TIDMGEMD
RNS Number : 4839Z
Gem Diamonds Limited
15 March 2017
Gem Diamonds Limited
Full Year 2016 Results
15 March 2017
Gem Diamonds Limited (LSE: GEMD) ("Gem Diamonds", the "Company"
or the "Group") announces its Full Year Results for the year ending
31 December 2016 (the "Period").
FINANCIAL RESULTS:
* Revenue of US$189.8 million (US$249.5 million in
2015)
* Underlying EBITDA of US$62.8 million (US$103.5
million in 2015)
* Profit for the year US$32.3 million (US$67.4 million
in 2015)
* Attributable profit (before exceptional items)
US$17.7 million (US$41.8 million in 2015)
* Earnings per share (pre exceptional items), 12.8 US
cents (30.2 US cents in 2015)
* After the exceptional items of US$176.5 million
non-cash impairments relating mainly to the decision
to place Ghaghoo on care and maintenance,
attributable loss of US$158.8 million and basic loss
per share of 114.9 US cents
* Cash on hand of US$30.8 million as at 31 December
2016 (US$28.5 million attributable to Gem Diamonds)
OPERATIONAL RESULTS:
Letšeng:
* Carats recovered of 108 206 (108 579 in 2015)
* Waste tonnes mined of 29.8 million tonnes (24.0
million tonnes in 2015)
* Ore treated of 6.6 million tonnes (6.7 million in
2015)
* Average value of US$1 695* per carat achieved (US$2
299* in 2015) due to fewer +100 carat diamonds
recovered
* 34 rough diamonds achieved a greater value than US$
1.0 million each
* Five diamonds larger than 100 carats each recovered
(Eleven in 2015)
* 11.8 carat pink diamond, sold for US$187 700 per
carat, making it the third highest price per carat
sold by Letšeng
* The largest recovered diamond was a 160.2 carat Type
II white diamond
(* Includes carats extracted for manufacturing at rough valuation)
Ghaghoo:
* Development of access to Level 2 completed
* VKMain phase on Level 1 successfully sampled and
processed
* Ore treated of 217 372 tonnes (326 922 in 2015)
* Carats recovered of 40 976 (91 499 in 2015)
* Average value of US$152 per carat achieved (US$162
per carat in 2015)
* Total sales of US$7.2 million for 47 266 carats sold
* Operation placed on care and maintenance in February
2017 due to low prices achieved for this category of
diamonds
Dividend
* The Board has resolved not to propose the payment of
a dividend in respect of the 2016 financial year
Commenting on the results today, Clifford Elphick, Chief
Executive of Gem Diamonds, said:
"Letšeng has performed well operationally and achieved all
production metrics within targets and guidance. Demand and prices
achieved for the large, high quality diamonds recovered from
Letšeng have remained firm, but the decline in 2016 in the recovery
of diamonds larger than 100 carats has had a disappointing impact
upon revenue and cash flow. This recovery rate is consistent with
the normal, short term variability of the resource. Based on a
detailed geological understanding of the resource, we remain
confident that Letšeng will continue to produce exceptional
diamonds.
At Ghaghoo, solid progress was made developing the mine. Given
the low prices achieved for this category of diamonds, the mine was
placed on care and maintenance in February 2017. Ghaghoo provides
Gem Diamonds with flexibility to restart operations, when prices
for this category of diamonds recover.
The supply demand fundamentals for the diamond industry remain
strong. Focus in 2017 will be on cash generation. At Letšeng, the
implementation of the updated life of mine plan is expected to
improve cash flows through an optimised waste mining profile."
The Company will host a live audio webcast presentation of the
full year results today, 15 March 2017, at 09:30 GMT. This can be
viewed on the Company's website: www.gemdiamonds.com
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014.
The Gem Diamonds Limited LEI number is 213800RC2PGGMZQG8L67.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Gem Diamonds Limited
ir@gemdiamonds.com
Celicourt Communications
Joanna Boon / Mark Antelme
Tel: +44 (0) 207 520 9265
ABOUT GEM DIAMONDS:
Gem Diamonds is a leading global diamond producer of high value
diamonds. The Company owns 70% of the Letšeng mine in Lesotho and
100% of the Ghaghoo mine in Botswana. The Letšeng mine is famous
for the production of large, top colour, exceptional white
diamonds, making it the highest dollar per carat kimberlite diamond
mine in the world. Since Gem Diamonds' acquisition of Letšeng in
2006, the mine has produced four of the 20 largest white gem
quality diamonds ever recorded. The Ghaghoo mine in Botswana has
been placed on care and maintenance until market conditions allow
for recommencement of production.
www.gemdiamonds.com
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Dear shareholder,
On behalf of the Board, it is my pleasure to present Gem
Diamonds' 2016 Annual Report. I believe this report offers a fair
and balanced account of the business, its performance over the last
year and its prospects going forward. As an organisation, Gem
Diamonds remains committed to transparent and relevant reporting to
you, its shareholders.
2016 IN REVIEW
Gem Diamonds' strategy is built on three pillars; namely value
creation, growth and sustainability. This broad-based approach was
developed to allow the Group the flexibility to respond to an
ever-changing operating context and has enabled it to adapt to
short-term opportunities and challenges while moving towards its
long-term goal of delivering sustainable shareholder returns.
The 2016 financial year was challenging for the Group's two
operations. Operationally, the Letšeng mine performed well, with
all production metrics achieved. In addition, the demand for, and
prices of, its large, high-quality, white diamonds remained
relatively firm throughout the year. However, the decline in the
number of diamonds larger than 100 carats recovered during the
year, adversely impacted the Group's revenue, projects and cash
flow.
Despite the paucity in the number of large diamonds recovered
during 2016, Letšeng continued to recover exceptional, high-quality
diamonds demonstrated through the recovery of two rare and valuable
pink diamonds of 11.78 and 12.31 carats, which were sold for US$2.2
million and US$1.4 million, respectively. A large 160 carat diamond
was also recovered in 2016 and sold into a partnership agreement at
a top price, reinforcing the quality of the Letšeng asset.
Development of the Ghaghoo mine continued following the decision
to downsize the operation and reduce its associated cost structure.
Regrettably, the market for smaller commercial goods (such as those
mined at Ghaghoo) remained under pressure and prices for these
goods have declined from US$210 to US$142 per carat. Largely due to
the depressed market and low realised prices, the Board made the
difficult decision to place the operation on care and maintenance
in February 2017 resulting in an impairment of US$170.8 million.
Ghaghoo remains a key asset for the Group and its expansion
opportunities, when diamond prices recover, will strengthen the
Group's position. The orebody and all of its characteristics are
well understood with just under 137 000 carats recovered and sold
to date. 20.5 million carats are contained within the resource.
Against this backdrop, the Group delivered a satisfactory
performance. The Group generated underlying EBITDA* of US$63
million with an attributable profit of US$ 18 million before a
non-cash impairment charge of US$176 million. The Group ended the
year with a cash balance of US$31 million and undrawn facilities of
US$53 million as at 31 December 2016.
SUPPORTING INDUSTRY ADVOCACY
The Group understands the importance of protecting and enhancing
the premium brand of diamonds. Gem Diamonds was one of the founding
members of the Diamond Producers Association (DPA). The Group's
association with the DPA has allowed Gem Diamonds to play an active
role in maintaining and enhancing consumer demand for and
confidence in diamonds.
PARTNERING FOR GROWTH
Gem Diamonds is committed to partnering with its stakeholders to
create mutual benefit and shared growth. The Group strives to
create positive impact through social initiatives that will outlast
the life of its mines. Therefore, the Group's focus is on
implementing sustainable projects that address the needs of
project-affected communities (PACs). This is done through constant
engagement with stakeholders at all levels of the business and
using their feedback to guide corporate social investment
strategies.
On 6 May 2016, the Letšeng Diamond Discovery Centre was
officially opened by His Majesty, King Letsie III in Maseru. The
centre tells the story of Lesotho's diamond industry in an
interactive manner, focusing on the history of diamond mining at
Letšeng. The centre was built to promote knowledge and serve as a
foundation for Basotho learners who wish to learn more about the
diamond mining industry and possibly pursue careers in the field.
To date almost 1 600 visitors have passed through the centre, the
vast majority of whom are school children.
STRIVING FOR ZERO HARM
Gem Diamonds endeavours to incorporate sustainability best
practice into every level of the business, keeping up-to-date with
new developments. Pursuing its goal of zero harm in all areas is a
continued priority. During 2016, the Group experienced a
fatality-free year and continues to invest in safety training and
capability building in its effort to embed a strong safety culture
throughout the organisation. Pleasingly, the all injury frequency
rate achieved during the year is the lowest in the history of the
Group.
PURSUING EXCELLENCE IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate
oversight and believes that strong governance is critical to the
Group's sustainability.
The Board is tasked with providing leadership and guidance to
the Group within a framework of controls. It also ensures that the
necessary financial and human resources are in place for the Group
to meet its objectives and increase shareholder value.
In 2016, the Board once again conducted a detailed Board
evaluation. The assessment reviewed the effectiveness of the Board
as a collective and the contribution of the individual Directors.
Furthermore, the Board evaluation exercise also looked at the
composition of the Board and its committees' conduct and
decision-making; its approach to and implementation of risk
management, management information and reporting; training,
development and succession planning; and communication. The outcome
of the assessment was used to inform the Board's planning for the
year and reinforced our commitment to applying best practices, and
setting, monitoring and evaluating the high standards of governance
we wish to maintain.
During the year, Alan Ashworth retired as Chief Operating
Officer. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Alan for his
tireless commitment to Gem Diamonds during his eight-year tenure.
We welcomed Johnny Velloza as the new Chief Operating Officer in
2016. Johnny brings a wealth of experience to the Group and his
contribution has already been felt.
DIVID
In line with the Group's strategy of returning cash to its
shareholders, the Company paid a dividend of 5 US cents per share
(US$6.9 million) and a special dividend of 3.5 US cents per share
(US$4.9 million) in June 2016 in respect of the 2015 financial
year.
Following a careful review of the 2016 results, the Board has
decided to focus on cash preservation and is prudently
recommending, despite the Group's dividend policy, that no dividend
is paid in respect of the 2016 financial year. The Group will
continue to focus on capital management discipline and cost control
at the operations to return to a position to recommend dividend
payments to shareholders in the future.
OUTLOOK
The medium to long-term outlook for diamond demand is expected
to remain favourable.
The strategic focus of the Group will remain on creating value
by focusing on mining and selling diamonds efficiently and
responsibly. Through disciplined execution of its core strategy,
the Group is well positioned to maximise shareholder returns and
remains confident in its ability to continue delivering returns to
shareholders.
APPRECIATION AND FAREWELL
I will be stepping down at this year's Annual General Meeting
(AGM), following 10 years as Chairman of Gem Diamonds. It has been
an honour to serve this dynamic business for almost a decade. I
wish my successor well and know that they join a proud organisation
with strong leadership and values. I would like to acknowledge the
hard work and commitment of the entire Gem Diamonds team. To my
fellow Board members - thank you for your insight and leadership
throughout the year. To the host governments, thank you for your
continued support. Finally, thank you to the Group's shareholders.
Gem Diamonds remains committed to delivering value to you in the
year ahead.
Roger Davis
Non-executive Chairman
14 March 2017
* Refer to Note 3, Operating profit, for the definition of
non-GAAP measures
CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT
Reflecting on 2016, it is evident this was a challenging year
for both Letšeng and Ghaghoo. In response to this, the actions and
decisions taken by the Board demonstrate the responsive approach
and the commitment to focusing on value creation for all
stakeholders.
At Letšeng, despite a good operational performance and robust
demand for production, the decline in the number of large special
diamonds recovered impacted on the average price achieved per carat
for the year. On the other end of the diamond spectrum, the
depressed market for smaller-sized diamonds continued to place
pressure on the prices achieved from our Ghaghoo operation's sales.
The Group's financial results were adversely impacted by these
lower effective prices, resulting in an EBITDA of US$63 million for
the year, 39% lower than in 2015.
MAXIMISING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND VALUE AT LET ENG
Operationally, Letšeng had a satisfactory year with all
production metrics achieved within plan and guidance. In 2015 the
life of mine plan continued to evolve, the implementation of which
was successful in its objective of contributing additional
higher-value Satellite pipe ore to the processing plants. During
the period, a post-investment review on the Plant 2 Phase 1
upgrade, completed in 2015, showed that the plant capability had
improved by 12%, in line with the project expectations. The impact
of the severe weather experienced during the year offset this
improved plant capability, however, we expect the full benefit of
this uplift to be evident in 2017 and future years.
Although the number of exceptional diamonds recovered was lower
than in prior years, an 11.8 carat pink diamond and a 160.2 carat
Type II white diamond were recovered during 2016. These two
diamonds, respectively, represent the highest US$ per carat price
achieved, as well as the largest diamond recovered for 2016. The
pink diamond was sold for US$187 700 per carat making it the third
highest price per carat achieved for a single Letšeng diamond. The
160.2 carat Type II white diamond was sold into a partnership
arrangement, where Gem Diamonds will participate in additional
final polished margin.
The operational performance of the mine is given further
credence when you take into consideration the challenges presented
by factors entirely outside of our control. In late July, extreme
weather conditions were experienced across the Maluti Mountains in
Lesotho where the mine is located, with excessive snowfall and
severe winds limiting access to the mine and damaging the national
grid power supply to the mine. Because of the setbacks that
resulted from the severe weather, we revised our targets downwards.
During this time, Letšeng provided accommodation and food to
approximately 250 local people who were at risk, demonstrating the
sense of community of the Letšeng team.
Unfortunately, while the mine was able to achieve its revised
operational objectives, the lower than expected recovery frequency
of exceptional, large diamonds nevertheless had a significant
negative impact on our financial results. The lower revenue
achieved for the year is a direct consequence of this.
Following a detailed review of the resource and operational
processes by our geology team, we are confident that, as was the
case in 2012, the lower recovery rate is simply due to the normal
statistical short-term variability of the resource. Letšeng is well
known for its recovery of these exceptional diamonds and we expect
this trend to continue. Meanwhile, we are assessing options to
further enhance recovery and reduce damage to these diamonds
through a large-diamond specific recovery plant. As part of the
Group's annual planning cycle, a review of the Letšeng mine plan
was completed in Q1 2017. This mine plan further optimises the
waste mining profile, which in turn will improve cash flow.
FOCUSED ON A PROFITABLE OPERATION AT GHAGHOO
At Ghaghoo, the challenges have predominantly been due to market
conditions. The market for small, commercial diamonds remains
constrained. At the start of 2016, we announced the decision to
downsize our Ghaghoo operation owing to the underperforming smaller
sized diamond market. The actions required to reduce tonnage at
Ghaghoo were completed in 2016 and the operational improvements
progressed well. Mill modifications yielded positive results with
increased and improved diamond liberation. Furthermore, the focus
on cost discipline resulted in reduced operating costs. There have
also been encouraging recoveries of larger diamonds as mining moved
into the undiluted portions of kimberlite ore, demonstrating the
potential of the mine.
Despite the steps taken, ongoing development of the mine in the
near term has been reviewed. Taking into consideration the
continued weakness in the market for Ghaghoo's diamonds, which
continued to decline from US$210 to US$142 per carat in prices
achieved, and which we expect to be further exacerbated by the
increase in supply from three new mines entering this particular
category of diamond market in February 2017, the Group decided to
place the Ghaghoo mine on care and maintenance until conditions
improve. This has led to us recognising a non-cash impairment
charge of US$ 170.8 million in this year's results.
A decision to place a mine on care and maintenance is a very
difficult one based on the impact it has on the people that we
employ at the mine. I would like to acknowledge and thank the
entire team in Botswana for their tremendous effort and hard work
to bring this mine into operation. The 20.5 million carats
contained in the mine body will be mined when prices recover and
the operation can be economically justified.
CREATING VALUE THROUGH DOWNSTREAM MARKETING ACTIVITIES
We are always looking for ways to create additional value. This
means limiting diamond damage as well as continually investing in
downstream activities, such as selecting certain high-value rough
diamonds for cutting and polishing if they do not achieve reserve
prices which have been set on competitive tender. This is done
through our own facilities in Antwerp or by partnership
arrangements and offers the Group added resilience in the face of
the challenges experienced during 2016.
STRENGTH OF BALANCE SHEET
We ended 2015 in a strong financial position underpinned by
strong cash generation from Letšeng and prudent capital management
over the past few years. While the cash resources were depleted in
2016 because of the challenges discussed and the approach taken by
the Board, the Group still ended the year in a net cash position,
demonstrating the strength of our balance sheet, which was
bolstered by previously implemented revolving credit
facilities.
PROTECTING THE WORKFORCE
Safety is an ongoing priority for the Group. Behaviour-based
safety forms the cornerstone of our health and safety strategy. We
regularly engage with employees to better understand our
operational processes so that we become more efficient and improve
the working environment. Another way we prioritise the safety and
well-being of our employees is through our thorough induction
procedure and the ongoing daily monitoring and reporting of safety
statistics. These systems continue to bear fruit and I'm pleased to
report a fatality-free year, for the second consecutive year
although regrettably, five lost time injuries occurred. Continued
emphasis on improving safety remains a focus in striving towards
our goal of zero harm.
MINIMISING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
We also understand that our operations are located in sensitive
ecosystems, rich in biodiversity. It is, therefore, imperative that
we manage our environmental impacts with a high degree of operating
discipline throughout the lifecycle of the mining operations.
During 2016, our environmental teams continued to monitor the
Group's ongoing compliance and pursued innovative ways of
addressing environmental challenges. We are happy to report that
for the eighth consecutive year, no major environmental incidents
have occurred across the Group.
COMMITTED TO LONG TERM SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
We are committed to contributing positively to the economies in
which we operate and to supporting the sustainable development of
the communities we directly impact through our operations. We do so
through the payment of taxes and royalties, as well as through the
development and implementation of appropriate, sustainable
corporate social investment projects.
At Letšeng, corporate social projects are implemented in
three-year cycles based on needs identified in the community
through an in-depth needs analysis. For instance, the Botha-Bothe
vegetable project, which commenced in 2015, continued to make a
positive and sustainable contribution to community upliftment
during the year. Ghaghoo continued to contribute towards
initiatives aimed at improving community access to medical services
and the upgrading of educational infrastructure.
OUTLOOK
We believe the long-term fundamentals for the diamond industry
are strong. As a Group, our focus will be on replenishing cash and
strengthening our balance sheet. The emphasis for 2017 and beyond
remains on maximising our core asset, Letšeng. We are committed to
reducing diamond damage and enhancing the mine plan to improve cash
flow. In trying times, it is the difficult decisions we take now
that will stand us in good stead in the future. At Ghaghoo, we are
focused on placing the asset on care and maintenance efficiently
and as cost effectively as possible.
We remain confident about the future of Gem Diamonds and its
strategic positioning to weather the current challenging commodity
prices and to continue creating value for our shareholders and
other stakeholders.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our shareholders
and stakeholders for their continued support. I also extend my
sincere gratitude to the Board for their guidance and support
throughout the year. A special thank you must go to our outgoing
Chairman, Roger Davis, whose commitment to driving Gem Diamonds
forward has been instrumental in the Group's success over the
years. We wish you well in your future endeavours. We are in the
final stages of recruiting Roger's successor and look forward to
updating the shareholders further, ahead of the 2017 AGM.
At the end of February 2017, the Letšeng Chief Executive
Officer, Ms Mazvi Maharasoa, retired from the organisation after 10
years of diligent service. During her tenure, Mazvi has been
instrumental to the successful growth strategy and development of
the mine. Mazvi has also been a vital component in the
establishment of the Lesotho Chamber of Mines. I would like to take
this opportunity to thank Mazvi for her valued contribution to the
Group's success.
Finally, thank you to all our employees - your hard work and
faithful commitment to the success of Gem Diamonds continues to
drive us forward.
Clifford Elphick
Chief Executive Officer
14 March 2017
GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH WITHSTANDS TOUGH OPERATING AND MARKET
CONDITIONS
The 2016 results were disappointing for the Group when compared
to the results of previous years. Challenging market conditions
impacting diamond prices, especially for the Ghaghoo type
production, and operational headwinds at Letšeng with the lack of
large, high-value diamond recoveries, had a significant impact on
revenue, profit and cash. Although cash resources were reduced
during the year, the Group still ended the year in a positive net
cash position.
In response to the challenging operating environment and weak
state of the market for the Ghaghoo type production in early 2016,
the downsizing of the operation was actioned in Q1 2016. Although
cost reductions were initiated and plant modifications implemented,
these positive outcomes were not enough to support the operation,
considering the continued depressed state of the market. With the
last tender held in December 2016 achieving US$142 per carat, down
11% from the first tender of the year, the Board made the decision
to place the Ghaghoo operation on care and maintenance in February
2017 and an impairment charge of US$170.8 million was recognised at
year end.
Although the heavy snow storms and extreme weather experienced
at Letšeng in July 2016 impacted the operation (losing 17 days of
production), Letšeng achieved similar operational throughput to
that of the previous year. However, the paucity of the larger
high-value diamonds recovered in 2016, especially in the second
half of the year, significantly impacted the overall US$ per carat
achieved. Letšeng achieved US$1 695* per carat for 2016, with an
average of US$1 898* per carat achieved in H1 2016 and US$1 480*
per carat in H2 2016. The reduction in H2 2016 was driven further
by the lower volume of the higher-value Satellite pipe material
mined of 0.7 million tonnes compared to 1.0 million tonnes in H1
2016.
Gem Diamonds remains focused on cost discipline and its
fundamental goal of extracting the maximum value from its resources
for long-term shareholder value creation. In light of the current
year's results and the reduced cash resources, the Board did not
approve a dividend for the 2016 results. The Group will continue to
focus on capital and cost discipline at the operations to remain in
a position to recommend dividend payments to shareholders in the
future.
REVENUE
The Group continued its objective of maximising the value
achieved on rough and polished diamond sales. The Group's revenue
is primarily derived from its two business activities, namely sales
from its mining operations in Lesotho at Letšeng and Botswana at
Ghaghoo, and additional margin generated from its rough diamond
manufacturing operation in Belgium. The sales generated by Ghaghoo
are not reflected in the Group's revenue figures for the current
and prior years, but have been set off against operating and
development costs capitalised to the carrying value of the
development asset, as the mine did not reach full commercial
production for accounting purposes by the end of the year.
Group revenue of US$189.8 million in 2016 is 24% lower than that
achieved in 2015. Letšeng achieved an average of US$1 695* per
carat from the sale of 108 945 carats, which was 26% lower than
that achieved in 2015 of US$2 299* . This lower US$ per carat is
largely the consequence of fewer high-quality +100 carat diamonds
being recovered at Letšeng during the year.
Ghaghoo sold 47 266 carats during the year for US$7.2 million,
achieving an average of US$152 per carat for the year compared to
US$162 per carat in 2015. This fall in prices emphasised the weak
state of the diamond market for this category of diamonds.
The Group's manufacturing operation contributed additional
revenue of US$5.0 million, comprising US$3.2 million polished
margin and US$1.8 million as a result of the effect on Group
revenue of the movement in own manufactured closing inventory year
on year.
* Includes carats extracted for polishing at rough
valuation.
SUMMARY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
US$ million Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2016 2015
Revenue 189.8 249.5
Royalty and selling costs (17.2) (21.9)
Cost of sales (98.8) (112.4)
Corporate expenses (11.0) (11.7)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Underlying EBITDA 62.8 103.5
Depreciation and amortisation (10.4) (10.4)
Other income 0.3 0.5
Share-based payments (1.8) (1.7)
Foreign exchange gain 1.7 7.0
Net finance (costs)/income (0.2) 0.1
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Profit before tax 52.4 99.0
Income tax (20.0) (31.6)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Profit after tax 32.4 67.4
Non-controlling interests (14.7) (25.6)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Attributable profit before exceptional items 17.7 41.8
(Loss)/profit from exceptional items (176.5) 10.2
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Attributable (loss)/profit after exceptional items (158.8) 52.0
Basic EPS before exceptional items (US cents) 12.8 30.2
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Royalties consist of an 8% levy paid to the Government of
Lesotho and a 10% levy paid to the Botswana Department of Mines on
the value of diamonds sold by Letšeng and Ghaghoo, respectively.
The Botswana royalty costs were capitalised to the carrying value
of the Ghaghoo development asset during the year. Diamond selling
and marketing-related expenses are incurred by the Group sales and
marketing operation in Belgium. During the year, royalties and
selling costs decreased by 22% to US$17.2 million, mainly driven by
the reduction in revenue.
