EX-1 2 c82846exv1.htm EXHIBIT 1 Exhibit 1
Exhibit 1
     
Denison Mines Corp.
  (DENISON MINES LOGO)
Atrium on Bay, 595 Bay Street, Suite 402
 
Toronto, ON M5G 2C2
 
Ph. 416-979-1991 Fx. 416-979-5893
 
www.denisonmines.com
   
     
PRESS RELEASE   Trading symbols: DML-T, DNN-A
DENISON MINES CORP. REPORTS 2008 EARNINGS
Toronto, ON — March 18, 2009... Denison Mines Corp. (“Denison” or the “Company”) (DML: TSX, DNN: NYSE Amex) today reported its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008. All amounts in this release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Results for the year reflected strong sales revenue for both U.S. and Canadian production. However, the current economic climate and its impact on commodity prices and stock market valuations resulted in non-cash impairment charges totalling $58,964,000 in the fourth quarter. The Company recorded impairment of its goodwill which arose on the acquisition of Denison Mines Inc. (“DMI”) in 2006 resulting in a charge to income of $36,512,000. Stock market valuations of the Company’s investments in Uranerz Energy Corporation and Energy Metals Limited resulted in the Company recording an impairment charge of $12,952,000 and the decline in the value of vanadium resulted in the Company writing down its vanadium inventory by $9,500,000. In addition, the Company expensed $5,250,000 relating to forfeiture of stock options during the quarter.
The Company also expenses exploration expenditures on properties not sufficiently advanced to identify their development potential which amounted to $20,114,000 for the year. As a result, consolidated net loss for the year was $80,648,000 or $0.42 per share.
Financial Highlights
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31     December 31  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Revenue ($000s)
  $ 36,807     $ 36,825     $ 123,184     $ 76,764  
 
                               
Net Income (Loss) ($000’s)
    (56,762 )     23,542       (80,648 )     47,244  
 
                               
Earnings (Loss) Per Share ($)
    (0.30 )     0.12       (0.42 )     0.25  
 
                               
Cash Provided By (Used By) Operations ($000’s)
    673       (9,040 )     (8,764 )     (23,084 )
 
                               
Exploration Expenditures ($000’s)
    2,253       3,990       20,114       20,727  
Significant events in the fourth quarter include:
   
Denison sold 400,000 pounds U3O8 during the quarter from U.S. production at an average price of $61.50 per pound and 177,000 pounds U3O8 from its Canadian production under the existing long-term contract at an average price of $52.28 per pound.
   
Spot prices for U3O8 were $53.00 per pound at October 1, 2008 and declined to $44.00 before rising to $55.00 and ending the quarter back at $53.00 per pound as quoted by Ux Consulting. The long-term price for U3O8 decreased from $75.00 per pound at October 1, 2008 to $70.00 per pound at December 31, 2008.
   
Denison and its joint venture partners, AREVA Resources Canada Inc. (“ARC”) and OURD Canada Co. Ltd. announced the postponement of the development of the Midwest deposit.
   
Denison announced the suspension of mining at the Tony M mine located in Ticaboo, Utah.
   
Denison opened the Beaver mine on the Colorado Plateau. The Beaver mine is capable of producing ore containing over 200,000 U3O8 and 600,000 lbs. of V2O5 in 2009 and will be one of Denison’s lower cost mines in the region.
   
Denison issued 7,275,000 flow-through common shares at CDN$1.10 per share for gross proceeds of CDN$8,002,500.

 

 


 

Revenue
Uranium sales revenues for the fourth quarter were $34,812,000. Sales from U.S. production were 400,000 pounds U3O8 at an average price of $61.50 per pound. Sales of Canadian production were 177,000 pounds U3O8 at an average price of $52.28 per pound. Amortization of the fair value increment related to the DMI sales contracts totaled $859,000 for the quarter.
Uranium sales revenues for the year were $114,588,000. Sales from U.S. production were 920,000 pounds U3O8 at an average price of $67.27 per pound. Sales of Canadian production were 742,950 pounds U3O8 at an average price of $57.40 per pound. Uranium sales revenue also includes amortization of the fair value increment related to long-term sales contracts from the acquisition of DMI in the amount of $9,449,000. Reported revenue is also impacted by the effect of foreign currency translation.
Uranium sales revenue in the 2007 year totaled $65,125,000. Sales from U.S. production were 325,000 pounds U3O8 at an average price of $99.11 per pound. Sales of Canadian production were 420,000 pounds U3O8 at an average price of $74.91 per pound. Uranium sales revenue also included amortization of the fair value increment related to long-term sales contracts from the acquisition of DMI in the amount of $2,418,000.
Denison marketed its uranium from the McClean Lake joint venture jointly with ARC until the end of 2008. Commencing in 2009, Denison will market its share of McClean Lake production directly except for one joint contract under which it will deliver approximately 400,000 pounds in 2009 and 40,000 pounds in 2010, all of which is priced at 80% to 85% of the quoted spot price. This is the only remaining contract for Canadian production.
Future long-term sales agreements for the Company’s uranium inventory and production are expected to be primarily under market related contracts.
In addition to the contract noted above, the Company currently has two other long-term contracts in place. One is for the sale of 17% of the White Mesa mill production commencing in 2008 up to a total of 6.5 million pounds with a minimum of 250,000 pounds in 2008, 500,000 pounds in 2009, 750,000 pounds in 2010 and 1,000,000 pounds in 2011. The sales price is 95% of the published long-term price for the month prior to delivery with a floor price of $45.00. The second contract is for 20% of production from the White Mesa mill during the years 2012 to 2017 inclusive, but not less than 200,000 pounds per year. Pricing under this contract is 95% of the long-term price at the time of delivery with an escalated floor price of $50.00 per pound.
Revenue from the environmental services division was $5,562,000 compared to $4,723,000 in 2007. Revenue from the management contract with Uranium Participation Corporation was $2,929,000 compared to $4,390,000 in 2007.
Uranium Production
The McClean Lake joint venture produced 682,000 pounds U3O8 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and 3,248,000 pounds U3O8 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared with 738,000 pounds U3O8 for the three months and 1,907,000 pounds U3O8 for the year ended December 31, 2007. Denison’s 22.5% share of production totaled 153,900 pounds and 731,250 pounds respectively for the 2008 periods and 166,000 pounds and 429,000 pounds respectively for the 2007 periods.
Unit production cash costs in Canada are driven primarily by production volumes as the majority of costs do not vary with volume. These fixed costs for the McClean operations total approximately CDN$58 million per year so as production volumes increase, the cost per pound decreases. Reagent costs are in addition to this cost as are amortization, depletion and depreciation costs. Canadian production costs for the quarter were $57.99 (CDN$70.26) per pound U3O8 including $29.28 (CDN$35.47) per pound U3O8 for amortization, depletion and depreciation costs. For the year ended December 31, 2008, production costs were $55.29 (CDN$58.94) per pound U3O8 including $32.10 (CDN$34.22) per pound U3O8 for amortization, depletion and depreciation costs.
Inventory from Canadian production was 22,000 pounds U3O8 at December 31, 2008.
The Company began processing conventional ore at the White Mesa mill on April 28, 2008. Prior to that the Company was processing alternate feed material and produced 94,000 pounds U3O8 prior to beginning processing conventional ore. Production from conventional ore was 485,000 pounds U3O8 and 791,000 pounds U3O8 for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008. The Company also produced 973,000 pounds V2O5 in the fourth quarter and 1,223,000 pounds V2O5 for the year. For the year ended December 31, 2008, production costs for processing conventional ore totaled $65.86 per pound U3O8 and vanadium equivalent including $27.72 per pound amortization, depletion and depreciation.

 

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Inventory from U.S. production was 163,000 pounds U3O8 and 1,223,000 pounds V2O5 at December 31, 2008.
Operating costs include a write-down of $9,500,000 relating to the net realizeable value of the Company’s vanadium inventory. Operating costs also include expenses relating to Denison’s environmental services division amounting to $5,188,000 in 2008 and $4,521,000 in 2007.
Mineral Property Exploration
Denison is engaged in uranium exploration, as both operator and non-operator of joint ventures and as operator of its own properties in Canada, the U.S., Mongolia and Zambia. For the three months ended December 31, 2008 exploration expenditures totaled $2,080,000 and totaled $20,114,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to $3,990,000 and $20,727,000 for the three months and year ended December 31, 2007.
In the Athabasca Basin region of Saskatchewan, Denison is engaged in uranium exploration on advanced projects as part of the ARC operated McClean, Midwest and Wolly joint ventures and is also participating in a total of 30 other exploration projects concentrated in the prospective eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin. Denison’s share of exploration spending on its Canadian properties totaled $733,000 of which $624,000 was expensed in the statement of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2008. For the three months ended December 31, 2007, exploration spending totaled $3,180,000 of which $2,977,000 was expensed. For the year ended December 31, 2008, Denison’s share of exploration spending on its Canadian properties totaled $12,943,000 of which $11,953,000 was expensed compared with spending of $17,209,000 of which $16,402,000 was expensed in the year ended December 31, 2007.
Exploration expenditures of $916,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 ($1,000,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2007) and $4,436,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 ($4,048,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007) were incurred in Mongolia on the Company’s joint venture and 100% owned properties. The Company has a 70% interest in the Gurvan Saihan Joint Venture (“GSJV”) in Mongolia. The other parties to the joint venture are the Mongolian government as to 15% and Geologorazvedka, a Russian government entity, as to 15%. Additional expenditures for development of the GSJV’s Hairhan uranium deposits have also been incurred. Development work includes extensive resource delineation drilling, hydrogeological drilling, plant design and environmental studies.
In Zambia, the Company commenced exploration activities during the third quarter including an airborne geophysical survey, linecutting and drilling. Exploration expenditures during the three months ended December 31, 2008 totaled $614,000 and totaled $3,079,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008. Additional expenditures for development of the Mutanga project continued. This work included development and hydrogeological drilling, metallurgical test work, environmental studies and engineering.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses totaled $3,349,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 compared with $3,578,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2008, general and administrative expenses totaled $14,754,000 compared to $12,323,000 for the same period in 2007. The increase was primarily the result of the acquisition and implementation of new information and financial systems, and an increase in public company expenses due to additional compliance costs. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and related expenses for personnel, contract and professional services and other overhead expenditures.
Stock Option Expense
Stock option expense totaled $4,178,000 and $6,062,000 for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008 respectively. In fiscal 2007, stock option expense totaled $352,000 and $1,382,000 for the three months and year ending December 31, 2007. The higher expense is due to the forfeiture of options during the fourth quarter.
Impairment of Goodwill
Denison evaluates the carrying amount of goodwill annually to determine whether events or changes in circumstances indicate whether such carrying amount has become impaired. Denison’s goodwill amount arose from the acquisition of DMI in 2006 and was allocated to the Canadian mining and exploration segment. Denison examined the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the segment at December 31, 2008 and determined the fair values have decreased and, as a result, determined that an impairment charge of $36,512,000 should be made and charged to operations in the fourth quarter.

