Options forfeited

(40,000)

6.80

Balance - 31 December 2010

6,315,332

8.87

 

Of the 6,315,332 (2009 - 3,406,665) share options outstanding as at 31 December 2010, 3,564,500 (2009 - 1,855,001) were fully vested and had a weighted average exercise price of C$5.35 (2009 - C$4.57) per share. The exercise prices of those options exercised and exchanged during 2010 ranged from C$1.99 to C$7.00 per share (2009 - C$2.00 to C$4.10) and the weighted average exercise price during 2010 was C$5.52 (2009 - C$2.92). The share options outstanding as at 31 December 2010, had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.80 years (2009 - 3.38 years).

 

For outstanding share options, including options granted during the year and those which were not fully vested during the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company incurred a total equity-based compensation cost of $7,195 (2009 - $2,039) of which $5,721 (2009 - $1,901) has been recognised as an expense in the statement of profit and loss and $1,473 (2009 - $138) capitalised to deferred exploration and development costs.

 

The fair value of the share options granted has been estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes and Parisian option pricing model with the following assumptions: weighted average risk free interest rate of 0.5% - 2.64% (2009 - 2.05% to 3.05%); volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company's shares of 58.94% - 68.03% (2009 - 32.86% to 89.59%); a weighted average expected life of the share options of 5 years (2009 - 5 years), maximum term of 5 years and a dividend yield of Nil (2009 - Nil).

 

Restricted share unit plan

 

The Company operates a Restricted Share Unit Plan (the "RSU Plan") authorising the directors, based on recommendations received from the Compensation Committee, to grant Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") to designated directors, officers, employees and consultants. The RSUs are "phantom" shares that rise and fall in value based on the value of the Company's common shares and are redeemed for actual common shares on the vesting dates determined by the Board of Directors when the RSUs are granted. The RSUs vest on the dates below; however, upon a change of control of the Company they would typically become 100% vested. The maximum number of common shares of the Company which may be reserved for issuance for all purposes under the RSU Plan shall not exceed 2.5% of the common shares issued and outstanding from time to time, being 4,592,128 shares as at 31 December 2010 (2009 - 4,533,495).

 

As at 31 December 2010, the following RSUs were outstanding:

 

Number of RSU's

Grant date

fair value of

underlying

Shares

C$

31 December 2011

200,000

6.02

31 December 2011

416,664

6.19

31 December 2012

133,336

6.19

25 January 2011

31,250

6.32

25 January 2012

31,250

6.32

1 February 2011

37,500

7.11

1 February 2012

37,500

7.11

15 March 2011

31,250

11.76

15 March 2012

31,250

11.76

31 December 2013

675,000

10.88

31 December 2011

213,527

14.65

1,838,527

9.11

 

 

During the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, RSUs were granted, vested and forfeited as follows:

 

Number of RSUs

Weighted

average

grant date fair value of underlying price

C$

Balance - 31 December 2008

205,000

4.09

RSUs granted

2,104,259

4.52

RSUs vested

(947,925)

3.86

RSUs forfeited

(100,000)

2.74

Balance - 31 December 2009

1,261,334

5.09

RSUs granted

1,638,527

9.48

RSUs vested

(1,061,334)

4.91

Balance - 31 December 2010

1,838,527

9.11

 

 

For outstanding RSUs which were not fully vested, including RSUs granted during the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company incurred a total equity-based compensation cost of $7,398 (2009 - $4,781) of which $4,748 (2009 - $3,793) has been recognised as an expense in the statement of profit and loss and $2,650 (2009 - $988) has been capitalised to deferred exploration and development costs.

 

Deferred phantom unit plan

 

The Company operates a Deferred Phantom Unit plan (the "DPU Plan") authorising the directors based on recommendation by the Human Capital Management Committee to grant Deferred Phantom Units ("DPUs) to eligible Directors. The DPUs are units which give rise to a right to receive a cash payment on a particular date, being the date that any Director is no longer employed by the Company or upon a change of control of the Company. The cash payment should be the market value of the equivalent number of shares granted at that date of exercise. A portion of the DPUs vest over a period of time, ranging from 1 to 3 years and upon achieving certain corporate milestones. The market value of outstanding DPUs at 31 December 2010 and 2009 has been included in non-current liabilities.