US$ million Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2016 2015
Group revenue summary
Sales - rough 184.6 236.3
Sales - polished margin 3.2 3.8
Sales - other 0.2 0.6
Impact of movement in own manufactured inventory 1.8 8.8
------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Group revenue 189.8 249.5
------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
OPERATIONAL EXPENSES
While revenue is generated in US dollars, the majority of
operational expenses are incurred in the relevant local currency in
the operational jurisdictions. The Lesotho loti (LSL) (pegged to
the South African rand) and Botswana pula (BWP) were weaker against
the US dollar during the first half of the year, thereafter
strengthening in the second half of the year. The overall weaker
currencies, positively impacted the Group's US dollar reported
costs. Group cost of sales for the year was US$98.8 million,
compared to US$112.4 million in the prior year, the majority of
which was incurred at Letšeng.
Year Year
ended ended
31 December 31 December %
Exchange rates 2016 2015 change
LSL per US$1.00
Average exchange rate for the year 14.70 12.78 15
Year-end exchange rate 13.68 15.50 (12)
----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
BWP per US$1.00
Average exchange rate for the year 10.89 10.14 7
Year-end exchange rate 10.68 11.25 (5)
----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
US$ per GBP1.00
Average exchange rate for the year 1.35 1.53 (12)
Year-end exchange rate 1.24 1.47 (16)
----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -------
LET ENG MINING OPERATION
Operational excellence through proactive cost management and
enhanced production efficiencies continues to be a key focus at
Letšeng. Cost of sales for the year was US$97.8 million, down 12%
from US$110.6 million in 2015, and includes waste stripping costs
amortised of US$34.7 million (2015: US$47.2 million).
In line with the mine plan at Letšeng, 29.8 million tonnes of
waste were mined, 24% higher than 2015. Ore tonnes treated were at
similar levels to 2015, at 6.6 million tonnes, of which 1.7 million
tonnes were sourced from the Satellite pipe, compared to 1.9
million tonnes in 2015. The Satellite to Main pipe ratio of 26:74
for the year was lower than the previous year of 29:71 and was
partly influenced by the extreme weather conditions experienced in
2016. Carats recovered during the year of 108 206 remained at
similar levels to that of the prior year of 108 579.
Letšeng costs Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2016 2015
Unit costs US$
Direct cash cost (before waste) per tonne treated(1) 10.70 11.40
Operating cost per tonne treated(2) 14.64 16.50
Waste cash cost per waste tonne mined 2.09 2.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Unit costs (local currency)
Direct cash cost (before waste) per tonne treated(1) 157.29 145.64
Operating cost per tonne treated(2) 215.13 210.84
Waste cash cost per waste tonne mined 30.69 28.08
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Other operating information (US$ million)
Waste cost capitalised 70.4 61.4
Waste stripping costs amortised 34.7 47.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
(1) Direct cash costs represent all operating cash costs, excluding royalty and selling costs.
(2) Operating costs include waste stripping cost amortised, inventory and ore stockpile adjustments,
and excludes depreciation.
Total direct cash costs (before waste) at Letšeng, in local
currency, were LSL1 045.4 million compared to LSL972.8 million in
2015. This resulted in a unit cost per tonne treated of LSL157.29
relative to the prior year of LSL145.64, representing an effective
increase of 8%. The increase was driven by local inflation of 5%,
the one-off costs associated with the unexpected weather incident
in July and an increase in explosive costs due to revised drill
patterns (as part of the initiative to address diamond damage).
These costs also include those associated with Alluvial Ventures
(the contractor operating a third plant at Letšeng) which are based
on a percentage of revenue and had a 1.4% effect on the overall
increase. In Q4 2016, a productivity improvement project with the
aim of increasing mining efficiencies commenced. The initial costs
thereof were incurred in 2016; the benefits of which will only be
seen in 2017.
Operating costs per tonne treated of LSL215.13 were 2% higher
than the prior year's cost of LSL210.84 per tonne treated. This
slight increase is driven by lower waste amortisation costs during
the year, due to the different waste to ore strip ratios for the
particular ore processed. During the year, ore was sourced from
four cuts (compared to two in 2015), two of which had not
previously been mined. In addition, less ore tonnes were mined from
the Satellite pipe, which carries a higher rate of amortisation
charge. The amortisation charge attributable to the Satellite pipe
ore accounted for 61% of the total waste stripping amortisation
charge in 2016 (2015: 65%).
The increase in local currency waste cash costs per waste tonne
mined of 9% was impacted by local country inflation, longer haul
distances to mine the various waste cutbacks and the impact of the
US dollar strength on the cost of the mining fleet. As part of the
ramp-up of waste tonnes mined, additional larger fleet was brought
into use in 2016 by the mining contractor.
GHAGHOO MINING OPERATION
Based on the market conditions at the end of 2015, a decision
was made in Q1 2016 to downsize the Ghaghoo operation with the
objective of reducing cash burn. Although most cost reduction
initiatives were effected, the challenging underground mining
conditions impacted the anticipated downsized volumes and grades
achieved. This had a negative effect on the expected revenue and
together with the further decrease in diamond prices, the overall
net cash invested (net after sales) in the operation for the year
was US$14.4 million. This included one-off retrenchment costs and
costs associated with the creation of the buffer zone to prevent
sand ingress into the production levels following the sink hole
that resulted from the caving in late 2015. Development costs of
US$3.6 million were invested in order to access both current and
future ore producing tunnels and US$2.6 million was invested in
sustaining capital.
Based on the 32% reduction in prices achieved over the two-year
period, the continued weak state of the diamond market for the
Ghaghoo category of diamonds, the recent strengthening of the
Botswana pula against the US dollar and with the Group's focus on
profitable production, Ghaghoo was placed on care and maintenance
in February 2017. As a result, an impairment of US$170.8 million,
representing the total non-current assets on the balance sheet, was
recognised in the results and disclosed as an exceptional item.
Following the restructuring and settlement of one-off costs, it is
planned that the ongoing care and maintenance costs will be
approximately US$3.0 million per year.
Letšeng average price achieved
US$1 695 per carat (2015: US$2 299 per carat)
Ghaghoo average price achieved
US$152 per carat (2015: US$162 per carat)
DIAMOND MANUFACTURING OPERATION
The Group generated additional margin on selected high-value
diamonds through its manufacturing facilities and partnership
arrangements. The diamond manufacturing operation in Belgium
contributed US$3.2 million to Group revenue (through additional
polished margin) and US$2.2 million to underlying EBITDA. Extracted
diamond inventory on hand at the end of the year was US$4.4 million
compared to US$6.2 million in the prior year, further increasing
Group revenue by US$1.8 million.
As part of initiating cost efficiencies across the Group, the
manufacturing operation (Baobab) in Antwerp was downsized during
the year. Although Baobab will continue to provide its advanced
mapping and rough diamond analysis and manufacturing services to
the Group and to third parties, in order to decrease fixed
overheads, the back-end cutting and polishing functions were
outsourced.
CORPORATE OFFICE
Corporate expenses relate to central costs incurred by the Group
through its technical and administrative offices in South Africa
and head office in the United Kingdom and are incurred in South
African rand and British pounds. The impact of Brexit on the Group
was limited to the depreciation of the British pound against the US
dollar during the second half of the year, reducing the costs
incurred in the United Kingdom which are US dollar reported.
Corporate costs for the year were US$11.0 million, showing
continued decrease from previous years. During the latter part of
2015 the Diamond Producers Association was formed with Gem Diamonds
as a founding member along with industry peers. Costs include the
increased associated membership fees. The 2016 costs include
once-off notice costs relating to the retirement of an Executive
Director. Finding innovative ways of reducing diamond damage is a
continued focus and US$0.5 million was spent in the current year
investigating alternative processing methods to improve diamond
liberation.
The share-based payment charge for the year was US$1.8 million.
During the year, a new award was granted in terms of the long-term
incentive plan (LTIP), whereby 1 400 000 nil cost options were
granted to certain key employees and Executive Directors. The
vesting of the options to key employees is subject to the
satisfaction of certain market and non-market performance
conditions over a three-year period. The share-based payment charge
associated with this new award was US$0.4 million for the year.
UNDERLYING EBITDA AND ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT
Based on the operating results, the Group generated an
underlying EBITDA of US$62.8 million. The reduced EBITDA from
US$103.5 million in the prior year was driven by the lower revenue
of US$59.7 million due to the lower US$ per carat achieved during
the year. Before exceptional items, the profit attributable to
shareholders was US$17.7 million equating to 12.8 US cents per
share based on a weighted average number of shares in issue of
138.3 million.
The Group's effective tax rate was 38.2% excluding exceptional
items, above the UK statutory tax rate of 20.0%. This tax rate is
driven by tax of 25% on profits generated by Letšeng, withholding
tax of 10% on dividends from Letšeng and deferred tax assets not
recognised on losses incurred in non-trading operations.
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Impairment of assets totalling US$172.9 million were recognised
during the year, of which US$170.8 million relates to impairment of
the Ghaghoo operation following the decision to place the asset on
care and maintenance. The balance of the impairment of US$2.1
million relates to the closure of the Calibrated operation. This
operation was set up to use laser diamond shaping and cutting
technology and machinery as part of the integration of the Group's
rough diamond analysis and manufacturing business. As part of the
Group's focus on reducing costs and the limited ability to develop
this beneficiation opportunity in Lesotho, the operation was
closed. US$3.5 million foreign currency translation reserve was
recycled through the income statement relating to the Calibrated
business as the operation was based in South Africa.
After including the effect of exceptional items of US$176.5
million, the Group's attributable loss was US$158.8 million.
FINANCIAL POSITION AND FUNDING OVERVIEW
The Group ended the year with US$30.8 million cash on hand, of
which US$28.5 million was attributable to Gem Diamonds and US$3.1
million was restricted (2015: US$2.6 million). This restricted cash
mainly relates to funds reserved for a portion of the future
repayment of the US$25.0 million secured bank loan facility at
Ghaghoo.
The Group generated cash flow from operating activities of
US$70.7 million before the investment in waste mining of US$70.4
million and capital expenditure of US$7.6 million at Letšeng and
US$2.6 million at Ghaghoo. The capital expenditure at Letšeng
mainly comprised US$1.8 million for planned dam wall
rehabilitation, US$1.0 million for the first phase of the mining
support services workshop and US$0.5 million for the reinforcement
of the primary crushing area (PCA) structure. At Ghaghoo, the
capital expenditure mainly comprised US$1.1 million for earthmoving
equipment, US$0.5 million for borehole extension and US$0.3 million
extension to the slimes dam facilities.
During the year, Letšeng declared dividends of US$46.5 million,
of which US$29.3 million flowed to the Company and US$17.2 million
was paid outside of the Group for withholding taxes of US$3.3
million and payment to the Government of Lesotho of US$13.9 million
for its minority portion.
The facilities held at the Company and Ghaghoo were restructured
during the year, where the Company's US$20.0 million available
revolving credit facility was increased to US$35.0 million and the
Ghaghoo fully drawn down facility was restructured whereby the
capital repayments were scheduled to re-commence in June 2019. The
Group therefore had US$53.3 million worth of undrawn and available
facilities at the end of the year comprising US$35.0 million at Gem
Diamonds and US$18.3 million at Letšeng.
Post-year end, the decision to place the Ghaghoo mine on care
and maintenance impacted the US$25.0 million term loan facility and
the Group used the revolving credit facility at the Company level
to repay the loan. In addition, the LSL140 million (US$10.2
million) was settled with the final LSL28.0 million (US$2.0
million) repaid in February 2017.
Post year end, negotiations continued to secure funding for the
construction of the mining support services complex valued at
LSL215.0 million (US$15.7 million). This facility has a planned
tenure of 5.5 years with a 13-month availability period for draw
down.
DIVID
At the AGM held on 7 June 2016, shareholders approved the
payment of an ordinary dividend of 5 US cents per share totalling
US$6.9 million, and equating to 18% of the Group's 2015 net
sustainable attributable earnings. In addition, a special dividend
of 3.5 US cents amounting to US$4.8 million was also approved.
Based on the current market conditions, the lower than expected
Letšeng revenue, and the impact that it has had on the Group's cash
resources, the Board resolved not to propose the payment of a
dividend in 2017 based on the 2016 results.
OUTLOOK
Focus in 2017 will be on cash generation. At Letšeng, the
implementation of the revised life of mine plan is expected to
improve cash flows through a further optimised waste mining
profile. Furthermore, the variability of the resource is expected
to revert to normal, improving the recovery levels of the larger,
high-quality diamonds at Letšeng. The benefits to be derived from
the mining performance improvement project at Letšeng and the
placing of Ghaghoo on care and maintenance will allow for reduced
operating costs. These initiatives will drive the objective of
maximising shareholder returns with the intention of recommencing
the payment of a dividend in the future.
Michael Michael
Chief Financial Officer
14 March 2017
LET ENG
2016 IN REVIEW
Severe weather impact contained
Revised production targets achieved
Recovered grade achieved 1% above reserve grade
34 rough diamonds achieved a value greater than US$1.0 million
each
Five diamonds larger than 100 carats recovered
Average price achieved of US$1 695 per carat
Retained ISO 18001 and ISO 14001 certification
STRONG OPERATIONAL RESULTS OVERSHADOWED BY PAUCITY OF LARGE
HIGH-VALUE DIAMONDS
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
The planned increase in mining production progressed during the
year, with a 24% increase in waste mining in support of increasing
the contribution of the higher-value Satellite pipe ore. Letšeng
treated 6.6 million tonnes of ore compared to 6.7 million tonnes of
ore in the prior year. A post-implementation review of the Plant 2
Phase 1 upgrade (commissioned in 2015) was completed during the
year, indicating a 12% increase in the plant capability. The
additional expected tonnes were not realised due to power outages
caused by a severe snow storm experienced in July and August which
resulted in both Letšeng and Alluvial Ventures' treatment plants
running at reduced capacity for a period of 17 days. Ore and waste
mined were also negatively impacted by the inclement weather
conditions, as access to the pits was unattainable. Ore sourced
from strategic stockpiles on surface partially mitigated this
impact. Of the total ore treated, 69% was sourced from the Main
pipe, 27% from the Satellite pipe and 4% from the Main pipe
stockpiles. Letšeng recovered 108 206 carats at a grade of
1.63cpht, in line with the expected reserve grade, at a reserve
mine call factor (MCF) of 101%.
LARGE DIAMOND RECOVERIES
During 2016, the frequency of exceptional larger diamonds
recovered was lower than expected. Letšeng recovered five +100
carat diamonds during the year, compared to 11 that were recovered
in 2015. Following a detailed review of the resource and
operational process, it was considered that this paucity of large
exceptional diamonds was due to normal statical short-term
variability of the resource, as was experienced during 2012. The
performance of the resource is further detailed in the mineral
resource management section on pages 46 to 49 in the Annual Report
and Accounts.
MAXIMISING LET ENG'S VALUE
Over the past five years, Letšeng has grown to be one of the
largest open pit diamond mines in the world. This growth has
required comprehensive capital investment. During this time, the
mine has continually improved its systems and processes to support
the additional volumes mined.
In 2016, a fleet management system was installed to drive
further productivity improvements. This world-class system will
optimise the running of the fleet of haul trucks which has again
increased by seven additional 100 tonne Caterpillar rigid dump
trucks in the current year. The KPIs generated by this system will
provide the baseline against which productivity improvements will
be measured.
Year Year
ended ended
31 December 31 December %
Operational performance 2016 2015 change
Waste tonnes mined 29 776 058 24 010 847 24.0
Ore tonnes mined 6 694 753 6 508 806 2.9
Ore tonnes treated 6 646 098 6 679 581 (0.5)
Carats recovered 108 206 108 579 (0.3)
Recovered grade - cpht 1.63 1.63 0
Carats sold 108 945 102 778 6.0
Average price per carat (US$) 1 695 2 299 (26.3)
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -------
During the annual replanning cycle, the sequence of waste mining
was reviewed with an aim to stabilise the waste stripping profile.
The outcome of this resulted in an updated mine plan, which was
completed in Q1 2017, and will reduce the waste stripping profile
over the next three years and increase the ore tonnes available for
treatment to 7.0 million tonnes per annum (up from 6.0 million
tonnes per annum) for the open pit life of mine. The valuable
contribution from the higher US$ per tonne Satellite pipe will
increase from 1.6 million tonnes per annum to 1.8 million tonnes
per annum for the next two years, and thereafter will increase to
2.0 million tonnes per annum until 2029.
The expansion of the open pits has necessitated the construction
and relocation of an expanded mining support services complex. The
first phase of this project was completed at a cost of less than
US$1.0 million. Detailed design of the next phase has been
completed and the construction thereof, at a cost of LSL215.0
million (US$15.7 million), will commence in 2017 once project
funding has been secured.
As part of optimising diamond liberation and initiatives aimed
at reducing diamond damage, the splitting of the front ends of
Plant 1 and Plant 2 commenced and is due for completion in Q1 2017.
The splitting of the front ends provides the opportunity to
dedicate ore treatment through the most suitable plant based on
geo-metallurgical characteristics. Previously implemented
workstreams targeting diamond damage reduction have had positive
results with some exceptional undamaged diamonds recovered during
the year, in particular, a 160 carat Type II, a 104 carat Type II
and an 11.8 carat pink diamond. Diamonds continue to be damaged,
and therefore the reduction in diamond damage remains a key focus
area. To further address this, a project has been initiated to
investigate the implementation of a large diamond recovery
capability.
To address major sources of downtime experienced during 2016,
the primary crushing area (PCA) structure was reinforced in
December 2016, thereby prolonging the PCA's life and deferring
major capital expenditure by between eight and 10 years.
Simultaneously critical maintenance work in Plant 2 was completed
during which two vertical conveyors, two major chutes and a new
feed preparation screen was installed.
As part of Letšeng's efficiency and cost reduction drive, a
mining productivity improvement initiative commenced during Q4 2016
engaging a global mining efficiency and continuous improvement
consultancy firm to support the mining team on site, with the
fundamental objective of improving mining operational practices and
increasing mining equipment utilisation and efficiency, with the
benefit of reducing operational costs.
These initiatives will further enhance Letšeng's value
proposition and are expected to improve the cash flows from the
operation.
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
During the year, four micro-diamond samples were treated and
preliminary interpretation of the results indicated that it may be
possible to use this technique to determine macro-diamond grades. A
core drilling programme is scheduled to start in the first half of
2017. The programme provides for the drilling of a combined 7 540
metres of core in both the Main and Satellite pipes. This drilling
will provide an enhanced understanding of the kimberlite geology
below current mining levels. As part of the programme it is planned
to treat suitable samples of core for further micro-diamond
analysis. Refer to the mineral resource management section on pages
46 to 49 for further details in the Annual Report and Accounts.
SKILLS
The attraction and retention of skills remains an ongoing
challenge at Letšeng. Working in a remote area and remunerating in
a globally weak currency remains a challenge when attracting
skilled employees. Localisation objectives, difficulties
experienced in obtaining work permits for skilled expatriates and
increasing competition for skilled personnel from other mining
companies in Lesotho contribute to the challenges experienced in
retaining the appropriate skills at Letšeng.
During the year, several development programmes with South
African universities and other accredited institutions, for the
development of Lesotho citizen employees, were successfully
introduced.
Through the newly established Lesotho Chamber of Mines, the
sector has conducted extensive engagement with the Government of
Lesotho to expedite the issuing of work permits and facilitating
the entry of expatriates into this important sector of the economy
which in turn will assist in the development of mining expertise. A
memorandum of understanding has been signed between these two
parties which will see tangible benefits to the industry.
HEALTH, SAFETY, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENT (HSSE)
Letšeng retained its ISO 18001 and ISO 14001 certification for
the second consecutive year. Independent audits were conducted to
rate the operation's occupational health, safety and environmental
management systems against these ISO standards. Letšeng is
committed to identifying and mitigating the risks to the health and
safety of its employees, contractors and project-affected
communities (PACs). Regrettably, the operation recorded two lost
time injuries (LTIs) in 2016, ending a 562-day LTI-free period in
May 2016.
As a reflection of the operation's commitment to safeguarding
the natural environment in which it operates, Letšeng recorded no
major or significant environmental incidents for the year. The
operation considers the protection of its natural environment as
critical to sustainable success. Numerous environmental projects
were launched in 2016, including a Bioremediation Project that
forms part of the overarching nitrate and water management
plans.
No major or significant stakeholder incidents were recorded in
2016 and Letšeng continues to work closely with all its
stakeholders. PACs, identified through a comprehensive social and
environmental impact assessment, form an important part of the
operation's success. Letšeng worked closely with its PACs during
2016 to address socio-economic challenges faced by these
communities.
Approximately US$0.3 million was invested during the year
towards community projects. This investment was made in accordance
with a needs analysis and corporate social investment strategy that
is specific to Letšeng. Education and small and medium enterprise
developments received the bulk of the social investment, with
US$0.2 million invested in these two categories. In addition to the
Botha-Bothe vegetable project, which has been successfully running
since 2015, the operation also invested in another enterprise
development project, a dairy project. The dairy project is aimed at
empowering local farmers by providing them with the means to
generate income from dairy farming.
At the end of 2016, 97% of Letšeng's workforce comprised Lesotho
citizens.
Frequency of recovery of large diamonds
Number of diamonds 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
>100 carats 7 6 7 6 3 6 9 11 5
60 - 100 carats 18 11 11 22 17 17 21 15 21
30 - 60 carats 96 79 66 66 77 60 74 65 70
20 - 30 carats 108 111 101 121 121 82 123 126 83
-------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total diamonds >20 carats 229 207 185 215 218 165 227 217 179
-------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
2017 FOCUS
-- Effective implementation of updated mine plan
-- Deliver benefits from optimisation and expansion projects
-- Construct expanded mining complex on time and within budget
-- Complete core drilling to enhance the understanding of the kimberlite geology
-- Progress feasibility studies of large-diamond recovery capabilities
GHAGHOO
2016 IN REVIEW
Operation downsized
49% of planned Level 1 VKSE ore extracted
Development to access Level 2 VKSE ore completed
VK-Main phase on Level 1 successfully sampled
Positive results from plant efficiency improvements
Average price achieved of US$152 per carat
Four-star HSE NOSA rating
CONTINUED CHALLENGING MARKET CONDITIONS FOR GHAGHOO'S PRODUCTION
HAS NECESSITATED PLACING THE OPERATION ON CARE AND MAINTENANCE IN
2017
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Ghaghoo operated at a reduced production rate during the year
following the decision to downsize the operation due to the
depressed state of the market that was experienced in 2015.
The buffer zone around the sand dilution from the sink hole that
occurred in November 2015, was successfully created during Q1 2016,
sterilising approximately 300 000 tonnes of ore.
A total of 1 440 metres of development was completed during the
year. In total, 217 372 tonnes of ore were treated and 40 976
carats were recovered, achieving a recovered grade of 18.9cpht. The
recovered grade was below the reserve grade of 27.8cpht due to the
high percentage of coarse breccia dilution encountered in the ore
extracted near the contact zone from Block 2. This was further
exacerbated by diamond lock up in the DMS tailings and mill
oversize material. The gratings and liners in the autogenous mill
were reconfigured during the fourth quarter of the year and the
mill operation was optimised to obtain better liberation and reduce
diamond damage.
The VK-Main phase was successfully sampled and processed. The
sample achieved a recovered grade of 18.2cpht, being 2% above the
estimated reserve grade of 17.8cpht.
During the year, nine diamonds larger than 10.8 carats were
recovered, of which the largest was a 40 carat diamond. Fancy
coloured diamonds continued to be recovered, confirming the
presence of these types of diamonds in the Ghaghoo resource.
Three sales were concluded during the year, achieving an average
price of US$152 per carat from the sale of 47 266 carats.
HSSE
During the year, Ghaghoo's health, safety and environmental
(HSE) management system was audited by NOSA (previously audited by
IRCA) and maintained its four-star rating for its fourth
consecutive year. Ghaghoo focused on readying its HSE management
systems for ISO 18001 and ISO 14001 pre-certification audits. The
operation also underwent a 'Gem Way' internal audit during 2016,
following which it was awarded a three-star rating.
Ghaghoo focused on building on the safety progress made in 2015,
unfortunately the operation recorded three LTIs during 2016 ending
a 449-day LTI-free period.
No major or significant environmental incidents were recorded
during 2016. The operation underwent a suite of environmental
audits during the year to monitor its compliance with legal and
social licence requirements. Ghaghoo advanced its study into
aquifer recharge and commenced with the construction of a pilot
system that would provide the operation with data to better
understand the feasibility of aquifer recharge as part of a water
management strategy.