 

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Other Income and Expenses
Other income (expense) totaled $2,533,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2008 compared with $4,284,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2008, other income (expense) totaled $2,468,000 compared to $41,627,000 for the same period in 2007. This consists primarily of interest expense, foreign exchange gains and a non-cash impairment charge against the Company’s investments in Uranerz Energy Corporation and Energy Metals Limited of $12,952,000. Foreign exchange gains totaled $15,312,000 for the three months and $15,544,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008. The translation of the Zambian kwacha to U.S. dollars accounts for the majority of these amounts. In 2007, other income (expense) was primarily due to gains on the sale of portfolio investments which totaled $5,364,000 and $45,115,000 for the three months and year ended December 31, 2007.
Other income (expense) included interest incurred on company indebtedness of $1,230,000 for the three months and $2,652,000 for year ended December 31, 2008.
Outlook for 2009
Mining and Production
Canada
Mining at the Sue E and B pits at McClean Lake in northern Saskatchewan was completed in 2008. At December 31, 2008, the McClean Lake mill ore stockpile has approximately 375,600 tonnes of ore containing 6.5 million pounds U3O8 with the Company’s share being 1.46 million pounds U3O8. Mining of the Caribou deposit, which was originally expected to commence in 2009, has been delayed at least a year after a review of the project’s economics at current uranium prices.
Milling of the stockpiled ore from Sue E, Sue B and Sue A is ongoing and U3O8 production at McClean Lake in 2009 is expected to be 3,380,000 pounds U3O8, of which Denison’s share is 761,000 pounds.
Development of the Midwest project has been postponed due to the current economic climate, delays and uncertainties associated with the regulatory approval process, the increasing capital and operating cost and the current market for uranium. The regulatory process for the project, which has been ongoing since December 2005, will be continued through 2009, as well as the engineering for Midwest. This will enable the project to be advanced to the stage that it is ready to be developed quickly when the economic and market conditions improve. The status of the project will be reviewed every six months.
United States
Five mines were operating on the Colorado Plateau with production from the Sunday, Pandora, West Sunday, Rim and Beaver. The cost of mining and processing this ore from some of these operations is, however, above current spot prices. As a result, the Company has placed the Rim and Sunday mines on temporary stand-by. Until new sales contracts are negotiated, the higher cost mines will remain on stand-by with the Company continuing production at a rate of approximately 430 tons per day from the lower cost Pandora, Beaver and West Sunday mines to fill the existing longer-term contracts.
Production from the Tony M mine in the Henry Mountains complex in Utah has been temporarily suspended. The mine is on care and maintenance and is being maintained in a state to resume mining operations quickly when uranium prices improve. The haulage of the stockpile ore has also been suspended. As of the end of February, there is an estimated 20,000 tons of this material remaining on site.
Production from the mines is being hauled to Denison’s White Mesa mill. At December 31, 2008, a total of 122,000 tons remain on the stockpile at the mill.
At the Company’s Arizona 1 mine on the Arizona Strip located in northeastern Arizona, the air quality permitting process is ongoing, but the Company is unable to determine the length of time required to receive the permit. Once the permit is received, mine production should be able to commence within six months.
The White Mesa mill will continue to process conventional ore in 2009, at least for the period necessary to produce the committed 2009 contract volume of 500,000 pounds, except for a planned maintenance shutdown in April lasting up to four weeks. Further mill production from conventional ore in 2009 will depend upon signing new contracts. The mill operations will recommence in time to produce sufficient uranium to deliver 750,000 pounds in 2010 under its existing contract. The construction of the new $5.0 million alternate feed circuit is on schedule with start-up anticipated in June 2009. Production from this circuit is anticipated to be up to 160,000 pounds in 2009. Based on the changes to the 2009 operating plan, the Company now expects to be able to produce 0.5 to 0.8 million pounds of U3O8 and 0.5 million pounds of V2O5 at the White Mesa mill in 2009.

 

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Denison has a 50-year history of uranium production and has successfully positioned itself to not only survive but thrive in every cycle good or bad. The current cycle presents the Company with the opportunity to streamline all of its operations and clearly focus on its core projects with a view to strong growth as markets recover.
Sales
The Company expects to be in a position to sell 1.2 to 1.3 million pounds of U3O8 in 2009 including 0.5 to 0.6 million pounds from U.S. production. It also anticipates selling 1.5 million pounds of vanadium.
The fundamentals of the uranium market remain strong and a recovery in prices is expected by the end of this year. In 2010 and 2011, there is a significant amount of uncovered demand for uranium.
Exploration
Athabasca Basin
In the Athabasca Basin, Denison is participating in 33 exploration projects, primarily located in the southeast part of the Basin and within trucking distance of all the three operating mills in the area.
On Denison’s operated and non-operated projects, a total of approximately 25,675 metres of drilling in five drill programs is planned this winter. Near the McClean Lake mill, joint venture partner ARC is operator of the Midwest, Wolly, Waterfound and McClean projects, where 76 holes totalling 19,075 metres in aggregate are planned.
On the Wheeler River joint venture, where Denison is the operator, a 6,600 metre drill program is underway. On February 17, 2009, Denison announced the results of the program to date. Assay results from the two high-grade intercepts have been received which confirmed the initial probe grades as shown in the following table:
                                                 
            Probe                     Assay        
    From     Interval     e% U3O8     From     Interval        
Drill Hole   (m)     (m)     (at 1% cut-off)     (m)     (m)     % U3O8  
WR-258
    396.0       2.3       18.7       397.5       2.5       24.6 %
WR-259
    395.6       4.6       12.8       397.0       4.0       19.7 %
These results validate the exploration model as being that of the McArthur River deposit as the grades and mineralogy are very similar to that of McArthur.
In addition to the above drill holes, drill hole WR-261 intersected 1.6 metres of 5.6% eU3O8 at 406.4 metres at a 1% eU3O8 cut-off. Drill holes WR-262 through 265 intercepted significant alteration but no mineralization. Drill hole WR-266 intercepted minor mineralization of 2.61% eU3O8 over 0.6 metres from 415.1 metres in the basement rock. The high-grade mineralization, at this time, is believed to be reflective of one pod of at least 100 metres strike length. The drill program, which has three holes remaining, is focused on indemnifying other pods along strike from the known pod.
In addition to these drill programs, Denison is carrying out a number of geophysical surveys to identify targets for future drill programs. Approximately 1,500 line kilometres of airborne geophysical surveys are being flown over two properties as an initial screening tool. Denison is also carrying out a large number of ground geophysical surveys on seven properties, where over 250 line kilometres of Fixed Loop or Moving Loop Time Domain EM surveys, 125 line kilometres of Horizontal Loop Electromagnetics and over 100 line kilometres of DC Resistivity surveys will be completed during the 2009 season. Over 300 line kilometres of ground magnetic surveys will also be carried out in conjunction with the above.
Denison’s exploration spending in 2009 in the Athabasca Basin is expected to total $7,700,000.
Southwest United States
Denison is placing its 2009 program on hold as part of its capital conversation program. The results of the 2008 program will be released once assay results have been received
Mongolia
The Mongolia program will be a combination of limited exploration drilling and drilling of the initial test ISR well fields.

 

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Zambia
In Zambia, Denison will be completing the detailed feasibility study in early April. This document, along with an Environmental Report, will form the basis for the mining application which will be submitted in late April. There is no exploration or other development activities planned for 2009.
Liquidity
The Company had cash and cash equivalent of $3,206,000 at December 31, 2008 and portfolio investments with a market value of $10,691,000. The Company has in place a $125,000,000 revolving credit facility with a term to June 30, 2011. Bank indebtedness under the facility at December 31, 2008 was $99,998,000. The Company is currently in compliance with all covenants under the facility. In January 2009, the Company issued 28,750,000 common shares for gross proceeds of approximately $38,946,000 (CDN$47,437,500).
Recent turmoil in world financial markets has severely curtailed access to debt and other capital. Commodity prices, particularly short-term spot prices, are also below costs. The Company will continue to review its production and spending plans as the year progresses to keep them within available capital resources.
Denison has initiated a process to consider and respond to various strategic opportunities which may be available to the Company over the next few months including, but not limited to, entering into offtake contracts with utility customers which may involve a strategic investment in Denison, asset sales, purchases and joint ventures, investment by private equity investors and potential corporate transactions with other uranium producers. Denison has retained Cormark Securities Inc. for the purpose of providing it with financial advice in evaluating these alternatives and executing any related transactions.
Conference Call
Denison is hosting a conference call on March 19, 2009 starting at 10:00 A.M. (Toronto time) to discuss the 2008 results. The webcast will be available live through a link on Denison’s website www.denisonmines.com and by telephone at 416-641-6127. A recorded version of the conference call will be available by calling 416-695-5800 (password: 6555042) approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The presentation will also be available at www.denisonmines.com.
Additional Information
Additional information on Denison is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company’s website at www.denisonmines.com.
About Denison
Denison Mines Corp. is the premier intermediate uranium producer in North America, with mining assets in the Athabasca Basin Region of Saskatchewan, Canada and the southwest United States including Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Further, the Company has ownership interests in two of the four conventional uranium mills operating in North America today. The Company also has a strong exploration portfolio with large land positions in the United States, Canada, Zambia and Mongolia. Correspondingly, the Company has one of the largest uranium exploration teams among intermediate uranium companies.
For further information contact:
         
E. Peter Farmer
  (416) 979-1991 Extension 231
Chief Executive Officer
       
 
       
Ron Hochstein
  (416) 979-1991 Extension 232
President and Chief Operating Officer
       
 
       
James R. Anderson
  (416) 979-1991 Extension 372
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
       

 

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Cautionary Statements
Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information is reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the date of this press release.
In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following:
   
the estimates of Denison’s mineral reserves and mineral resources;
 
   
uranium and vanadium production levels;
 
   
capital expenditure programs, estimated production costs, exploration expenditures and reclamation costs;
 
   
expectations of market prices and costs;
 
   
supply and demand for uranium and vanadium;
 
   
possible impacts of litigation on Denison;
 
   
exploration, development and expansion plans and objectives;
 
   
Denison’s expectations regarding raising capital and adding to its mineral reserves through acquisitions and development; and
 
   
receipt of regulatory approvals and permits and treatment under governmental regulatory regimes.
Denison’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the following and as a result of the risk factors set forth in the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.:
   
volatility in market prices for uranium and vanadium;
 
   
changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates;
 
   
liabilities inherent in mining operations;
 
   
uncertainties associated with estimating mineral reserves and resources;
 
   
failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, when required;
 
   
delays in obtaining permits and licenses for development properties;
 
   
competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of mineral reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel;
 
   
incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; and
 
   
geological, technical and processing problems.
These factors are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive. Statements relating to “mineral reserves” or “mineral resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the mineral reserves and mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison’s expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

 

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DENISON MINES CORP.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited — Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
ASSETS
               
Current
               
Cash and equivalents
  $ 3,206     $ 19,680  
Trade and other receivables
    12,894       39,667  
Note receivables
    181       455  
Inventories (Note 5)
    44,733       30,921  
Investments (Note 6)
          13,930  
Prepaid expenses and other
    1,275       1,492  
 
           
 
    62,289       106,145  
 
               
Inventories — ore in stockpiles (Note 5)
    5,016        
Investments (Note 6)
    10,691       20,507  
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 7)
    717,433       727,823  
Restricted cash and equivalents (Note 8)
    21,286       17,797  
Intangibles (Note 9)
    4,978       6,979  
Goodwill (Note 10)
    63,240       122,330  
 
           
 
  $ 884,933     $ 1,001,581  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
Current
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 23,787     $ 22,642  
Current portion of long-term liabilities:
               
Post-employment benefits (Note 11)
    329       404  
Reclamation and remediation obligations (Note 12)
    875       565  
Debt obligations (Note 13)
    464       42  
Other long-term liabilities (Note 14)
    2,179       6,577  
 
           
 
    27,634       30,230  
 
               
Deferred revenue
    2,913       2,359  
Provision for post-employment benefits (Note 11)
    3,028       4,030  
Reclamation and remediation obligations (Note 12)
    18,471       19,824  
Debt obligations (Note 13)
    99,290        
Other long-term liabilities (Note 14)
    1,191       7,343  
Future income tax liability (Note 15)
    124,054       141,525  
 
           
 
    276,581       205,311  
 
           
 
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Share capital (Note 16)
    666,278       662,949  
Share purchase warrants (Note 17)
    11,728       11,728  
Contributed surplus (Notes 18 and 19)
    30,537       25,471  
 
Deficit
    (95,482 )     (14,834 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 20)
    (4,709 )     110,956  
 
           
 
    (100,191 )     96,122  
 
           
 
    608,352       796,270  
 
           
 
  $ 884,933     $ 1,001,581  
 
           
Issued and outstanding common shares (Note 16)
    197,295,415       189,731,635  
 
           
Going concern basis of accounting (Note 1)
Contingent liabilities and commitments (Note 27)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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DENISON MINES CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited — Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for per share amounts)
                 
    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
               
REVENUES (Note 22)
  $ 123,184     $ 76,764  
 
           
 
               
EXPENSES
               
Operating expenses
    118,069       47,038  
Sales royalties and capital taxes
    3,117       2,301  
Mineral property exploration
    20,114       20,727  
General and administrative
    14,754       12,323  
Stock option expense (Note 19)
    6,062       1,382  
Goodwill impairment (Note 10)
    36,512        
 
           
 
               
 
    198,628       83,771  
 
           
 
               
Loss from operations
    (75,444 )     (7,007 )
Other income, net (Note 21)
    2,468       41,627  
 
           
 
               
Income (loss) before taxes
    (72,976 )     34,620  
 
               
Income tax recovery (expense) (Note 15):
               
Current
    899       (3,141 )
Future
    (8,571 )     15,765  
 
           
 
               
Net income (loss) for the year
  $ (80,648 )   $ 47,244  
 
           
 
               
Deficit, beginning of year
  $ (14,834 )   $ (62,078 )
 
           
 
               
Deficit, end of year
  $ (95,482 )   $ (14,834 )
 
           
 
               
Net income (loss) for the year
  $ (80,648 )   $ 47,244  
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments
    (17,884 )     (6,742 )
Change in foreign currency translation
    (97,781 )     101,354  
 
           
 
               
Comprehensive income (loss) for the year
  $ (196,313 )   $ 141,856  
 
           
 
               
Net income (loss) per share
               
Basic
  $ (0.42 )   $ 0.25  
Diluted
  $ (0.42 )   $ 0.24  
 
           
 
               
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)
               
Basic
    190,218       188,722  
Diluted
    190,218       193,613  
 
           
Going concern basis of accounting (Note 1)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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DENISON MINES CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited — Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
                 