 

During the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009, DPUs were forfeited and outstanding as follows:

 

Number of DPUs

Balance - 31 December 2008

406,500

DPUs granted

90,817

DPUs converted to RSUs

(145,907)

Balance - 31 December 2009

351,410

DPUs granted

1,758,599

DPUs exercised

(147,439)

Balance - 31 December 2010

1,962,570

 

 

Of the 1,962,570 (2009 - 351,410) DPUs outstanding as at 31 December 2010, 261,860 (2009 - 351,410) were fully vested and had a weighted average price of C$13.93 (2009 - C$6.08) per share. A total of 147,439 DPUs were exercised during the year (2009 - Nil) at a realised price of C$5.26 (2009 - Nil).

 

For outstanding DPUs including DPUs granted during the year and those which were not fully vested during the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company incurred a total compensation cost of $5,437 (2009 - $836) which has been recognised as an expense in the statement of profit and loss.

 

 

16. Financial instruments and financial risk management

 

Financial exposures, in varying degrees, arise in the normal course of the Company's consolidated operations and include commodity price risk, foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and credit risk associated with trade and financial counterparties. These exposures are monitored by Senior Management and are assessed and mitigated in accordance with the Group Risk Management Policy.

 

The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, available-for-sale asset and hedge contracts.

 

Short-term financial assets are amounts that are expected to be settled within one year. The carrying amounts in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of the short term nature of these instruments.

 

The carrying amounts of the financial instruments and their fair values as at 31 December 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

Carrying amount

Fair value

2010

2009

2010

2009

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

57,122

113,642

57,122

113,642

Accounts receivable

26,285

26,813

26,285

26,813

Available-for-sale asset

1,975

1,490

1,975

1,490

Financial liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

11,557

10,784

11,557

10,784

Derivative financial liability

970

1,064

970

1,064

 

 

Fair value

2010

quoted market price

(Level 1)

Fair value

2010

valuation

technique

market

observation

inputs

(Level 2)

 

Fair value

2009

quoted market price

(Level 1)

Fair value

2009

valuation

technique

market

observation

inputs

(Level 2)

Financial assets

Available-for-sale asset

1,975

-

1,490

-

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial liability

-

970

-

1,064

 

Quoted market price represents the fair value determined based on quoted prices on active markets as at the reporting date without any deduction for transaction costs. The fair value of the listed equity investments are based on quoted market prices.

For financial instruments not quoted in active markets, the Company used valuation techniques such as present value and Black - Scholes option valuation techniques, comparison to similar instruments for which market observable prices exist and other relevant models used by market participants. These valuation techniques use both observable and unobservable market inputs.

 

Commodity price risk - The Company's net profit and value of the mineral resource properties are related to the prices of gold, silver, copper, zinc and lead and the outlook for these commodities.

 

Gold prices historically have fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors outside of the company's control, including, but not limited to, industrial and retail demand, central bank lending, forward sales by market participants, levels of worldwide production, macro-economic and political variables and certain other factors related specifically to gold. Silver and, in particular, base metal prices have historically tended to be driven more by the demand and supply fundamentals for each metal, however, they are also influenced by speculative activity, macro-economic and political variables and certain other factors related specifically to silver and base metals.

 

The long term profitability of the Company's operations is highly correlated to the market price of its commodities and in particular gold. To the extent that these prices increase, asset values increase and cash flows improve; conversely, declines in metal prices directly impact value and cash flows. A protracted period of depressed prices could impair the Company's operations and development opportunities, and significantly erode shareholder value.

 

Hedging commitments - The Company enters into financial transactions in the normal course of business and in line with Board guidelines for the purpose of hedging and managing its expected exposure to commodity prices. There are a number of financial institutions which offer metal hedging services and the Company deals with highly rated banks and institutions who have demonstrated long term commitment to the mining industry. The Company has one counterparty in respect of its lead and zinc hedge contracts noted below. Market conditions and prices would affect the fair value of these hedge contracts and in certain market conditions, where the fair value of the hedge contract is positive to the Company, if this counterparty were unable to honour its obligations under the hedge contract, the Company would be exposed to the value of the hedge and the difference between the hedged price and the then current market price on the date of the settlement. The hedges below are treated as cash flow hedges in accordance with CICA 3865: Hedges.