Year Year
ended ended
31 December 31 December %
Operational performance 2016 2015 change
Ore tonnes mined 231 099 320 630 (27.9)
Ore tonnes treated 217 372 326 922 (33.5)
Tunnelling metres developed 1 440 1 751 (17.8)
Carats recovered 40 976 91 499 (55.2)
Grade recovered (cpht) 18.9 28.0 (32.5)
Carats sold 47 266 89 107 (47.0)
Average price per carat (US$) 152 162 (6.2)
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -------
No major or significant stakeholder incidents were recorded
during 2016. Ghaghoo used the year to strengthen and formalise its
corporate social investment strategy. A community needs analysis
was completed at the start of 2016 and supported the social
investment strategy implemented by Ghaghoo. Furthermore,
approximately US$50 000 was invested towards maintaining existing
corporate social project commitments.
At the end of the year, 97% of Ghaghoo's workforce comprised
Motswana citizens.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The fall in prices of Ghaghoo's production from US$210 per carat
in early 2015 to US$142 per carat at its most recent sale in
December 2016, emphasised the weak state of the diamond market for
this category of diamonds. The operation has been placed on care
and maintenance to preserve the value of the resource. The focus in
2017 will be to restructure the operation to reach a state of full
care and maintenance during H1 2017. The care and maintenance
philosophy is to maintain the asset as a going concern to enable
effective and efficient recommencement of the operation when market
conditions improve.
2017 FOCUS
-- Execute the care and maintenance plan
-- Assess future viable options
MINERAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
2016 IN REVIEW
Letšeng diamonds achieve top prices
Lack of larger high-quality diamonds impact overall US$ per
carat
Letšeng grade performance achieves MCF
VKMain at Ghaghoo bulk sampled
THE LET ENG RESOURCE DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL DIAMONDS ALTHOUGH
FEWER OF THE LARGER HIGH-VALUE DIAMONDS WERE RECOVERED DURING THE
CURRENT YEAR
RESOURCE PERFORMANCE
Letšeng
Letšeng is renowned for producing some of the world's largest
and highest-value diamonds. This is mainly as a result of the high
proportion of exceptional quality, flawless white Type II diamonds.
This ranks Letšeng as the highest average US$ per carat kimberlite
mine in the world.
Letšeng's revenue is highly geared towards the number of large,
high-value diamonds recovered. The years 2014 and 2015 were
extraordinary in terms of large diamond (greater than 100 carats)
recoveries and the percentage of total revenue derived from
diamonds larger than 10.8 carats. In comparison, the 2016
production year has been characterised by fewer large and
high-value diamonds. Letšeng's realised US$ per carat was below the
2016 expected reserve prices, and achieved US$1 695 per carat
compared to US$2 092 per carat.
Of the 100 highest-value diamonds produced in the past six
years, only 12 were produced in 2016, negatively impacting the
revenue at Letšeng.
Although 2016 recorded fewer +100 carat diamonds than the prior
year, the mine produced an 11.78 carat fancy pink diamond which
achieved US$187 700 per carat, the third highest price for a single
diamond from Letšeng. In addition, four spectacular diamonds
recovered during 2016 were ranked in the top 35 of the highest
total revenue achieved for a single diamond from Letšeng since
2011. The aggregate value of these four diamonds was US$22.0
million:
Highest value diamonds of 2016 (ranked in top 35 since 2011)
160.21 carat Type II D - ranked 8th
93.90 carat Type II D - ranked 16th
88.43 carat Type II D - ranked 28th
84.87 carat Type II D - ranked 31st
Despite recovering these exceptional diamonds, an increase in
grade and the recovery of a higher quantity of smaller diamonds
from an area within the southern portion of the Satellite pipe
during the year, resulted in the average diamond price achieved for
the year being below expectations.
Over the past six years, annual revenue from individual diamonds
larger than 10.8 carats has been consistently 70% to 80% of total
revenue and, therefore, the operational focus at Letšeng is
dramatically different to other diamond producers where grade is
usually the primary metric.
Grade performance
Letšeng's recovered grade of 1.63cpht was in line with the
expected grade and achieved a reserve MCF of 101%. Of the total ore
treated during 2016, 69% was sourced from the Main pipe, 27% from
the Satellite pipe and 4% from the Main pipe stockpiles.
Historically the Satellite pipe has produced a higher percentage of
high-value Type II diamonds while Main pipe has produced some of
the largest and most valuable stones.
Discrete sampling results
Average
Wet Grade Stone Size
Pipe Domain tonnes* Carats Stones (cpht)* (carats)
Main KMain 1 376 737 19 830 25 250 1.44 0.79
K4 61 038 717 1 326 1.17 0.54
------------------ --------- ------ ------ -------- -----------
Total 1 437 775 20 547 26 576 1.43 0.77
------------------ --------- ------ ------ -------- -----------
Satellite NVK 177 621 4 372 5 580 2.46 0.78
SVK 314 723 8 876 12 559 2.82 0.71
------------------ --------- ------ ------ -------- -----------
Total 492 344 13 248 18 139 2.69 0.73
------------------ --------- ------ ------ -------- -----------
* Based on wet tonnes - no moisture factor applied.
Discrete sampling results
During 2016, discrete sampling within Main pipe and Satellite
pipe was focused on areas within the KMain, K4, NVK and SVK
kimberlite domains. This sampling programme will continue into 2017
and together with the 2017 core drilling programme will augment the
understanding of the resource. This work is enhancing the
understanding of the geology and value of both pipes at depth.
Resource development
The Letšeng kimberlites are unique and have been a source of
intrigue for geologists since their discovery. Not only are the
diamond populations atypical, but the way the pipes were formed and
their emplacement history is rather unusual. Several features of
the Letšeng pipes differentiate them from the Kimberly-type
pyroclastic kimberlites and impact our understanding of the
distribution of diamonds within the pipes.
Since mid-2013, the geological team at Letšeng has been working
with a team of leading kimberlite experts from Canada and South
Africa to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between
the various kimberlite types within each pipe and to differentiate
high-grade varieties from those with high value (containing large
and abundant Type II diamonds). During the year, previous
geological work was reassessed; historical drill core was relogged;
more detailed studies were undertaken on indicator mineral
abundances and petrography; and the rock types at depth were linked
with those previously mapped in detail in the open pits to update
the geological models.
Although Letšeng demonstrates broad scale consistency year on
year in terms of price and average stone size for each of the
kimberlite domains, the objective of the resource development
programme is to gather data on local variability within each domain
to improve large stone predictability and calibrate expectations of
what each domain and subdomain can reasonably be expected to yield
in terms of grade, average stone size, number of +100 carat stones
and average price.
Capital was approved in late 2016 for another phase of core
drilling in both the Main and Satellite pipes to increase the
density of drillholes down to approximately 300m below the current
pit floors and further refine the geological models. The programme
is scheduled to start in the first half of 2017 and provides for
the drilling of 7 540m of core.
Research was undertaken at University of Alberta on Type II
macro-diamonds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry to assess a genetic relationship
between microdiamonds and Type II macro-diamonds and to test the
suitability of the technique as a predictor of grade and Type II
diamond continuity. This research is being expanded in 2017 to
study inclusions within the Type II macro-diamonds to identify a
distinct mantle signature that could be used to target kimberlite
phases with elevated Type II diamond potential based on associated
indicator mineral chemistry.
The resource development programme has significantly advanced
the understanding of the Letšeng kimberlites, the details of which
are to be presented at the 11th International Kimberlite Conference
in September 2017.
No additional resources and reserves were added during 2016. The
priority for 2016 and into 2017 is firming up on the existing
resource base and making appropriate operational and
infrastructural adjustments to extract maximum value. Considering
the current resource-related work streams in progress, no new
resource and reserve statement is to be declared for 2016. After
completion of the drilling programme and the associated geological
studies on the core are integrated into the resource evaluation, an
updated resource and reserve statement will be issued.
Ghaghoo
Since mining operations began, the focus was on confirming the
historical estimates of the higher grade VKSE domain. Mining
started in the south eastern portion of the pipe in the relatively
undiluted VKSE ore. Mining then progressed towards the central zone
containing abundant country rock dilution, referred to as the
brecciated VK or BXVK in the resource statement. This material
contains primary kimberlite that was diluted with brecciated
country rock during the emplacement process.
2016 saw a convergence of several factors which served to stress
the operation, most notably the decline in prices for the types of
diamonds produced at Ghaghoo. Another contributing factor was the
mining and processing challenges related to unavoidable highly
diluted brecciated ore and the substantial proportion of lower
grade ore from the VKMain.
Of the 217 372 tonnes treated during 2016, 48% were from VKMain
(17 cpht reserve), 45% from VKSE (27cpht reserve) and 7% from BXVK
(9cpht reserve).
During 2016 the evaluation of the lower grade VKMain domain was
initiated. This domain was originally excluded from the underground
mining reserves due to its low grade. Underground development of
the tunnel into the VKMain ore commenced in July 2016 and sample
processing was completed in December 2016. The sample confirmed the
reserve estimates with a recovered grade of 18.2cpht, which is 2%
above the estimated 17.8cpht reserve. Additional resource
delineation drilling was completed during the year in order to
confirm geological contacts for level one and level two.
SALES, MARKETING AND MANUFACTURING
2016 IN REVIEW
11.78 carat pink diamond achieved US$187 700 per carat
Letšeng achieved US$1 695 per carat
Ghaghoo achieved US$152 per carat
Polished sales contributed additional revenue of US$3.1
million
PRICES FOR LET ENG'S HIGH-VALUE DIAMONDS REMAIN FIRM
Gem Diamonds continues to invest in its sales, marketing and
manufacturing operations to pursue ways of maximising revenue
through a combination of marketing channels, including tenders,
strategic partnerships, off-take arrangements and additional
initiatives further along the diamond pipeline.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Group's rough diamond production is marketed and sold by Gem
Diamonds Marketing Services (Belgium) and Gem Diamonds Marketing
Botswana (Botswana). Letšeng's diamonds are viewed and sold through
an open tender in Antwerp while Ghaghoo's diamonds are viewed in
both Gaborone and Antwerp and, subject to prevailing market
conditions, are sold either through an open tender or direct
sale.
Following viewings by customers in either Antwerp or Gaborone,
Gem Diamonds' electronic tender platform allows customers the
flexibility to participate in each tender from anywhere in the
world. The tender process is managed in a transparent manner. This,
combined with professionalism and focused customer care and
management, has led to a branded Gem Diamonds experience,
contributing to securing customer loyalty, as well as supporting
highest market-driven prices for the Group's rough diamond
production.
Select rough diamonds from Letšeng which have been manufactured
into polished diamonds by Baobab Technologies (Baobab) are sold by
Gem Diamonds Marketing Services through direct selling channels to
prominent high-end customers.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
During the year, the Group continued to build its premium
customer base. Currently, the Group has 337 approved and registered
customers, up from 105 in 2010. Eight large rough diamond tenders
were held during the year, all of which were well attended, with an
average of approximately 130 customers attending each tender. The
Group continually engages with its customers to better understand
their challenges and needs and, where possible, accommodates these
in its marketing strategy. This is evident in the change in the
number of tenders held in a year reducing from 10 to eight
(implemented in 2015) and the tenders for the smaller production
being reduced to one per quarter with higher volumes.
The multiple strategic and flexible marketing channels adopted
in the sale of Letšeng's high-quality diamonds in 2016 contributed
in achieving an average price of US$1 695* per carat in a difficult
and challenging diamond market. The lower Letšeng average US$ per
carat achieved in 2016 was largely a consequence of the paucity of
large, high-quality diamonds, rather than any notable decrease in
demand or weakening of the prices for these diamonds.
Prices achieved for Letšeng's large, high-value diamonds
continued to impress with the following prices being achieved:
-- an 11.78 carat pink diamond achieved US$187 700 per carat,
making it the third highest US$ per carat achieved for a single
Letšeng rough diamond since Gem Diamonds Marketing Services was
established in 2010;
-- a 12.31 carat pink diamond achieved US$109 677 per carat; and
-- the top two white diamonds of 93.90 and 56.48 carats achieved
US$56 561 per carat and US$53 451 per carat respectively.
The sale of polished diamonds previously placed into strategic
partnerships contributed additional revenue of US$2.6 million to
the Group.
An average price of US$152 per carat was achieved for Ghaghoo's
production. The downward pressure on prices for the more commercial
Ghaghoo production seen in 2016, materially influenced the sales
and marketing strategy for these goods. Two of the three Ghaghoo
production sales were concluded through direct sales, with the aim
of maximising the price (US$160 per carat and US$155 per carat,
respectively). The third and final sale for 2016 was concluded by
way of open tender with viewings in Gaborone and Antwerp, achieving
US$142 per carat.
ROUGH DIAMOND ANALYSIS AND MANUFACTURING
Baobab's advanced mapping and analysis of Letšeng's large
exceptional rough diamonds supports the Group in analysing and
assessing the value of Letšeng's rough diamonds that are presented
for sale on tender or sold through other sales channels. This
ensures that robust reserve prices are set for the Group's
high-value diamonds at each tender and informs strategic selling,
partnering or manufacturing decisions.
To access the highest value for Letšeng's top-quality diamonds,
the Group, through Baobab, selectively manufactures certain of the
high-value rough diamonds and additionally places other exceptional
diamonds into strategic partnership arrangements with select
clients. Baobab also performs analyses and management of the
manufacturing of large, high-value diamonds for third-party
customers.
* Includes carats extracted for polishing at rough
valuation.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
The challenging market, especially in the manufacturing sector
of the diamond industry, necessitated a re-evaluation of Baobab's
activities in 2016. Although Baobab continued to provide its
advanced mapping and rough diamond analysis and manufacturing
services to the Group and to third parties, a decision was taken to
outsource the back-end cutting and polishing functions to decrease
fixed overheads and provide the needed services in a more optimal
and fit-for-purpose manner.
During 2016, 33.42 carats of rough diamonds were extracted for
manufacturing, with a rough market value of US$0.7 million. The
sale of polished diamonds previously extracted contributed
additional revenue of US$0.5 million to the Group for the year. The
lower volume of extractions reflects the flexible marketing
strategy of the Group which was adapted to consider the current
challenging polished diamond market and to capitalise on the sale
of Letšeng's production of rough diamonds on tender, which remained
firm during the year.
2017 FOCUS
-- Maximise revenues in changing market conditions
-- Increase downstream opportunities to capitalise on additional revenue
-- Maintain reputation for holding premier tenders for Letšeng's
large, high-value diamonds
-- Monitor market for Ghaghoo-type production
Principal risks and uncertainties
How we approach risk
The Group is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties that
could have a material impact on its performance and long-term
growth. The effective identification, management and mitigation of
these risks and uncertainties is a core focus of the Group as they
are key to achieving the Company's strategic objectives.
Central to Gem Diamonds' approach to risk management is having
the right Board and Senior Management team in place, with such
members combining extensive experience in diamond mining, corporate
governance, assurance management and knowledge of the local
operating conditions in Lesotho and Botswana.
The Board is accountable for risk management, assisted primarily
by the Audit and HSSE Committees, who together identify and assess
change in risk exposure, along with the potential financial and
non-financial impacts and likelihood of occurrence.
The Company is continually strengthening its risk management
processes to provide informed assurance to the Board to assess
current objectives. The Group internal audit function carries out
the risk-based audit plan approved by the Audit Committee, to
evaluate the effectiveness and contribute to the improvement of
risk management controls and governance processes.
Following the extreme weather conditions experienced at Letšeng
during the year, the mitigation measures relating to business
continuity were reviewed and further strengthened where
necessary.
Given the long-term nature of the Group's mining operations,
risks are unlikely to alter significantly on a yearly basis;
however, inevitably the level of risk and the Group's risk appetite
could change. The Board and its Committees have identified the
following key risks which have been set out in no order of
priority. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a list of the
most material risks facing the Group. The impact of these risks,
individually or collectively, could potentially affect the ability
of the Group to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows
in the medium to long term. The risks are actively monitored and
managed as detailed on the following pages.
The KPIs, which are grouped into the growth, value creation and
sustainability of the Group's strategy on pages 12 to 13 in the
Annual Report and Accounts are linked to each risk.
Description and impact Mitigation 2016 actions and outcomes KPIs affected
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
MARKET RISKS
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
1. ROUGH DIAMOND DEMAND AND PRICES
Growth
* Numerous factors beyond the control of the Group may * Market conditions are continually monitored to * Global macro-economic volatility and uncertainty and Value creation
affect the price and demand for diamonds. identify trends that pose a threat or create the cautious sentiment in the diamond market
opportunity for the Group. continued to strain the rough and polished diamond
market during 2016.
* These factors include international economic and
political trends; projected supply from existing * The Group has flexibility in its sales processes and
mines; supply and timing of production from new the ability to reassess its capital projects and * Letšeng's high-value diamonds continued to be in
mines; and consumer trends. operational strategies considering existing market high demand and achieved firm prices.
conditions to preserve cash balances.
* The volatility in the market can significantly impact * The price for Ghaghoo's more commercial production
the ability to generate cash flows and to fund * Strict treasury management procedures are in place to decreased by approximately 30% from that achieved at
operations and growth plans. monitor cash and capital project expenditure. the beginning of 2015, and is anticipated to remain
constrained due to projected increase in supply for
these types of goods from new mines coming into
* Revolving credit facilities are available during production in 2017. The continued decline in
periods when cash constraints are experienced. Ghaghoo's prices prompted a review by management of
the financial viability of the operation, and post
year end, the decision was taken to place the
operation on care and maintenance until such time
that commencing full commercial production would make
economic sense.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
OPERATIONAL RISKS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. MINERAL RESOURCE RISK
Growth
* The Group's mineral resources influence the * Various bulk sampling programmes, combined with * At Letšeng, ahead-of-face drilling and discrete Value creation
operational mine plans. Uncertainty or geological mapping and modelling methods production sampling programmes initiated in previous
underperformance of mineral resources could affect significantly improve the Group's understanding of years continued in 2016 to better define the orebody.
the Group's ability to operate profitably. and confidence in the mineral resources and assist in In addition, micro- diamond sample analysis which
optimising the mining thereof. aims to predict grades at depth was also conducted.
The outcomes of these programmes will be used to
* Limited knowledge of the resource could lead to an update resource models. A drilling programme was
inability to forecast or plan accurately or optimally, approved in 2016 and will commence during Q1 2017.
and lead to financial risk.
* During 2016, fewer exceptional large, high-value
* With Letšeng being the world's lowest grade diamonds were recovered at Letšeng. Following a
operating kimberlite mine, the risk of resource detailed review of the resource and operational
underperformance is elevated. processes, it was considered that the absence of
these type of recoveries is due to the normal
statistical short- term variability of the resource
and is expected to revert to normal recovery levels.
* Resource development at Ghaghoo was limited to
mapping of the geology for the underground tunnels.
Data obtained from mining activities was analysed to
further understand the resource and develop the value
in the reserve. While the asset is on care and
maintenance, further analysis of data will be
undertaken to improve the knowledge of the resource.
3. A MAJOR PRODUCTION INTERRUPTION
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Growth
* The Group may experience material mine and/or plant * The Group continually reviews the likelihood and * During 2016, excessive snow fall and severe winds Value creation
shutdowns or periods of decreased production due to consequence of various possible events and ensures were experienced in Lesotho, limiting access to Sustainability
numerous events. Any such event could negatively that the appropriate management controls, processes, Letšeng and damaging the Lesotho Electricity
impact the Group's operations and its profitability and business continuity plans are in place to Company's infrastructure, impacting power to the
and cash flows. immediately mitigate risk. operation. Backup generators at the mine were used to
mitigate the impact, allowing treatment plants to
continue to operate, albeit at reduced rates.
* The two major production interruption risks at
Ghaghoo of wet underground conditions and single
access tunnel to the underground, continued to be
managed through water management strategies and
regular monitoring of the condition of the access
tunnel respectively.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
4. DIAMOND THEFT
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Growth
* Theft is an inherent risk factor in the diamond * Security measures are constantly reviewed and * The Coarse Recovery Plant at Letšeng, with
industry. implemented to minimise this risk. additional security features, continued to be
optimised during the year.
* At Letšeng, because of the frequency of * State-of-the-art security infrastructure and
high-value diamonds and the associated low grade, technologies are invested in and supported through * Three independent audits of the security systems were
theft can have a material impact on Group cash flow. additional surveillance processes. conducted, the outcomes of which resulted in a series
of findings that provided opportunity to further
improve the security processes at Letšeng.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
5. DIAMOND DAMAGE
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Growth
* Letšeng's valuable Type II diamonds are highly * Diamond damage is regularly monitored and analysed * During the year, five diamonds greater than 100 Value creation
susceptible to damage during the mining and recovery through studies and variance analyses. carats were recovered.
process. To reduce such damage creates a potential
upside for the Group.
* Opportunities to reduce damage through modifications * Options are currently being assessed to further
to the mining and treatment process are identified enhance recovery and reduce damage to the large-sized
for further investigation. diamonds through a large-diamond specific recovery
plant.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
6. EXPANSION AND GROWTH
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Growth
* The Group's growth strategy is based on delivery of * Project governance structures have been applied to * At Letšeng a post-investment review was Value creation
expansion projects, premised on various studies, cost ensure that projects are monitored and risks managed completed on the Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade which proved
trends and future market assumptions. In assessing at an appropriate level. that the project achieved its objective.
the viability, cost and implementation of these
projects, risks concerning cost overruns and/or
delays may affect the implementation and execution * Flexibility in the execution of projects allows the * In Q4 2016 projects aimed at maximising
thereof. Group to react quickly to changes in market and Letšeng's value commenced and included a revised
operational conditions. life of mine plan, aimed at reducing waste tonnes
mined and further enhancing cash flows, and the study
of the benefits of developing a large-diamond
specific recovery plant.
* Ghaghoo was downsized during 2016, necessitated by
the challenging diamond market for the Ghaghoo
production. Market and operational conditions
worsened during the year necessitated the placing of
Ghaghoo on care and maintenance post year end. The
viability of this asset will be continually monitored
to allow the Group to react to any positive market
movements.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
7. HSSE-related risks
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Sustainability
* The risk that a major health, safety, social or * The Group has implemented appropriate HSSE policies * The Group achieved a fatality-free year.
environmental incident may occur is inherent in which are subjected to a continuous improvement
mining operations. review.
* Five LTIs were reported resulting in an LTIFR of 0.18
and AIFR of 1.93, being the lowest achieved to date
* These risks could impact the safety of employees, * The Group actively participates and invests in in the history of the Group
licence to operate, Company reputation and compliance corporate social initiatives for its PACs.
with facility agreements.
* Ghaghoo maintained its four-star rating for the
external HSSE audits.
* Letšeng retained its ISO14001 and ISO18001
certification.
* Corporate social investment into the Group's PACs
continued during the year.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
8. COUNTRY AND POLITICAL RISKS
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Growth
* The political environment of the various * Changes to the political environment and regulatory * There were no strikes or lockouts during the year Sustainability
jurisdictions that the Group operates within may developments are closely monitored. Where necessary, across the Group.
adversely impact its ability to operate effectively the Group engages in dialogue with relevant
and profitably. Emerging market economies are government representatives to build relationships and
generally subject to greater risks, including to remain well informed of all legal and regulatory * In Lesotho, numerous initiatives in promoting
regulatory and political risk, and can be exposed to developments impacting its operations. in-country stakeholder relationships were undertaken
a rapidly changing environment. during the year, including the successful
establishment of the Lesotho Chamber of Mines which
is chaired by a representative from Letšeng.
* There were no disruptions to operations following the
retrenchment of employees after the downsizing of
Ghaghoo.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
9. ATTRACTING AND RETAINING APPROPRIATE SKILLS
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Growth
* The success of the Group's objectives and sustainable * The Group regularly reviews human resources practices, * Intensified efforts continued in the development of Value creation
growth depends on its ability to attract and retain which are designed to identify areas of skill selected key employees through structured training Sustainability
key suitably qualified and experienced personnel, shortages, and implements development programmes to and development programmes.
especially in an environment and industry where mitigate such risks. In addition, these programmes
skills shortages are prevalent and in jurisdictions are designed to attract, incentivise and retain
where localisation policies exist. individuals of the appropriate calibre through * Extensive engagements with respective government
performance-based bonus schemes and long-term reward departments are ongoing as part of the effort to
and retention schemes. implement efficient work permit processing and to
develop plans for local employee upskilling.