    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN):   2008     2007  
 
               
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net income (loss) for the year
  $ (80,648 )   $ 47,244  
Items not affecting cash:
               
Depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion
    39,588       13,386  
Goodwill impairment charge
    36,512        
Investment impairment charge
    12,952        
Stock-based compensation
    6,062       1,382  
Losses (gains) on asset disposals
    (181 )     (45,119 )
Losses (gains) on restricted investments
    (1,176 )     (327 )
Write-downs and other non-cash
    9,748       2,425  
Change in future income taxes
    8,571       (15,765 )
Foreign exchange
    (15,544 )      
Net change in non-cash working capital items (Note 25)
    (24,648 )     (26,310 )
 
           
Net cash used in operating activities
    (8,764 )     (23,084 )
 
           
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and equivalents acquired (Note 4)
          (158,583 )
Decrease in notes receivable
    274       9,778  
Purchase of long-term investments
    (13,376 )     (1,458 )
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments
    1,316       52,870  
Expenditures on property, plant and equipment
    (101,227 )     (59,578 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    4       33  
Increase in restricted investments
    (2,697 )     (1,531 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (115,706 )     (158,469 )
 
           
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Increase (decrease) in debt obligations
    99,547       (50 )
Issuance of common shares for cash:
               
New share issues
    6,073       102,151  
Exercise of stock options and warrants
    1,527       5,114  
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    107,147       107,215  
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and equivalents
    (17,323 )     (74,338 )
Foreign exchange effect on cash and equivalents
    849       24,891  
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year
    19,680       69,127  
 
           
Cash and equivalents, end of year
  $ 3,206     $ 19,680  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents comprised of:
               
Cash
    3,206       9,437  
Cash equivalents
          10,243  
 
           
 
  $ 3,206     $ 19,680  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
               
Interest paid
    2,514       23  
Income taxes paid
    1,811        
 
           
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

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DENISON MINES CORP.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited — Expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted)
1.  
GOING CONCERN BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
As a result of current economic conditions, prices and demand for our commodities may remain depressed for a prolonged period of time which may cause the Company to fully utilize its available credit facilities within the next twelve months and be in non-compliance with certain of its financial covenants. In particular, the net total debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) ratio, as defined in the Company’s credit agreement, may not be met at December 31, 2009.
The Company is addressing the near term liquidity requirements by taking a number of steps to reduce the borrowing requirements including the temporary closure of negative cash flow operations, the deferral of exploration and development expenditures and the reduction of the Company’s workforce.
In addition the Company is pursuing the sale of certain of its interests in assets and investigating alternate debt or equity financing that will allow the Company to meet its obligations in the normal course of business. There are no assurances that additional financing will be raised and in the event that the Company sells an asset or assets that the price obtained will support the amounts reflected in these financial statements. The impact of any adjustments arising from the sale of an asset or assets, which could be material, is not reflected in these financial statements.
Until the outcome of the above matters is known there is considerable uncertainty about the appropriateness of the going concern basis of accounting.
The accounting principles used in these consolidated financial statements are applicable to a going concern which contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business as they come due. These financial statements do not reflect the adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported expenses and balance sheet classifications that would be necessary if the Company were unable to realize its assets and settle its liabilities as a going concern in the normal course of operations. Such adjustments could be material.
2.  
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Denison Mines Corp. (“DMC”) is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (“OBCA”). Denison Mines Corp. and its subsidiary companies and joint ventures (collectively, the “Company”) are engaged in uranium mining and related activities, including acquisition, exploration and development of uranium bearing properties, extraction, processing, selling and reclamation. The environmental services division of the Company provides mine decommissioning and decommissioned site monitoring services for third parties.
The Company has a 100% interest in the White Mesa mill located in Utah, United States and a 22.5% interest in the McClean Lake mill located in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has interests in a number of nearby mines at both locations, as well as interests in development and exploration projects located in Canada, the United States, Mongolia and Zambia, some of which are operated through joint ventures and joint arrangements. Uranium, the Company’s primary product, is produced in the form of uranium oxide concentrates (“U3O8”) and sold to various customers around the world for further processing. Vanadium, a co-product of some of the Company’s mines is also produced and is in the form of vanadium pentoxide, or V2O5. The Company is also in the business of recycling uranium bearing waste materials, referred to as “alternate feed materials”.
Denison Mines Inc. (“DMI”), a subsidiary of the Company, is the manager of Uranium Participation Corporation (“UPC”), a publicly-listed investment holding company formed to invest substantially all of its assets in U3O8 and uranium hexafluoride (“UF6”). The Company has no ownership interest in UPC but receives various fees for management services and commissions from the purchase and sale of U3O8 and UF6 by UPC.
References to “2008” and “2007” refer to the year ended December 31, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 respectively.

 

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3.  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT MINING INTERESTS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada (“Canadian GAAP”). All adjustments considered necessary by management for fair presentation have been included in these financial statements. Differences between Canadian GAAP and those generally accepted accounting principles and practices in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) that would have a significant impact on these financial statements are disclosed in Note 29.
Significant Mining Interests
The following table sets forth the Company’s ownership of its significant mining interests that have projects at the development stage within them as at December 31, 2008:
                 
            Ownership  
    Location     Interest  
 
               
Through majority owned subsidiaries
               
Arizona Strip
  USA     100.00 %
Henry Mountains
  USA     100.00 %
Colorado Plateau
  USA     100.00 %
Gurvan Saihan Joint Venture
  Mongolia     70.00 %
Mutanga
  Zambia     100.00 %
 
               
As interests in unincorporated joint ventures, or jointly controlled assets
               
McClean Lake Joint Venture
  Canada     22.50 %
Midwest Joint Venture
  Canada     25.17 %
Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies and practices under Canadian GAAP followed by the Company in the preparation of these financial statements are summarized below:
a) Principles of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DMC, its subsidiaries and its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of jointly-controlled companies and unincorporated ventures proportionate to the Company’s percentage ownership or participating interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
The companies and ventures controlled by DMC are consolidated using the full consolidation method. Control is defined as the direct or indirect power to govern a company’s financing, investing and strategic operating policies without co-operation of others in order to benefit from its activities.
The companies and ventures jointly controlled by DMC are consolidated using the proportionate consolidation method. Joint control is deemed to exist when agreements exist that require that material changes to the operating, investing and financing policies of such company or venture be approved by a percentage of the participating interest sufficiently high enough to prevent any one participant from exercising unilateral control.
The companies and ventures in which DMC exercises significant influence over financial policy and management (“associates”) are accounted for using the equity method. In determining whether significant influence exists, the Company evaluates a number of criteria including the percentage of voting interest held, and representation on the board of directors or in senior management.
Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) (which include, but are not limited to, special purpose entities, trusts, partnerships and other legal structures) are consolidated by the Company if it is the primary beneficiary who will absorb the majority of the entities expected losses and / or expected residual returns.
b) Use of Estimates
The presentation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and related note disclosures. Although the Company regularly reviews the estimates and assumptions that affect these financial statements, actual results may be materially different. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management relate to the quantities and net realizable value of inventories, assumptions used in impairment testing and valuation of long-lived assets, determination of reporting units and the valuation of reporting units for goodwill determination, determination of economic lives, recoverability of and reclamation obligations for property, plant and equipment and the evaluation of post-employment benefits, future income taxes, contingent liabilities and stock-based compensation.

 

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c) Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s currency of measurement for its Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar. As the Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, the Company applies the current rate method for translation of the Company’s net investment in its self sustaining Canadian operations. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the average rate in effect during the period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income which will be recognized in the results of operations upon the dilution or other reduction in equity of the net investment.
The Company’s fully integrated subsidiaries are translated into US dollars using the temporal method. Under this method, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end exchange rate and all other assets and liabilities are translated at applicable historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense items are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the date the transactions are recognized in income. Realized exchange gains and losses and currency translation adjustments are included in the results of operations. Foreign currency transactions are translated using the exchange rates prevailing at the rate of exchange in effect at the date the transactions are recognized in income. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are included in the results of operations.
d) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting for future income taxes. Under this method, current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income taxes payable for the current period. Future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying values of the existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income during the years in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The recognition of future income tax assets such as tax losses available for carry forward are limited to the amount that is “more likely than not” to be realized.
e) Flow-Through Common Shares
The Company’s Canadian exploration activities have been financed in part through the issuance of flow-through common shares whereby the tax benefits of the eligible exploration expenditures incurred under this arrangement are renounced to the subscribers. In accordance with Emerging Issues Committee (“EIC”) Abstract No. 146: Flow-Through Shares applicable for flow-through financings initiated after March 19, 2004, the foregone tax benefits to the Company are recognized by reducing the proceeds received from these financings by the tax effects of the renunciation to the subscribers at the time of renunciation by the Company.
f) Cash and Equivalents
Cash and equivalents consist of cash on deposit and highly-liquid, short-term money market instruments which, on acquisition, have terms to maturity of three months or less. Cash and equivalents which are subject to restrictions that prevent its use for current purposes are classified as restricted cash and equivalents.
g) Inventories
The Company applies CICA Handbook Section 3031: Inventories which provides guidance on the determination of cost and the cost formulas that are used to assign costs to inventories.
Expenditures, including depreciation, depletion and amortization of assets, incurred in the mining and processing activities that will result in future concentrate production are deferred and accumulated as ore in stockpiles and in-process and concentrate inventories. These amounts are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value (“NRV”). NRV is the difference between the estimated future concentrate price (net of selling costs) and estimated costs to complete production into a saleable form.
Stockpiles are comprised of coarse ore that has been extracted from the mine and is available for further processing. Mining production costs are added to the stockpile as incurred (including overburden removal and in-pit stripping costs) and removed from the stockpile based upon the average cost per ton or tonne of ore produced from mines considered to be in commercial production. The current portion of ore in stockpiles represents the amount expected to be processed in the next twelve months.

 

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In-process and concentrate inventories include the cost of the ore removed from the stockpile, a pro-rata share of the amortization of the associated mineral property, as well as production costs incurred to process the ore into a saleable product. Processing costs typically include labor, chemical reagents and certain mill overhead expenditures. Items are valued according to the first-in first-out method (FIFO) or at weighted average cost, depending on the type of inventory or work-in-process.
Mine and mill supplies are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value as measured by replacement cost.
h) Investments
Equity investments over which the Company does not exercise significant influence are accounted for as available for sale securities.
Investments in affiliates over which the Company exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method, whereby the investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of earnings or losses, reduced by dividends and distributions received.
i) Property, Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at acquisition or production cost and carried net of depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight line or unit of production basis as appropriate. Where a straight line methodology is used, the assets are depreciated to their estimated residual value over an estimated useful life which ranges from three to fifteen years depending upon the asset type. Where a unit of production methodology is used, the assets are depreciated to their estimated residual value over the useful life defined by management’s best estimate of recoverable reserves and resources in the current mine plan. When assets are retired or sold, the resulting gains or losses are reflected in current earnings as a component of other income or expense.
Mineral Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development Costs
Mineral property costs include acquisition costs relating to acquired mineral use and exploration rights and are capitalized.
Exploration and development expenditures are expensed as incurred on mineral properties not sufficiently advanced as to identify their development potential. At the point in time that a mineral property is considered to be sufficiently advanced and development potential is identified, all further expenditures for the current year and subsequent years are capitalized as incurred. These costs will include further exploration, costs of maintaining the site until commercial production, costs to initially delineate the ore body, costs for shaft sinking and access, lateral development, drift development and infrastructure development. Such costs represent the net expenditures incurred and capitalized as at the balance sheet date and do not necessarily reflect present or future values.
Once a development mineral property goes into commercial production, the property is classified as “Producing” and the accumulated costs are amortized over the estimated recoverable resources in the current mine plan using a unit of production basis. Commercial production occurs when a property is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company applies CICA Handbook Section 3063: Impairment of Long-Lived Assets which provides standards for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of impairment of long-lived assets including property, plant and equipment.
Long-lived assets are assessed by management for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The amount of the impairment loss is determined as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value and is charged to the results of operations. Fair value represents future discounted cash flows from an area of interest, including estimates of selling price and costs to develop and extract the mining assets.

