Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits, and money market instruments, with maturities from the date of acquisition of three months or less, which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are subject to insignificant changes in value.

Restricted cash consist of amounts lodged with government bodies or their designated banking institutions in support of mandated environmental, permitting, or employee retirement obligations.

(d)Inventories

Inventories include production inventory, and materials and supplies inventory.

All inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable market value (“NRV”). NRV is calculated using the estimated price at the time of sale based on prevailing and forecast metal prices less estimated future production costs to convert the inventory into saleable form and associated selling costs. Any write-downs of inventory to its NRV are included in cost of sales in the period. If there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventory, the previous write-downs to NRV are reversed to the extent that the related inventory has not yet been sold.

(e)Mineral properties and related construction

We capitalize costs directly related to development or construction projects until the asset is available for use in the manner intended by us (“commercial production”), after which we move these costs to “producing mineral properties”.

We assess the stage of a mine under development and construction to determine when the mine is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. The criteria we use to assess when the mine is ready for its intended use are determined based on the unique nature of each mine construction project, such as the complexity of the project and its location. We consider various technical and physical performance criteria to assess when the production phase is considered to have commenced. Refer to note 4(a)(i) for the factors we consider.

(f)Producing mineral properties

Producing mineral properties consist of costs transferred from “Mineral properties and related construction” when a mining property reaches commercial production, the costs of subsequent mine and exploration development, and acquired mining properties in the production stage.

(i)Stripping costs

In open pit mining operations, it is necessary to incur costs to remove waste material in order to access the ore body, which is known as stripping. Stripping costs incurred prior to the production stage of a mineral property (pre-stripping costs) are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related mineral property.

During the production phase of an open pit mine, stripping costs incurred that provide improved access to ore that will be produced in future periods and that would not have otherwise been accessible are capitalized (“deferred stripping asset”). The costs qualifying for capitalization are those costs directly incurred to perform the stripping activity that provides or improves access to the identified component of ore, plus an allocation of directly attributable overhead costs, which are determined using a strip ratio methodology. The strip ratio represents the ratio of the estimated total volume of waste material to the estimated total quantity of economically recoverable ore of the mineral reserves for which access has been provided or improved. The deferred stripping asset is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the mineral property. Capitalized stripping costs are amortized based on the estimated recoverable ounces contained in mineral reserves that directly benefit from the stripping activities. Costs for waste removal that do not give rise to future economic benefits are included in cost of sales.

(ii)Depletion

Depletion commences once the mineral property is capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Producing mineral properties are depleted on a units-of-production basis over the estimated useful life of the mine. This depletion is calculated using the ratio of (i) gold ounces extracted from the mine in the period, over (ii) the total gold ounces expected to be extracted in current and future periods.

Exploration and evaluation expenditures include the search for mineral resources, and the determination of technical feasibility, and assessment of the commercial viability of, an identified mineral resource. Activities include acquisition of rights to explore; topographical, geological, geochemical and geophysical studies; exploratory drilling; trenching; sampling; and evaluation of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource.

We capitalize as “exploration and evaluation properties” those E&E assets that we have acquired in a business combination, and also the initial acquisition costs of an E&E asset that does not represent a business. We expense all other E&E expenditures, including non-refundable advance royalty payments.

Exploration and evaluation properties are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

When the technical feasibility and economic viability of a project are demonstrable, funding is in place, and a positive development decision is made, we test the mineral property for impairment and transfer the costs to “Mineral properties and related construction”. We capitalize subsequent expenditures on the project.

We assess exploration and evaluation properties for impairment when indicators and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may exceed its recoverable amount. Typical indicators of impairment include:

Equipment is initially recognized at cost. Cost includes purchase price, directly attributable costs, and the estimated present value of any future costs of decommissioning and removal. Equipment is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and impairments. We depreciate equipment to their residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

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We capitalize interest and other costs that we incur in connection with the borrowing of funds (“borrowing costs”) that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale (“a qualifying asset”) as part of the cost of that asset. We expense other borrowing costs in the period in which they occur.

When we borrow funds specifically for the purpose of constructing or obtaining a qualifying asset, we capitalize the actual borrowing costs specifically incurred including the amortization of loan initiation costs, less any investment income earned on the temporary investment of those funds.

To the extent we borrow funds generally and use them for the purpose of constructing or obtaining a qualifying asset, we use a weighted average interest rate of the borrowing costs applicable to all our general borrowings that are outstanding during the period.

We stop capitalizing borrowing costs when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use are complete.

At the inception of a contract, we assess whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, we consider whether:

We recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset, which is initially measured based on the initial amount of the lease liability plus any initial direct costs incurred less any lease incentives received. We depreciate the ROU asset to the earlier of the end of the useful life or the lease term using either the straight-line or units-of-production method, depending on which method more accurately reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits. The lease term includes periods covered by an option to extend if we determine the Company is reasonably likely to exercise the option.