* Following engagement with the Government of Lesotho
during the year a memorandum of understanding was
signed post year end to expedite the issuing of work
permits and facilitate the entry of expatriates.
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
FINANCIAL RISKS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. CURRENCY VOLATILITY
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Growth
* The Group receives its revenue in US dollars, while * The impact of the exchange rates and fluctuations are * Local currencies in the jurisdictions in which the Value creation
its cost base is incurred in the local currency of closely monitored. Group operates weakened against the US dollar during
the various countries within which the Group the first half of the year; however, the second half
operates. The volatility of these currencies trading of the year saw significant strengthening of local
against the US dollar impacts the Group's * It is the Group's policy to hedge a portion of future currencies of Lesotho and Botswana against the US
profitability and cash. diamond sales when weakness in the local currency dollar. This has negatively impacted the Group's
reach levels where it would be appropriate. Such results which are translated into US dollars. Due to
contracts are generally short term in nature. the volatility and uncertainty of the currency
movements during the year, no hedges were entered
into.
Viability statement
In accordance with the revised UK Corporate Governance Code, the
Directors have assessed the viability of the Group over a period
significantly longer than 12 months from the approval of the
financial statements. The Board concluded that the most relevant
time period for consideration for this assessment is a three-year
period from the approval of the financial statements, taking into
account the Group's current position and the potential impact of
the principal risks documented on pages 18 to 24 in the Annual
Report and Accounts that could impact the viability of the Group.
This period also coincides with the Group's business and strategic
planning period, which is reviewed annually, led by the CEO and
involving all relevant functions including operations, sales and
marketing, financial, treasury and risk. The Board participates
fully in the annual review process by means of structured board
meetings and annual strategic sessions. A three-year period gives
management and the Board sufficient and realistic visibility in the
context of the industry environment of the Group.
At Letšeng, the Group's focus is on organic growth with
particular emphasis on enhancing efficiencies and optimising
expansion plans at the operation. At Ghaghoo, following the weak
state of the diamond market for this category of diamonds, the
decision has been taken to place the mine on care and maintenance
with the objective of cash preservation and the option to bring the
mine into commercial production should the diamond market improve
for these goods.
For the purpose of assessing the Group's viability, the
Directors focused their attention on the more critical principal
risks categorised within the Market, Operational and Financial
risks together with the likely effectiveness of the potential
mitigations that management reasonably believes would be available
to the Company over this period. Although the business and
strategic plan reflects the Directors' best estimate of the future
prospects of the Group, they have also tested the potential impact
on the Group of a number of scenarios over and above those included
in the plan, by quantifying their financial impact and overlaying
this on the detailed financial forecasts in the plan.
The scenarios tested considered the Group's revenue, EBITDA,
cash flows and other key financial ratios over the three-year
period. Given that Letšeng experienced a paucity of larger high
quality diamonds in 2016 impacting its revenue and cash flows, the
scenarios tested included the impact of continued paucity of these
diamonds over the three-year period. This paucity is considered to
be due to the normal statistical short-term variability of the
resource and would be expected to revert to normal recovery levels
within this three-year period.
The scenarios tested included the compounding effect of:
-- a decrease in forecast rough diamond prices from the expected reserve prices; and
-- an appreciation of local currencies to the US dollar from expected market forecasts.
With the current net cash position of US$3.8 million as at 31
December 2016 and available standby facilities of US$53.3 million,
the Group would be able to withstand the impact of these scenarios
occurring over the three-year period, due to the cash-generating
nature of the Group's core asset, Letšeng, and its flexibility in
adjusting its operating plans within the normal course of business.
Post year end, the US$25.0 million Ghaghoo facility was settled out
of available facilities at the Company level.
Based on their robust assessment of the principal risks,
prospects and viability of the Group, the Board confirms that they
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due
over the three-year period ending March 2020.
Responsibility Statement of the Directors in Respect of the
Annual Report and Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report
and the Group financial statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Having taken advice from the
Audit Committee, the Board considers the report and accounts taken
as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and that they
provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the
Company's performance, business model and strategy.
The Strategic Report and Directors' Report include a fair review
of the development and performance of the business and the position
of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal
risks and uncertainties that they face.
PREPARATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Directors must not approve the financial statements unless
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of the Group, and of their profit or loss for that
period. In preparing the Group financial statements, the Directors
are required to:
-- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-- state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS;
-- state whether applicable IFRS have been followed, subject to
any material departures disclosed and explained in the Group
financial statements; and
-- prepare the financial statements on the going-concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue
in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group's
transactions and disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time,
the financial position of the Group. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and
other irregularities.
The Directors confirm that the financial statements, prepared in
accordance with IFRS, give a true and fair view of the assets,
liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company and the
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole. In
addition, suitable accounting policies have been selected and
applied consistently.
Information, including accounting policies, has been presented
in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and
understandable information, and additional disclosures have been
provided when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS
have been insufficient to enable users to understand the financial
impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on
the Group's financial position and financial performance. Where
necessary, the Directors have made judgements and estimates that
are reasonable and prudent.
The Directors of the Company have elected to comply with the
Companies Act 2006, in particular the requirements of Schedule 8 to
The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and
Reports) Regulations 2008 of the United Kingdom pertaining to
Directors' remuneration which would otherwise only apply to
companies incorporated in the UK.
Michael Michael
Chief Financial Officer
14 March 2017
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Gem Diamonds
Limited
OUR OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In our opinion:
-- the financial statements of Gem Diamonds Limited (the Group)
give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's affairs as at
31 December 2016 and of its profit for the year then ended; and
-- the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their
preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting
Standards.
Overview of our audit approach
Risks of material misstatement
* Revenue recognition
* Assessing the Ghaghoo development asset for
impairment
Audit scope
* We performed a full scope audit of three components
and audit procedures on specific balances for a
further six components
* The components where we performed full or specific
audit procedures accounted for 99% of pre-tax profit,
100% of revenue and 99% of total assets
Materiality
* Overall Group materiality was US$2.3 million which
represents 5% of pre-tax profit; excluding
exceptional items. We exclude the exceptional items,
being the impairment on Ghaghoo and the abandonment
of the Calibrated Diamonds Investment Holdings
(Proprietary) Limited Group (CDIH), as they represent
unusual non-recurring events
OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT
We identified the risks of material misstatement described below
as those that had the greatest effect on our overall audit
strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and the
direction of the efforts of the audit team. In addressing these
risks, we have performed the procedures below which were designed
in the context of the financial statements as a whole and,
consequently, we do not express any opinion on these individual
areas.
Key
observations
communicated
to the Audit
Risk Our response to the risk Committee
Revenue recognition
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 76 in the Annual Report and Accounts); Accounting
policies (page 139 in the Annual Report and Accounts); and Note 2 of the Annual Financial
Statements (page 144 in the Annual Report and Accounts).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Group recognised revenue of US$189.8 million in the We concluded
year (2015: US$249.5 million). Diamonds * We considered all diamond revenue streams as that revenue
are sold through the following revenue streams: significant, and therefore, observed the design recognised in
* Rough diamonds sold on tender; effectiveness of the controls around the revenue the year has
process in understanding management's internal been
processes and the control environment. appropriately
* Selected diamonds sold through partnership recognised on
arrangements; the
* We verified management's recognition of revenue, basis of our
covering all revenue streams of the Group. This procedures.
* Diamonds extracted for purposes of manufacturing and involved agreeing revenue transactions to underlying
sold thereafter in polished form; and customer agreements, invoices and supporting
calculations to confirm the accuracy and occurrence
of the sales recorded.
* Diamonds sold through joint operation arrangements.
* For partnership arrangements, we assessed the
appropriateness of management's judgement, in
We focused on this area due to the inherent risk related determining when risks and rewards are transferred,
to the recognition and measurement by reviewing correspondence between management and
of revenue, particularly on partnership arrangements and the partner that confirms no managerial involvement
diamonds extracted for purposes of after the sale of the rough stone.
manufacturing (cutting and polishing).
For partnership arrangements, revenue is earned on the * We assessed the accounting treatment of all stones
sale of the rough diamond, with an sold through joint operation arrangements ensuring
additional uplift recognised on the polished margin they are recognised in accordance with IFRS 11 Joint
achieved. Judgement is involved in determining Arrangements.
when the risks and rewards of ownership transfer on the
sale of the rough diamond.
* We performed cut off testing at year end by selecting
For diamonds extracted for purposes of manufacturing, no transactions close to the year end, ensuring the
revenue is recognised by the Group revenue was recognised in the correct period.
until the diamonds are sold to third parties; as a result,
there are a number of intercompany
transactions that must be eliminated in the consolidated * We also reviewed management's reconciliation of
financial statements. There is a inventory movements from stones recovered and
risk relating to the completeness of sales recognised exported from Letšeng to those sold during the
through the extraction process in light year and the remaining inventory on hand at Gem
of the polishing losses that result from the manufacturing Diamonds Marketing Services at year end to validate
process. the completeness of revenue.
Assessing the Ghaghoo development asset for impairment
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 77 in the Annual Report and Accounts); Accounting
policies (page 141 in the Annual Report and Accounts); and Note 12 of the Annual Financial
Statements (page 152 in the Annual Report and Accounts).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We focused on this area due to the size of the Ghaghoo Based on the
development asset (pre-impairment) * We tested the methodology applied in the value-in-use above
that had increased to US$130.7 million from US$117.6 calculation relative to the requirements of findings we
million (post-impairment) in June 2016 International Accounting Standards (IAS) 36 note that the
(2015: US$141.9 million) and because of the judgements and Impairment of Assets, and the mathematical accuracy model is
estimates involved in determining of management's model. sensitive to
the expected future performance of the mine. any changes
in
Management's decision to place the mine on care and * We obtained an understanding of and assessed the assumptions.
maintenance in February 2017 was determined basis for key underlying assumptions in the mine's Given the
to be evidence of the existence of impairment indicators business plan: focussing on diamond prices and current
at year end. discount rates. market
conditions
Having reassessed Ghaghoo's recoverable amount, management and the
has provided for the impairment * We challenged management's cash flow forecasts by history of
of US$170.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2016 considering evidence available to support assumptions the asset, we
(which includes the US$40.0 million for reasonableness and the reliability of past believe any
recognised at 30 June 2016), being the development asset forecasts. such changes
and all property, plant and equipment that would
comprising the Ghaghoo cash-generating unit. result in
* We checked that hindsight was not used in determining less than a
Management has classified the Ghaghoo US$25.0 million the amount of the year end impairment. full
facility as current at year end as it impairment
is required to be repaid once the mine is placed on care would be
and maintenance. * We engaged EY specialists to assess the optimistic.
reasonableness of the methodology used in determining Therefore we
the discount rate and challenge management's price concur
and discount rate assumptions by benchmarking against with
industry peers. management's
decision to
fully impair
* We performed sensitivity testing on the price and the
discount rate assumptions used. non-current
assets.
* We assessed the implications of the announcement, We believe
post-balance sheet date, to place the mine on care management's
and maintenance. recognition
and related
disclosure of
* Verified that all required disclosures in the the
consolidated financial statements were complete and impairment in
adequately reflected the outcome of management's care the financial
and maintenance decision. statements to
be reasonable
and in line
with IAS 36
Impairment.
----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
The risk around the key judgements relating to production start
date is no longer applicable following the decision to place the
mine on care and maintenance.
THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and
our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit scope
for each entity within the Group. Taken together, this enables us
to form an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We
take into account size, risk profile, the organisation of the Group
and effectiveness of Group-wide controls, changes in the business
environment and other factors when assessing the level of work to
be performed at each entity.
In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group
financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative
coverage of significant accounts in the financial statements, of
the 20 reporting components of the Group, we selected 13 components
(the remaining seven components are dormant) covering entities
within Belgium, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, United Arab
Emirates, and the United Kingdom, which represent the principal
business units within the Group.
Of the 13 components selected, we performed a full scope audit
of three components which were selected based on their size or risk
characteristics. For six components (specific scope components), we
performed audit procedures on specific accounts within that
component that we considered had the potential for the greatest
impact on the significant accounts in the financial statements
either because of the size of these accounts or their risk
profile.
The components where we performed audit procedures accounted for
99% (2015: 99%) of the Group's pre-tax profit, 100% (2015: 100%) of
the Group's revenue and 97% (2015: 97%) of the Group's total
assets. For the current year, the full scope components contributed
98% (2015: 98%) of the Group's pre-tax profit, 98% (2015: 98%) of
the Group's revenue and 95% (2015: 95%) of the Group's total
assets. The specific scope components contributed 1% (2015: 1%) of
the Group's pre-tax profit, 2% (2015: 2%) of the Group's revenue
and 2% (2015: 2%) of the Group's total assets. The audit scope of
these components may not have included testing of all significant
accounts of the component but contributed to the coverage of
significant accounts tested for the Group.
Of the remaining four components that together represent 1% of
the Group's pre-tax profit, we performed other procedures,
including analytical reviews, testing of consolidation journals and
intercompany eliminations, and assessing entity level controls to
respond to any potential risks of material misstatement to the
Group financial statements.
The charts below illustrate the coverage obtained from the work
performed by our audit teams.
CHANGES FROM THE PRIOR YEAR
Our scope allocation in the current year is broadly consistent
with 2015 in terms of overall coverage of the Group, however, we
did make some changes in the identity of components subject to full
and specific scope audit procedures. Changes in our scope since the
2015 audit included moving the audit of the Gem Diamonds Limited
standalone entity from full audit scope to a specific scope
component due to only specific accounts having been considered to
have a potential material impact on the significant accounts in the
financial statements.
INVOLVEMENT WITH COMPONENT TEAMS
In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit, we
determined the type of work that needed to be undertaken at each of
the components by us, as the primary audit engagement team, or by
component auditors from other EY global network firms operating
under our instruction. For the three full scope components, audit
procedures were performed on one of these directly by the primary
audit team and by our component audit teams in Botswana and
Lesotho. For the six specific scope components, audit procedures
were performed on three of these directly by the primary audit
team. Of the three specific scope components where the work was
performed by component auditors, we determined the appropriate
level of involvement to enable us to determine that sufficient
audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the
Group as a whole.
The Group audit team continued to follow a programme of planned
visits that has been designed to ensure that the Senior Statutory
Auditor visits each of the full scope locations at least once a
year. During the current year's audit cycle, visits were undertaken
by the primary audit team to the component teams in Belgium,
Lesotho, and South Africa. The Global Team Planning Event was held
in South Africa with representatives of the components from
Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa all attending. The primary audit
team also held a separate team planning event with the component
audit team in Belgium. Dependent on the timing of our visits, these
involved discussion of the audit approach with the component team
and any issues arising from their work, consideration of the
approach to revenue recognition, and meeting with local management.
The primary team interacted regularly with the component teams
where appropriate during various stages of the audit, reviewed key
working papers, attended audit closing meetings, including
discussions of fraud and error, and were responsible for the scope
and direction of the audit process. This, together with the
additional procedures performed at Group level, gave us appropriate
evidence for our opinion on the Group financial statements.
OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing
the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on
the audit and in forming our audit opinion.
Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually
or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the
economic decisions of the users of the financial statements.
Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and extent
of our audit procedures.
We determined materiality for the Group to be US$2.3 million
(2015: US$5.4 million), which is 5% (2015: 5%) of pre-tax profits,
excluding exceptional items. We have excluded the exceptional item,
being the impairment, recognised on Ghaghoo and the abandonment of
the CDIH group, as they represent non-recurring events. We consider
pre-tax profit provides us with the most relevant performance
measure to the stakeholders of the entity given the production
stage of the Group's Letšeng mine. Our planning materiality has
decreased by 52% compared to 2015 given the reduction in pre-tax
profit recognised by the Group in 2016.
During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial
materiality and changed our final materiality to reflect the actual
reported performance of the Group in the year.
Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or
balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately
low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and
undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.
On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our
assessment of the Group's overall control environment, our
judgement was that performance materiality was 50% (2015: 50%) of
our planning materiality, namely US$1.3 million (2015: US$2.7
million). We have set performance materiality at this percentage
due to our expectation of misstatements identified based on prior
experience.
Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining
audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is
undertaken based on a percentage of total performance materiality.
The performance materiality set for each component is based on the
relative scale and risk of the component to the Group as a whole
and our assessment of the risk of misstatement at that component.
In the current year, the range of performance materiality allocated
to components was US$0.2 million to US$1 million (2015: US$0.4
million to US$1.4 million).
Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as
being clearly trivial.
We have agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to
them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of US$0.1 million
(2015: US$0.2 million), which is set at 5% of planning materiality,
as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view,
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the
quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light
of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our
opinion.
SCOPE OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This
includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the Group's circumstances and have been consistently
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant
accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall
presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all
the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to
identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial
statements and to identify any information that is apparently
materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the
knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If
we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or
inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITOR
As explained more fully in the Directors' responsibilities
statement set out on page 112 in the Annual Report and Accounts,
the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair
view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those
standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's
Ethical Standards for Auditors.
In addition, the Company has also instructed us to:
-- report whether the section of the Directors' Remuneration
Report that is described as audited has been properly prepared in
accordance with the basis of preparation described therein;
-- report on whether in the course of the audit:
-- the information given in the Strategic Report and the
Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial
statements.
-- the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report have been
prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements;
-- report as to whether the information given in the Corporate
Governance Statement set out on pages 66 to 73 in the Annual Report
and Accounts with respect to internal control and risk management
systems in relation to financial reporting processes and about
share capital structures and in compliance with rules 7.2.5 and
7.2.6 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook
made by the Financial Conduct Authority:
-- is consistent with the financial statements and
-- has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirement.
Report on whether in the course of the audit rules 7.2.2, 7.2.3
and 7.2.7 in the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
sourcebook made by the Financial Conduct Authority (with respect to
the Company's corporate governance code and practices about its
administrative, management and supervisory bodies and their
committees) have been complied with if applicable.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body,
in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated 4 March
2016.
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in
an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to
anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body,
for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have
formed.
MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISAs (UK and Ireland) We are required to report to you if, in our opinion, We have no exceptions to
reporting financial and non-financial information report.
in the Annual Report is:
* materially inconsistent with the information in the
audited financial statements; or
* apparently materially incorrect based on, or
materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the
Group acquired in the course of performing our audit;
* otherwise misleading.
In particular, we are required to report whether we have
identified any inconsistencies between
our knowledge acquired in the course of performing the
audit and the directors' statement
that they consider the Annual Report and accounts taken as
a whole is fair, balanced and understandable
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to
assess the entity's performance,
business model and strategy; and whether the Annual Report
appropriately addresses those matters
that we communicated to the Audit Committee that we
consider should have been disclosed.
--------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------
Engagement letter The Company has instructed us to report on whether, in We have no exceptions to
requirements light of the knowledge and understanding report.
of the Company and its environment obtained in the course
of the audit, we have identified
any material misstatements in the Strategic Report or
Directors' Report or Corporate Governance
Statement set out on pages 30 to 109 in the Annual Report
and Accounts.
The Company has also instructed us to report whether in our
opinion:
* adequate accounting records have not been kept, or
returns adequate for our audit have not been received
from branches not visited by us; or
* the financial statements are not in agreement with
the accounting records and returns; or
* we have not received all the information and
explanations we require for our audit; or
* certain disclosures of directors' remuneration
specified by law are not made; or
* a Corporate Governance Statement has not been
prepared by the Company.
--------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------
Listing Rules review We are required to review: We have no exceptions to
requirements * the Directors' statement in relation to going concern report.
(set out on page 107 in the Annual Report) and
Accounts, and longer-term viability (set out on page
108 in the Annual Report and Accounts). This
statement is specified for review by the Listing
Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority for premium
listed UK incorporated companies.
* the part of the Corporate Governance Statement
relating to the Company's compliance with the
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code
specified for our review.
--------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------
STATEMENT ON THE DIRECTORS' ASSESSMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL RISKS THAT WOULD THREATEN THE SOLVENCY
OR LIQUIDITY OF THE ENTITY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISAs (UK and Ireland) We are required to give a statement as to whether we have We have nothing material
reporting anything material to add or to draw to add or to draw
attention to in relation to: attention to.
* the Directors' confirmation in the Annual Report that
they have carried out a robust assessment of the
principal risks facing the entity, including those
that would threaten its business model, future
performance, solvency or liquidity;
* the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe
those risks and explain how they are being managed or
mitigated;
* the directors' statement in the financial statements
about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing
them, and their identification of any material
uncertainties to the entity's ability to continue to
do so over a period of at least 12 months from the
date of approval of the financial statements; and
* the Directors' explanation in the Annual Report as to
how they have assessed the prospects of the entity,
over what period they have done so and why they
consider that period to be appropriate, and their
statement as to whether they have a reasonable
expectation that the entity will be able to continue
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall
due over the period of their assessment, including
any related disclosures drawing attention to any
necessary qualifications or assumptions.
Steven Dobson (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP
London
14 March 2017
Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2016
2016 2015
US$'000 2016 US$'000 2015
Before US$'000 2016 Before US$'000 2015
exceptional Exceptional US$'000 exceptional Exceptional US$'000
Notes items items Total items items Total
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue 2 189 815 - 189 815 249 475 - 249 475
Cost of sales (109 063) - (109 063) (122 483) - (122 483)
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Gross profit 80 752 - 80 752 126 992 - 126 992
Other operating income 3 306 - 306 458 8 126 8 584
Royalties and selling costs (17 170) - (17 170) (21 929) - (21 929)
Corporate expenses (11 234) - (11 234) (11 941) - (11 941)
Share-based payments 25 (1 790) - (1 790) (1 738) - (1 738)
Foreign exchange gain 3 1 715 - 1 715 6 997 1 472 8 469
Impairment of assets 4 - (172 932) (172 932) - - -
Recycling of foreign currency
translation reserve on
abandonment of operation 4 - (3 546) (3 546) - - -
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Operating profit/(loss) 3 52 579 (176 478) (123 899) 98 839 9 598 108 437
Net finance (costs)/income 5 (209) - (209) 120 - 120
------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Finance income 2 411 - 2 411 1 505 - 1 505
Finance costs (2 620) - (2 620) (1 385) - (1 385)
------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Profit/(loss) before tax for the
year from continuing operations 52 370 (176 478) (124 108) 98 959 9 598 108 557
Income tax expense 6 (19 966) - (19 966) (31 553) - (31 553)
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Profit/(loss) for the year from
continuing operations 32 404 (176 478) (144 074) 67 406 9 598 77 004
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
DISCONTINUED OPERATION
Profit after tax for the year
from discontinued operation 7 - - - - 668 668
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Profit/(loss) for the year 32 404 (176 478) (144 074) 67 406 10 266 77 672
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of parent 17 668 (176 478) (158 810) 41 759 10 266 52 025
Non-controlling interests 14 736 - 14 736 25 647 - 25 647
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Earnings/(loss) per share (cents) 8
- Basic earnings for the year
attributable to ordinary equity
holders of the parent 12.8 - (114.9) 30.2 - 37.6
- Diluted earnings for the year
attributable to ordinary equity
holders of the parent 12.8 - (114.9) 29.9 - 37.2
--------------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ ------------ ---------
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 December 2016
2016 2015
Notes US$'000 US$'000
(Loss)/profit for the year (144 074) 77 672
Other comprehensive income that could be reclassified to the income statement in
subsequent
periods
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 24 398 (81 601)
Recycling of exchange differences on abandoned and discontinued operations 4 3 546 (988)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of tax 27 944 (82 589)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of tax (116 130) (4 917)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (140 793) (15 586)
Non-controlling interests 24 663 10 669
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
for the year ended 31 December 2016
2016 2015
Notes US$'000 US$'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 9 257 199 339 367
Investment property 10 615 615
Intangible assets 11 14 014 13 510
Receivables and other assets 13 31 2 218
Other financial assets - 4
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
271 859 355 714
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Current assets
Inventories 14 30 911 30 288
Receivables and other assets 13 6 557 5 827
Other financial assets - 6
Income tax receivable 4 636 269
Cash and short-term deposits 15 30 787 85 719
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
72 891 122 109
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Total assets 344 750 477 823
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Issued capital 16 1 384 1 383
Share premium 885 648 885 648
Treasury shares(1) (1) (1)
Other reserves 16 (143 498) (163 420)
Accumulated losses (610 329) (439 764)
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
133 204 283 846
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Non-controlling interests 70 623 59 923
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Total equity 203 827 343 769
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 17 - 25 082
Trade and other payables 18 1 409 1 138
Provisions 19 16 630 12 473
Deferred tax liabilities 20 65 676 50 385
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
83 715 89 078
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 17 27 757 5 339
Trade and other payables 18 29 012 32 228
Income tax payable 439 7 409
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
57 208 44 976
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Total liabilities 140 923 134 054
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Total equity and liabilities 344 750 477 823
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
(1) Shares held by the Gem Diamonds Limited Employee Share Trust.