 

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j) Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company applies CICA Handbook Section 3110: Asset Retirement Obligations which provides standards for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of liabilities for asset retirement obligations and the associated asset retirement costs.
Asset retirement obligations, any statutory, contractual or other legal obligation related to the retirement of tangible long-lived assets, are recognized when such obligations are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be determined. These obligations are measured initially at fair value and the resulting costs are capitalized and added to the carrying value of the related assets. In subsequent periods, the liability is adjusted for the accretion of the discount and the expense is recorded in the income statement. Changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows are immediately recognized as an increase or decrease in the carrying amounts of the liability and related assets. These costs are amortized to the results of operations over the life of the asset.
The Company’s activities are subject to numerous governmental laws and regulations. Estimates of future reclamation liabilities for asset decommissioning and site restoration are recognized in the period when such liabilities are incurred. These estimates are updated on a periodic basis and are subject to changing laws, regulatory requirements, changing technology and other factors which will be recognized when appropriate. Liabilities related to site restoration include long-term treatment and monitoring costs and incorporate total expected costs net of recoveries. Expenditures incurred to dismantle facilities, restore and monitor closed resource properties are charged against the related reclamation and remediation liability.
k) Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Business combinations are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting whereby acquired assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value is recorded as goodwill and allocated to the applicable reporting unit. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if current events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the goodwill of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. A two-step impairment test is used to identify potential impairment in goodwill and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared with its carrying value, including goodwill. When the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not undertaken. When the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill (determined on the same basis as the value of goodwill is determined in a business combination) is compared with its carrying amount to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. When the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
l) Post-Employment Benefits
The Company assumed the obligation of a predecessor company to provide life insurance, supplemental health care and dental benefits, excluding pensions, to its former Canadian employees who retired on immediate pension from active service prior to 1997. The estimated cost of providing these benefits was actuarially determined using the projected benefits method and is recorded on the balance sheet at its estimated present value. The interest cost on this unfunded liability is being accreted over the remaining lives of this retiree group.
m) Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of uranium concentrate to customers is recognized when title to the product passes to the customer, delivery is effected by book transfer and price is reasonably determinable.
Revenue from alternate feed process milling is recognized as material is processed, in accordance with the specifics of the applicable processing agreement. In general, the Company collects a recycling fee for receipt of the material and/or receives the proceeds from the sale of any uranium concentrate and other metals produced. Deferred revenues represent processing proceeds received on delivery of materials but in advance of the required processing activity.
Revenue on decommissioning contracts is recognized using the percentage of completion method, whereby sales, earnings and unbilled accounts receivable are recorded as related costs are incurred. Earnings rates are adjusted periodically as a result of revisions to projected contract revenues and estimated costs of completion. Losses, if any, are recognized fully when first anticipated. Revenues from engineering services are recognized as the services are provided in accordance with customer agreements.
Management fees earned from UPC are recognized as earned on a monthly basis. Commission revenue earned on acquisition or sale of U3O8 and UF6 on behalf of UPC is recognized on the date when title passes to UPC.
Revenues are recognized only to the extent they are reasonably considered to be collectible.

 

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n) Stock-Based Compensation
CICA Handbook Section 3870: Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments (“Section 3870”) establishes standards for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of stock-based compensation and other stock-based payments made in exchange for goods and services.
Section 3870 requires a fair value-based method of accounting for stock options granted to employees, including directors, and to non-employees. The fair value of stock options granted is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting period as an increase in stock-based compensation expense and the contributed surplus account. When such stock options are exercised, the proceeds received by the Company, together with the respective amount from contributed surplus, are credited to share capital.
o) Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company follows the “treasury stock” method in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Under this method, the calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes that the proceeds to be received from the exercise of “in the money” stock options and warrants are applied to repurchase common shares at the average market price for the period. The calculation of diluted loss per share does not meet this assumption as the result would be anti-dilutive.
p) Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement / Presentation and Disclosure
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. All financial instruments are required to be measured at fair value on initial recognition except for certain financial instruments that arise in related party transactions. Measurement in subsequent periods is dependent upon the classification of the financial instrument as held-for-trading, available-for-sale, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity, or other financial liabilities. The held-for-trading classification is applied when an entity is “trading” in an instrument or alternatively the standard permits that any financial instrument be irrevocably designated as held-for-trading. For financial instruments classified as other than held-for-trading, transaction costs are added to the initial fair value of the related financial instrument.
Financial assets and financial liabilities classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value with changes in those fair values recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Deficit. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale are measured at fair value with changes in those fair values recognized in other comprehensive income. Financial assets classified as loans and receivables, held to maturity or other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method of amortization. Where a financial asset classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale has a loss in value which is considered to be other than temporary, the loss is recognized in the results of operations.
For financial instruments measured at amortized cost, transaction costs or fees, premiums or discounts earned or incurred are recorded, at inception, net against the fair value of the financial instrument. Interest expense is recorded using the effective interest method.
The Company has implemented the following classifications:
   
Cash and equivalents are classified as held-for-trading and any period change in fair value is recorded through the results from operations.
   
Trade and other receivables and Notes receivable are classified as loans and receivables and are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Interest income is recorded in net income, as applicable.
   
Investments are classified as available-for-sale and any period change in fair value is recorded through other comprehensive income. Where the investment experiences an other- than temporary decline in value, the loss is recognized in the results of operations.
   
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Debt obligations are classified as other financial liabilities and are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Interest expense is recorded in other income, as applicable.

 

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New Accounting Standards Adopted
The Company adopted the following new accounting standards issued by the CICA Handbook effective January 1, 2008:
  a)  
CICA Handbook Section 1400 “General Standards of Financial Statement Presentation” which was amended to include a requirement that management make an assessment of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern when preparing financial statements.
  b)  
CICA Handbook Section 3031 “Inventories” which provides guidance on the determination of cost and its subsequent recognition as an expense, including any write-down to net realizable value. It also provides guidance on the cost formulas that are used to assign costs to inventories. There was no impact to the Company’s financial results from adopting this standard.
  c)  
CICA Handbook Section 3862 “Financial Instruments — Disclosures” and Section 3863 “Financial Instruments — Presentation” which requires disclosures in the financial statements that will enable users to evaluate: the significance of financial instruments for the company’s financial positions and performance; the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments to which the company is exposed during the period and at the balance sheet date; and how the company manages those risks (see note 26).
  d)  
CICA Handbook Section 1535 “Capital Disclosures” which requires the disclosure of both qualitative and quantitative information that enable users to evaluate the company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital (see note 26).
Accounting Standards Issued but not yet Adopted
The CICA has issued the following accounting standards effective for the fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2009:
  a)  
CICA Handbook Section 3064 “Goodwill and intangible assets” provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure for goodwill and intangible assets, other than the initial recognition of goodwill or intangible assets acquired in a business combination. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008 and requires retroactive application to prior period financial statements. The Company has evaluated the impact of this new standard for adoption on January 1, 2009 and does not expect any significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
  b)  
CICA Handbook Section 1582 “Business Combinations”, Section 1601 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and Section 1602 “Non-Controlling Interests” which replace the former CICA 1581 “Business Combinations” and CICA 1600 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and establish a new section for accounting for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary. These sections provide the Canadian equivalent to FASB Statements No.141(R) “Business Combinations” and No.160 “Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”. CICA 1582 is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period after January 1, 2011. CICA 1601 and CICA 1602 apply to interim and annual consolidated financial statements relating to years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 although early adoption is permitted. CICA 1582, which replaces Handbook Section 1581, Business Combinations, establishes standards for the measurement of a business combination and the recognition and measurement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. CICA 1601, which replaces Handbook Section 1600, carries forward the existing Canadian guidance on aspects of the preparation of consolidated financial statements subsequent to acquisition other than non-controlling interests. CICA 1602 establishes guidance for the treatment of non-controlling interests subsequent to acquisition through a business combination.
  c)  
Emerging Issues Committee Abstract 173 “Credit risk and the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities requires the Company to consider its own credit risk and the credit risk of the counterparty when determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivative instruments. EIC 173 is effective for years beginning after January 1, 2010.
Comparative Numbers
Certain classifications of the comparative figures have been changed to conform to those used in the current period.
4.  
ACQUISITIONS
Acquisition of OmegaCorp Limited (“OmegaCorp”)
Effective August 1, 2007, the Company acquired 100% of the common shares of OmegaCorp, an exploration and development company. The cost of this investment, which was settled in cash, was $167,204,000.

 

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The allocation of the purchase price for OmegaCorp is summarized below.
         
    OmegaCorp  
    Fair Value  
    August 1,  
(in thousands)   2007  
 
       
Cash and equivalents
  $ 8,621  
Trade and other receivables
    243  
Long-term investments
    3,022  
Property, plant and equipment
       
Plant and equipment
    199  
Mineral properties
    208,088  
 
     
 
       
Total assets
    220,173  
 
     
 
       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    947  
Future income tax liability
    52,022  
 
     
 
       
Total liabilities
    52,969  
 
     
 
       
Net assets purchased
  $ 167,204  
 
     
OmegaCorp’s assets and liabilities were measured at their individual fair values as of August 1, 2007. The majority of the fair value has been allocated to the Mutanga project mineral property resources included in the property, plant and equipment value above. In arriving at these fair values, management has made assumptions, estimates and assessments at the time these fair values were prepared. The future income tax liability as a result of these fair value adjustments has been estimated based on the statutory income tax rate that was in effect at the time of the acquisition. In Zambia, the income tax rate used in the estimate was 25%.
In 2008, the Zambian government enacted legislation increasing the income tax rate for mining companies from 25% to 30%. The impact of this change on OmegaCorp’s future tax liability has been recorded in the statement of operations.
5.  
INVENTORIES
The inventories balance consists of:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
Uranium concentrates and work-in-progress
  $ 12,378     $ 8,344  
Vanadium concentrates and work-in-progress
    4,445        
Inventory of ore in stockpiles
    26,841       19,289  
Mine and mill supplies
    6,085       3,288  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 49,749     $ 30,921  
 
           
 
               
Inventories:
               
Current
  $ 44,733     $ 30,921  
Long-term — ore in stockpiles
    5,016        
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 49,749     $ 30,921  
 
           
Long-term ore in stockpile inventory represents an estimate of the amount of pounds on the stockpile in excess of the next twelve months of planned mill production. Operating expenses are predominantly cost of sales and include a write down of $9,500,000 relating to the net realizable value of the Company’s vanadium inventory.

 

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6.  
INVESTMENTS
The investments balance consists of:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Investments
               
Available for sale securities at fair value (1)
  $ 10,691     $ 34,437  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 10,691     $ 34,437  
 
           
 
               
Investments:
               
Current
          13,930  
Long-term
    10,691       20,507  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 10,691     $ 34,437  
 
           
     
(1)  
For accounting purposes, effective January 1, 2007, investments are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. The adjustments to fair value have been reflected in other comprehensive income net of tax.
Investments
At December 31, 2008, investments consist of equity instruments of six publicly-traded companies at a fair value of $10,691,000 (December 31, 2007: $34,437,000).
During 2008, the Company acquired additional equity interests in investments at a cost of $13,376,000 (2007: $1,458,000).
During 2008, the Company purchased 5,465,000 units of Uranerz Energy Corporation (“Uranerz”) for $13,329,000. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional share of Uranerz for a period of 24 months (subject to acceleration under certain conditions) at an exercise price of US$3.50 per share.
Due to the significant decline in the market value of the Company’s investments during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company has taken impairment charges of $7,602,000 on its investment in Uranerz and $5,350,000 on its investment in Energy Metals Limited (see Note 21).
During 2008, the Company sold equity interests in several public companies for cash consideration of $1,316,000. The resulting gain has been included in net other income in the statement of operations (see note 21).
During 2007, the Company sold 1,152,000 common shares of Energy Metals Corp (“EMC”) for cash consideration of approximately $17,447,000 (CDN$18,754,000). The resulting gain has been included in net other income in the statement of operations (see note 21). The Company no longer holds a common share interest in EMC.
Investments in affiliates
During 2007, the Company sold its remaining 30,598,750 common share interest of Fortress Minerals Corp. (“Fortress”) for cash consideration of approximately $35,413,000 (CDN$38,067,000). The resulting gain has been included in net other income in the statement of operations (see note 21).
The Company’s investment in Fortress has been subject to varying degrees of ownership interest. These financial statements include the accounts of Fortress Minerals Corp. on an equity method basis for the six month period up to June 30, 2007. The equity method was discontinued subsequent to June 30, 2007 and the appropriate portion of the cumulative equity accounting adjustments were recognized as part of the gain referred to above.