 

Lead and Zinc hedging contracts - As at 31 December 2010, the Company had entered into hedging arrangements as illustrated below which, for the amount of production shown, protect the Company from decreasing prices below the floor price and limit participation in increasing prices above the cap price. The period of the hedge is from 1 January 2011 until 31 December 2011 and is cash settled on a monthly basis between the monthly average of the relevant commodity price and the cap and floor price, as applicable. As at 31 December 2010, these contracts had a fair value of ($970) (2009 - ($1,064)), determined by a 3rd party valuation using the appropriate Black-Scholes options valuation model, based on the then prevailing market prices including lead and zinc prices, interest rates and market volatility.

 

 

Period January 2011 - December 2011

 

Lead

 

Zinc

Total Volume

(tonne)

6,000

7,800

Monthly Volume

(tonne)

500

650

Floor Price

($/tonne)

2,000

2,000

Cap Price

($/tonne)

2,900

2,800

 

During the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company recorded income relating to its hedging program of $577 (2009 - $5,621).

 

Given the current maturity profile of the hedge, market expectations and parameters, we expect that the fair value of the existing hedge contracts ($970) will be released to net income within the next 12 months.

 

Currency risk - The Company is exposed to currency risk on accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash holdings that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the operating entities in the group. As at the 31 December 2010, the Company held the equivalent of $41,591 (2009 - $16,133) in net assets denominated in foreign currencies. These balances are primarily made up of Euro and, to a lesser extent, Pound Sterling.

 

The Company publishes its consolidated financial statements in US dollars and as a result, it is also subject to foreign exchange translation risk in respect of Euro denominated assets and liabilities in its foreign operations.

 

For the year ended 31 December 2010 the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $3,321 (2009 - $1,576), mainly due to the translation of Euro balances in its subsidiaries.

 

Liquidity risk - Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they become due.

 

The Company manages its liquidity risk by ensuring that there is sufficient capital to meet working capital, short and long term business requirements after taking into account cash flows from operations and holdings of cash and cash equivalents. Senior management is actively involved in the review and approval of planned expenditures by regularly monitoring cash flows from operations and anticipated investing and financing activities.

 

The Company does not have any borrowing or debt facilities and settles its obligations out of cash and cash equivalents. The ability to do this relies on the Company collecting its accounts receivable in a timely manner and maintaining cash on hand.

 

Financial liabilities consist of trade payables, accrued liabilities and financial derivatives. As at 31 December 2010, the Company's trade payables and accrued liabilities amounted to $11,557 (2009 - $10,784), all of which fall due for payment within 12 months of the balance sheet date. The average credit period achieved during the year ended 31 December 2010 was 30 days (2009 - 30 days).

 

As at 31 December 2010, cash and cash equivalents comprises the following:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Interest bearing bank accounts

29,003

102,686

Short-term deposits

28,119

10,956

57,122

113,642

 

The Company has accounts receivable from trading counterparties to whom concentrate products are sold. Where traders are chosen as counterparties, only the larger and most financially secure metal trading groups are dealt with. The company may also transact agreements with trading groups who have direct interests in smelting capacity or direct to the smelters themselves.

 

Of the total trade receivable as at 31 December 2010, 3 (2009 - 4) customers represented 99% (2009 - 84%) of the total. The Company does not anticipate any loss for non-performance.

 

For a breakdown of accounts receivable as at 31 December 2010 refer to note 4.

 

As at 31 December 2010, the Company considers its accounts receivable excluding Value Added Taxes recoverable and other accounts receivable to be aged as follows:

 

 

Ageing

2010

$

2009

$

Current

856

4,139

Past due (1-30 days)

-

2,283

Past due (31-60 days)

-

233

Past due (more than 60 days)

21

57

877

6,712

 

No provision has been made for accounts receivable past due and full receipt is expected.

 

Interest rate risk - The Company is exposed to interest rate risk arising from fluctuations in interest rates on its cash equivalents. The Company does not have any borrowings or debt facilities and seeks to maximise returns on cash equivalents without risking capital values. The Company's objectives of managing its cash and cash equivalents are to ensure sufficient liquid funds are maintained to meet day to day requirements and to place any amounts which are considered in excess of this on short-term deposits with the Company's banks to earn interest. The Company uses top rated institutions and ensures that access to the amounts can be gained at short notice. During the year ended 31 December 2010 the company earned interest income of $306 (2009 - $625) on cash and cash equivalents, based on rates of returns up to 3.5% (2009 - up to 3.5%).

 

Credit risk - Credit risk represents the financial loss the Company would suffer if the Company's counterparties to a financial instrument, in owing an amount to the Company, fail to meet or discharge their obligation to the Company.