Approved by the Board of Directors on 14 March 2017 and signed
on their behalf by:
CT Elphick M Michael
Director Director
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2016
Attributable to
the equity
holders of the parent
Accumu-
lated
(losses)/ Non-
Issued Share Own Other retained controlling Total
capital(1) premium(1) shares(2) reserves(1) earnings Total interests equity
US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Balance at 1
January 2016 1 383 885 648 (1) (163 420) (439 764) 283 846 59 923 343 769
Total
comprehensive
income/(expense) - - - 18 017 (158 810) (140 793) 24 663 (116 130)
----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
(Loss)/profit for
the year - - - - (158 810) (158 810) 14 736 (144 074)
Other
comprehensive
income - - - 18 017 - 18 017 9 927 27 944
----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
Share capital
issued 1 - - - - 1 - 1
Share-based
payments (Note
25) - - - 1 905 - 1 905 - 1 905
Dividends paid - - - - (11 755) (11 755) (13 963) (25 718)
------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
Balance at 31
December 2016 1 384 885 648 (1) (143 498) (610 329) 133 204 70 623 203 827
------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
Balance at 1
January 2015 1 383 885 648 (1) (97 753) (484 874) 304 403 61 014 365 417
Total
comprehensive
income/(expense) - - - (67 611) 52 025 (15 586) 10 669 (4 917)
----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
Profit for the
year - - - - 52 025 52 025 25 647 77 672
Other
comprehensive
expense - - - (67 611) - (67 611) (14 978) (82 589)
----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
Share-based
payments (Note
25) - - - 1 944 - 1 944 - 1 944
Dividends paid - - - - (6 915) (6 915) (11 760) (18 675)
------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
Balance at 31
December 2015 1 383 885 648 (1) (163 420) (439 764) 283 846 59 923 343 769
------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------
(1) Refer to Note 16, Issued capital and reserves, for further detail.
(2) Being shares held by the Gem Diamonds Limited Employee Share Trust.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2016
2016 2015
Notes US$'000 US$'000
Cash flows from operating activities 70 675 119 103
-------- ----------
Cash generated by operations 21.1 93 518 155 257
Working capital adjustments 21.2 446 (3 769)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ----------
93 964 151 488
Interest received 1 253 1 762
Interest paid (2 671) (417)
Income tax paid (21 871) (33 730)
-------- ----------
Cash flows used in investing activities (98 988) (109 605)
-------- ----------
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (10 624) (22 892)
Ghaghoo development costs capitalised (3 642) (9 040)
Ghaghoo commissioning costs capitalised (net of revenue) (14 374) (16 630)
Waste cost capitalised (70 378) (61 416)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 30 407
Cash used in disposal of subsidiary 21.3 - (34)
-------- ----------
Cash flows used in financing activities (29 624) (23 057)
-------- ----------
Financial liabilities repaid (3 906) (4 384)
Dividends paid to holders of the parent (11 755) (6 913)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (13 963) (11 760)
-------- ----------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (57 937) (13 559)
-------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year - continuing operations 85 719 110 704
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year - discontinuing operation - 34
Foreign exchange differences 3 005 (11 460)
-------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year held at banks 27 730 83 165
Restricted cash at end of year 3 057 2 554
-------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 15 30 787 85 719
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- -------- ----------
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2016
1. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.1 Corporate information
1.1.1 Incorporation
The holding company, Gem Diamonds Limited (the Company), was incorporated on 29 July 2005
in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The Company's registration number is 669758.
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board on 14 March 2017.
The Group is principally engaged in the exploration and development of diamond mines.
1.1.2 Operational information
The Company has the following investments directly in subsidiaries at 31 December 2016:
Name of Share- Cost of Country of
company holding investment(1) incorporation Nature of business
-------------- ----------- ------------- ------------------------- --------------------------------
Subsidiaries
Gem Diamond 100% US$17 RSA Technical, financial and
Technical management consulting services.
Services
(Proprietary)
Limited(2)
Gem Equity 100% US$52 277 BVI Dormant investment company
Group holding 1% in Gem Diamonds
Limited(2) Botswana (Proprietary) Limited,
2% in
Gem Diamonds Marketing Services
BVBA, 1% in Baobab Technologies
BVBA and 0.1% in Gem Diamonds
Marketing Botswana
(Proprietary) Limited.
-------------- ----------- ------------- ------------------------- --------------------------------
Letšeng 70% US$126 000 Lesotho Diamond mining and holder of
Diamonds 303 mining rights.
(Proprietary)
Limited(2)
-------------- ----------- ------------- ------------------------- --------------------------------
Gem Diamonds 100% US$27 752 144 Botswana Diamond mining; evaluation and
Botswana development; and holder of
(Proprietary) mining licences and
Limited(2) concessions.
-------------- ----------- ------------- ------------------------- --------------------------------
BDI Mining 100% US$82 064 783 BVI Dormant investment company.
Corp(2)
-------------- ----------- ------------- ------------------------- --------------------------------
Gem Diamonds 100% US$293 960 Australia Dormant investment company.
Australia 521
Holdings(2)
-------------- ----------- ------------- ------------------------- --------------------------------
Gem Diamonds 100% US$17 531 316 UK Investment holding company
Investments holding 100% in each of Gem
Limited(2) Diamonds Technology DMCC and
Calibrated
Diamonds Investment Holdings
(Proprietary) Limited(3) ;
99.9% in Gem Diamonds Marketing
Botswana
(Proprietary) Limited; 99% in
Baobab Technologies BVBA; and
98% in Gem Diamonds Marketing
Services BVBA, a marketing
company that sells the Group's
diamonds on tender in Antwerp.
-------------- ----------- ------------- ------------------------- --------------------------------
(1) The cost of investment represents original cost of investments at acquisition dates.
(2) No change in the shareholding since the prior year.
(3) On 31 December 2016, the Group abandoned the CDIH group which was involved in the development
and use of laser diamond shaping and cutting technology and machinery. As the operations are
being closed and not sold the closure has been classified as an abandonment (refer to Note
4, Exceptional items).
1.1.3 Segment information
For management purposes, the Group is organised into geographical units as its risks and required
rates of return are affected predominantly by differences in the geographical regions of the
mines and areas in which the Group operates or areas in which operations are managed. The
main geographical regions and the type of products and services from which each reporting
segment derives its revenue from are:
* Lesotho (diamond mining activities);
* Botswana (diamond mining activities through Ghaghoo
and sales and marketing of diamonds through Gem
Diamonds Marketing Botswana (Proprietary) Limited;
* Belgium (sales, marketing and manufacturing of
diamonds); and
* BVI, RSA and UK (technical and administrative
services).
Management monitors the operating results of the geographical units separately for the purpose
of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment.
Segment performance is evaluated based on operating profit or loss. Intersegment transactions
are entered into under normal arm's-length terms in a manner similar to transactions with
third parties. Segment revenue, segment expenses and segment results include transactions
between segments. Those transactions are eliminated on consolidation.
Segment revenue is derived from mining activities, polished manufacturing margins, and Group
services.
During the period, an immaterial operation, CDIH, operating out of South Africa and part of
the Belgium segment, which developed and maintained laser diamond shaping and cutting technology
and machinery, was abandoned due to its inability to generate profits during current market
conditions and therefore its results have been excluded.
The following table presents revenue and profit, and asset and liability information from
operations regarding the Group's geographical segments:
BVI, RSA
Year ended Lesotho Botswana Belgium and UK Total
31 December 2016 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Revenue
Total revenue 184 864 - 194 387 9 719 388 970
Intersegment (182 258) - (7 404) (9 493) (199 155)
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
External customers 2 606 - 186 983 226(1) 189 815
Recycling of foreign currency translation
reserve on abandonment of operation - - 3 546 - 3 546
------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Depreciation and amortisation 44 416 - 752 304 45 472
------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Depreciation and mining asset amortisation 9 704 - 752 304 10 760
Waste stripping cost amortisation 34 712 - - - 34 712
------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Share-based equity transactions 461 - 2 1 327 1 790
Impairment - 170 778 2 154 - 172 932
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Segment operating profit/(loss) 64 409 (169 685) (6 529) (12 094) (123 899)
Net finance costs 702 7 - (918) (209)
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Profit/(loss) before tax 65 111 (169 678) (6 529) (13 012) (124 108)
Income tax expense (19 966)
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Loss for the year (144 074)
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Segment assets 309 469 6 001 6 185 23 095 344 750
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Segment liabilities 39 677 33 164 609 1 797 75 247
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Other segment information
Capital expenditure
- Property, plant and equipment(2) 7 612 7 602 408 152 15 774
- Waste cost capitalised 70 378 - - - 70 378
- Operating and development costs
capitalised - 18 016 - - 18 016
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total capital expenditure 77 990 25 618 408 152 104 168
------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- ---------- -------- ----------
(1) No revenue was generated in BVI.
(2) Capital expenditure includes non-cash movements in rehabilitation assets relating to changes
in rehabilitation estimates for the Lesotho and Botswana segments and capitalisation of share-based
payments for the Botswana segment.
Included in annual revenue for the current year is revenue from a single customer which amounted
to US$31.3 million arising from sales reported in the Lesotho and Belgium segment.
Segment liabilities do not include net deferred tax liabilities of US$65.6 million.
Total sales for the current year are lower than that of the prior year mainly as a result
of the lower frequency of exceptional large diamonds being recovered at the Lesotho segment,
resulting in lower diamond prices achieved.
Total
conti- Discon-
Year ended BVI, RSA nuing tinued
31 December Lesotho Botswana Belgium and UK opera- opera- Total
2015 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 tions tions US$'000
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Revenue
Total revenue 236 357 - 263 490 9 788 509 635 85 509 720
Intersegment (235 183) - (15 696) (9 281) (260 160) - (260 160)
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
External
customers 1 174 - 247 794 507(1) 249 475 85 249 560
Depreciation
and
amortisation 56 497 - 615 362 57 474 117 57 591
---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Depreciation
and mining
asset
amortisation 9 275 - 615 362 10 252 117 10 369
Waste stripping
cost
amortisation 47 222 - - - 47 222 - 47 222
---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Share-based
equity
transactions 489 - - 1 249 1 738 - 1 738
Segment
operating
profit/(loss) 113 998 (1 864) (1 281) (2 416) 108 437 (1 002) 107 435
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Net finance
income 120 - 120
Profit/(loss)
before tax 108 557 (1 002) 107 555
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Income tax
expense (31 553) - (31 553)
Gain on
disposal of
subsidiary - 1 670 1 670
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Profit for the
year 77 004 668 77 672
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Segment assets 278 570 158 399 7 938 32 916 477 823 426 478 249
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Segment
liabilities 44 426 35 105 1 123 3 015 83 669 758 84 427
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Other segment
information - -
Capital
expenditure
- Property,
plant and
equipment(2) 10 206 19 871 374 2 337 32 788 - 32 788
- Waste cost
capitalised 61 416 - - - 61 416 - 61 416
- Operating and
development
expenses
capitalised - 14 260 - - 14 260 14 260
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total capital
expenditure 71 622 34 131 374 2 337 108 464 - 108 464
--------------- ---------- ------------- --------- -------------- ---------- -------- ----------
(1) No revenue was generated in BVI.
(2) Capital expenditure includes non-cash movements in rehabilitation assets relating to changes
in rehabilitation estimates for the Lesotho and Botswana segments and capitalisation of share-based
payments for the Botswana segment.
Included in annual revenue for the 2015 year was revenue from a single customer which amounted
to US$46.7 million arising from sales reported in the Lesotho and Belgium segment.
Segment liabilities do not include net deferred tax liabilities of US$50.4 million.
Total sales for 2015 were lower than that of 2014 mainly as a result of market conditions
and lower diamond prices achieved at the Lesotho segment, together with lower number of carats
sold due to production cut-off periods.
1.2 Summary of significant accounting policies
1.2.1 Basis of presentation
The financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These financial statements have been prepared under
the historical cost basis. The accounting policies have been consistently applied except for
the adoption of the new standards and interpretations detailed below.
The functional currency of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries is US dollar, which
is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entities operate. All amounts
are expressed in US dollar. The financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional and
reporting currency is in currencies other than US dollar have been converted into US dollar
on the basis as set out in Note 1.2.16, Foreign currency translations.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain
critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the
process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial
statements are disclosed in Note 1.2.26, Critical accounting estimates and judgements.
The Group has also adopted the following standards and interpretations from 1 January 2016:
Standards issued but not yet effective
Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published
that are mandatory for the Group's accounting periods beginning after 1 January 2017 or in
later periods, which the Group has decided not to adopt early.
Standard, Effective period
amendment or commencing on
interpretation or after
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
IFRS 16 Leases 1 January 2019
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment 1 January 2018
Transactions
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 1 January 2018
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customer 1 January 2018
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative 1 January 2017
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses 1 January 2017
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
The Group is in the process of assessing the impact of these standards on the financial statements.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15 will replace IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction Contracts and establishes a unified
framework for determining the timing, measurement and recognition of revenue. The principle
of the new standard is to recognise revenue as performance obligations are met rather than
based on the transfer of risks and rewards. The effective date of the standard is 1 January
2018.
The Group is currently reviewing the potential impact of IFRS 15 with the primary focus being
understanding those sales contracts where the timing and amount of revenue recognised could
differ under IFRS 15. As the Group's revenue is predominantly derived from rough diamond sales
in which the transfer of risks and rewards coincides with the fulfilment of performance obligations,
the timing and amount of revenue recognised is unlikely to be affected for these sales. It
is currently anticipated that IFRS 15 will have an impact on the timing and amount of revenue
recognised relating to uplift on partnership derived on the sale of polished diamonds. As
these revenue streams have represented between 1.4% - 2.6% of total revenue generated in the
past five years, it is not anticipated to have a significant impact on the results.
IFRS 15 also includes disclosure requirements including qualitative and quantitative information
about contracts with customers to help users of the financial statements understand the nature,
amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue. The Group will start developing a transition plan
to identify and implement the required changes during 2017. The Group expects to adopt this
standard retrospectively.
IFRS 16 Leases
Under the new standard, a lessee is in essence required to:
* recognise all right of use assets and lease
liabilities, with the exception of short term (under
12 months) and low value leases, on the balance
sheet. The liability is initially measured at the
present value of future lease payments for the lease
term. This includes variable lease payments that
depend on an index or rate but excludes other
variable lease payments. The right of use asset
reflects the lease liability, initial direct costs,
any lease payments made before the commencement date
of the lease, less any lease incentives and, where
applicable, provision for dismantling and
restoration;
* recognise depreciation of right of use assets and
interest on lease liabilities in the income statement
over the lease term; and
* separate the total amount of cash paid into a
principal portion (presented within financing
activities) and interest portion (which the Group
presents in operating activities) in the cash flow
statement.
This standard will have an impact on the Group's earnings and it must be implemented retrospectively,
either with the restatement of comparatives or with the cumulative impact of application recognised
as at 1 January 2019 under the modified retrospective approach.
Under IFRS 16 the present value of the Group's operating lease commitments as defined under
the new standard, excluding low value leases and short-term leases, will be shown as right
of use assets and as lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Information on the undiscounted
amount of the Group's operating lease commitments under IAS 17, the current leasing standard,
is disclosed in Note 22. The Group is considering the available options for transition.
Over the next two years, the Group will focus on the identification of the provisions of the
standard which will most impact the Group.
Business environment and country risk
The Group's operations are subject to country risk being the economic, political and social
risks inherent in doing business in certain areas of Africa and Europe. These risks include
matters arising out of the policies of the government, economic conditions, imposition of
or changes to taxes and regulations, foreign exchange rate fluctuations and the enforceability
of contract rights.
The consolidated financial information reflects management's assessment of the impact of these
business environments on the operations and the financial position of the Group. The future
business environment may differ from management's assessment.
1.2.2 Going concern
The Company's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development,
performance and position are set out in the Strategic Review on pages 40 to 45 and pages 50
to 52 in the Annual Report and Accounts. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows
and liquidity position are described in the Strategic Review on pages 34 to 39 in the Annual
Report and Accounts. In addition, Note 24, Financial risk management, includes the Company's
objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management
objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity
risk.
After making enquiries which include reviews of forecasts and budgets, timing of cash flows,
borrowing facilities and sensitivity analyses and considering the uncertainties described
in this report either directly or by cross-reference, the Directors have a reasonable expectation
that the Group and the Company have adequate financial resources to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going-concern
basis in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts of the Company.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis which assumes that
the Group will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future.
1.2.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company
and entities controlled by the Company.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which
the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control
ceases. An investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns
from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through
its power over the investee. To meet the definition of control in IFRS 10, all three of the
following criteria must be met:
(a) an investor has power over an investee;
(b) the investor has exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the
investee; and
(c) the investor has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of
the investor's returns.
The financial statements of subsidiaries used in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements are prepared for the same reporting year as the parent company and are based on
consistent accounting policies. All intragroup balances and transactions, including unrealised
profits arising from them, are eliminated in full.
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests represent the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly
or indirectly, to the parent company and is presented separately within equity in the consolidated
statement of financial position, separately from equity attributable to owners of the parent.
Losses within a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interest even if that results
in a deficit balance.
1.2.4 Exploration and evaluation expenditure
Exploration and evaluation activity involves the search for mineral resources, the determination
of technical feasibility and the assessment of commercial viability of an identified resource.
Exploration and evaluation activity includes:
* acquisition of rights to explore;
* researching and analysing historical exploration
data;
* gathering exploration data through topographical,
geochemical and geophysical studies;
* exploratory drilling, trenching and sampling;
* determining and examining the volume and grade of the
resource;
* surveying transportation and infrastructure
requirements; and
* conducting market and finance studies.
Administration costs that are not directly attributable to a specific exploration area are
charged to the income statement. Licence costs paid in connection with a right to explore
in an existing exploration area are capitalised and amortised over the term of the permit.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure is capitalised as incurred. Capitalised exploration
expenditure is recorded as a component of property, plant and equipment at cost less accumulated
impairment charges. As the asset is not available for use, it is not depreciated.
All capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is monitored for indications of impairment.
Where a potential impairment is indicated, assessments are performed for each area of interest
in conjunction with the group of operating assets (representing a cash-generating unit (CGU))
to which the exploration is attributed. To the extent that exploration expenditure is not
expected to be recovered, it is charged to the income statement. Exploration areas where reserves
have been discovered, but require major capital expenditure before production can begin, are
continually evaluated to ensure that commercial quantities of reserves exist or to ensure
that additional exploration work is under way as planned.
1.2.5 Development expenditure
When proved reserves are determined and development is sanctioned, capitalised exploration
and evaluation expenditure is reclassified within property, plant and equipment to development
expenditure. As the asset is not available for use, during the development phase, it is not
depreciated. On completion of the development, any capitalised exploration and evaluation
expenditure already capitalised to development asset, together with the subsequent development
expenditure, is reclassified within property, plant and equipment to mining assets and depreciated
on the basis as laid out in Note 1.2.6, Property, plant and equipment.
All development expenditure is monitored for indicators of impairment annually.
1.2.6 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated
impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition
and construction of the items, among others, professional fees, and for qualifying assets,
borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the Group's accounting policies.
Subsequent costs to replace a component of an item of property, plant and equipment that is
accounted for separately, is capitalised when the cost of the item can be measured reliably,
with the carrying amount of the original component being written off. All repairs and maintenance
are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation commences when an asset is available for use. Depreciation is charged so as to
write off the depreciable amount of the asset to its residual value over its estimated useful
life, using a method that reflects the pattern in which the asset's future economic benefits
are expected to be consumed by the Group.
Item Method Useful life
----------------- ---------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
Mining assets Straight line Lesser of life of mine or period of lease
Decommissioning
assets Straight line Lesser of life of mine or period of lease
Leasehold
improvements Straight line Lesser of three years or period of lease
Plant and
equipment Straight line Three to 10 years
Other assets Straight line Two to five years
----------------- ---------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
Pre-production stripping costs
Costs associated with removal of waste overburden are classified as stripping costs.
The capitalisation of pre-production stripping costs as part of exploration and development
assets ceases when the mine is commissioned and ready for production. Subsequent stripping
activities that are undertaken during the production phase of a surface mine may create two
benefits, being either the production of inventory or improved access to the ore to be mined
in the future. Where the benefits are realised in the form of inventory produced in the period,
the production stripping costs are accounted for as part of the cost of producing those inventories.
Where production stripping costs are incurred and where the benefit is the creation of mining
flexibility and improved access to ore to be mined in the future, the costs are recognised
as a non-current asset, referred to as a 'stripping activity asset', if:
(a) future economic benefits (being improved access to the orebody) are probable;
(b) the component of the orebody for which access will be improved can be accurately identified;
and
(c) the costs associated with the improved access can be reliably measured.
The stripping activity asset is separately disclosed in Note 9, Property, plant and equipment.
If all the criteria are not met, the production stripping costs are charged to the income
statement as operating costs. The stripping activity asset is initially measured at cost,
which is the accumulation of costs directly incurred to perform the stripping activity that
improves access to the identified component of ore, plus an allocation of directly attributable
overhead costs. If incidental operations are occurring at the same time as the production
stripping activity, but are not necessary for the production stripping activity to continue
as planned, these costs are not included in the cost of the stripping activity asset. If the
costs of the stripping activity asset and the inventory produced are not separately identifiable,
a relevant production measure is used to allocate the production stripping costs between the
inventory produced and the stripping activity asset. The stripping activity asset is subsequently
amortised over the expected useful life of the identified component of the orebody that became
more accessible as a result of the stripping activity. Based on proven and probable reserves,
the expected average stripping ratio over the average life of the area being mined is used
to amortise the stripping activity. As a result, the stripping activity asset is carried at
cost less amortisation and any impairment losses.
The average life of area cost per tonne is calculated as the total expected costs to be incurred
to mine the orebody divided by the number of tonnes expected to be mined. The average life
of area stripping ratio and the average life of area cost per tonne are recalculated annually
in light of additional knowledge and changes in estimates. Changes in the stripping ratio
are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate.
1.2.7 Investment property
Investment property is initially recognised using the cost model. Subsequent recognition is
at cost less accumulated depreciation, and less any accumulated impairment losses. Rental
income from investment property is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the
lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging the lease are capitalised
to investment property and depreciated over the lease term. Depreciation is calculated as
follows:
Useful
Item Method life
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------
Investment property amount being zero No depreciation is provided due to
depreciable amount being zero
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------
Initial direct costs capitalised to Straight line Five years
investment property
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------
1.2.8 Business combinations, goodwill and other intangible assets
Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition
is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date
fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. The choice of measurement
of non-controlling interest, either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree's
identifiable net assets, is determined on a transaction-by-transaction basis. Acquisition
costs incurred are expensed and included in administrative expenses.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed
for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic
circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the separation
of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the acquiree.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair
value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration
which is deemed to be an asset or liability will be recognised in accordance with IFRS 13
in the income statement. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it will
not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the acquisition
date fair value of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for the non-controlling
interest (and where the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair
value of the acquirer's previously held equity interest in the acquiree) over the net identifiable
amounts of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in exchange for the business combination.
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in transactions separate to the business combinations,
such as the settlement of pre-existing relationships or post-acquisition remuneration arrangements
are accounted for separately from the business combination in accordance with their nature
and applicable IFRS. Identifiable intangible assets, meeting either the contractual legal
or separability criterion are recognised separately from goodwill. Contingent liabilities
representing a present obligation are recognised if the acquisition date fair value can be
measured reliably.
If the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the
amount recognised for the non-controlling interest (and where the business combination is
achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer's previously held equity
interest in the acquiree) is lower than the fair value of the assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities, and the fair value of any pre-existing interest held in the business acquired,
the difference is recognised in profit and loss.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from
the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group's CGUs (or groups of CGUs) that are expected
to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the
acquiree are assigned to those units. Each unit or group of units to which goodwill is allocated
shall represent the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for
internal management purposes, and shall not be larger than an operating segment before aggregation.
Where goodwill forms part of a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed
of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount
of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill
disposed of in this circumstance is measured based on the relative values of the operation
disposed of and the portion of the CGU retained.