 

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7.  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consist of:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Cost, net of write-downs
               
Plant and equipment
               
Mill and mining related
  $ 169,971     $ 135,375  
Environmental services and other
    2,439       2,742  
Mineral properties
    590,758       609,569  
 
           
 
               
 
    763,168       747,686  
 
           
 
               
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
               
Plant and equipment
               
Mill and mining related
    16,938       9,182  
Environmental services and other
    1,146       843  
Mineral properties
    27,651       9,838  
 
           
 
               
 
    45,735       19,863  
 
           
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 717,433     $ 727,823  
 
           
 
               
Net book value
               
Plant and equipment
               
Mill and mining related
  $ 153,033     $ 126,193  
Environmental services and other
    1,293       1,899  
Mineral properties
    563,107       599,731  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 717,433     $ 727,823  
 
           
The carrying values of the Company’s plant and equipment and mineral properties are tested for impairment when conditions warrant. In view of the current market volatility, the Company has reviewed all of its plant and equipment and mineral properties for impairment using long-term estimated prices and exchange rates. The Company will continue to monitor these assets for impairment.
Plant and Equipment — Mill and Mining Related
The Company has a 100% interest in the White Mesa mill located in Utah and mines located in Arizona, Colorado and Utah. Mined ore from these mines is processed at the White Mesa mill.
The Company has a 22.5% interest in the McClean Lake mill and mines located in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. The McClean Lake mill achieved commercial production levels on November 1, 1999 and has been constructed to process ore from the McClean Lake mine as well as other deposits in the area. A toll milling agreement has been signed with the participants in the Cigar Lake joint venture that provides for the processing of a substantial portion of the future output of the Cigar Lake mine at the McClean Lake mill, for which the owners of the McClean Lake mill will receive a toll milling fee and other benefits. In determining the amortization rate for the McClean Lake mill, the amount to be amortized has been adjusted to reflect Denison’s expected share of future toll milling revenue.
Plant and Equipment — Environmental Services and Other
The environmental services division of the Company provides mine decommissioning and decommissioned site monitoring services for third parties.
Mineral Properties
The Company has various interests in development and exploration projects located in Canada, the U.S., Mongolia and Zambia which are held directly or through option or joint venture agreements. The most significant of these interests are as follows:

 

- 20 -


 

Canada
The Company has a 22.5% interest in the McClean Lake project and a 25.17% interest in the Midwest project located in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. These projects are in the development stage and were acquired by the Company in 2006, along with some other exploration projects, as part of the DMI acquisition.
Other significant mineral property interests that the Company has in Canada include:
  a)  
Moore Lake — the Company has a 75% interest in the project (located in the Athabasca Basin) subject to a 2.5% net smelter return royalty;
  b)  
Wheeler River — in October 2004, the Company entered into an option agreement with its joint venture partners to earn a further 20% ownership interest in the Wheeler project by funding CDN$7,000,000 in exploration expenditures over the next 6 years. During 2007, the Company fulfilled its obligations under the option agreement and increased its ownership interest in the project from 40% to 60%;
  c)  
Wolly — In October 2004, the Company entered into an option agreement with its joint venture partners to earn a 22.5% ownership interest in the Wolly project by funding CDN$5,000,000 in exploration expenditures over the next six years. As at December 31, 2008, the Company has incurred a total of CDN$3,822,000 towards this option and has earned a 13.0% ownership interest in the project under the phase-in ownership provisions of the agreement; and
  d)  
Park Creek — In the first quarter of 2006, the Company entered into an option agreement to earn up to a 75% interest in the Park Creek project. The Company is required to incur exploration expenditures of CDN$2,800,000 over three years to earn an initial 49% interest and a further CDN$3,000,000 over two years to earn an additional 26% interest. As at December 31, 2008, the Company has incurred a total of CDN$3,341,000 towards the option and has earned a 49% ownership interest in the project under the phase-in ownership provisions of the agreement.
United States
During 2008 and 2007, the Company commenced mining activities through the re-opening of some of its U.S. mines in Colorado, Utah and Arizona which had been shut down since 1999.
In March 2007, the Company acquired certain uranium deposits located in the Arizona Strip district in northeastern Arizona for cash consideration of $5,500,000 (excluding transaction costs) plus a 1% royalty.
In January 2007, the Company completed a mineral property acquisition in the Henry Mountains district by issuing an additional 103,000 shares at a value of $947,000 (see note 16).
Mongolia
The Company has a 70% interest in and is the managing partner of the Gurvan Saihan Joint Venture in Mongolia. The results of the Gurvan Saihan Joint Venture have been included in these financial statements on a consolidated basis since the Company exercises control.
Zambia
In August 2007, the Company acquired certain uranium deposits located in Zambia in conjunction with its purchase of OmegaCorp. The deposits, which are part of the Mutanga project, were acquired at a fair value of $208,088,000 (see note 4). The fair value amount includes $52,022,000 associated with the future tax liability at the time of the acquisition.
8.  
RESTRICTED CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
The Company has certain restricted cash and equivalents deposited to collateralize its reclamation and certain other obligations. The restricted cash and equivalents balance consists of:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
U.S. mill and mine reclamation
  $ 19,745     $ 15,849  
Elliot Lake reclamation trust fund
    1,541       1,948  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 21,286     $ 17,797  
 
           

 

- 21 -


 

U.S. Mill and Mine Reclamation
The Company has cash and cash equivalents and fixed income securities as collateral for various bonds posted in favour of the State of Utah and the applicable state regulatory agencies in Colorado and Arizona and the U.S, Bureau of Land Management for estimated reclamation costs associated with the White Mesa mill and U.S. mining properties. In 2008, the Company deposited an additional $2,123,000 into its collateral account (2007: $982,000).
Elliot Lake Reclamation Trust Fund
The Company has the obligation to maintain its decommissioned Elliot Lake uranium mine pursuant to a Reclamation Funding Agreement effective September 30, 1994 (“Agreement”) with the Governments of Canada and Ontario. The Agreement requires the Company to deposit 90% of cash flow, after deducting permitted expenses, into the Reclamation Trust Fund. A subsequent amendment to the Agreement provides for the suspension of this obligation to deposit 90% of cash flow into the Reclamation Trust Fund, provided funds are maintained in the Reclamation Trust Fund equal to estimated reclamation spending for the succeeding six calendar years, less interest expected to accrue on the funds during the period. Withdrawals from this Reclamation Trust Fund can only be made with the approval of the Governments of Canada and Ontario to fund Elliot Lake monitoring and site restoration costs. In 2008, the Company withdrew $603,000 (CDN$643,000) (2007: $468,900 (CDN$503,500)) and deposited an additional $497,000 (CDN$530,000) into the Elliot Lake Reclamation Trust Fund (2007: $514,000 (CDN$552,000)).
9.  
INTANGIBLES
A continuity summary of intangibles is presented below:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Intangibles, beginning of year
  $ 6,979     $ 10,844  
 
               
Fair value allocation adjustments
          (4,279 )
Amortization
    (900 )     (958 )
Foreign exchange
    (1,101 )     1,372  
 
           
 
               
Intangibles, end of year
  $ 4,978     $ 6,979  
 
           
 
               
Intangibles, by item:
               
UPC management contract
    4,557       6,495  
Urizon technology licenses
    421       484  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 4,978     $ 6,979  
 
           
UPC Management Contract
The UPC management contract is associated with the acquisition of DMI in 2006. The initial fair value of $10,481,000 was determined using a discounted cash flow approach after taking into account an appropriate discount rate. In 2007, the Company adjusted the fair value of the contract by $4,279,000 and adjusted the estimated useful life of the contract to 8 years. The contract is being amortized over its 8 year estimated useful life. The fair value adjustment (net of future tax effects) has been reclassified to goodwill.
Urizon Technology Licenses
The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture with Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (“NFS”) (the “Urizon” joint venture) to pursue an alternate feed program for the White Mesa mill. NFS contributed its technology license to the joint venture while the Company contributed $1,500,000 in cash together with its technology license. The accounts of Urizon have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a proportionate consolidation basis. The joint venture has no cash flows arising from investing or financing activities.
This Urizon technology license is being amortized over an estimated useful life of 12 years and represents the Company’s 50% interest in Urizon’s technology licenses.

 

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10.  
GOODWILL
A continuity summary of goodwill is presented below:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Goodwill, beginning of year
  $ 122,330     $ 102,841  
 
               
Fair value allocation adjustments
          1,314  
Impairment charge
    (36,512 )      
Foreign exchange
    (22,578 )     18,175  
 
           
 
               
Goodwill, end of year
  $ 63,240     $ 122,330  
 
           
 
               
Goodwill, by business unit:
               
Canada mining segment
  $ 63,240     $ 122,330  
 
           
The Company’s acquisition of DMI was accounted for using the purchase method. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill. Under GAAP, goodwill is not amortized and is tested annually for impairment. The goodwill has been allocated to the Company’s Canadian mining segment.
In 2008, the Company experienced adverse economic conditions and depressed uranium and vanadium prices. Based on management’s revised outlook, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $36,512,000 representing the carrying value of the goodwill in excess of fair value. Fair value was determined by using estimated future net cash flows which included estimated recoverable reserves, future consensus prices, future foreign exchange rates and estimated operating and capital costs.
In 2007, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation associated with its acquisition of DMI resulting in an increase in goodwill of $1,314,000.
11.  
POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Company provides post employment benefits for former Canadian employees who retired on immediate pension prior to 1997. The post employment benefits provided include life insurance and medical and dental benefits as set out in the applicable group policies but does not include pensions. No post employment benefits are provided to employees outside the employee group referenced above. The post employment benefit plan is not funded.
The effective date of the most recent actuarial valuation of the accrued benefit obligation is December 1, 2008. The amount accrued is based on estimates provided by the plan administrator which are based on past experience, limits on coverage as set out in the applicable group policies and assumptions about future cost trends. The significant assumptions used in the valuation are listed below.
         
Discount rate
    7.50 %
Initial medical cost growth rate per annum
    11.00 %
Medical cost growth rate per annum decline to
    5.00 %
Year in which medical cost growth rate reaches its final level
    2014  
Dental cost growth rate per annum
    4.00 %

 

- 23 -


 

A continuity summary of post-employment benefits is presented below:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Post-employment liability, beginning of year
  $ 4,434     $ 3,971  
Benefits paid
    (338 )     (432 )
Interest cost
    194       215  
Amortization of experience gain
    (127 )      
Foreign exchange
    (806 )     680  
 
           
 
               
Post-employment liability, end of year
  $ 3,357     $ 4,434  
 
           
 
               
Post-employment liability:
               
Accrued benefit obligation
  $ 3,157     $ 4,434  
Unamortized experience gain
    200        
 
           
 
               
Post-employment liability, end of year
  $ 3,357     $ 4,434  
 
           
 
               
Post-employment benefits liability by duration:
               
Current
  $ 329     $ 404  
Non-current
    3,028       4,030  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 3,357     $ 4,434  
 
           
The unamortized experience gain is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the average life expectancy of the retiree group of 10.7 years as at the December 1, 2008 actuarial valuation.
12.  
RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION OBLIGATIONS
A continuity summary of reclamation and remediation obligations is presented below:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Reclamation obligations, beginning of year
  $ 20,389     $ 18,447  
Accretion
    1,996       1,364  
Expenditures incurred
    (849 )     (436 )
Liability adjustments
    (339 )     (449 )
Foreign exchange
    (1,851 )     1,463  
 
           
 
               
Reclamation obligations, end of year
  $ 19,346     $ 20,389  
 
           
 
               
Site restoration liability by location:
               
U.S. Mill and Mines
  $ 11,436     $ 10,467  
Elliot Lake
    6,734       8,319  
McLean Lake and Midwest Joint Ventures
    1,176       1,603  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 19,346     $ 20,389  
 
           
 
               
Site restoration liability:
               
Current
  $ 875     $ 565  
Non-current
    18,471       19,824  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 19,346     $ 20,389  
 
           

 

- 24 -


 

Site Restoration: U.S. Mill and Mines
The decommissioning and reclamation of the White Mesa mill and U.S. mines are subject to legal and regulatory requirements. Estimates of the costs of reclamation are reviewed periodically by the applicable regulatory authorities. The current estimate for the White Mesa mill and U.S. mines are $8,892,000 and $2,544,000, respectively. The above accrual represents the Company’s best estimate of the present value of future reclamation costs, discounted at 7.5%. The undiscounted amount of estimated future reclamation costs is $23,717,000.
Site Restoration: Elliot Lake
The Elliot Lake uranium mine was closed in 1992 and capital works to decommission this site were completed in 1997. The remaining provision is for the estimated cost of monitoring the Tailings Management Areas at the Company and Stanrock sites and for treatment of water discharged from these areas. The Company conducts its activities at both sites pursuant to decommissioning licenses issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The above accrual represents the Company’s best estimate of the present value of the total future reclamation cost based on assumptions as to levels of treatment, which will be required in the future, discounted at 7.5%. The undiscounted amount of estimated future reclamation costs is $39,020,000.
Spending on restoration activities at the Elliot Lake site are funded from monies in the Elliot Lake Reclamation Trust fund (Note 8).
Site Restoration: McClean Lake Joint Venture and Midwest Joint Venture
The McClean Lake and Midwest operations are subject to environmental regulations as set out by the Saskatchewan government and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Cost estimates of the estimated future decommissioning and reclamation activities are prepared periodically and filed with the applicable regulatory authorities for approval. The above accrual represents the Company’s best estimate of the present value of the future reclamation cost contemplated in these cost estimates discounted at 7.5%. The undiscounted amount of estimated future reclamation costs is $14,035,000.
Under the Mineral Industry Environmental Protection Regulations (1996), the Company is required to provide its pro-rata share of financial assurances to the province. The Company has provided irrevocable standby letters of credit, from a chartered bank, in favour of Saskatchewan Environment totalling CDN$8,064,000.
13.  
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Debt obligations consist of:
                 
    At December 31     At December 31  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Revolving line of credit
  $ 99,998     $  
Deferred debt issue costs
    (769 )      
Notes payable and other financing
    525       42  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 99,754     $ 42  
 
           
 
               
Other long-term liabilities:
               
Current
    464       42  
Non-current
    99,290        
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 99,754     $ 42  
 
           
Revolving Line of Credit
In July 2008, the Company put in place a $125,000,000 revolving term credit facility with the Bank of Nova Scotia. The facility is repayable in full on June 30, 2011.
The borrower under the facility is DMI and DMC has provided an unlimited full recourse guarantee and a pledge of all of the shares of DMI. DMI has provided a first-priority security interest in all present and future personal property and an assignment of its rights and interests under all material agreements relative to the McClean Lake and Midwest projects. In addition, each of DMC’s material U.S subsidiaries has provided an unlimited full recourse guarantee secured by a pledge of all of its shares and a first-priority security interest in all of its present and future personal property.

