Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Disclosure Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(i) Foreign currency

The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the Canadian Dollar.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, transactions in currencies other than the Company’s functional currency are recognized at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the end of each reporting period, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are re-translated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items that are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

Exchange differences are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise and presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

(ii) Share-based payments

The Company maintains a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”), Deferred Share Unit (“DSU”) and stock option plan for employees, directors, and other qualified individuals.

Equity-settled transactions, which include RSUs, DSUs and stock options, are measured by reference to their fair value at the grant date. The fair value for RSU’s is determined using the market value of the share price, as listed on the TSX, at the close of business at the grant date. The fair value for stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which relies on estimates of the future risk-free interest rate, future dividend payments, future share price volatility and the expected average life of options. The Company believes this model adequately captures the substantive features of the option awards, and is appropriate to calculate their fair values. The fair value determined for both RSUs and stock options at grant date is recognized over the vesting period in accordance with the vesting terms and conditions, with a corresponding increase to share-based payments reserve.

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed in profit or loss over the vesting period, if any, which is the period during which the employee becomes unconditionally entitled to equity instruments. At the end of each reporting period, the Company revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest, if any.

(iii) Income taxes and deferred taxes

The income tax expense or benefit for the year consists of two components: current and deferred.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year. Current tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in each of the jurisdictions and includes any adjustments for taxes payable or recovery in respect of prior periods.

Taxable profit or loss differs from profit or loss as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income because of items of income or expenses that are taxable or deductible in other years, and items that are never taxable or deductible.

Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences, loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. To the extent that the Company does not consider it to be probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences, loss carryforwards, and tax credit carryforwards can be utilized, a deferred tax asset is not recognized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, except where the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to utilize the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realized, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current and deferred taxes are recognized in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred taxes are also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

(iv) Mineral properties and exploration and evaluation costs and development costs

Exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) costs are those costs required to find a mineral property and determine commercial viability and technical feasibility. E&E costs include costs to establish an initial mineral resource and determine whether inferred mineral resources can be upgraded to measured and indicated mineral resources and whether measured and indicated mineral resources can be converted to proven and probable reserves.

Exploration and evaluation costs consist of:

● gathering exploration data through topographical and geological studies;

● exploratory drilling, trenching and sampling;

● determining the volume and grade of the resource;

● test work on geology, metallurgy, mining, geotechnical and environmental; and

● conducting and refining engineering, marketing and financial studies.

Costs in relation to these activities are expensed as incurred until such time that the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the mineral resource are demonstrable. At such time, mineral properties are assessed for impairment, and an impairment loss, if any, is recognized, and future development costs will be capitalized to assets under construction.

The key factors management used in determining technical feasibility and commercial viability were the following;

● completion of a feasibility study;

● obtaining required permits to construct the mine;

● completion of an evaluation of the financial resources required to construct the mine;

● availability of financial resources necessary to commence development activities to construct the mine; and

● management’s determination that a satisfactory return on investment, in relation to the risks to be assumed, is likely to be obtained.

The Company also recognizes exploration and evaluation costs as assets when acquired as part of a business combination, or asset purchase, or as a result of rights acquired relating to a mineral property.

(v) Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying value of the Company’s capitalized property, plant and equipment, and evaluation and exploration assets are assessed for impairment when indicators of potential impairment are identified to exist. If any indication of impairment is identified, an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount is calculated to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. The recoverable amount is determined as the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal for the asset and the asset’s value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

Impairment is determined on an asset by asset basis, whenever possible. If it is not possible to determine impairment on an individual asset basis, then impairment is considered on the basis of a cash generating unit (“CGU”). CGUs represent the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash flows from other assets or the Company’s other group of assets. The Company has determined that it has two CGUs.

If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is impaired and an impairment loss is charged immediately to profit or loss so as to reduce the carrying amount to its recoverable amount.

(vi) Capitalized interest

Interest costs for qualifying assets are capitalized. Qualifying assets are assets that require a significant amount of time to prepare for their intended use, including projects that are in development or construction stages. Capitalized interest costs are considered an element of the cost of the qualifying asset. Capitalization ceases when the asset is substantially complete or if active development is suspended or ceases. Where funds borrowed are directly attributable to a qualifying asset, the amount capitalized represents the borrowing costs specific to those borrowings. 