 

Financial instruments that expose the Company to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and in certain market conditions, hedging contracts. Cash equivalents consist mainly of short-term investments, such as money market deposits. The Company does not invest in asset-backed commercial paper and has deposited the cash equivalents only with the largest banks within a particular region or with top rated institutions.

 

The Company's concentrate offtake arrangements also expose it to credit risk which would result should the Company's offtakers default under these arrangements, as a result of which the Company would not realise its trade receivable amount. The Company manages this exposure through assessing the offtaker's credit risk before entering the offtake agreement, the structure of the offtake contract and sells to a number of different offtakers which diversifies this risk.

 

Included in the Company's accounts receivable is an amount of $22,509 (2009 - $18,095) relating to value added taxes recoverable which is subject to Greek government credit risk.

 

Sensitivity analysis - The Company has completed a sensitivity analysis to estimate the impact on net (loss)/profit of a 5% change in foreign exchange rates, a 1% change in interest rates and a 10% change in base metal prices, excluding the effect of hedging, during the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009. The results of the sensitivity analysis can be seen in the following table:

 

 

Impact on net (loss)/profit (+/-)

2010

$

2009

$

Change of -5% US$: € foreign exchange rate

(1,492)

(1,676)

Change of +5% US$: € foreign exchange rate

1,491

1,674

Change of +/-1% in interest rates

545

890

Change of +/-10% in commodities prices

2,198

8,281

 

Limitations of sensitivity analysis - The above table demonstrates the effect of each sensitivity in isolation. In reality, there may be a correlation between a combination of any of these sensitivities. Additionally, the financial position of the Company may vary at the time any of these factors occurs, causing the impact on the Company's results to differ from that shown above.

 

 

17. Capital risk management

 

The Company's objectives when managing its capital are to maintain financial flexibility to achieve its long term business development plan, whilst managing its costs, optimizing its access to capital markets and preserving capital value. Further, it ensures that there is sufficient liquidity available to meet day to day operating requirements.

 

The Company currently has no debt and considers its Shareholders' Equity and cash and cash equivalents as components of its capital structure.

 

The Company's Board of Directors continually assesses the Company's capital through its short-term budgets and long-term development plan, meeting regularly through quarterly board meetings and regular communication with Officers and senior management to assess the requirements, changes to Company's set of assumptions and capital market conditions.

 

Going forward, as part of its capital management, the Company expects to raise a level of debt based on the forecast cashflows of its projects. As a result, the Company may need to comply with certain financial covenants and financial restrictions accordingly.

 

In order to maximise ongoing development efforts, the company does not pay out dividends.

 

The Company's investment policy is to invest its cash in high-grade investment securities with varying terms, maturity and counterparties, selected with regards to the expected timing of expenditures from continuing operations and counterparty risk.

 

The Company expects its current capital resources and anticipated debt raising will be sufficient to carry out its plans and operations through its current operating period based on its current price assumptions, technical life of mine models and forecast budget, which outline cash requirements for each of its projects.

The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements and there has been no change in the overall capital risk management as at 31 December 2010.

Capital under management was as follows:

 

2010

$

2009

$

Capital stock

556,771

545,180

Other reserves

(3,301)

-

Contributed surplus

16,662

10,047

Accumulated other comprehensive income

36,510

35,911

Deficit

(56,635)

(13,828)

550,007

577,310

 

 

18. Supplementary cash flow information

 

 
2010
$
 
2009
$
 
 
 
 
Changes in non-cash working capital:
 
 
 
(Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
11,101
 
(8,877)
(Increase)/decrease in inventory
(504)
 
(1,845)
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
721
 
(4,416)
 
11,318
 
(15,138)
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash share based compensation cost
14,593
 
6,820
Exercise or exchange of share options – Transfer from contributed surplus to share capital
(3,245)
 
(1,244)
Vesting of restricted share units
(4,733)
 
(3,317)

 

 

19. Commitments 

 

The Company has spending commitments of $435 (2009 - $236) per year (plus service charges and value added tax) for a term of five years under the lease for its office in London, England, which commenced in November 2009. 

 

Hellas Gold has spending commitments of $156 (2009 - $150) per year for a term of 9 years under the lease for its office in Athens, Greece, which commenced in December 2007. After the second anniversary, the rent escalates annually at a rate of consumer price index +1%. Hellas Gold's commitment through the lease agreement is extended to payment of all rental taxes, utilities, proportion of common charges as well as proportion of municipal taxes.