 

- 25 -


 

The Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants on a consolidated basis.
Interest payable under the facility is bankers acceptance or LIBOR rate plus a margin or prime rate plus a margin. The facility is subject to standby fees. The weighted average interest rate paid by the Company during 2008 was 4.48%.
As at December 31, 2008, the Company has drawn $99,998,000 under the facility. It had also deferred $1,078,000 (CDN$1,122,000) of incremental costs associated with its set-up. These costs are being amortized over the three year term of the facility.
Scheduled Debt Obligation Maturities
The table below represents currently scheduled maturities of debt obligations over the next 5 years
         
(in thousands)        
 
2009
  $ 464  
2010
    16  
2011
    100,014  
2012
    16  
2013
    13  
2014 and thereafter
     
14.  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Other long-term liabilities consist of:
                 
    At December 31     At December 31  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Unamortized fair value of sales contracts
  $ 2,429     $ 12,812  
Unamortized fair value of toll milling contracts
    821       1,008  
Other
    120       100  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 3,370     $ 13,920  
 
           
 
               
Other long-term liabilities:
               
Current
    2,179       6,577  
Non-current
    1,191       7,343  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 3,370     $ 13,920  
 
           
Unamortized fair values of sales contracts are amortized to revenue as deliveries under the applicable contracts are made.

 

- 26 -


 

15.  
INCOME TAXES
The Company operates in multiple industries and jurisdictions, and the related income is subject to varying rates of taxation. A reconciliation of the combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate to the Company’s effective rate of income tax is as follows:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Combined basic tax rate
    33.5 %     36.0 %
 
               
Income (loss) before taxes
  $ (72,976 )   $ 34,620  
 
           
 
               
Income tax expense (recovery) at basic tax rate
    (24,447 )     12,465  
Non-deductible amounts
    19,597       796  
Non-taxable amounts
    (9,138 )     (8,712 )
Flow through shares renounced
    (5,267 )      
Difference in foreign tax rates
    504       748  
Change in valuation allowance
    14,083       (4,227 )
Impact of legislative changes
    10,738       (10,797 )
Other
    1,602       (2,897 )
 
           
 
               
Tax expense (recovery) per consolidated financial statements
  $ 7,672     $ (12,624 )
 
           
The tax effects of temporary differences resulting in future income tax assets and future income tax liabilities are presented below:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Future income tax assets:
               
Inventory
  $ 3,515     $  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    9,202       9,755  
Long-term investments
    1,220        
Intangibles
          106  
Deferred revenue
          944  
Post-employment benefits
    960       1,208  
Reclamation and remediation obligations
    6,160       2,271  
Other long-term liabilities
    890       3,732  
Tax loss carryforwards
    12,566       1,735  
Other
    4,942       3,347  
 
           
 
    39,455       23,098  
 
               
Future income tax liability:
               
Inventory
    (2,802 )     (3,492 )
Long-term investments
    (580 )     (4,517 )
Property, plant and equipment, net
    (136,754 )     (146,764 )
Intangibles
    (1,247 )     (1,770 )
Other
    (756 )      
 
           
 
               
Future tax liabilities — net
    (102,684 )     (133,445 )
 
               
Valuation allowance
    (21,370 )     (8,080 )
 
           
 
               
Net future income tax liabilities
  $ (124,054 )   $ (141,525 )
 
           
Management believes that sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the realization of certain future income tax assets and liabilities that a valuation allowance is required.

 

- 27 -


 

At December 31, 2008, the Company had the following non-capital loss carry-forwards available for tax purposes:
             
    Amount      
Country   (in thousands)     Expiry
 
           
Australia
  $ 1,278     Unlimited
Canada
    3,511     2028
Mongolia
    358     2009-2010
United States
    20,346     2018-2028
Zambia
    3,653     2011-2013
The tax benefit of the above Canadian, Mongolian, United States and Zambian non-capital loss carry-forwards has not been recognized in the financial statements.
16.  
SHARE CAPITAL
Denison is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value. A continuity summary of the issued and outstanding common shares and the associated dollar amounts is presented below:
                 
    Number of        
    Common        
(in thousands except share amounts)   Shares     Amount  
 
               
Balance at December 31, 2006
    178,142,682     $ 548,069  
 
           
 
               
Issued for cash:
               
New issue gross proceeds
    10,114,995       105,419  
New issue gross issue costs
          (3,268 )
Exercise of stock options
    1,367,962       5,102  
Exercise of share purchase warrants
    2,592       12  
Issued for mineral property acquisition
    103,000       947  
Fair value of stock options exercised
          6,663  
Fair value of share purchase warrants exercised
          5  
Other
    404        
 
           
 
    11,588,953       114,880  
 
           
 
               
Balance at December 31, 2007
    189,731,635     $ 662,949  
 
           
 
               
Issues for cash
               
New issue gross proceeds
    7,275,000       6,469  
New issue gross issue costs
          (396 )
Exercise of stock options
    288,780       1,527  
Renunciation of flow-through share liability
          (5,267 )
Fair value of stock options exercised
          996  
 
           
 
    7,563,780       3,329  
 
           
 
               
Balance at December 31, 2008
    197,295,415     $ 666,278  
 
           
New Issues
In December 2008, the Company completed a private placement of 7,275,000 flow-through common shares at a price of CDN$1.10 per share for gross proceeds of $6,469,000 (CDN$8,002,500). The income tax benefits of this issue were renounced to the subscribers in February 2009.
In April 2007, the Company completed a private placement of 1,104,295 flow-through common shares at a price of CDN$16.30 per share for gross proceeds of $15,572,000 (CDN$18,000,000). The income tax benefits of this issue were renounced to the subscribers in February 2008.
In January 2007, the Company completed a private placement of 9,010,700 common shares at a price of CDN$11.75 per share for gross proceeds of $89,847,000 (CDN$105,876,000).

 

- 28 -


 

Acquisition Related Issues
In January 2007, the Company issued 103,000 common shares at a price of CDN$10.81 per share for a total value of $947,000 (CDN$1,113,000) as part of the acquisition of a U.S. uranium property (see note 7).
Flow-Through Share Issues
The Company finances a portion of its exploration programs through the use of flow-through share issuances. Income tax deductions relating to these expenditures are claimable by the investors and not by the Company.
As at December 31, 2008, the Company has fully met its CDN$18,000,000 April 2007 flow-through share obligation. As at December 31, 2008, the Company has not yet spent any significant monies against its CDN$8,002,500 December 2008 flow-through share obligation.
17.  
SHARE PURCHASE WARRANTS
A continuity summary of the issued and outstanding share purchase warrants in terms of common shares of the Company and associated dollar amount is presented below:
                         
    Weighted Average     Number of     Fair  
    Exercise Price     Common Shares     Value  
(in thousands except share amounts)   Per Share (CDN$)     Issuable     Amount  
 
                       
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2006
    8.70       9,567,507     $ 11,733  
 
                 
 
                       
Warrants exercised in 2007
    5.21       (2,592 )     (5 )
 
                 
 
                       
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008
    8.70       9,564,915     $ 11,728  
 
                 
 
                       
Balance exercisable at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008
    8.70       9,564,915     $ 11,728  
 
                 
 
                       
Balance of common shares issuable by warrant series
                       
November 2004 series (1)
            3,156,915       5,898  
March 2006 series (2)
            6,408,000       5,830  
 
                 
 
                       
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008
            9,564,915     $ 11,728  
 
                 
     
(1)  
The November 2004 series has an effective exercise price of CDN$5.21 per issuable share (CDN$15.00 per warrant adjusted for the 2.88 exchange ratio associated with the Denison and IUC merger) and expires on November 24, 2009.
 
(2)  
The March 2006 series has an effective exercise price of CDN$10.42 per issuable share (CDN$30.00 per warrant adjusted for the 2.88 exchange ratio associated with the Denison and IUC merger) and expires on March 1, 2011.
18.  
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
A continuity summary of contributed surplus is presented below:
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 25,471     $ 30,752  
 
               
Stock-based compensation expense (note 19)
    6,062       1,382  
Fair value of stock options exercised
    (996 )     (6,663 )
 
           
 
Balance, end of year
  $ 30,537     $ 25,471  
 
           

 

- 29 -


 

19.  
STOCK OPTIONS
The Company’s stock-based compensation plan (the “Plan”) provides for the granting of stock options up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time of grant, subject to a maximum of 20 million common shares. As at December 31, 2008, an aggregate of 10,307,410 options have been granted (less cancellations) since the Plan’s inception in 1997.
Under the Plan, all stock options are granted at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, including any vesting provisions if applicable. The term of any stock option granted may not exceed ten years and the exercise price may not be lower than the closing price of the Company’s shares on the last trading day immediately preceding the date of grant. In general, the term of stock options granted under the Plan ranges from three to five years and vesting occurs over a three year period.
A continuity summary of the stock options of the Company granted under the Plan is presented below:
                                 
            2008             2007  
            Weighted-             Weighted-  
            Average             Average  
            Exercise             Exercise  
    Number of     Price per     Number of     Price per  
    Common     Share     Common     Share  
    Shares     (CDN $)     Shares     (CDN $)  
 
                               
Stock options outstanding, beginning of year
    5,961,354     $ 7.27       6,648,316     $ 6.23  
Granted
    3,093,000       7.57       717,000       11.19  
Exercised
    (288,780 )     5.30       (1,367,962 )     4.21  
Forfeitures — voluntary
    (2,415,490 )     8.49              
Expired
    (813,700 )     6.54       (36,000 )     10.74  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock options outstanding, end of the year
    5,536,384     $ 7.11       5,961,354     $ 7.27  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock options exercisable, end of year
    4,864,301     $ 7.33       5,520,872     $ 6.96  
 
                       
A summary of stock options outstanding of the Company at December 31, 2008 is presented below:
                         
    Weighted             Weighted-  
    Average             Average  
    Remaining             Exercise  
Range of Exercise   Contractual     Number of     Price per  
Prices per Share   Life     Common     Share  
(CDN$)   (Years)     Shares     (CDN $)  
 
                       
Stock options outstanding
                       
$1.37 to $4.87
    5.42       1,217,575     $ 2.01  
$5.02 to $8.50
    5.99       1,866,799       5.49  
$10.08 to $15.30
    1.05       2,452,010       10.87  
 
                 
 
                       
Stock options outstanding, end of year
    3.68       5,536,384     $ 7.11  
 
                 
A summary of stock options outstanding of the Company at December 31, 2007 is presented below:
                         
    Weighted             Weighted-  
    Average             Average  
    Remaining             Exercise  
Range of Exercise   Contractual     Number of     Price per  
Prices per Share   Life     Common     Share  
(CDN$)   (Years)     Shares     (CDN $)  
 
                       
Stock options outstanding
                       
$1.88 to $4.87
    6.48       1,044,555     $ 2.14  
$5.02 to $7.53
    7.28       2,225,799       5.29  
$10.08 to $15.30
    2.10       2,691,000       10.89  
 
                 
 
                       
Stock options outstanding, end of year
    4.80       5,961,354     $ 7.27  
 
                 

 

- 30 -


 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 expire between May 2009 and October 2016.
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table outlines the range of assumptions used in the model for the year:
         
    2008   2007
 
       
Risk-free interest rate
  2.58% – 3.29%   3.95% to 4.46%
Expected stock price volatility
  52.2% – 61.7%   46.4% – 63.0%
Expected life
  2.1 – 3.5 years   2.1 – 3.5 years
Expected forfeitures
   
Expected dividend yield
   
Fair value per share under options granted
  CDN$0.63 – CDN$4.49   CDN$3.18 – CDN$5.32
Stock-based compensation would be allocated as follows in the consolidated statement of operations:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Operating expenses
  $ 599     $ 423  
Mineral property exploration
    591       236  
General and administrative
    4,872       723  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 6,062     $ 1,382  
 
           
The fair values of stock options with vesting provisions are amortized on a straight-line basis as stock-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. During 2008, 2,415,490 stock options were voluntarily forfeited with an associated fair value of $5,250,000 which has been expensed. At December 31, 2008, the Company had an additional $1,254,000 in stock-based compensation expense to be recognized periodically to May 2011.
20.  
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
A continuity summary of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss)
               
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 92,856     $ (8,498 )
Change in foreign currency translation
    (97,781 )     101,354  
 
           
Balance, end of year
    (4,925 )     92,856  
 
           
 
               
Unrealized gains on investments
               
Balance, beginning of year
    18,100        
Unrealized gains as at January 1, 2007, net of tax (1)
          24,842  
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized gains, net of tax (2)
    (17,884 )     (6,742 )
 
           
Balance, end of year
    216       18,100  
 
           
 
               
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of year
  $ (4,709 )   $ 110,956  
 
           
     
(1)  
Reflects the adoption of CICA Section 3855 on January 1, 2007.
 
