SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Disclosure Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of accounting policy for foreign currency translation

(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 Income.

Description of accounting policy for share-based payment transactions

(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 the 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 are 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 contributed surplus.

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. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of equity-settled share-based payment transactions are set out in Note 13.

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.

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions with parties other than employees, if any, are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received, except where that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service.

Description of accounting policy for income tax

(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 expense 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 other 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.

Description of accounting policy for mining assets

(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 of the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine are demonstrable are the following;

•	completion of a feasibility study;

•	obtaining required permits to construct the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine;

•	completion of an evaluation of the financial resources required to construct the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine;

•	availability of financial resources necessary to commence development activities to construct the Gahcho Kué Diamond 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.

Description of accounting policy for commencement of commercial production

(v)

Commencement of commercial production

There are a number of quantitative and qualitative measures the Company considers when determining if conditions exist for the transition from pre-commercial production to commencement of commercial production of an operating mine, which include:

⋅	all major capital expenditures have been completed to bring the mine to the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management;

⋅	mineral recoveries are at or near expected production levels;

⋅	the ability to sustain ongoing production of ore; and

⋅	the ability to operate the plant as intended, achieving 30 days at an average of 70% design capacity.

The list of measures is not exhaustive and management takes into account the surrounding circumstances before making any specific decision.

Description of accounting policy for impairment of non-financial assets

(vi)

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying value of the Company’s capitalized property and equipment is 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 one CGU.

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.

Description of accounting policy for borrowing costs

(vii)

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.

Description of accounting policy for financial instruments

(viii)

Financial instruments

The Company classifies non-derivative financial assets into the following categories: loans and receivables; fair value through profit or loss; held-to-maturity; and available-for-sale. The Company classifies non-derivative financial liabilities into the following categories: fair value through profit or loss and other financial liabilities category. Financial assets are initially measured at fair value. Subsequent measurement and recognition of the changes in fair value of financial instruments depends upon their initial classifications, as follows:

• Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss include financial assets and financial liabilities that are held for trading or designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit and loss. These financial instruments are measured at fair value with changes in fair values recognized in profit or loss.

• Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value, with changes in fair values recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), except when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, at which point the cumulative loss that had been previously recognized in OCI is recognized in profit or loss.

• Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity and loans and receivables are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortized cost using the effective interest method less a provision for impairment.

• Financial liabilities, other than financial liabilities classified as fair value through profit and loss, are measured in subsequent periods at amortized cost using the effective interest method less a provision for impairment.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments (including all fees paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the financial liability, or where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

The Company may enter into derivative financial instruments to mitigate economic exposures to interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value; any directly attributable transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value, and changes therein are generally recognized in profit or loss. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities are determined using valuation techniques with assumptions based on prevailing market conditions on the reporting date. Pursuant to the Loan Facility described in Note 10, the Company entered into foreign currency forward strip and interest rate swap contracts, described in Note 15.

Derivative instruments are classified as current or non-current assets or liabilities, depending on their maturity dates. Derivative assets are not offset against derivative liabilities.

The Company has classified its financial instruments as follows:

Asset/Liability	Classification	Measurement
Cash	Fair value through profit and loss	Fair value
Derivative liabilities	Fair value through profit and loss	Fair value
Restricted cash	Loans and receivables	Amortized cost
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Other liabilities	Amortized cost
Loan facility	Other liabilities	Amortized cost

The Company’s cash consists of balances with banks.

The Company had no held-to-maturity financial assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Description of accounting policy for provisions

(ix)

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 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, 2017 and 2016 other than the provision for decommissioning and restoration associated with the Mineral Properties.

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 included in production costs. 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. For closed sites, changes to estimated costs are recognized immediately in profit or loss.

Description of accounting policy for earnings per share

(x)

Loss or earnings per share

Basic loss or earnings per share is calculated by dividing loss or earnings attributable to common shares divided 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.

Disclosure of changes in accounting policies

(xi)

New accounting policies adopted in the current year

Effective March 1, 2017, upon declaring commercial production, the Company transitioned from accounting for certain costs as a development stage company to accounting for certain costs as an operating company. The significant financial reporting changes were as follows: the capitalized costs of the GK Mine were transferred from assets under construction to the relevant asset categories; assets began to be depreciated or depleted consistent with the Company’s accounting policies; capitalization of borrowing costs to assets under construction ceased; capitalization of pre-commercial production operating costs ceased; and mine operating results are recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

(a) Property, plant and equipment

Property 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 resources
General infrastructure	units of production over proven and probable resources
Earthmoving equipment	estimated hours
Mineral properties	units of production over proven and probable resources
Assets under construction	not depreciated until ready for use

(b) 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.

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.

(d) Revenue

The Company early adopted IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, effective January 1, 2017.

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.

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.

(e) Statement of cash flows

In January 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to International Accounting Standard 7 (“IAS 7”), Statement of Cash Flows. The amended standard introduced additional disclosure requirements for liabilities arising from financing activities. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The adoption of the amendment to IAS 7 did not have an effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Description of accounting policy for standards and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not yet been adopted early by the company

(xii)

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.

Share-based payments

In June 2016, the IASB issued amendments to International Financial Reporting Standard 2, Share-based Payment (“IFRS 2”). IFRS 2 is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be applied prospectively. The amendments clarify the classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions. Management concludes there will be no material impact on the effect of adopting IFRS 2 on the consolidated financial statements, which will be implemented in its financial statements for the annual period beginning January 1, 2018.

Financial instruments

In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of International Financial Reporting Standard 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) bringing together the classification and measurement, impairment and hedge accounting phases of the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 is annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Management concludes there will be no material impact on the effect of adopting IFRS 9 on the consolidated financial statements, which will be implemented in its financial statements for the annual period beginning January 1, 2018.

Leases

On January 13, 2016, the IASB issued International Financial Reporting Standard 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”). The new standard will replace existing lease guidance in IFRS and related interpretations and requires companies to bring most leases on balance sheet. The significant change will affect the accounting treatment of leases currently classified as operating leases. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Company has assessed that the adoption of IFRS 16 will have a material increase in lease liabilities, representing the present value of future payments under arrangements currently classified as operating leases, along with a corresponding increase in property, plant and equipment.

Foreign currency transactions and advance consideration

In December 2016, the IASB issued IFRIC Interpretation 22 “Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration” (“IFRIC 22”). IFRIC 22 is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, and permits early adoption. IFRIC 22 clarifies which date should be used for translation when a foreign currency transaction involves an advance payment or receipt. The interpretation clarifies that the date of the transaction for the purpose of determining the exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income (or part of it) is the date on which an entity initially recognizes the non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising from the payment or receipt of the advance consideration. The Company will adopt IFRIC 22 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis. The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of IFRIC 22 and does not expect the interpretation to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Uncertainty over income tax treatments

On June 7, 2017, the IASB 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. IFRIC 23 is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier application is permitted. Management is currently assessing the impact of the IFRIC 23 on the consolidated financial statements.