We initially measure the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments that are not yet paid as of the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. We then measure the lease liability at amortized cost using the effective interest method and remeasure it when there is a change in future lease payments.

We apply the short-term lease (defined as leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less) and low-value asset recognition exemptions. For these leases, we recognize the lease payments an expense over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed.

We record an asset retirement and site closure obligation when a legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of past events and we can make a reliable estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows required to satisfy the asset retirement and site closure obligation. Such costs include decommissioning or dismantling plant and equipment, and reclamation, closure, and post-closure monitoring of the property.

The estimated future cash flows are discounted to a net present value using an applicable risk-free interest rate. We accrete the provision for asset retirement and site closure obligations over time to reflect the unwinding of the discount and charge the accretion expense to profit or loss for the period.

We remeasure the asset retirement and site closure obligation at the end of each reporting period for changes in estimates or circumstances, such as changes in legal or regulatory requirements, increased obligations arising from additional disturbance due to mining and exploration activities, changes to cost estimates, and changes to risk-free interest rates.

Asset retirement and site closure obligations related to exploration and evaluation activities are expensed.  Asset retirement and site closure obligations relating to “mineral properties and related construction”, and to exploration and evaluation properties, are initially capitalized with a charge to the related mineral property. Changes to the obligation which arise as a result of changes in estimates and assumptions are also accounted for as changes in the carrying amounts of related mining property.

We recognize provisions when (i) the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, (ii) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and (iii) we can make a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation. Where we expect some or all of a provision to be reimbursed (for example, under an insurance contract), we recognize the reimbursement as a separate asset, but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. We present the expense relating to each provision in profit or loss net of any reimbursements.

If the effect of the time value of money is material, we discount the provision using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as accretion expense in profit or loss.

(m)Revenue

The Company’s primary source of revenue is the sale of refined gold and silver. The Company’s performance obligations relate primarily to the delivery of refined gold and silver to its customers.

Revenue related to the sale of metal is recognized when the customer obtains control of the metal. In determining whether the Company has satisfied a performance obligation, we consider whether (i) the Company has a present right to payment, (ii) the Company has transferred physical possession of the metal to the customer; (iii) the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the metal; and (iv) the customer has legal title to the metal.

We sell refined gold and silver primarily to refiners, bullion banks or members of the London Bullion Market Association (“LBMA”). The sales price is fixed on the date of sale based on spot price or by mutual agreement. We recognize revenue from sales of gold and silver at the time when risk and rewards of ownership and title transfers to the customer, which typically coincides with the date that the customer remits payment. Under certain contracts with customers the transfer of control may occur when the gold or silver is in transit from the mine to the refinery. At this point in time, the customer has legal title to and the risk and rewards of ownership of the gold or silver; therefore, the customer is able to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the gold or silver.

Revenue from refined sales is recognized net of treatment and refining charges.

(n)Defined benefit plan

The Company provides a defined benefit retirement plan for certain eligible employees that provides a lump-sum payment upon retirement. Benefits under the plan are influenced by length of service and estimates of future salary increases. The defined benefit plan is not funded.

The cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at the end of each annual reporting period. Remeasurements comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest) are recognized immediately in the statement of financial position with a charge or credit to other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements recognized in other comprehensive income are not reclassified. Service costs, which include current service cost, past service cost and gains and losses on curtailments and settlements, are recognized within profit or loss. Net interest expense or income is recognized within interest and finance costs.

The Company grants stock options, and awards RSUs and DSUs to employees, officers and directors from time to time. At the date of grant or award, we estimate the fair values of the stock options, RSUs and DSUs which will eventually vest. These estimated fair values are recognized as share-based compensation expense over the specific vesting periods, with a corresponding increase to reserves, a component of equity.

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. It is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination or items recognized directly in equity or OCI.

Current tax expense comprises the expected tax payable on taxable income for the year and any adjustment to income tax payable in respect of previous years. It is measured using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current tax also includes any withholding tax arising from interest and dividends.

Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for:

We recognize deferred tax assets for unused tax losses, unused tax credits and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used. If the amount of taxable temporary differences is insufficient to recognize a deferred tax asset in full, then future taxable profits are considered based on the business plans for the individual taxable entity. We review deferred tax assets at each reporting date and reduce them when we consider it no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used.

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the temporary differences when they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only when there are sufficient taxable temporary differences relating to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity which are expected to reverse in the same period or in the carried back/forward period as the expected reversal of the deductible temporary difference.

Basic earnings (loss) per share is based on profit (loss) attributable to common shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period.

Diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on profit (loss) attributable to common shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period after adjusting for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

(r)Business combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method when the acquired set of activities and assets meets the definition of a business and when control is transferred to the Company. In determining whether a particular set of activities and assets is a business, we assess whether the set of assets and activities acquired includes, at a minimum, an input and substantive process and whether the acquired set has the ability to produce outputs.