 

Deva Gold has spending commitments of $155 (2009 - Nil) per year, with the Local Council of Certejul de Sus commune, for a term of 20 years, for forested land situated in Hondol village, Romania. The lease commenced in November 2010 and has the option of being extended for a period equal with a maximum of half of the initial period and by mutual agreement.

 

As at 31 December 2010, Hellas Gold had entered into off-take agreements pursuant to which Hellas Gold agreed to sell 21,381 dmt of zinc concentrates, 13,154 dmt of lead/silver concentrates and 20,869 dmt of gold concentrates until the financial year ending 2011.

 

During 2007, Hellas Gold entered into purchase agreements with Outotec Minerals OY for long-lead time equipment for the Skouries project with a cost of $43,749 which is to be paid in full by the end of March 2011. As at 31 December 2010, $43,292 of the commitment had been paid. The Company has pledged $342 in support of a letter of credit issued on behalf of Outotec Minerals OY through Nordea Bank of Finland.

 

2010

$

2009

$

Within one year

550

323

After one year but not more than five years

2,010

982

More than five years

2,437

1,163

4,997

2,468

 

 

20. Transactions with related parties

 

Aktor S.A ("Aktor") Greece's largest construction Company owns 5% of Hellas Gold the Company's 95% owned subsidiary. Aktor is a 100% subsidiary of Ellaktor S.A., which owns 19.3% of the Company's issued share capital. Aktor, which is deemed a related party, contracts management, technical and engineering services to Hellas Gold.

 

During the year ended 31 December 2010, Hellas Gold incurred costs of $36,213 (2009 - $33,566) which have been recognised as cost of sales in the statements of profit and loss and capitalised to property, plant and equipment, for services received from Aktor. As at 31 December 2010, Hellas Gold had accounts payable of $3,866 (2009 - $3,881) to Aktor. These expenditures were contracted in the normal course of operations and are recorded at the exchange amount agreed by the parties. The terms of the payable is 30 days (2009 - 30 days).

 

During the year ended 31 December 2010, the Company loaned three of its directors a total of $95 (£61), (2009 - nil) in relation to employee withholding taxes paid by the Company on behalf of the directors. These loans, which were taken out in the context of the Company's long term incentive plan to increase directors' equity investment in the Company, are interest free and repayable by mutual agreement.

 

 

21. Segmented report

 

During 2010, the Company had four reporting segments. The Company has identified its operating segments based on internal reports prepared by management. Management has identified the operating segments based on the location of its activities. The Company's operations are managed on a regional basis. The Greek reporting segment includes the production activities of the Stratoni mine and development activities of Olympias and Skouries. The Romanian reporting segment includes the exploration and development activities of the Certej project. The Turkish reporting segment includes the exploration activities of the Ardala project. The other reporting segment includes the operation of the Company's corporate office. The accounting policy used by the Company in reporting segments are in accordance with the measurement principles of Canadian GAAP.

 

 

 

Greece

 

Romania

 

Turkey

Corporate

2010

Total

Assets

Production stage mineral properties

21,603

-

-

-

21,603

Development stage mineral properties

409,896

57,312

-

-

467,208

Exploration stage mineral properties

-

-

3,306

-

3,306

Property, plant and equipment

114,076

11,395

45

825

126,341

Cash

3,978

1,070

410

51,664

57,122

Accounts receivable

25,126

225

437

496

26,284

Other assets

11,741

1,291

44

3,873

16,949

Segment assets

586,420

71,293

4,242

56,858

718,813

Income

Sales to external customers:

Concentrate sales

50,572

-

-

-

50,572

Gold pyrite sales

(717)

-

-

-

(717)

Other income:

Income from associate

-

-

-

10

10

Interest income

16

-

-

290

306

Total segment income

49,871

-

-

300

50,171

Result

Depreciation

(5,840)

290

(4)

(230)

(5,784)

Depletion

(2,899)

-

-

-

(2,899)

Segment result before hedge contract

profit and equity based compensation

(10,853)

(590)

(58)

(15,789)

(27,290)

Hedge contract profit

-

-

-

577

577

Share compensation

-

-

-

(15,907)

(15,907)

Total segment result before income taxes

(10,853)

(590)

(58)

(31,119)

(42,620)

Income taxes (expense)/benefit

(989)

-

-

366

(623)

Total segment result

(11,842)

(590)

(58)

(30,753)

(43,243)

 

Of total revenue in the period, 4 customers each accounted for greater than 10% of the total.