(vii) Provisions

Provisions represent liabilities to the Company for which the amount or timing is uncertain. Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expected expenditures to settle the obligation, applying a pre-tax risk-free discount rate. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as accretion expense. The Company does not have any provisions as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 other than the provision for decommissioning and restoration associated with the property, plant and equipment.

The Company records as decommissioning and restoration liability the present value of estimated costs of legal and constructive obligations required to restore locations in the period in which the obligation is incurred. The nature of these decommissioning and restoration activities includes dismantling and removing structures, rehabilitating mines and tailings dams, dismantling operating facilities, closure of plant and waste sites, and restoration, reclamation and re-vegetation of affected areas.

The obligation generally arises when the asset is installed or the ground and/or environment is disturbed at the production location. When the liability is initially recognized, the present value of the estimated cost is capitalized if the Company has a related asset on its balance sheet, or expensed. Costs for restoration of subsequent site damage which is created on an ongoing basis during production are provided for at their net present values and is added to inventory, and then in production costs as inventory is sold. Over time, the discounted liability is increased for the change in present value. The periodic unwinding of the discount is recognized in profit or loss as a finance cost called “accretion expense on decommissioning and restoration liability”. Additional disturbances or changes in rehabilitation costs will be recognized as additional capitalized costs (or exploration and evaluation expense depending on whether there was a related asset when the liability was initially recognized) and additional decommissioning and restoration liability when they occur. If it is determined that the expected costs for decommissioning and restoration are reduced, the change in the present value of the reduction is recorded as a reduction in the capitalized costs (expensed), and a reduction of the decommissioning and restoration liability.

(viii) Loss or earnings per share

Basic loss or earnings per share is calculated by dividing loss or earnings attributable to common shares by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted loss or earnings per share is calculated using the denominator of the basic calculation described above adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options. The denominator is increased by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential common shares.

(ix) Revenue recognition

The Company utilizes a sales agent to facilitate the sale of rough and/or fancies and specials diamonds to the end-customer. The Company recognizes revenue when consideration has been received by the Company’s sales agent, which represents the completion of the performance obligation of the Company and when control is passed to the customer.

As outlined in the joint venture agreement between the Company and De Beers Canada, fancies and specials diamonds produced at the GK mine are subject to a bid process. When De Beers is the successful bidder, the Company recognizes 49% of the bid price as revenue at the completion of the bid process, as De Beers receives the fancies and specials diamonds and the Company is paid immediately for its share by De Beers.

(x) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises the fair value of consideration given to acquire an asset and includes the direct charges associated with bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary to put the asset into use, as well as the future cost of dismantling and removing the asset. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. Replacement cost, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures are capitalized for components of property, plant and equipment, which are accounted for separately.

Development costs are capitalized under assets under construction. Expenditures, including engineering to design the size and scope of the project, environmental assessment and permitting and borrowing costs are capitalized to assets under construction.

Amortization is provided on property, plant and equipment. Amortization is calculated so as to allocate the cost of each asset over its expected useful life to its estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives, residual values and amortization method are reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period. Mineral properties are not amortized until the properties to which they relate are placed into commercial production, at which time the costs will be amortized on a unit-of-production method following commencement of commercial production. Assets under construction are not amortized; rather costs are deferred until the asset is ready for use, at which point the deferred amount is transferred to the appropriate asset category and amortized as set out below.

Upon entering commercial production stage, capitalized costs associated with the acquisition of the mineral property or the development of the mine, are amortized using the various methods based in the asset categories as follows:

Corporate assets	two to seven years, straight line
Vehicles	three to five years, straight line
Production and related equipment	units of production over proven and probable reserves
General infrastructure	units of production over proven and probable reserves
Earthmoving equipment	straight line over shorter of life of mine or life of the asset
Mineral properties	units of production over proven and probable reserves
Assets under construction	not depreciated until ready for use

(xi) Inventories

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable values. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion. An impairment adjustment is made when the carrying amount is higher than the net realizable value.

Rough diamonds classified as finished goods comprise diamonds that have been subject to the sorting process. Cost is determined on a weighted average cost per carat basis including production costs and value-added processing activity. As outlined in the joint venture agreement between the Company and De Beers Canada, fancies and special diamonds produced at the GK Mine are subject to a bid process. Upon a successful bid by the Company, the fancies and specials diamonds will be included in inventories and 51% of the bid amount will be paid to De Beers and capitalized to the cost of inventory. Cost for fancies and specials diamonds is determined on a weighted average cost basis including production costs and value-added processing activity plus the direct cost of acquiring the fancies and specials diamonds from De Beers.