Concessions and licences
Concessions and licences are shown at cost. Concessions and licences have a finite useful
life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of concessions
and licences over the shorter of the life of mine or term of the licence once production commences.
1.2.9 Other financial assets
Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition and re-evaluates
this designation at every reporting date. Currently the Group only has financial assets at
fair value through profit or loss, and loans and receivables.
When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value plus (in the
case of investments not at fair value through profit or loss) directly attributable costs.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
This category has two sub-categories: financial assets held for trading, and those designated
at fair value through profit or loss. Upon initial recognition, a financial asset is classified
in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if
so designated by management. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they
are designated as hedges. Gains and losses on investments held for trading are recognised
in profit or loss. Assets in this category are classified as current assets if they are either
held for trading or are expected to be realised within 12 months of the reporting date.
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments
that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except those
with maturities greater than 12 months after the reporting date. These are classified as non-current
assets. Such assets are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method,
less any allowance for impairment, if the time value of money is significant. Gains and losses
are recognised in the income statement when the loans and receivables are derecognised or
impaired, as well as through the amortisation process. A provision for impairment of trade
receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able
to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount of the
provision is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated
future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate interest rate. The amount of the provision
is recognised in the income statement.
1.2.10 Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings
are subsequently stated at amortised cost; any difference between proceeds (net of transaction
costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement, unless capitalised
in accordance with Note 1.2.24, Finance costs, over the period of the borrowings, using the
effective interest rate method.
Bank overdrafts are recognised at amortised cost.
1.2.11 Fair value measurement
The Group measures financial instruments at fair value at each reporting date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability
in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value
measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer
the liability takes place either:
* in the principal market for the asset or liability;
or
* in the absence of a principal market, in the most
advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants
would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their
economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's
ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by
selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best
use.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which
sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable
inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial
statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on
the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1 - Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest-level input that is significant to the
fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest-level input that is significant to the
fair value measurement is unobservable.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements on a recurring
basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy
by reassessing categorisation (based on the lowest-level input that is significant to the
fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
1.2.12 Impairments
Non-financial assets
Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment if it
is determined that there is an indication of impairment in accordance with IAS 36. Goodwill
is assessed for impairment on an annual basis. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount
by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount
is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value
in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the
risks specific to the asset. Non-financial assets that were previously impaired are reviewed
for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.
A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the
estimates used to determine the asset's recoverable amount since the last impairment loss
was recognised. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its
recoverable amount. That increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have
been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset
in prior years. Such a reversal is recognised in the income statement. After such a reversal
the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset's revised carrying
amount, less any residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.
Financial assets
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether a financial asset or group of financial
assets is impaired.
Assets carried at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on assets carried at amortised cost
has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset's
carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future expected
credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset's original effective
interest rate (ie the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition). The carrying
amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account. The amount of the
loss is recognised in the income statement.
If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can
be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously
recognised impairment loss is reversed, to the extent that the carrying value of the asset
does not exceed its amortised cost at the reversal date, any subsequent reversal of an impairment
loss is recognised in the income statement.
In relation to trade receivables, a provision for impairment is made when there is objective
evidence (such as the probability of insolvency or significant financial difficulties of the
debtor) that the Group will not be able to collect all of the amounts due under the original
terms of the invoice. The carrying amount of the receivable is reduced through the use of
an allowance account. Impaired debts are derecognised when they are assessed as uncollectible.
1.2.13 Inventories
Inventories, which include rough diamonds, ore stockpiles and consumables, are measured at
the lower of cost and net realisable value. The amount of any write-down of inventories to
net realisable value and all losses, is recognised in the period the write-down or loss occurs.
Cost is determined as the average cost of production, using the weighted average method. Cost
includes directly attributable mining overheads, but excludes borrowing costs.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less
the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs to be incurred in marketing, selling
and distribution.
1.2.14 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the statement of financial position at amortised
cost. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and
other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and
cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.
1.2.15 Issued share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in
equity as a deduction from the proceeds.
1.2.16 Foreign currency translations
Presentation currency
The results and financial position of the Group's subsidiaries which have a functional currency
different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as
follows:
* statement of financial position items are translated
at the closing rate at the reporting date;
* income and expenses for each income statement are
translated at average exchange rates (unless this
average is not a reasonable approximation of the
cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the
transaction dates, in which case income and expenses
are translated at the dates of the transactions); and
* resulting exchange differences are recognised as a
separate component of equity.
Details of the rates applied at the respective reporting dates and for the income statement
transactions are detailed in Note 16, Issued capital and reserves.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains or losses resulting
from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at the period-end exchange
rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised
in the income statement. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of cost in a foreign
currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions.
Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange
rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Monetary items for each statement of
financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date.
1.2.17 Share-based payments
Employees (including Senior Executives) of the Group receive remuneration in the form of share-based
payment transactions, whereby employees render services as consideration for equity instruments
(equity-settled transactions). In situations where some or all of the goods or services received
by the entity as consideration for equity instruments cannot be specifically identified, they
are measured as the difference between the fair value of the share-based payment and the fair
value of any identifiable goods or services received at the grant date. For cash-settled
transactions,
the liability is remeasured at each reporting date until settlement, with the changes in fair
value recognised in the income statement.
Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair
value at the date at which they are granted, and is recognised as an expense over the vesting
period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the
award. Fair value is determined using an appropriate pricing model. In valuing equity-settled
transactions, no account is taken of any vesting conditions, other than conditions linked
to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions).
No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting
is conditional upon a market condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether
or not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance conditions are
satisfied.
At each reporting date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing
the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management's best estimate of the achievement
or otherwise of non-market conditions and of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately
vest or, in the case of an instrument subject to a market condition, be treated as vesting
as described above. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous reporting date is
recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.
Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing
a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognised
over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder
of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the
difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified
award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this
difference is negative.
Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date
of cancellation, and any cost not yet recognised in the income statement for the award is
expensed immediately.
Where an equity-settled award is forfeited, it is treated as if vesting conditions had not
been met and all costs previously recognised in the income statement for the award are reversed
and recognised in income immediately.
Management applies judgement when determining whether share options relating to employees
who resigned before the end of the service condition period are cancelled or forfeited as
referred under policy 1.2.26, Critical accounting estimates and judgements.
1.2.18 Provisions
Provisions are recognised when:
* the Group has a present legal or constructive
obligation as a result of a past event; and
* a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to
settle the obligation, using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the
time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision
due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
1.2.19 Restoration and rehabilitation
The mining, extraction and processing activities of the Group normally give rise to obligations
for site restoration and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation works can include facility decommissioning
and dismantling, removal and treatment of waste materials, land rehabilitation, and site restoration.
The extent of the work required and the estimated cost of final rehabilitation, comprising
liabilities for decommissioning and restoration, are based on current legal requirements,
existing technology and the Group's environmental policies, and is reassessed annually. Cost
estimates are not reduced by the potential proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment.
Provisions for the cost of each restoration and rehabilitation programme are recognised at
the time the environmental disturbance occurs. When the extent of the disturbance increases
over the life of the operation, the provision and associated asset is increased accordingly.
Costs included in the provision encompass all restoration and rehabilitation activity expected
to occur. The restoration and rehabilitation provisions are measured at the expected value
of future cash flows, discounted to their present value. Discount rates used are specific
to the country in which the operation is located. The value of the provision is progressively
increased over time as the effect of the discounting unwinds, which is recognised in finance
charges. Restoration and rehabilitation provisions are also adjusted for changes in estimates.
When provisions for restoration and rehabilitation are initially recognised, the corresponding
cost is capitalised as an asset where it gives rise to a future benefit and depreciated over
future production from the operation to which it relates.
1.2.20 Taxation
Income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in
the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items charged or credited directly
to equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. Current tax expense is the expected tax
payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted
at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is provided using the statement of financial position liability method, providing
for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply
to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled based on the tax rates
(and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable
profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates
and jointly controlled entities, deferred tax is provided except where the timing of the reversal
of the temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
In respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries,
associates and jointly controlled entities, deferred tax assets are only recognised to the
extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable
future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be
utilised.
Withholding tax is recognised in the income statement when dividends or other services which
give rise to that withholding tax are declared or accrued respectively. Withholding tax is
disclosed as part of current tax.
Royalties
Royalties incurred by the Group comprise mineral extraction costs based on a percentage of
sales paid to the local revenue authorities. These obligations arising from royalty arrangements
are recognised as current payables and disclosed as part of royalty and selling costs in the
income statement.
Royalties and revenue-based taxes are accounted for under IAS 12 when they have the characteristics
of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government
authority and the amount payable is based on taxable income - rather than based on quantity
produced or as a percentage of revenue. For such arrangements, current and deferred tax is
provided on the same basis as described above for other forms of taxation. The royalties incurred
by the Group are considered not to meet the criteria to be treated as part of income tax.
1.2.21 Employee benefits
Provision is made in the financial statements for all short-term employee benefits. Liabilities
for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, benefits required by legislation,
annual leave, retirement benefits and accumulating sick leave obliged to be settled within
12 months of the reporting date, are recognised in trade and other payables and are measured
at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Benefits falling due
more than 12 months after the reporting date are discounted to present value. The Group recognises
an expense for contributions to the defined contribution pension fund in the period in which
the employees render the related service.
Bonus plans
The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses. The Group recognises a liability
where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive
obligation. These liabilities are recognised in trade and other payables and are measured
at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.
1.2.22 Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance
of the arrangement at inception date of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent
on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.
A reassessment is made after inception of the lease only if one of the following applies:
(a) there is a change in contractual terms, other than a renewal or extension of the arrangement;
(b) a renewal option is exercised or extension granted, unless the term of the renewal or
extension was initially included in the lease term;
(c) there is a change in the determination of whether fulfilment is dependent on a specific
asset; or
(d) there is a substantial change to the asset.
Where a reassessment is made, lease accounting shall commence or cease from the date when
the change in circumstances gave rise to the reassessment for scenarios (a), (c) or (d) and
at the date of renewal or extension period for scenario (b).
Group as a lessee
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has, substantially, all the risks
and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised
at the lease's inception at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present
value of the minimum lease payments. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability
and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the finance balance outstanding. The
corresponding lease obligations, net of finance charges, are included in financial liabilities.
The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the lease
period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the
liability for each year. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases are
depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term.
Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified
as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received
from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period
of the lease. When the Group is a party to a lease where there is a contingent rental element
associated within the agreement, a cost is recognised as and when the contingency materialises.
Group as a lessor
Assets leased out under operating leases are included in investment property. Rental income
is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Refer to Note 1.2.7, Investment
property, for further information on the treatment of investment property.
1.2.23 Revenue
Revenue is measured at fair value of the consideration received or receivable and comprises
the fair value for the sale of goods, net of value added tax, rebates and discounts and after
eliminated sales within the Group. Revenue is recognised as follows:
Sale of goods
Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred
to the customer and can be measured reliably and receipt of future economic benefits is probable.
The following revenue streams are recognised:
* rough diamonds which are made through competitive
tender processes, partnership agreements and joint
operation arrangements;
* polished diamonds and other products which are made
through direct sale transactions;
* additional uplift on partnership arrangements; and
* additional uplift on joint operation arrangements.
Revenue through joint operation arrangements is recognised for the sale of the rough diamond
according to the percentage interest in the joint operation arrangement, as only that percentage
of significant risks and rewards pass at the time of sale. Contractual agreements are entered
into between the Group and the joint operation partner (partner) whereby both parties control
jointly the cutting and polishing activities relating to the diamond. All decisions pertaining
to the cutting and polishing of the diamonds require unanimous consent from both parties.
Once these activities are complete, the polished diamond is sold, after which the revenue
on the remaining percentage of the rough diamond is recognised, together with additional uplift
on the joint operation arrangement. For more detail on how these arrangements have been included
in the financial statements refer to Note 2, Revenue. The Group portion of inventories related
to these transactions is included in the total inventories balance refer to Note 14, Inventories.
Revenue through partnership arrangements is recognised for the sale of the rough diamond,
with an additional uplift based on the polished margin achieved. Management recognises the
revenue on the sale of the rough diamond when it is sold to a third party, as there is no
continuing involvement by management in the cutting and polishing process and the significant
risks and rewards have passed to the third party. For additional uplift on partnership arrangements,
certain estimates and judgements are made by management as referred to under policy 1.2.26,
Critical accounting estimates and judgements.
Rendering of service
Revenue from services relating to third-party diamond manufacturing is recognised in the accounting
period in which the services are rendered, and it is probable that the economic benefits associated
with the transaction will flow to the entity, by reference to completion of the specific transaction
assessed on the basis of the actual service provided as a proportion of the total services
to be provided.
Interest income
Interest income is recognised on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest rate
method.
Dividends
Dividends are recognised when the amount of the dividend can be reliably measured and the
Group's right to receive payment is established.
1.2.24 Finance costs
Finance costs are generally expensed as incurred, except where they relate to the financing
of construction or development of qualifying assets requiring a substantial period of time
to prepare for their intended future use. Finance costs are capitalised up to the date when
the asset is ready for its intended use.
1.2.25 Dividend distribution
Dividend distributions to the Group's shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group's
financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Group's shareholders.
1.2.26 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates
and judgements and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities,
the reported revenue and costs during the periods presented therein, and the disclosure of
contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Estimates and judgements are
continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future and the resulting accounting
estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and
assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the financial
results or the financial position reported in future periods are discussed below.
Estimates
Life of mine (LoM)
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves and the associated LoM.
Therefore the Group must make a number of assumptions in making those estimations, including
assumptions as to the prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs and recovery
rates. Assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change significantly when
new information becomes available. Changes in the forecast prices of commodities, exchange
rates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of ore reserves and
may, ultimately, result in the ore reserves being restated. Where assumptions change the LoM
estimates, the associated depreciation rates, residual values, waste stripping and amortisation
ratios, and environmental provisions are reassessed to take into account the revised LoM estimate.
Refer to Note 9, Property, plant and equipment.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure
This policy requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events
and circumstances, in particular whether economically viable extraction operations are viable
where reserves have been discovered and whether indications of impairment exist. Any such
estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. Refer to Note 9,
Property, plant and equipment.
Provision for restoration and rehabilitation
Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the amount of the restoration
and rehabilitation provisions. These deal with uncertainties such as changes to the legal
and regulatory framework, magnitude of possible contamination, and the timing, extent and
costs of required restoration and rehabilitation activity. Refer to Note 19, Provisions, for
further detail.
Judgements
Development expenditure
Judgement is applied by management in determining when a project has reached a stage at which
economically recoverable reserves exist and that development may be sanctioned. Management
is required to make certain estimates and assumptions similar to those described above for
capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure.
Refer to Note 9, Property, plant and equipment.
Revenue - partnership arrangements
Management has entered into partnership arrangements to increase the revenue earned on the
sale of rough diamonds. Under these arrangements, revenue is earned for the sale of the rough
diamond, with an additional uplift based on the polished margin achieved. Management recognises
the revenue on the sale of the rough diamond at the point at which it is sold to the third
party, as there is no continuing involvement by management in the cutting and polishing process
and the significant risks and rewards have passed to the third party. Judgement is applied
by management in determining when additional uplift is recognised and measured with regard
to rough diamonds sold into partnership arrangements. Management is required to make certain
estimates and assumptions based on when the uplift can be reliably measured. This occurs when
the third party sells these goods, at which point the value of the final polished goods are
determined.
Impairment reviews
The Group determines if goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis, while all other
significant operations are tested for impairment when there are potential indicators which
may require impairment review. This requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the
relevant cash-generating unit under review. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value
less costs to sell and value in use.
While conducting an impairment review of its assets using value-in-use impairment models,
the Group exercises judgement in making assumptions about future rough diamond prices, exchange
rates, volumes of production, ore reserves and resources included in the current LoM plans,
production costs and macro-economic factors such as inflation and discount rates. Changes
in estimates used can result in significant changes to the consolidated income statement and
consolidated statement of financial position.
The results of the impairment testing performed indicated an impairment on the Ghaghoo mining
operation as disclosed in Note 12, Impairment testing.
The key assumptions used in the recoverable amount calculations, determined on a value-in-use
basis, are listed in the table below:
Valuation basis
Discounted present value of future cash flows.
LoM and recoverable value of reserves and resources
Economically recoverable reserves and resources, carats recoverable and grades achievable
are based on management's expectations of the availability of reserves and resources at mine
sites and technical studies undertaken by in-house and third-party specialists. Reserves remaining
after the current LoM plans and current lease periods have not been included in determining
the value in use of the operations.
Capital expenditure
Management has estimated the timing and quantum of the capital expenditure based on the Group's
current LoM plans for each operation.
Diamond prices
The diamond prices used in the impairment test have been set with reference to recent prices
achieved, the Group's medium-term forecast and market trends. Long-term diamond price escalation
reflects the Group's assessment of market supply/demand fundamentals.
Discount rate
The discount rate of 12.6% (2015: 12.0%)used for Letšeng and 12.0% (2015: 13.1%) for
Ghaghoo, in both instances represents the before-tax risk-free rate adjusted for market risk,
volatility and risks specific to the asset and its operating jurisdiction.
Cost and inflation rate
These costs for Letšeng are determined on management's experience and the use of contractors
over a period of time whose costs are fairly reasonably determinable. Mining costs have been
based on the negotiated eight-year mining contract, which came into effect from 1 January
2014. Costs of extracting and processing which are reasonably determinable are based on management's
experience. Long-term inflation rates of 4% to 6% above the long-term US dollar inflation
rate were used for operating costs and capital cost escalators.
Exchange rates
Exchange rates are estimated based on an assessment at current market fundamentals and long-term
expectations. The US$/Lesotho Loti (LSL) and US$/Botswana Pula (BWP) exchange rate used was
determined with reference to the closing rate at 31 December 2016 of LSL13.68 and BWP10.68,
respectively.
Sensitivity
The value in use for Letšeng indicated sufficient headroom, and no reasonable change
in the key assumptions will result in an impairment.
Market capitalisation
The Group has made a judgement in determining if, in the instance where the Group's asset
carrying values exceed market capitalisation, this results in an indicator of impairment.
All significant operations were assessed for impairment during the year and impairments were
recognised where relevant.
Refer to Note 12, Impairment testing, for further detail.
Capitalised stripping costs (deferred waste)
Waste removal costs (stripping costs) are incurred during the development and production phases
at surface mining operations. Furthermore, during the production phase, stripping costs are
incurred in the production of inventory as well as in the creation of future benefits by improving
access and mining flexibility in respect of the ore to be mined, the latter being referred
to as a 'stripping activity asset'. Judgement is required to distinguish between these two
activities at Letšeng. The orebody needs to be identified in its various separately identifiable
components. An identifiable component is a specific volume of the orebody that is made more
accessible by the stripping activity. Judgement is required to identify and define these components
(referred to as 'cuts'), and also to determine the expected volumes (tonnes) of waste to be
stripped and ore to be mined in each of these components. These assessments are based on a
combination of information available in the mine plans, specific characteristics of the orebody
and the milestones relating to major capital investment decisions.
Judgement is also required to identify a suitable production measure that can be applied in
the calculation and allocation of production stripping costs between inventory and the stripping
activity asset. The ratio of expected volume (tonnes) of waste to be stripped for an expected
volume (tonnes) of ore to be mined for a specific component of the orebody, compared to the
current period ratio of actual volume (tonnes) of waste to the volume (tonnes) of ore is considered
to determine the most suitable production measure.
These judgements and estimates are used to calculate and allocate the production stripping
costs to inventory and/or the stripping activity asset(s). Furthermore, judgements and estimates
are also used to apply the stripping ratio calculation in determining the amortisation of
the stripping activity asset. Refer to Note 9, Property, plant and equipment, for further
detail.
Stripping ratio
Estimated recoverable reserves are used in determining the amortisation of mine-specific assets.
Amortisation is calculated by using the expected average stripping ratio over the average
life of the area being mined. The average stripping ratio is calculated as the number of tonnes
of waste material expected to be removed during the life of area, per tonne of ore mined.
The average life of area cost per tonne is calculated as the total expected costs to be incurred
to mine the orebody divided by the number of tonnes expected to be mined. The average life
of area stripping ratio and the average life of area cost per tonne are recalculated annually
in light of additional knowledge and changes in estimates. Changes in the stripping ratio
are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate. Refer to Note 9, Property, plant
and equipment, for further detail.
Production start date
The phase of each mine construction project is assessed to determine when a mine moves into
the production phase. The criteria used to assess the start date are determined by the unique
nature of each mine's construction project and include factors such as the complexity of a
plant and its location. Various relevant criteria are considered to assess when the mine is
substantially complete and ready for its intended use and moves into the production phase.
At this point, all related amounts are reclassified from 'exploration and development assets'
to 'mining assets', 'stripping activity asset' and/or 'property, plant and equipment'. Some
of the criteria would include but are not limited to the following:
* the level of capital expenditure compared to the
construction costs estimates;
* completion of a reasonable period of testing of the
mine plant and equipment;
* ability to produce inventory in saleable form; and
* ability to sustain ongoing production of inventory.
Refer to Note 9, Property, plant and equipment, for further detail.
When a mine construction project moves into the production phase, the capitalisation of certain
mine construction costs ceases and costs are either regarded as inventory or expensed, except
for capitalisable costs related to mining asset additions or improvements, production phase
stripping costs capitalisable as stripping activity asset(s), and exploration expenditure
that meets the criteria for capitalisation. It is also at this point that depreciation/amortisation
commences.
Management made the key judgement that the Ghaghoo mine had not reached production start date
during the year based on the following:
* Continued operational and technical challenges as a
result of difficult ground conditions resulted in
Ghaghoo not achieving its planned ramp-up profile and
production targets.
* Inconsistent plant throughput rates impacting ability
to sustain ongoing production of inventory.
As a result, the mine was not in the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating
in the manner intended by management on a sustainable basis and therefore the mine remained
in its construction phase with all costs incurred during the year being capitalised to the
exploration and development asset. Subsequent to period end, the Ghaghoo mine was placed on
care and maintenance and all costs previously capitalised to the exploration and development
asset were impaired in full as disclosed in Note 9, Property, plant and equipment.
Share-based payments
Judgement is applied by management in determining whether the share options relating to employees
who resigned before the end of the service condition period have been cancelled or forfeited
in light of their leaving status. Where employees do not meet the requirements of a good leaver
as per the rules of the long-term incentive plan (LTIP), no award will vest and this will
be treated as cancellation by forfeiture. The expenses relating to these charges previously
recognised are then reversed. Where employees do meet the requirements of a good leaver as
per the rules of the LTIP, some or all of an award will vest and this will be treated as a
modification to the original award. The future expenses relating to these awards are accelerated
and recognised as an expense immediately. Refer to Note 25, Share-based payments, for further
detail.
1.2.27 Exceptional items
The Group presents as exceptional items on the face of the income statement, those material
items of income and expenses which, because of the nature and expected infrequency of the
events giving rise to them, merit separate presentation to allow shareholders to understand
better the elements of financial performance in the year, so as to facilitate comparison with
prior periods and to assess better trends in financial performance. Refer to Note 4, Exceptional
items, for further detail.
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2. REVENUE
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Sale of goods 189 355 248 969
Rendering of services 460 506
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189 815 249 475
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Included in revenue are sales of diamonds which are sold through joint operation arrangements
totalling US$0.2 million (2015: US$2.4 million).
Finance income is reflected in Note 5, Net finance (costs)/income.
---- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
3. OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Operating profit includes the following:
Other operating income
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 16 251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and mining asset amortisation - continuing operations (14 899) (13 057)
Depreciation - discontinued operation - (117)
Waste stripping costs amortised (34 712) (47 222)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(49 611) (60 396)
Less: Depreciation capitalised to development asset 4 545 2 738
(Add)/less: Depreciation and mining asset amortisation capitalised to inventory (249) 224
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(45 315) (57 434)
Amortisation of intangible assets (157) (157)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(45 472) (57 591)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Inventories
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense (98 896) (111 969)
Write-down of inventory to net realisable value (466) -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(99 362) (111 969)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Foreign exchange gain
Foreign exchange gain 1 715 7 314
Mark-to-market revaluations on forward exchange contracts - 1 155
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
1 715 8 469
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Operating lease expenses as a lessee
Mine site property (126) (112)
Equipment and service leases (54 279) (51 147)
Contingent rental - Alluvial Ventures (10 716) (11 360)
Leased premises (2 197) (2 509)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(67 318) (65 128)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Auditor's remuneration - EY
Group financial statements (441) (555)
Statutory (146) (154)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(587) (709)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Auditor's remuneration - other
Statutory (20) (34)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(20) (34)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Other non-audit fees - EY
Tax services advisory and consultancy (63) (32)
Tax compliance services (18) (17)
Other services (10) (17)
Other assurance services(1) (149) (155)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
(240) (221)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Other non-audit fees - other
Internal audit (1) (29)
Tax services advisory and consultancy (6) (16)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
(7) (45)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Employee benefits expense
Salaries and wages(2) (16 673) (21 784)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and mining asset amortisation
(underlying
EBITDA) before exceptional items
Underlying EBITDA is shown, as the Directors consider this measure to be a relevant
guide
to the operational performance of the Group and excludes such non-operating costs as
listed
below. The reconciliation from operating profit to underlying EBITDA is as follows:
Operating profit 52 579 98 839
Other operating income (306) (458)
Foreign exchange gain (1 715) (6 997)
Share-based payments 1 790 1 738
Depreciation and mining asset amortisation (excluding waste stripping cost amortised) 10 469 10 424
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Underlying EBITDA before exceptional items 62 817 103 546
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
4. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Other operating income(3) - 8 126
Foreign exchange gain(3) - 1 472
Impairment of assets(4) (172 932) -
Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve on abandonment of operation(4) (3 546) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
(176 478) 9 598
(1) Other assurance services by EY relate to the interim review on the half-year results for
the six months ended 30 June.
(2) Includes contributions to defined contribution plan of US$0.6 million (31 December 2015:
US$0.6 million).
(3) The prior year exceptional items relate to the settlement of an interest-bearing tax liability
for an amount less than that previously provided for which resulted in the reversal of accrued
expenses of US$8.1 million. In addition, the interest-bearing tax liability was payable in
Australian dollar, resulting in a foreign exchange gain of US$1.5 million.
(4) Relates to the impairment of the abandoned operation resulting in an impairment charge
of US$2.2 million and recycling of foreign currency translation reserve of US$3.5 million.
In addition, the impairment of the carrying value of the Ghaghoo asset was US$170.8 million.
Refer to Note 12, Impairment testing, for further information.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. NET FINANCE (COSTS)/INCOME
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Finance income
Bank deposits 1 232 1 098
Other 1 179 407
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Total finance income 2 411 1 505
Finance costs
Bank overdraft (815) (82)
Finance costs on borrowings (1 064) (335)
Finance costs on unwinding of rehabilitation provision (741) (968)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Total finance costs (2 620) (1 385)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
(209) 120
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
6. INCOME TAX
Income tax expense
Income statement
Current
- Overseas (7 138) (22 209)
Withholding tax
- Overseas (3 379) (2 858)
Deferred
- Overseas (9 449) (6 486)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
(19 966) (31 553)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
(Loss)/profit before taxation (124 108) 108 557
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
% %
Reconciliation of tax rate
Applicable income tax rate 20.0 20.3
Permanent differences (27.0) (1.9)
Unrecognised deferred tax assets (6.9) 3.6
Effect of overseas tax at different rates 0.5 4.5
Withholding tax (2.7) 2.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Effective income tax rate (16.1) 29.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Included in permanent differences is the impairment of the abandoned operation and the impairment
of the carrying value of the Ghaghoo asset. For more information, refer to Note 4, Exceptional
items. During the year, the effective statutory UK Corporate Tax Rate changed to 20.0% (2015:
20.3%).
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARY
There are no disposals of subsidiaries or discontinued operations for the current year.
During the prior year, the Group sold its small manufacturing business facility in Mauritius,
through Gem Diamonds Technology Mauritius (Proprietary) Limited. The sale was finalised for
the agreed purchase price of US$0.4 million, to be paid in quarterly instalments of a minimum
of US$50 000 which was due to commence in January 2016. Based on current market conditions,
the consideration has not been received to date and therefore a provision for bad debt of
the full purchase price of US$0.4 million has been raised. Refer to Note 13, Receivables and
other assets.
The results of the Mauritius operation for the year ended 31 December 2015 is as follows:
31
December
2015
US$'000
Revenue 85
Cost of sales and other operating costs (443)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Gross loss (358)
Foreign exchange loss (644)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Operating loss (1 002)
Gain on disposal of subsidiary 1 670
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Profit before tax from discontinued operation 668
Income tax expense -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Profit after tax from discontinued operation 668
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Earnings per share from discontinued operation (cents)
Basic 0.48
Diluted 0.48
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
The net cash flows attributable to the discontinued operation are as follows:
Operating (293)
Investing 444
Financing (151)
Foreign exchange loss on translation of cash balance (4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Net cash outflow (4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
The net assets disposed of are as follows:
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 269
Inventories 4
Trade and other receivables 119
Cash and cash equivalents 34
Liabilities
Trade and other payables (732)
Provisions (26)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Net identifiable assets disposed of (332)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve (988)
Consideration not received(1) (350)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Gain on disposal of subsidiary (1 670)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
(1) Consideration was not received and a provision for bad debt has been raised during 2016.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per
share computations:
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
(Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations after exceptional items (144 074) 77 004
Profit for the year from discontinued operation - 668
Less: Non-controlling interests (14 736) (25 647)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent for basic and diluted earnings (158 810) 52 025
The weighted average number of shares takes into account the treasury shares at year
end.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ('000) 138 266 138 227
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity
holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during
the year.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary
equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding
during the year after taking into account future potential conversion and issue rights associated
with the ordinary shares.
2016 2015
Number Number
of shares of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year 138 266 138 227
Effect of dilution:
- Future share awards under the Employee Share Option Plan 1 729 1 476
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year adjusted for the
effect
of dilution 139 995 139 703
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares
between the reporting date and the date of completion of these financial statements.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Exploration
and Plant
Stripping develop- Decommis- Leasehold and
activity Mining ment sioning improve- equip- Other
As at asset asset assets(1) assets ment ment assets(2) Total
31 December 2016 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Cost
Balance at 1 January
2016 232 779 111 879 129 493 3 941 28 205 61 743 19 401 587 441
Additions 70 378 - 23 611 - 261 7 623 2 295 104 168
Net movement in
rehabilitation
provision - - 511 1 403 - - - 1 914
Disposals - (567) (567)
Reclassifications - 1 458 (12 721) - 3 415 7 534 314 -
Foreign exchange
differences 36 247 5 809 7 140 665 3 523 9 249 1 690 64 323
--------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31
December 2016 339 404 119 146 148 034 6 009 35 404 86 149 23 133 757 279
--------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Accumulated
depreciation/
amortisation
Balance at 1 January
2016 144 495 44 624 - 3 017 8 815 37 942 9 181 248 074
Charge for the year 34 712 1 786 - 111 3 622 5 617 3 763 49 611
Disposals - - - - - - (548) (548)
Reclassifications - 809 - - (28) (2) (779) -
Impairment - - 147 251 - 5 790 13 100 6 340 172 481
Foreign exchange
differences 20 182 870 783 445 1 415 5 860 907 30 462
--------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31
December 2016 199 389 48 089 148 034 3 573 19 614 62 517 18 864 500 080
--------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Net book value at 31
December 2016 140 015 71 057 - 2 436 15 790 23 632 4 269 257 199
--------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
(1) Borrowing costs of US$1.6 million (31 December 2015: US$1.6 million) incurred in respect
of the US$25.0 million facility at Ghaghoo (refer to Note 17, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings)
were capitalised to the development asset. The weighted average capitalisation rate used to
determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 6.5%.
(2) Other assets comprise motor vehicles, computer equipment, furniture and fittings, and
office equipment.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploration
and Plant
Stripping develop- Decommis- Leasehold and
activity Mining ment sioning improve- equip- Other
As at asset asset assets(1) assets ment ment(2) assets(3) Total
31 December 2015 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2015 243 952 125 361 124 081 8 408 22 348 88 554 14 579 627 283
Additions 61 416 - 27 402 - 390 13 183 8 824 111 215
Net movement in
rehabilitation provision - - - (2 751) - - - (2 751)
Disposals - - - - (96) (1 450) (209) (1 755)
Reclassifications - 2 126 - - 13 115 (15 408) 167 -
Foreign exchange
differences (72 589) (15 608) (21 990) (1 716) (7 552) (23 136) (3 960) (146 551)
-------------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December
2015 232 779 111 879 129 493 3 941 28 205 61 743 19 401 587 441
-------------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Accumulated
depreciation/
amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2015 138 079 44 434 - 3 646 9 944 48 135 8 118 252 356
Charge for the year 47 222 2 098 - 439 1 945 5 355 3 337 60 396
Disposals - - - - (96) (842) (157) (1 095)
Foreign exchange
differences (40 806) (1 908) - (1 068) (2 978) (14 706) (2 117) (63 583)
-------------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December
2015 144 495 44 624 - 3 017 8 815 37 942 9 181 248 074
-------------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
Net book value at 31
December 2015 88 284 67 255 129 493 924 19 390 23 801 10 220 339 367
-------------------------- --------------- --------- ------------ ----------- --------- -------- ------------ ----------
(1) Borrowing costs of US$1.6 million (31 December 2014: US$0.6 million) incurred in respect
of the US$25.0 million facility at Ghaghoo development (refer to Note 17, Interest-bearing
loans and borrowings) were capitalised to the development asset. The weighted average capitalisation
rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 6.5%.
(2) During 2015 the Coarse Recovery Plant was completed and reclassified out of plant and
equipment, into leasehold improvements. Borrowing costs of US$0.9 million incurred in respect
of the associated LSL140.0 million bank loan facility were capitalised (refer to Note 17,
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings). The weighted average capitalisation rate used to determine
the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 11.35%.
(3) Other assets comprise motor vehicles, computer equipment, furniture and fittings, and
office equipment.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Investment property
The investment property consists of a commercial unit located in the Almas Towers in Dubai.
The unit is being let out in terms of a rental agreement entered into for a further two-year
period commencing 1 October 2016.
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Cost
Balance at 1 January 617 617
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 617 617
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2 2
Depreciation - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 2 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Net book value at 31 December 615 615
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Fair value(1) 923 1 011
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Amounts recognised in profit or loss
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Rental income 60 59
Direct operating expenses (20) (16)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
The future minimum rental income under the rental agreement in aggregate and for each of the
following periods are as follows:
- Within one year 63 44
- After one year but not more than five years 47 -
- More than five years - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
110 44
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(1) An independent valuation was performed whereby the fair value was based on an overview
of property sales (units within the same building as the investment property) during 2016,
weighted towards the most recent sales activity and taking into account current and future
trending market sentiment.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Intangible assets
Intangibles Goodwill Total
As at 31 December 2016 US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2016 783 13 305 14 088
Foreign exchange difference - 665 665
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 2016 783 13 970 14 753
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2016 578 - 578
Amortisation 157 - 157
Impairment 4 - 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 2016 739 - 739
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Net book value at 31 December 2016 44 13 970 14 014
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
As at 31 December 2015
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2015 784 17 818 18 602
Foreign exchange difference (1) (4 513) (4 514)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 2015 783 13 305 14 088
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2015 421 - 421
Amortisation 157 - 157
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 2015 578 - 578
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Net book value at 31 December 2015 205 13 305 13 510
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Impairment of goodwill within the Group was tested in accordance with the Group's policy.
Refer to Note 12, Impairment testing, for further details.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. IMPAIRMENT TESTING
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Impairment
Ghaghoo 170 778(1) -
CDIH 2 154(2) -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Total impairment 172 932 -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(1) As a result of the continued market uncertainty, the ongoing difficult market conditions
for Ghaghoo's production and the challenges in the operation reaching targeted production
it was decided to place the mine on care and maintenance post-year end. Ghaghoo's recoverable
amount was reassessed at 31 December 2016 and an impairment was considered appropriate. The
Group recognised a consolidated income statement impairment charge of US$170.8 million (post-tax),
being the write-down of US$0.2 million inventory and all non-current assets of Ghaghoo.
(2) During 2016, the Group abandoned the CDIH Group, which developed and maintained laser
diamond shaping and cutting technology and machinery due to its inability to generate profits.
The impairment on CDIH includes US$0.3 million write-down of inventory and US$1.9 million
write-down of other assets.
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Goodwill
Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated to the individual
cash-generating
unit, as follows:
- Letšeng Diamonds 13 970 13 305
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Balance at end of year 13 970 13 305
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Movement in goodwill relates mainly to foreign exchange translation from functional to presentation
currency.
The discount rate is outlined below, and represents the nominal pre-tax rate. This rate is
based on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of the Group and adjusted accordingly
at a risk premium for the Letšeng Diamonds cash-generating unit, taking into account
risks associated therein.
2016 2015
% %
Discount rate
- Letšeng Diamonds 12.6 12.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Goodwill impairment testing is undertaken annually and whenever there are indications of impairment.
The most recent test was undertaken at 31 December 2016. In assessing whether goodwill has
been impaired, the carrying amount of the Letšeng Diamonds cash-generating unit is compared
with its recoverable amount. For the purpose of goodwill impairment testing in 2016, the recoverable
amount for Letšeng Diamonds has been determined based on a value-in-use model, similar
to that done in the past.
Value in use
Cash flows are projected for a period up to the date that mining is expected to cease, based
on management's expectations at the time of completing the testing. The period used was eight
years, representing the lesser of the current economic resource or the remaining eight-year
mining lease period.
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
For the purpose of testing for impairment of goodwill using the value-in-use basis for the
Letšeng mining cash-generating unit, it was assessed that no reasonably possible change
in any of the key assumptions would cause its carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.
The Group will continue to test its assets for impairment where indications are identified
and may, in future, record additional impairment charges or reverse any impairment charges
to the extent that market conditions improve and to the extent permitted by accounting standards.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. RECEIVABLES AND OTHER ASSETS
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Non-current
Prepayments(1) - 1 905
Other receivables 31 313
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
31 2 218
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Current
Trade receivables(2) 1 187 83
Prepayments 756 780
Deposits 135 457
Other receivables 334 58
VAT receivable 4 145 4 449
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
6 557 5 827
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(1) The waste tonnes that had to be recovered from the mining contractor, which were overpaid
in previous periods and gave rise to the prepayment in the prior year, were fully recovered
from the mining contractor during the current year.
(2) Trade receivables mainly relates to margin recognised on partnership arrangements for
which proceeds were received post period end.
The carrying amounts above approximate their fair value.
Terms and conditions of the receivables:
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Analysis of trade receivables
Neither past due nor impaired 1 154 53
Past due but not impaired:
Less than 30 days 33 20
30 to 60 days - 4
60 to 90 days - 4
90 to 120 days - 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
1 187 83
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
14. INVENTORIES
Diamonds on hand 17 278 18 984
Ore stockpiles 1 909 1 658
Consumable stores 11 724 9 646
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
30 911 30 288
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Net realisable value write-down(1) 466 -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
(1) The write-down relates to inventory written down. Refer to Note 4, Exceptional item and
Note 12, Impairment testing.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. CASH AND SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Cash on hand 2 1
Bank balances 15 762 58 465
Short-term bank deposits 15 023 27 253
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
30 787 85 719
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
The amounts reflected in the financial statements approximate fair value.
Cash at banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term
deposits are generally call deposit accounts and earn interest at the respective short-term
deposit rates.
At 31 December 2016, the Group had restricted cash of US$3.1 million (31 December 2015: US$2.6
million). This restricted cash mainly relates to funds reserved for the debt service of the
US$25.0 million secured bank loan facility at Ghaghoo.
The Group's cash surpluses are deposited with major financial institutions of high-quality
credit standing predominantly within Lesotho and the United Kingdom.
At 31 December 2016, the Group had US$53.3 million (31 December 2015: US$16.1 million) of
undrawn facilities representing the LSL250.0 million (US$18.3 million) three-year unsecured
revolving working capital facility at Letšeng and the US$35.0 million three-year unsecured
revolving credit facility at the Company.
For further details on these facilities, refer to Note 17, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings,
and Note 29, Events after the reporting period.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. ISSUED CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Issued capital
31 December 2016 31 December 2015
Number of Number of
shares shares
'000 US$'000 '000 US$'000
Authorised - ordinary shares of US$0.01 each
As at year end 200 000 2 000 200 000 2 000
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Issued and fully paid
Balance at beginning of year 138 296 1 383 138 270 1 383
Allotments during the year 65 1 27 -
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at end of year 138 361 1 384 138 297 1 383
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Share premium
Share premium comprises the excess value recognised from the issue of ordinary shares at par
value.
Treasury shares
The Company established an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) on 5 February 2007. Under the
terms of the ESOP, the Company granted options to employees of over 376 500 ordinary shares
with a nil exercise price upon listing. At listing, the Gem Diamonds Limited Employee Share
Trust acquired these ordinary shares by subscription from the Company at nominal value of
US$0.01.
During the current year, 5 000 shares were exercised (31 December 2015: 7 350) and no shares
lapsed (31 December 2015: nil). At 31 December 2016, 53 200 shares were held by the trust
(31 December 2015: 58 200).
Foreign Share-
currency based
translation equity
reserve reserve Total
Other reserves US$'000 US$'000 US$'000
Balance at 1 January 2016 (214 162) 50 742 (163 420)
Other comprehensive expense 18 017 - 18 017
-------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Total comprehensive expense 18 017 - 18 017
Share-based payments - 1 905 1 905
-------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 2016 (196 145) 52 647 (143 498)
-------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 1 January 2015 (146 551) 48 798 (97 753)
Other comprehensive expense (67 611) - (67 611)
-------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Total comprehensive expense (67 611) - (67 611)
Share-based payments - 1 944 1 944
-------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Balance at 31 December 2015 (214 162) 50 742 (163 420)
-------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising
from the translation of foreign entities. The South African, Lesotho, Botswana and United
Arab Emirate subsidiaries' functional currencies are different to the Group's functional currency
of US dollar. The rates used to convert the operating functional currency into US dollar are
as follows:
Currency 2016 2015
Average rate ZAR/LSL to US$1 14.70 12.78
Period end ZAR/LSL to US$1 13.68 15.50
Average rate Pula to US$1 10.89 10.14
Period end Pula to US$1 10.68 11.25
Average rate Dirham to US$1 3.68 3.67
Period end Dirham to US$1 3.68 3.67
-------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Share-based equity reserves
For details on the share-based equity reserve, refer to Note 25, Share-based payments.
Capital management
For details on capital management, refer to Note 24, Financial risk management.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS
Effective
interest
rate 2016 2015
% Maturity US$'000 US$'000
Non-current
LSL140.0 million bank loan facility South African 30 June 2017(1) - 1 807
Jibar + 4.95%
------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
US$25.0 million bank loan facility London US$ 30 June 2021(2) - 23 275
three-month
Libor + 5.5%
------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
- 25 082
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
Current
LSL140.0 million bank loan facility South African 30 June 2017(1) 2 047 3 614
Jibar + 4.95%
------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
US$25.0 million bank loan facility London US$ 30 June 2021(2) 25 710 1 725
three-month
LiboR + 5.5%
------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
27 757 5 339
------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ----------
(1) LSL140.0 million bank loan facility at Letšeng Diamonds
This loan is a three-year unsecured project debt facility signed jointly with Standard Lesotho
Bank and Nedbank Limited on 26 June 2014 for the total funding of the Coarse Recovery Plant.
The loan is repayable in 10 quarterly payments which commenced 31 March 2015 with a final
payment due on 30 June 2017; however, full repayment was made on 10 February 2017. The interest
rate for the facility at 31 December 2016 is 12.3% (31 December 2015: 11.6%).
(2) US$25.0 million bank loan facility at Gem Diamonds Botswana (Ghaghoo)
Following the decision to place the Ghaghoo mine on care and maintenance, the US$25.0 million
facility was repaid through the utilisation of the existing Company US$35.0 million facility.
At 31 December 2016, the facility was reclassified into current liabilities.
Total interest for the year on the interest-bearing loans and borrowings was US$1.9 million
(2015: US$2.5 million) of which US$1.6 million related to the Ghaghoo facility and has been
capitalised to the carrying value of the asset as borrowing costs.
Other facilities
In addition, at 31 December 2016, the Group has the following available facilities:
* At Gem Diamonds Limited, a US$35.0 million three-year
unsecured revolving credit facility with Nedbank
Capital which was renewed on 29 January 2016. No
amounts have been drawn down during the year.
Following the repayment of the US$25.0 million
facility in early 2017, the available amount on this
facility reduced to US$10.0 million.
* Through its subsidiary Letšeng Diamonds, a
LSL250.0 million (US$18.3 million) three-year
unsecured revolving working capital facility jointly
with Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Capital, which
was renewed in July 2015.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Non-current
Operating lease - 82
Severance pay benefits(1) 1 409 1 056
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
1 409 1 138
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Current
Trade payables(2) 15 599 16 340
Accrued expenses(2) 8 430 9 342
Leave benefits 1 011 730
Royalties(2) 2 024 4 285
Operating lease 1 260 741
Other 688 790
29 012 32 228
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Total trade and other payables 30 421 33 366
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
The carrying amounts above approximate fair value.
Terms and conditions of the trade and other payables:
(1) The severance pay benefits arise due to legislation within the Lesotho jurisdiction, requiring
that two weeks of severance pay be provided for every completed year of service, payable on
retirement.
(2) These amounts are mainly non-interest-bearing and are settled in accordance with terms
agreed between the parties.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. PROVISIONS
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Rehabilitation provisions 16 630 12 473
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Reconciliation of movement in rehabilitation provisions
Balance at beginning of year 12 473 19 543
Increase/(decrease) during the year 1 631 (4 229)
Unwinding of discount rate 899 1 265
Foreign exchange differences 1 627 (4 106)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Balance at end of year 16 630 12 473
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Rehabilitation provisions
The provisions have been recognised as the Group has an obligation for rehabilitation of the
mining areas. The provisions have been calculated based on total estimated rehabilitation
costs, discounted back to their present values over the life of mine at the mining operations.
The pre-tax discount rates are adjusted annually and reflect current market assessments.
In determining the amounts attributable to the rehabilitation provisions, management used
a discount rate range of 6.0% to 7.4% (31 December 2015: 6.5% to 7.5%), estimated rehabilitation
timing of eight to 11 years (31 December 2015: nine to 12 years) and an inflation rate range
of 4.0% to 6.7% (31 December 2015: 4.6% to 6.0%) respectively at the Botswana and Lesotho
mining areas. In addition to the changes in the discount rates, inflation and rehabilitation
timing, the increase in the provision is attributable to the annual reassessment of the estimated
closure costs performed at the operations and the strengthening of the local currencies against
the US dollar.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. DEFERRED TAXATION
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Deferred tax assets
Accrued leave 56 34
Operating lease liability 5 2
Provisions 4 539 3 594
Tax loss not utilised - 239
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
4 600 3 869
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment (65 870) (49 652)
Prepayments (367) (563)
Unremitted earnings (4 039) (4 039)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
(70 276) (54 254)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Net deferred tax liability (65 676) (50 385)
Reconciliation of deferred tax liability
Balance at beginning of year (50 385) (57 467)
Movement in current period:
- Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes (9 851) (6 193)
- Accrued leave (198) (5)
- Operating lease liability 72 93
- Prepayments 208 (293)
- Provisions 537 (308)
- Tax losses utilised in the year (217) 220
- Disposal of subsidiaries - 50
- Foreign exchange differences (5 842) 13 518
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Balance at end of year (65 676) (50 385)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------
The Group has not recognised a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences
associated with investments in subsidiaries because it is able to control the timing of dividends
and only part of the temporary difference is expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.
The gross temporary difference in respect of the undistributable reserves of the Group's subsidiaries
for which a deferred tax liability has not been recognised is US$49.3 million (31 December
2015: US$39.1 million).
The Group has estimated tax losses of US$348.3 million (31 December 2015: US$311.7 million).
The deferred tax asset of US$0.9 million recognised in the prior year has been fully utilised
during the current year. All tax losses are generated in jurisdictions where tax losses do
not expire.