 

 

Greece

 

Romania

 

Turkey

Corporate

2009

Total

Assets

Production stage mineral properties

24,051

-

-

-

24,051

Development stage mineral properties

405,146

50,173

-

-

455,319

Exploration stage mineral properties

-

-

1,625

-

1,625

Property, plant and equipment

92,711

3,102

53

234

96,100

Cash

7,170

882

135

105,455

113,642

Accounts receivable

25,293

120

194

1,205

26,812

Other assets

23,581

325

33

2,612

26,551

Segment assets

577,952

54,602

2,040

109,506

744,100

Income

Sales to external customers:

Concentrate sales

39,563

-

-

-

39,563

Gold pyrite sales

23,149

-

-

-

23,149

Other income:

Income from associate

-

-

-

(76)

(76)

Interest income

428

-

1

196

625

Total segment income

63,140

-

1

120

63,261

Result

Depreciation

(3,870)

(4)

(3)

(94)

(3,971)

Depletion

(3,216)

-

-

-

(3,216)

Segment result excluding hedge contract

profit and equity based compensation

1,940

(1,171)

(82)

(8,129)

(7,442)

Hedge contract profit

-

-

-

5,621

5,621

Share based compensation

-

-

-

(6,530)

(6,530)

Total segment result before income taxes

1,940

(1,171)

(82)

(9,038)

(8,351)

Income taxes (expense)/benefit

(2,007)

-

-

(1,369)

(3,376)

Total segment result

(67)

(1,171)

(82)

(10,407)

(11,727)

 

Of total revenue in the period, 4 customers each accounted for greater than 10% of the total.

 

 

22. Pension plans and other post-retirement benefits

 

The Company's subsidiary, European Goldfields (Services) Limited, maintains a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The defined contribution pension plan provides pension benefits based on accumulated employee and Company contributions. Company contributions to these plans are a set percentage of employees' annual income and may be subject to certain vesting requirements. The cost of defined contribution benefits is expensed as earned by employees.

 

As at 31 December 2010 and 2009, the Company recognised the following costs:

 

 

2010

$

2009

$

Defined contribution plans

255

641

 

 

23. Loss per share

 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to holders of the Company's common shares is based as follows:

 

 
2010
$
 
2009
$
 
 
 
 
Loss for the year
(42,807)
 
(11,783)
Effect of dilutive potential common shares
-
 
-
Diluted earnings
(42,807)
 
(11,783)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share
182,754
 
179,825
Incremental shares – Share options
-
 
-
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per share
182,754
 
179,825

 

 

 

24. Comparative figures

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified from statements previously presented to conform to the presentation of 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

25. Post balance sheet event

 

The Company has noted a decision announced by a press release of the European Commission of 23 February 2011. The press release states that the European Commission has concluded that the sale of the Kassandra Mines in 2003 by the Greek State to Hellas Gold was carried out below its real market value and, therefore, involved indirect subsidies in breach of EU state aid rules. The subsidy was calculated by the European Commission at $18.7 million (€14 million), such amount representing the difference between its own interpretation of the value of the mines as $33.4 million (€25 million) from a report commissioned for the Company shortly after the sale and the purchase price of $14.7 million (€11 million) paid by Hellas Gold. The European Commission also asserts that the Company did not pay transaction taxes amounting to $1.79 million (€1.34 million); therefore, the total amount to be recovered from the Company to the Greek State is $20.4 million (€15.3 million), plus interest.

Based on what has been publically stated the Company and/or Hellas Gold would seek to contest the decision on the basis that the report on which the European Commission based its decision clearly states that the value of the Kassandra Mines was negative $2.59 million (€1.94 million) rather than the aforementioned $33.4 (€25 million). The Company has not yet seen a copy of the European Commission's decision. When the decision is released, the Company will have the opportunity to review all the legal, economic and factual elements relied upon by the European Commission in making its finding of state aid in favour of Hellas Gold and will use all means at its disposal to ensure that the decision accurately reflects the entire circumstances and issues surrounding the December 2003 acquisition. The Company has received legal advice that it has reasonable grounds to contest this ruling.

 

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
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