Stockpiled ore represents coarse ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for future processing. Stockpiled ore value is based on costs incurred in bringing ore to the stockpile. Costs are added to the stockpiled ore based on current mining costs per tonne and are removed at the average cost per tonne of ore in the stockpile.

Supplies inventory are consumable materials which are measured at the lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value.

(xii) Capitalized stripping costs

In open pit mining operations, it is necessary to remove overburden and other waste materials to access ore from which minerals can be extracted economically. The process of removing overburden and waste materials is referred to as stripping. Stripping costs incurred in order to provide initial access to the ore body (referred to as pre-production stripping) are capitalized as mine development costs. These amounts were capitalized under assets under construction.

It may be also required to remove waste materials and to incur stripping costs during the production phase of the mine. The Company recognizes a stripping activity asset if all of the below conditions are met:

● It is probable that the future economic benefit (improved access to the component of the ore body) associated with the stripping activity will flow to the Company.

● The Company can identify the component of the ore body for which access has been improved.

● The costs relating to the stripping activity associated with that component can be measured reliably.

The Company measures the stripping activity at cost based on an accumulation of costs incurred to perform the stripping activity that improves access to the identified component of ore, plus an allocation of directly attributable costs. The waste to ore strip ratio projected for the life of the specific orebody must be exceeded for the costs to be capitalized as stripping costs.

After initial recognition, the stripping activity asset is carried at cost less depreciation and impairment losses in the same way as the existing asset of which it is a part.

The stripping activity asset is depreciated over the expected useful life of the identified components of the ore body that becomes more accessible as a result of the stripping activity using the units of production method.

(xiii) New accounting policies adopted in the current period

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”), using the modified retrospective approach on transition, which specifies how to recognize, measure, present and disclose leases. The comparatives for the 2018 reporting period have not been restated and are accounted for under IAS 17, Leases, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions in the standard. IFRS 16 provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all major leases. The right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the date of implementation are shown in Note 10 of these consolidated financial statements. 

At inception of a contract, the Company assesses 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.

The Company has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less, and leases of low-value assets. For these leases, the Company recognizes the lease payments as an expense in net earnings on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

The Company recognized a right-of-use asset and the associated lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured based on the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial costs incurred and an estimate of cost to remove the underlying asset, less any lease incentives received. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability is comprised of amounts expected to be payable by the Company under residual value guarantees, and the exercise price of a purchase option if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option. The right-of-use asset is subsequently measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability. The assets are depreciated using the lower of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the lease term, using the straight-line method.

The lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, or if the rate cannot be readily determined, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The lease liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

Each lease payment is allocated between the lease liability and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to net income over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.

At transition, for leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019. Right-of-use assets are measured at an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments.

On transition to IFRS 16, the Company elected to apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which transactions are leases. It applied IFRS 16 only to contracts that were previously identified as leases.

The Company used the following practical expedients permitted by IFRS 16 on transition:

● the accounting for operating leases with a remaining least term of less than 12 months as at January 1, 2019 as short-term leases;

● the exclusion of initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use at the date of initial application; and

● the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease.

Uncertainty over income tax treatments

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted issued IFRIC Interpretation 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (“IFRIC 23”). IFRIC 23 provides guidance on the accounting for current and deferred tax liabilities and assets in circumstances in which there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. Upon adoption of IFRIC 23, there was no material impact to these consolidated financial statements.

(xiv) Standards and amendments to existing standards

At the date of authorization of these financial statements, certain new standards and amendments to existing standards have been published but are not yet effective, and have not been adopted early by the Company. The Company anticipates that all of the relevant standards will be adopted by the Company in the first period beginning after the effective date of the standard. Information on new standards and amendments that are expected to be relevant to the Company’s financial statements is provided below.

Conceptual Framework

On March 29, 2018 the IASB issued amendments to references to conceptual frameworks in IFRS Standards. These amendments are effective January 1, 2020. Management has concluded that there is currently no impact of the modified conceptual framework on the consolidated financial statements.