(2)  
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments deemed available-for-sale are included in other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. When the investment is disposed of or incurs a decline in value that is other than temporary, the gain (loss) is realized and reclassified to the income statement. During 2008, approximately $196,000 of gains from asset disposals and $12,952,000 of other than temporary losses were realized and reclassified to the income statement within “Other income, net”.

 

- 31 -


 

21.  
OTHER INCOME, NET
The elements of other income, net in the statement of operations is as follows:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Interest income, net of fees
  $ 1,114     $ 5,694  
Interest expense
    (2,652 )     (29 )
Gains (losses) on:
               
Foreign exchange
    15,544       (9,671 )
Land, plant and equipment
    125       (18 )
Investment disposals
    196       45,115  
Investment other than temporary losses
    (12,952 )      
Restricted cash and equivalents
    1,176       536  
Other
    (83 )      
 
           
 
               
Other income (expense), net
  $ 2,468     $ 41,627  
 
           
22.  
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Business Segments
The Company operates in two primary segments — the mining segment and the corporate and other segment. The mining segment, which has been further subdivided by major geographic regions, includes activities related to exploration, evaluation and development, mining, milling and the sale of mineral concentrates. The corporate and other segment includes the results of the Company’s environmental services business, management fees and commission income earned from UPC and general corporate expenses not allocated to the other segments.

 

- 32 -


 

For 2008, business segment results were as follows:
                                                 
    Canada     U.S.A     Africa     Asia     Corporate        
(in thousands)   Mining     Mining     Mining     Mining     and Other     Total  
 
                                               
Statement of Operations:
                                               
Revenues
    52,698       61,995                   8,491       123,184  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Expenses
                                               
Operating expenses
    44,432       67,612                   6,025       118,069  
Sales royalties and capital taxes
    3,016                         101       3,117  
Mineral property exploration
    11,953       298       3,079       4,784             20,114  
General and administrative
                            14,754       14,754  
Stock option expense
                            6,062       6,062  
Goodwill impairment
    36,512                               36,512  
 
                                   
 
    95,913       67,910       3,079       4,784       26,942       198,628  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Income (loss) from operations
    (43,215 )     (5,915 )     (3,079 )     (4,784 )     (18,451 )     (75,444 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Revenues — supplemental:
                                               
Uranium concentrates
    52,698       61,890                         114,588  
Environmental services
                            5,562       5,562  
Management fees and commissions
                            2,929       2,929  
Alternate feed processing and other
          105                         105  
 
                                   
 
                                               
 
    52,698       61,995                   8,491       123,184  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Long-lived assets:
                                               
Property, plant and equipment
                                               
Plant and equipment
    78,223       73,859       669       282       1,293       154,326  
Mineral properties
    289,637       43,324       223,456       6,690             563,107  
Intangibles
          422                   4,556       4,978  
Goodwill
    63,240                               63,240  
 
                                   
 
                                               
 
    431,100       117,605       224,125       6,972       5,849       785,651  
 
                                   

 

- 33 -


 

For 2007, business segment results were as follows:
                                                 
    Canada     U.S.A     Africa     Asia     Corporate        
(in thousands)   Mining     Mining     Mining     Mining     and Other     Total  
 
                                               
Statement of Operations:
                                               
Revenues
    32,915       34,736                   9,113       76,764  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Expenses
                                               
Operating expenses
    27,012       14,598                   5,428       47,038  
Sales royalties and capital taxes
    2,215                         86       2,301  
Mineral property exploration
    16,402       126             4,067       132       20,727  
General and administrative
                            12,323       12,323  
Stock option expense
                            1,382       1,382  
 
                                   
 
    45,629       14,724             4,067       19,351       83,771  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Income (loss) from operations
    (12,714 )     20,012             (4,067 )     (10,238 )     (7,007 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Revenues — supplemental:
                                               
Uranium concentrates
    32,915       32,210                         65,125  
Environmental services
                            4,723       4,723  
Management fees and commissions
                            4,390       4,390  
Alternate feed processing and other
          2,526                         2,526  
 
                                   
 
                                               
 
    32,915       34,736                   9,113       76,764  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Long-lived assets:
                                               
Property, plant and equipment
                                               
Plant and equipment
    86,810       38,981       314       88       1,899       128,092  
Mineral properties
    369,066       18,601       209,694       2,370             599,731  
Intangibles
          484                   6,495       6,979  
Goodwill
    122,330                               122,330  
 
                                   
 
                                               
 
    578,206       58,066       210,008       2,458       8,394       857,132  
 
                                   
Revenue Concentration
The Company’s business is such that, at any given time, it sells its uranium and vanadium concentrates to and enters into process milling arrangements and other services with a relatively small number of customers. During 2008, four customers accounted for approximately 68% of total revenues. During 2007, three customers accounted for approximately 91% of total revenues.
23.  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Uranium Participation Corporation
The Company is a party to a management services agreement with UPC. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will receive the following fees from UPC: a) a commission of 1.5% of the gross value of any purchases or sales of U3O8 and UF6 completed at the request of the Board of Directors of UPC; b) a minimum annual management fee of CDN$400,000 (plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses) plus an additional fee of 0.3% per annum based upon UPC’s net asset value between CDN$100,000,000 and CDN$200,000,000 and 0.2% per annum based upon UPC’s net asset value in excess of CDN$200,000,000; c) a fee of CDN$200,000 upon the completion of each equity financing where proceeds to UPC exceed CDN$20,000,000; d) a fee of CDN$200,000 for each transaction or arrangement (other than the purchase or sale of U3O8 and UF6) of business where the gross value of such transaction exceeds CDN$20,000,000 (“an initiative”); e) an annual fee up to a maximum of CDN$200,000, at the discretion of the Board of Directors of UPC, for on-going maintenance or work associated with an initiative; and f) a fee equal to 1.5% of the gross value of any uranium held by UPC prior to the completion of any acquisition of at least 90% of the common shares of UPC.
In accordance with the management services agreement, all uranium investments owned by UPC are held in accounts with conversion facilities in the name of DMI as manager for and on behalf of UPC.

 

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From time to time, the Company has also provided temporary revolving credit facilities to UPC which generate interest and standby fee income. As at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, there were no drawn amounts outstanding under these facilities.
In 2008, the Company sold 50,000 pounds of U3O8 to UPC at a price of $64.50 per pound for total consideration of $3,225,000. In 2007, the Company sold 75,000 pounds of U3O8 to UPC at a price of $130.00 per pound for total consideration of $9,750,000.
The following transactions were incurred with UPC for the periods noted:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Revenue
               
Uranium sales
  $ 3,225     $ 9,750  
Management fees (including expenses)
    1,695       2,301  
Commission fees on purchase and sale of uranium
    1,234       2,089  
Other income (expense):
               
Loan interest under credit facility
          202  
Standby fee under credit facility
          9  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 6,154     $ 14,351  
 
           
At December 31, 2008, accounts receivable includes $130,000 (2007: $377,000) due from UPC with respect to the fees indicated above.
Other
During 2008 and 2007, the Company had the following additional related party transactions:
  a)  
In 2007, the Company sold 16,562,500 shares of Fortress to a company associated with the Chairman of the Company for gross proceeds of approximately CDN$20,703,000;
  b)  
Management and administrative service fees of $162,000 (2007: $251,000) with a company owned by the Chairman of the Company which provides corporate development, office premises, secretarial and other services. At December 31, 2008, an amount of nil (2007: $9,000) was due to this company; and
  c)  
In 2007, the Company provided executive and administrative services to Fortress and charged an aggregate of $69,000 for such services.
24.  
JOINT VENTURE INTERESTS
The Company conducts a substantial portion of its production and exploration activities through joint ventures. The joint ventures allocate production and exploration expenses to each joint venture participant and the participant derives revenue directly from the sale of such product. The Company records its proportionate share of assets, liabilities and operating costs of the joint ventures.

 

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A summary of joint venture information is as follows:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Operating expenses
  $ 43,779     $ 26,179  
Mineral property exploration
    14,168       14,009  
General and administrative
    214       63  
Net other income
    (40 )     (46 )
 
           
 
               
Loss for the year before taxes
    58,121       40,205  
 
           
 
               
Current assets
    15,718       21,044  
Property, plant and equipment
               
Plant and equipment
    77,669       85,997  
Mineral properties
    296,307       371,437  
Intangibles
    421       484  
Current liabilities
    4,176       4,177  
Long-term liabilities
    2,096       2,712  
 
           
 
               
Net investment in joint ventures
  $ 383,843     $ 472,073  
 
           
25.  
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The net change in non-cash working capital items is as follows:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Decrease (increase) in non-cash working capital items:
               
Trade and other receivables
  $ 23,812     $ (28,443 )
Inventories
    (51,099 )     (9,468 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    136       (687 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    3,136       14,636  
Reclamation and remediation obligations
    (849 )     (436 )
Deferred revenue
    554       (1,480 )
Post-employment benefits
    (338 )     (432 )
 
           
 
               
Net change in non-cash working capital items
  $ (24,648 )     (26,310 )
 
           
26.  
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Capital Management
The Company’s capital includes debt and shareholder’s equity. The Company’s primary objective with respect to its capital management is to ensure that it has sufficient capital to maintain its ongoing operations, to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to pursue growth opportunities. As at December 31, 2008, the Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements (other than the financial covenants relating to the revolving credit facility) and there has been no change with respect to the overall capital risk management strategy.
The total capital as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is calculated as follows:
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
 
               
Debt obligations — current and long-term
  $ 99,754     $ 42  
Less: Cash and equivalents
    (3,206 )     (19,680 )
 
           
Adjusted net debt (cash)
    96,548       (19,638 )
 
               
Shareholders’ Equity
    608,352       796,270  
 
           
 
               
Adjusted net debt to Shareholders’ Equity ratio
    15.9 %      
 
           
The debt obligations increased during the year to finance the Company’s ongoing mine development and exploration programs.

 

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Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The Company examines the various financial instrument risks to which it is exposed and assesses the impact and likelihood of those risks. These risks may include credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, interest rate risk and price risk.
  (a)  
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of loss due to a counterparty’s inability to meet its obligations. The Company’s credit risk is related to trade receivables in the ordinary course of business, cash and cash equivalents and investments. The Company sells uranium exclusively to large organizations with strong credit ratings and the balance of trade receivables owed to the Company in the ordinary course of business is not significant. Cash and cash equivalents are in place with major financial institutions and the Canadian and US government. Therefore, the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk and overall the Company’s credit risk has not changed significantly from the prior year.
  (b)  
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulties in meeting obligations associated with its financial liabilities and other contractual obligations. The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis. The Company ensures that there is sufficient committed capital to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash flows from operations and its holdings of cash and cash equivalents. The Company has in place a three year term revolving credit facility in the amount of US$125,000,000 to meet its cash flow needs (see note 13).
The maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities are as follows:
                 
    Within 1     1 to 5  
(in thousands)   Year     Years  
 
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 23,787     $  
Debt obligations (Note 13)
    464       100,059  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 24,251     $ 100,059  
 
           
  (c)  
Currency Risk
Foreign exchange risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s risk management objective is to reduce cash flow risk related to foreign denominated cash flows. Financial instruments that impact the Company’s operations or other comprehensive income due to currency fluctuations include: non United States dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term investments and bank debt.
The sensitivity of the Company’s operations and other comprehensive income due to changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and its Zambian kwacha functional currencies and its United States dollar reporting currency as at December 31, 2008 is summarized below:
                 
            Change in  
    Change in     Comprehensive  
(in thousands)   Net Income (1)     Net Income (1)  
 
               
Canadian dollar
               
10% increase in value
  $ (924 )   $ 41,561  
10% decrease in value
  $ 924     $ (41,561 )
Zambian kwacha
               
10% increase in value
  $ (5,429 )   $ (5,429 )
10% decrease in value
  $ 5,429     $ 5,429  
     
(1)  
In the above table, positive (negative) values represent increases (decreases) in net income and comprehensive net income respectively.