The consideration transferred in the acquisition is generally measured at fair value, as are the identifiable net assets acquired. Any goodwill that arises is tested annually for impairment. Any gain on a bargain purchase is recognized in profit or loss immediately. We expense transaction costs as incurred, except if they are related to the issuance of debt or equity securities. The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generally recognized in profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration is measured at estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. If an obligation to pay contingent consideration that meets the definition of a financial instrument is classified as equity, then it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, other contingent consideration is remeasured at fair value at each reporting date and subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in profit or loss.

If share-based payment awards (replacement awards) are required to be exchanged for awards held by the acquiree’s employees (acquiree’s awards), then all or a portion of the acquirer’s replacement awards is included in measuring the consideration transferred in the business combination. This determination is based on the market-based measure of the replacement awards compared with the market-based measure of the acquiree’s awards and the portion to which the replacement awards relate to pre-combination service.

The results of businesses acquired during a reporting period are included in the consolidated financial statements starting from the date of acquisition.

(s)Financial instruments

We initially recognize financial assets when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Subsequent to initial recognition, we classify financial assets as measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) or fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) after considering both our business model for managing the financial asset and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if both of the following conditions are met:

The Company applied for the first-time certain standards and amendments, which are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021. We have not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective. Other than the changes described below, the accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year.

We do not discuss here certain other amendments and interpretations which applied for the first time in 2021 but had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In the process of making an item of property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) available for its intended use, a company may produce and sell products generated by this PP&E. Current standards require that sales proceeds from these products be deducted from the capital cost of this item of PP&E. The amendments to IAS 16 discontinue this practice.Under the amendments, proceeds from selling products before the related item of PPE is available for use should be recognized in profit or loss, together with the costs of producing those items. The entity measures the cost of those products in accordance with IAS 2 Inventories.

The amendments are applied retrospectively, but only to items of property, plant and equipment that are made available for on or after the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which the entity first applies the amendments.

The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022, with early application permitted. We have early adopted this amendment, effective January 1, 2021. The adoption of this amendment had no effect on comparative figures, as no such proceeds occurred in prior years.  Had these amendments not been early adopted:

(ii)Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

In August 2020, the International Accounting Standards Board (Board) issued “Interest Rate Benchmark Reform –Phase 2”. The Phase 2 amendments address issues that might affect financial reporting during the reform of an interest rate benchmark, including the effects of changes to contractual cash flows or hedging relationships arising from the replacement of an interest rate benchmark with an alternative benchmark rate. In Phase 2 of its project, the Board amended requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures, IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts, and IFRS 16 Leases relating to:

The standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Company’s financial statements that we reasonably expect will have an impact on the Company’s disclosures, financial position or performance when applied at a future date, are disclosed below.

(i)IAS 12 – Deferred Taxes on Leases and Decommissioning Obligations

In May 2021, the IASB issued targeted amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes to specify how companies should account for deferred tax on transactions such as leases and decommissioning obligations. In specified circumstances, companies are exempt from recognizing deferred tax when they recognize assets or liabilities for the first time. Previously, there had been some uncertainty about whether the exemption applied to transactions such as leases and decommissioning obligations—transactions for which companies recognize both an asset and a liability.

The amendments clarify that the exemption does not apply and that companies are required to recognize deferred tax on such transactions. The aim of the amendments is to reduce diversity in the reporting of deferred tax on leases and decommissioning obligations.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023, with early application permitted. We have not determined the impact of this new standard.

The amendments to IAS 1 affect only the presentation of liabilities as current or non-current in the statement of financial position and not the amount or timing of recognition of any asset, liability, income or expenses, or the information disclosed about those items.

The amendments clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current is based on rights that are in existence at the end of the reporting period, specify that classification is unaffected by expectations about whether an entity will exercise its right to defer settlement of a liability, explain that rights are in existence if covenants are complied with at the end of the reporting period, and introduce a definition of ‘settlement’ to make clear that settlement refers to the transfer to the counterparty of cash, equity instruments, other assets or services.

The amendments are applied retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, with early application permitted. We do not expect to early adopt these amendments. We have not determined the impact of this new standard.

The amendments update IFRS 3 “Business Combinations” so that it refers to the 2018 Conceptual Framework instead of the 1989 Framework. They also add to IFRS 3 a requirement that, for obligations within the scope of IAS 37, an acquirer applies IAS 37 to determine whether at the acquisition date a present obligation exists as a result of past events. For a levy that would be within the scope of IFRIC 21 Levies, the acquirer applies IFRIC 21 to determine whether the obligating event that gives rise to a liability to pay the levy has occurred by the acquisition date.

Finally, the amendments add an explicit statement that an acquirer does not recognize contingent assets acquired in a business combination. The Company intends to adopt these amendments, if applicable, when they become effective.