---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. CASH FLOW NOTES
2016 2015
Notes US$'000 US$'000
21.1 Cash generated by operations
(Loss)/profit for the year before tax from continuing operations (124 108) 108 557
Profit/(loss) before tax for the year from discontinued operation - 668
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation on property, plant and equipment 3 10 760 10 369
Waste stripping cost amortised 3 34 712 47 222
Impairment on assets 4 172 932 -
Finance income 5 (2 411) (1 505)
Finance costs 5 2 620 1 385
Market to market revaluations - (249)
Unrealised foreign exchange differences (4 718) (6 369)
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment (16) (251)
Movement in prepayment 254 1 115
Other non-cash movements 1 703 (5 753)
Gain on disposal of subsidiary - (1 670)
Share-based equity transaction 1 790 1 738
----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------ ----------
93 518 155 257
------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------ ----------
21.2 Working capital adjustment
Decrease/(increase) in inventory 1 579 (8 216)
Decrease/(increase) in receivables 5 259 (4 586)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (6 392) 9 033
----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------ ----------
446 (3 769)
------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------ ----------
21.3 Cash flows used in investing activities
Cash equivalents sold - (34)
----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------ ----------
Net cash proceeds divested - (34)
------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ------------ ----------
22. Commitments And Contingencies
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Commitments
Operating lease commitments - Group as lessee
The Group has entered into commercial lease arrangements for rental of office premises. These
leases have a period of between two and 12 years with an option of renewal at the end of the
period. The terms will be negotiated during the extension option periods catered for in the
agreements. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases.
Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases:
- Within one year 1 753 1 443
- After one year but not more than five years 5 087 3 759
- More than five years 5 797 5 900
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
12 637 11 102
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Mining leases
Mining lease commitments represent the Group's future obligation arising from agreements entered
into with local authorities in the mining areas that the Group operates.
The period of these commitments is determined as the lesser of the term of the agreement,
including renewable periods, or the life of the mine. The estimated lease obligation regarding
the future lease period, accepting stable inflation and exchange rates, is as follows:
- Within one year 112 107
- After one year but not more than five years 593 492
- More than five years 1 283 1 271
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
1 988 1 870
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Moveable equipment lease
The Group has entered into commercial lease arrangements which include the provision of loading,
hauling and other transportation services payable at a fixed rate per tonne of ore and waste
mined; power generator equipment payable based on a consumption basis; and rental agreements
for various mining equipment based on a fixed monthly fee.
- Within one year 41 749 25 428
- After one year but not more than five years 175 704 157 883
- More than five years - 33 138
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
217 453 216 449
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
Capital expenditure
Approved but not contracted for 19 927 127
Approved and contracted for 3 315 5 229
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------
The main capital expenditure approved but not contracted for relates to the construction of
the Letšeng mining workshop of LSL215.0 million (US$15.7 million). The capital expenditure
will be funded from a new project facility which is being finalised in 2017.
Contingent rentals - Alluvial Ventures
The contingent rentals represent the Group's obligation to a third party (Alluvial Ventures)
for operating a third plant on the Group's mining property at Letšeng Diamonds. The rental
is determined when the actual diamonds mined by Alluvial Ventures are sold. The rental agreement
is based on 50% to 70% of the value (after costs) of the diamonds recovered by Alluvial Ventures
and is limited to US$1.2 million per individual diamond. As at the reporting date, such future
sales cannot be determined.
Letšeng Diamonds Educational Fund
In terms of the mining agreement entered into between the Group and the government of the
Kingdom of Lesotho, the Group has an obligation to provide funding for education and training
scholarships. The quantum of such funding is at the discretion of the Letšeng Diamonds
Education Fund Committee. The amount of the funding provided for the current year was US$0.1
million (31 December 2015: US$0.1 million).
Contingencies
The Group has conducted its operations in the ordinary course of business in accordance with
its understanding and interpretation of commercial arrangements and applicable legislation
in the countries where the Group has operations. In certain specific transactions, however,
the relevant third party or authorities could have a different interpretation of those laws
and regulations that could lead to contingencies or additional liabilities for the Group.
Having consulted professional advisers, the Group has identified possible disputes approximating
US$0.5 million (December 2015: US$0.6 million) and tax claims within the various jurisdictions
in which the Group operates approximating US$1.0 million (December 2015: US$1.3 million).
There are no possible disputes relating to Ghaghoo's care and maintenance status included
in these contingencies.
There remains a risk that further tax liabilities may potentially arise. While it is difficult
to predict the ultimate outcome in some cases, the Group does not anticipate that there will
be any material impact on the Group's results, financial position or liquidity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. RELATED PARTIES
Related party Relationship
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited Common director
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited Common director
Gem Diamond Holdings Limited Common director
Government of Lesotho Non-controlling interest
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------
Refer to Note 1.1.2, Operational information, for information regarding shareholding in subsidiaries.
Refer to the Directors' Report for information regarding the Directors.
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Compensation to key management personnel (including Directors)
Share-based equity transactions 1 396 1 421
Short-term employee benefits 3 907 7 784
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
5 303 9 205
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Fees paid to related parties
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited (96) (108)
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited (75) (165)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Royalties paid to related parties
Government of Lesotho (14 624) (19 273)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Lease and licence payments to related parties
Government of Lesotho (126) (112)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Purchases from related parties
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited (97) (75)
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited (82) (89)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Amount included in trade receivables owing by/(to) related parties
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited 4 (42)
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited (8) (7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Amounts owing to related party
Government of Lesotho (1 966) (3 513)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Dividends paid
Government of Lesotho (13 963) (11 760)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited and Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited provided administrative
and aviation services with regard to the mining activities undertaken by the Group. The above
transactions were made on terms agreed between the parties and were made on terms that prevail
in arm's-length transactions.
---- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Financial risk factors
The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks:
* market risk (including commodity price risk and
foreign exchange risk);
* credit risk; and
* liquidity risk.
The Group's overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial
markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group's financial performance.
Risk management is carried out under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Board
provides principles for overall risk management, as well as policies covering specific areas,
such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial
instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investing excess liquidity.
There have been no changes to the financial risk management policy since the prior year.
Capital management
The capital of the Company is the issued share capital, share premium and treasury shares
on the Group's statement of financial position. The primary objective of the Group's capital
management is to ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios
in order to support its business and maximise shareholder value. The Group manages its capital
structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain
or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new shares. The management of the Group's
capital is performed by the Board.
At 31 December 2016, the Group has US$53.3 million (31 December 2015: US$16.1 million) debt
facilities available and continues to have the flexibility to manage the capital structure
more efficiently by the use of these debt facilities, thus ensuring that an appropriate gearing
ratio is achieved.
The debt facilities in the Group are as follows:
Unsecured - Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Capital (a division of Nedbank Limited) - three-year
unsecured revolving credit facility - LSL250.0 million (US$18.3 million)
The Group, through its subsidiary, Letšeng Diamonds, has an LSL250.0 million (US$18.3
million), three-year unsecured revolving working capital facility. The facility bears interest
at the Lesotho prime rate.
At year end, there is no drawdown on this facility.
Secured - Nedbank Capital (a division of Nedbank Limited) - six-and-a-half-year project debt
facility - US$25.0 million
The Group, through its subsidiary, Gem Diamonds Botswana (Ghaghoo), has a secured debt loan
facility held with Nedbank Capital. In November 2016 this loan was restructured in order to
postpone further capital repayments from June 2016 to June 2019, with final repayment due
on 31 December 2021. The loan is repayable in staggered bi-annual payments. The first capital
repayment of US$0.1 million was paid in June 2016 with the next capital repayment due in June
2019. The facility bears interest at London USD Interbank three-month LIBOR + 5.5%.
At year end, this facility was fully drawn down. Post-year end this facility was fully repaid
in line with placing the Ghaghoo asset on care and maintenance. For further detail refer to
Note 17, Interest-bearing borrowings and Note 29, Events after the reporting period.
Unsecured - Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Limited - three-year unsecured project debt
facility - LSL140.0 million (US$10.2 million)
This loan is a three-year unsecured project debt facility signed jointly with Standard Lesotho
Bank and Nedbank Limited on 26 June 2014 for LSL140.0 million, being the total funding of
the Coarse Recovery Plant with a final payment due on 30 June 2017. This facility bears interest
at South African JIBAR + 4.95%.
At year end, there was LSL28.0 million (US$2.0 million) outstanding on this facility. Post-year
end, this facility was fully repaid in advance of its final repayment date. For further detail
refer to Note 17, Interest-bearing borrowings and Note 29, Events after the reporting period.
Unsecured - Nedbank Capital (a division of Nedbank Limited) - three-year unsecured revolving
credit facility - US$35.0 million
The Company has a US$35.0 million three-year unsecured revolving credit facility with Nedbank
Capital which was renewed on 29 January 2016. This facility bears interest at London USD Interbank
three-month LIBOR + 5.5%.
At year end, there is no drawdown on this facility. Post-year end this facility was accessed
in order to settle the Ghaghoo US$25.0 million facility.
The Group is subject to diamond price risk. Diamonds are not homogeneous products and the
price of rough diamonds is not monitored on a public index system. The fluctuation of prices
is related to certain features of diamonds such as quality and size. Diamond prices are marketed
in US dollar and long-term US$ per carat prices are based on external market consensus forecasts
and contracted sales arrangements adjusted for the Group's specific operations. The Group
does not have any financial instruments that may fluctuate as a result of commodity price
movements.
(a) Market risk
(i) Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign
exchange risk arising from various
currency exposures, primarily with respect to the Lesotho Loti,
South African Rand and Botswana
Pula. Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial
transactions, recognised assets
and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the
entity's functional currency.
The Group's sales are denominated in US dollar which is the
functional currency of the Company,
but not the functional currency of the operations.
The currency sensitivity analysis below is based on the following
assumptions:
Differences resulting from the translation of the financial
statements of the subsidiaries
into the Group's presentation currency of US dollar, are not taken
into consideration.
The major currency exposures for the Group relate to the US dollar
and local currencies of
subsidiaries. Foreign currency exposures between two currencies
where one is not the US dollar
are deemed insignificant to the Group and have therefore been
excluded from the sensitivity
analysis.
The analysis of the currency risk arises because of financial
instruments denominated in a
currency that is not the functional currency of the relevant Group
entity. The sensitivity
has been based on financial assets and liabilities at
31 December 2016. There has been no change in the assumptions or
method applied from the
prior year.
Sensitivity analysis
If the US dollar had appreciated/(depreciated) 10% against
currencies significant to the Group
at 31 December 2016, income before taxation would have been US$2.6
million higher/(lower)
(31 December 2015: US$3.1 million). There would be no effect on
equity reserves other than
those directly related to income statement movements.
(ii) Forward exchange contracts
The Group enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge the
exposure to changes in foreign
currency of future sales of diamonds at Letšeng Diamonds. The
Group performs no hedge
accounting. At 31 December 2016, the Group had no forward exchange
contracts outstanding (31
December 2015: US$nil).
(iii) Cash flow interest rate risk
The Group's income and operating cash flows are substantially
independent of changes in market
interest rates. The Group's cash flow interest rate risk arises
from borrowings. Borrowings
issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest
rate risk. At the time of
taking new loans or borrowings, management uses its judgement to
decide whether it believes
that a fixed or variable rate borrowing would be more favourable to
the Group over the expected
period until maturity.
(b) Credit risk
The Group's potential concentration of credit risk consists mainly of cash deposits
with banks
and other receivables. The Group's short-term cash surpluses are placed with the banks
that
have investment grade ratings. The maximum credit risk exposure relating to financial
assets
is represented by the carrying value as at the reporting dates. The Group considers
the credit
standing of counterparties when making deposits to manage the credit risk.
Considering the nature of the Group's ultimate customers and the relevant terms and
conditions
entered into with such customers, the Group believes that credit risk is limited as
customers
pay on receipt of goods.
No other financial assets are impaired or past due and accordingly, no additional
analysis
has been provided.
No collateral is held in respect of any impaired receivables or receivables that are
past
due but not impaired.
(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group's inability to obtain the funds it requires to
comply
with its commitments including the inability to sell a financial asset quickly at a
price
close to its fair value. Management manages the risk by maintaining sufficient cash,
marketable
securities and ensuring access to financial institutions and shareholding funding.
This ensures
flexibility in maintaining business operations and maximises opportunities. The Group
has
available debt facilities of US$53.3 million at year end.
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities
at 31
December based on contractual undiscounted payments:
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Floating interest rates
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings(1)
- Within one year 28 689 7 438
- After one year but not more than five years 1 587 29 658
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 30 276 37 096
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Trade and other payables
- Within one year 29 012 32 228
- After one year but not more than five years 1 409 1 138
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 30 421 33 366
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
(1) Includes the Letšeng and Ghaghoo facilities which have been repaid subsequent
to
year end. For further detail refer to Note 29, Events after the reporting period.
---- ------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The expense recognised for employee services received during the year is shown in the following
table:
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions charged to the income
statement 1 790 1 738
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions capitalised 116 206
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
1 906 1 944
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
The long-term incentive plans are described below:
Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)
Certain key employees are entitled to a grant of options, under the ESOP of the Company. The
vesting of the options is dependent on employees remaining in service for a prescribed period
(normally three years) from the date of grant. The fair value of share options granted is
estimated at the date of the grant using a Black Scholes simulation model, taking into account
the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. It takes into account projected
dividends and share price fluctuation co-variances of the Company.
There is a nil or nominal exercise price for the options granted at admission of the Company.
The contractual life of the options is
10 years and there are no cash settlement alternatives. The Company has no past practice
of cash settlement.
Non-Executive share awards
In order to align the interests of the Chairman and independent Directors with those of the
shareholders, the non-Executive Directors were invited to subscribe for shares at nominal
value on terms set out in the prospectus. The non-Executive Directors shall not be eligible
to participate in the short-term incentive bonus scheme (STIBS) or ESOP or any other performance-related
incentive arrangements which may be introduced by the Company from time to time. There are
currently no non-Executive share awards.
ESOP for September 2012 (LTIP)
On 11 September 2012, 936 000 nil-cost options were granted to certain key employees (excluding
Executive Directors) under the LTIP of the Company. Of the total number of shares, 312 000
were nil value options and 624 000 were market value options. The exercise price of the market
value options is GBP1.78 (US$2.85), which was equal to the market price of the shares on the
date of grant. The awards which vest over a three-year period in tranches of a third of the
award each year, dependent on the performance targets for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial
years being met, are exercisable between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2023. This award became
exercisable on 1 January 2016. Of the 936 000 options originally granted, only 217 100 are
still outstanding following the resignation of a number of employees and the exercising of
these options.
ESOP for March 2014 (LTIP)
In March 2014, 625 000 nil-cost options were granted to certain key employees under the LTIP
of the Company. The vesting of the options will be subject to the satisfaction of certain
performance as well as service conditions classified as non-market conditions. The options
which vest over a three-year period in tranches of a third of the award each year are exercisable
between 19 March 2017 and 18 March 2024. If the performance or service conditions are not
met, the options lapse. As the performance conditions are non-market-based they are not reflected
in the fair value of the award at grant date, and therefore the Company will assess the likelihood
of these conditions being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required
at each financial year end. The fair value of the nil-cost options is GBP1.74 (US$2.87). Of
the 625 000 options originally granted, only 297 271 are still outstanding following the resignation
of a number of employees.
ESOP for June 2014 (LTIP)
In June 2014, 609 000 nil-cost options were granted to the Executive Directors under the LTIP
of the Company. The vesting of the options will be subject to the satisfaction of certain
market and non-market performance conditions over a three-year period. Of the 609 000 nil-cost
options, 152 250 relates to market conditions with the remaining 456 750 relating to non-market
conditions. The options which vest are exercisable between 10 June 2017 and 9 June 2024. If
the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse. The performance conditions
relating to the non-market conditions are not reflected in the fair value of the award at
grant date. At each financial year end, the Company will assess the likelihood of these conditions
being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required. The fair value
of the nil-cost options relating to non-market conditions is GBP1.61 (US$2.70). The fair value
of the options granted, relating to the market conditions, is estimated at the date of the
grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon
which the options were granted, projected dividends, share price fluctuations, the expected
volatility, the risk-free interest rate, expected life of the options in years and the weighted
average share price of the Company. Of the 609 000 options originally granted, only 560 839
are still outstanding following the resignation of an Executive Director during the year.
ESOP for April 2015 (LTIP)
In April 2015, 660 000 nil-cost options were granted to certain key employees under the long-term
incentive plan (LTIP) of the Company. The vesting of the options will be subject to the satisfaction
of certain performance as well as service conditions classified as non-market conditions.
The options which vest after a three-year period are exercisable between 1 April 2018 and
31 March 2025. If the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse. As
the performance conditions are non-market-based they are not reflected in the fair value of
the award at grant date, and therefore the Company will assess the likelihood of these conditions
being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required at each financial
year end. The fair value of the nil-cost options is GBP1.33 (US$1.97). Of the 667 500 options
originally granted, only 472 608 are still outstanding following the resignation of a number
of employees.
In addition, 740 000 nil-cost options were granted to the Executive Directors under the LTIP
of the Company. The vesting of the options will be subject to the satisfaction of certain
market and non-market performance conditions over a three-year period. Of the 740 000 nil-cost
options, 185 000 relate to market conditions with the remaining 555 000 relating to non-market
conditions. The options which vest are exercisable between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2025.
If the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse. The performance conditions
relating to the non-market conditions are not reflected in the fair value of the award at
grant date. At each financial year end, the Company will assess the likelihood of these conditions
being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required. The fair value
of the nil-cost options relating to the market conditions is GBP1.33 (US$1.97). The fair value
of these options is estimated in a similar manner as the June 2014 LTIP. Of the 740 000 options
originally granted, only 640 730 are still outstanding following the resignation of an Executive
Director during the year.
ESOP for March 2016 (LTIP)
In March 2016, 1 400 000 nil-cost options were approved to be granted to certain key employees
and Executive Directors under the LTIP of the Company. The vesting of the options will be
subject to the satisfaction of certain market and non-market performance conditions over a
three-year period. The satisfaction of certain performance as well as service conditions are
classified as non-market conditions. A total of 185 000 of the options granted relate to market
conditions. The options vest after a three-year period and are exercisable between 15 March
2019 and 14 March 2026. If the performance or service conditions are not met, the options
lapse. The performance conditions relating to the non-market conditions are not reflected
in the fair value of the award at grant date, and therefore the Company will assess the likelihood
of these conditions being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required
at each financial year end. The fair value of the nil-cost options is GBP0.99 (US$1.40). The
fair value of the options relating to market conditions is estimated in a similar manner as
the June 2014 and April 2015 LTIP. Of the total options originally granted, 1 340 000 are
still outstanding following the resignation of a number of employees.
Movements in the year
ESOP
The following table illustrates the number ('000) and movement in share options during the
year:
2016 2015
'000 '000
Outstanding at beginning of year 11 18
Exercised during the year (5) (7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Balance at end of year 6 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Exercisable at end of year - -
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
The following table lists the inputs to the model used for the plan for the awards granted
under the ESOP:
Dividend yield (%) -
Expected volatility (%) 22
Risk-free interest rate (%) 5
Expected life of option (years) 10
Weighted average share price 18.28
Model used Black Scholes
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
The fair value of share options granted is estimated at the date of the grant using a Black
Scholes simulation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options
were granted, projected dividends, share price fluctuations, the expected volatility, the
risk-free interest rate, expected life of the option in years and the weighted average share
price of the Company.
The ESOP is an equity-settled plan and the fair value is measured at the grant date.
ESOP for March 2016, April 2015, June 2014, March 2014 and September 2012 (LTIP)
The following table illustrates the number ('000) and movement in the outstanding share options
during the year:
2016 2015
'000 '000
Outstanding at beginning of year 2 726 2 445
Granted during the year 1 400 1 408
Exercised during the year (61) -
Forfeited (536) (1 127)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Balance at end of year 3 529 2 726
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
The following table lists the inputs to the model used for the market conditions awards granted
during the current and prior year:
LTIP LTIP LTIP LTIP
March April June September
2016 2015 2014 2012
Dividend yield (%) 2.00 2.00 - -
Expected volatility (%) 39.71 37.18 37.25 42.10
Risk-free interest rate (%) 0.97 1.16 1.94 0.33
Expected life of option (years) 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Weighted average share price (US$) 1.56 2.10 2.70 2.85
Fair value of nil value options (US$) 1.40 1.97 1.83 2.85
Fair value of market value options
(US$) - - - 1.66
Model used Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Monte Carlo
--------------------------------------- ----------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
The fair value of share options granted is estimated at the date of the grant using a Monte
Carlo simulation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options
were granted, projected dividends, share price fluctuations, the expected volatility, the
risk-free interest rate, expected life of the option in years and the weighted average share
price of the Company.
---- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Set out below is an overview of financial instruments, other than the non-current and current
portions of the prepayment disclosed in Note 13, Receivables and other assets, which do not
meet the criteria of a financial asset. These prepayments are carried at amortised cost.
31 December 31 December
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Financial assets
Cash (net of overdraft) 30 787 85 719
Receivables and other assets 5 832 5 360
Other financial assets - 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 36 619 91 089
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total non-current 31 317
Total current 36 588 90 772
Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 27 757 30 421
Trade and other payables 30 421 33 366
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 58 178 63 787
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total non-current 1 409 26 220
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total current 56 769 37 567
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
The carrying amounts of the Group's financial instruments held approximate their fair value.
Fair value hierarchy
All financial instruments for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements
are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, based on the lowest level input that is significant
to the fair value measurement as a whole, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the
fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the
fair value measurement is unobservable.
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements or any transfers
into or out of Level 3 fair value measurements during the period.
Other risk management activities
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on future sales of diamonds at Letšeng
Diamonds. In order to reduce this risk, the Group enters into forward exchange contracts to
hedge this exposure. The Group performs no hedge accounting. During the current period the
Group did not enter into any new forward exchange contracts due to the strong US dollar being
favourable to the Group's revenue.
27. DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED
2016 2015
US$'000 US$'000
Proposed dividends on ordinary shares
Final ordinary cash dividend for 2016: US$nil (2015: 5 US cents per share) - 6 915
Special dividend for 2016: US$nil (2015: 3.5 US cents per share) - 4 840
Total - 11 755
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
There were no dividends proposed for the 2016 financial year.
The 2015 dividends were approved on 7 June 2016 and a final cash dividend of 8.5 US cents
per share was paid to shareholders on 16 June 2016.
28. MATERIAL PARTLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
Financial information of Letšeng Diamonds, a subsidiary which has a material non-controlling
interest, is provided below.
Proportion of equity interest held by non-controlling interests
2016 2015
Name incorporation Country of and operation US$'000 US$'000
Letšeng Diamonds (Proprietary)
Limited Lesotho
Accumulated balances of material
non-controlling interest 63 522 57 494
Profit allocated to material non-controlling
interest 14 739 24 397
The summarised financial information of this subsidiary is provided below. This information
is based on amounts before intercompany eliminations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summarised income statement for the year ended 31 December
Revenue 184 864 236 357
Cost of sales (105 398) (118 385)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Gross profit 79 466 117 972
Royalties and selling costs (14 827) (19 475)
Other (costs)/income (217) 8 401
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Operating profit 64 422 106 898
Net finance income 702 279
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Profit before tax 65 124 107 177
Income tax expense (15 996) (25 850)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Profit for the year 49 128 81 327
Total comprehensive income 49 128 81 327
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Attributable to non-controlling interest 14 739 24 397
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest 13 963 11 760
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Summarised statement of financial position as at 31 December
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 267 433 204 350
Current assets
Inventories, receivables and other assets, and cash and short-term deposits 45 438 78 436
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total assets 312 871 282 786
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables, provisions and deferred tax liabilities 76 304 59 345
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and trade and other payables 24 827 31 794
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total liabilities 101 131 91 139
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total equity 211 740 191 647
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of parent 148 218 134 153
Non-controlling interest 63 522 57 494
Summarised cash flow information for the year ended 31 December
Operating 55 582 4 701
Investing (77 967) -
Financing (11 915) 5 421
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (34 300) 10 122
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
29. Events after the reporting period
Post-year end the outstanding balance of LSL28.0 million (US$2.0 million) on the three-year
unsecured project debt facility at Letšeng, was fully repaid together with interest and
net breakage costs.
Post-year end, following the decision to place the Ghaghoo mine on care and maintenance, the
US$25.0 million term loan facility at Ghaghoo was settled in advance of its final repayment
date using the US$35.0 million revolving credit facility held at the Company. The restricted
cash of US$3.0 million reserved for a portion of the future repayment of the term loan facility
at Ghaghoo was released at the same time.
No other fact or circumstance has taken place between the end of the reporting period and
the approval of the financial statements which, in our opinion, is of significance in assessing
the state of the Group's affairs.
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This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR OKQDBDBKBDND
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March 15, 2017 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)
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