 

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  (d)  
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding borrowings and short-term investments. Presently, all of the Company’s outstanding borrowings are at floating interest rates. The Company monitors its exposure to interest rates and has not entered into any derivative contracts to manage this risk. The weighted average interest rate paid by the Company during 2008 on its outstanding borrowings was 4.48%.
An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points (1 percent) would have increased the amount of interest expense recorded in 2008 by approximately $624,000.
  (e)  
Price Risk
The Company is exposed to price risk on the commodities which it produces and sells. The Company is exposed to equity price risk as a result of holding long-term investments in other exploration and mining companies. The Company does not actively trade these investments.
The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to commodity price risk and equity price risk at December 31, 2008:
                 
            Change in  
    Change in     Comprehensive  
(in thousands)   Net Income (1)     Net Income (1)  
 
               
Commodity price risk
               
10% increase in uranium prices (2)
  $ 5,906     $ 5,906  
10% decrease in uranium prices (2)
  $ (5,906 )   $ (5,906 )
Equity price risk
               
10% increase in equity prices
  $     $ 1,069  
10% decrease in equity prices
  $     $ (1,069 )
     
(1)  
In the above table, positive (negative) values represent increases (decreases) in net income and comprehensive net income respectively.
 
(2)  
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in both the spot price and long-term price of uranium as a result of the various pricing formulas in the uranium contracts. The above sensitivity analysis is prepared using the 12 month average actual realized price and adjusting the uranium pricing formulas for a 10% increase or decrease in spot and long-term prices as applicable.
  (f)  
Fair Value Estimation
The fair value of financial instruments which trade in active markets (such as available-for-sale securities) is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted marked price used to value financial assets held by the Company is the current bid price.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
The fair values of the Company’s restricted cash and equivalents in cash and cash equivalents, U.S. government bonds, commercial paper and corporate bonds approximate carrying values.
The fair value of the Company’s debt obligations is approximately $83,740,000.
27.  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
General Legal Matters
The Company is involved, from time to time, in various legal actions and claims in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the aggregate amount of any potential liability is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results.
Third Party Indemnities
The Company has agreed to indemnify Calfrac Well Services against any future liabilities it may incur related to the assets or liabilities transferred to the Company on March 8, 2004.

 

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Performance Bonds and Letters of Credit
In conjunction with various contracts, reclamation and other performance obligations, the Company may be required to issue performance bonds and letters of credit as security to creditors to guarantee the Company’s performance. Any potential payments which might become due under these items would be related to the Company’s non-performance under the applicable contract. As at December 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding bonds and letters of credit of $24,081,000 of which $19,745,000 is collateralized by restricted cash and equivalents (see note 8) and $6,645,000 is collateralized by a reduction in the Company’s line of credit limit available for general corporate purposes.
Others
The Company has committed to payments under various operating leases. The future minimum lease payments are as follows:
         
(in thousands)        
 
       
2009
  $ 953  
2010
    827  
2011
    444  
2012
    294  
2013
    106  
2014 and thereafter
    196  
28.  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 27, 2009, Denison issued 28,750,000 common shares at a price of CDN$1.65 per common share for gross proceeds of $38,946,000 (CDN$47,437,500). Share issue costs are anticipated to be $2,000,000.
29.  
MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND U.S. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP which differ in certain material respects from those principles and practices that the Company would have followed had its consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Material differences between financial statement items under Canadian GAAP and the amounts determined under U.S. GAAP are as follows:
  a)  
Cash and Equivalents
U.S. GAAP requires that funds raised through the issuance of flow-through shares be shown as restricted cash and not be considered to be a component of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, the restricted cash would be excluded from cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows and shown as a financing activity. At December 31, 2008 $6,469,000 of funds raised from the issue of flow-through shares remained (December 31, 2007: $7,862,000).
  b)  
Plant and Equipment
Under U.S. GAAP, assets held for resale are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value and are not depreciated.
  c)  
Mineral Properties and Inventory Valuation
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company expenses exploration and development expenditures on mineral properties not sufficiently advanced to identify their development potential. At the point in time when management has concluded that the mineral property has sufficient development potential, costs are accumulated and recorded as mineral property assets. Under U.S. GAAP and practices prescribed by the SEC, all mine project related costs incurred before a commercially mineable deposit is established are expensed as incurred. The U.S. defines a commercially mineable deposit as one with proven and probable reserves which are legally extractable and a bankable feasibility study.
The Company amortizes its mineral property assets on a units of production basis and includes that amount in the valuation of work-in-progress and concentrate inventories. Since the value of the Company’s mineral property assets is less under U.S. GAAP than Canadian GAAP, the amount amortized to inventory is also less. As a result, the carrying value of inventory is also reduced to reflect the lower amortization cost.

 

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  d)  
Joint Ventures
Under Canadian GAAP, investments in jointly-controlled entities are permitted to be accounted for using the proportionate consolidation method. Under U.S. GAAP, investments in jointly-controlled entities are accounted for using the equity method. Although there are material differences between these accounting methods, the Company relies on an accommodation of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) permitting the Company to exclude the disclosure of such differences which affect only the display and classification of financial statement items excluding shareholders’ equity and net income.
  e)  
Goodwill
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company’s formation in 1997 through an amalgamation of IUC with Thornbury Capital Corporation (“Thornbury”) has been accounted for as an acquisition of Thornbury resulting in the recording of goodwill. Under U.S. GAAP, the transaction has been accounted for as a recapitalization whereby the net monetary assets of Thornbury would be recorded at fair value, except that no goodwill or other intangibles would be recorded. The goodwill recorded under Canadian GAAP has been subsequently written off. As a result, the deficit and share capital of the Company are both reduced under U.S. GAAP.
  f)  
Liabilities
Under U.S. GAAP, the sale of flow-through shares results in a liability being recognized for the excess of the purchase price paid by the investors over the fair value of common shares without the flow-through feature. The fair value of the shares is recorded as equity. When the tax deductibility of the expenditures is renounced, the liability is reversed and a future income tax liability is recorded for the amount of the benefits renounced to third parties and an income tax expense is recognized. Under Canadian GAAP, an adjustment to share capital is recorded for recognized future tax liabilities related to the renunciation of flow-through share expenditures.
  g)  
Dilution Gains
Under Canadian GAAP, gains on dilution of interests in a subsidiary or equity interest are recognized in income in the period in which they occur. Under U.S. GAAP, the gain on dilution is not recognized if it results from the sale of securities by a company in the exploration stage and instead is accounted for as a capital transaction.
The consolidated balance sheet items, adjusted to comply with U.S. GAAP, would be as follows:
                             
    December 31, 2008  
    Canadian                 U.S.  
    GAAP         Adjustments     GAAP  
 
                           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,206     (a)   $ (6,469 )   $ (3,263 )
Inventories
    44,733     (c)     (909 )     43,824  
Property, plant and equipment
    717,433     (c)     (62,270 )     655,163  
Restricted cash and equivalents
    21,286     (a)     6,469       27,755  
 
                           
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    23,787     (f)     1,682       25,469  
Future income tax liability
    124,054     (c)     (1,373 )     122,681  
Share capital
    666,278     (e)     (616 )        
 
          (f)     (1,682 )     663,980  
Additional paid-in capital
        (g)     9,814       9,814  
Deficit
    (95,482 )   (c)     (63,746 )        
 
          (c)     1,373          
 
          (e)     616          
 
          (g)     (9,814 )     (167,053 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (4,709 )   (c)     567       (4,142 )

 

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    December 31, 2007  
    Canadian                 U.S.  
    GAAP         Adjustments     GAAP  
 
                           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 19,680     (a)   $ (7,862 )   $ 11,818  
Property, plant and equipment
    727,823     (c)     (16,444 )     711,379  
Restricted cash and equivalents
    17,797     (a)     7,862       25,659  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    22,642     (f)     3,114       25,756  
Future income tax liability
    141,525     (c)     (4,621 )     136,904  
Share capital
    662,949     (e)     (616 )        
 
          (f)     (3,114 )     659,219  
Additional paid-in capital
        (g)     9,814       9,814  
Deficit
    (14,834 )   (c)     (16,098 )        
 
          (c)     4,621          
 
          (e)     616          
 
          (g)     (9,814 )     (35,509 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    110,956     (c)     (346 )     110,610  
The consolidated statements of operations and deficit and comprehensive income, adjusted to comply with U.S. GAAP, would be as follows:
                     
        2008     2007  
 
                   
Net income (loss) for the year, Canadian GAAP
      $ (80,648 )   $ 47,244  
Depreciation of assets held for resale
  (b)           (301 )
Adjust capitalized mineral property amounts, net of tax
  (c)     (49,987 )     (11,477 )
Adjust inventory valuation, net of tax
  (c)     (909 )      
 
             
 
                   
Net income (loss) for the year, U.S. GAAP
      $ (131,544 )   $ 35,466  
 
             
 
                   
Deficit, beginning of year, U.S. GAAP
      $ (35,509 )   $ (70,975 )
 
             
 
                   
Deficit, end of year, U.S. GAAP
      $ (167,053 )   $ (35,509 )
 
             
 
                   
Comprehensive income, U.S. GAAP
                   
Net income (loss) for the year, U.S. GAAP
      $ (131,544 )   $ 35,466  
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
        (17,884 )     (6,742 )
Cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss)
        (96,868 )     101,008  
 
             
 
                   
Comprehensive income (loss), U.S. GAAP
        (246,296 )     129,732  
 
             
 
                   
Basic net income (loss) per share, U.S. GAAP
      $ (0.69 )   $ 0.19  
Diluted net Income (loss) per share, U.S. GAAP
      $ (0.69 )   $ 0.18  
 
             

 

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The consolidated statements of cash flows, adjusted to comply with U.S. GAAP, would be as follows:
                     
        2008     2007  
 
                   
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                   
Under Canadian GAAP
      $ (8,764 )   $ (23,084 )
Adjustment for capitalized mineral property amounts
  (c)     (62,837 )     (16,098 )
 
             
 
                   
Under U.S. GAAP
      $ (71,601 )   $ (39,182 )
 
             
 
                   
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities:
                   
Under Canadian GAAP
      $ (115,706 )   $ (158,469 )
Adjustment for capitalized mineral property amounts
  (c)     62,837       16,098  
 
             
 
                   
Under U.S. GAAP
      $ (52,869 )   $ (142,371 )
 
             
 
                   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities:
                   
Under Canadian GAAP
      $ 107,147     $ 107,215  
Restricted cash from flow-through financings
  (a)     (6,469 )     (7,862 )
 
             
 
                   
Under U.S. GAAP
      $ 100,678     $ 99,353  
 
             
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements
  a)  
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. In addition, FIN 48 scopes out income taxes from FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. FIN 48 applies to all tax positions related to income taxes subject to FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This includes tax positions considered to be “routine” as well as those with a high degree of uncertainty.
The provisions of FIN 48 prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation requires that the Company recognize the impact of a tax position in the financial statements if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 48, any cumulative effect resulting from the change in accounting principle is to be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (deficit). The adoption of FIN 48 did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
  b)  
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FSP No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities”. The FSP permits companies to account for planned major maintenance activities using; the direct expensing method, the built-in overhaul method or the deferral method. The FSP was adopted on a retrospective basis. The Company has chosen the direct expensing method. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
  c)  
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). The Company also applied FSP FAS 157-2, which allows for the delay of implementation of FAS No. 157 for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until its fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009. SFAS 157 provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and provides expanded disclosure about the extent to which companies measure their assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; however, it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
  d)  
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted, the FASB Statement No. 159 (FAS 159), The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This statement expands the standards under FAS 157, Fair Value Measurement, to provide entities the one-time election (Fair Value Option) to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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Recent United States accounting pronouncements:
  a)  
In December 2007, FASB Statement No. 141(R), Business Combinations and No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. SFAS 141(R) and 160 provide standards with respect to improving, simplifying and converging the prevailing FASB accounting and reporting standards for business combinations and non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements with International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) standards for business combinations with an acquisition date in the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008.
FASB 141 (R) requires an acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information they need to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. FASB 160 requires all entities to report non-controlling (minority) interests in subsidiaries in the same way — as equity in the consolidated financial statements.
  b)  
In March 2008, FASB Statement No.161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities an amendment of FASB Statement 133”. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.
  c)  
In May 2008, FASB Statement No.162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (SFAS 162). Under SFAS 162, the US GAAP hierarchy will now reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB. SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation for the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP SFAS. The adoption of SFAS No 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

 

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