UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
————————
FORM 20-F
————————
(Mark One)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
OR
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from: _____________ to _____________
OR
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring shell company report ___________
Commission file number: 0-26046
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
British Virgin Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre,
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
(Address of principal executive offices)
Zhu Youyi, Chief Financial Officer
Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre,
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
zhuyouyi@chnr.net
(Name, telephone number, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Shares, without par value
Trading symbol(s)
CHNR
Name of each exchange on which registered
Nasdaq Capital Market
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report. 33,988,082
common shares as of December 31, 2020.
Indicate by check mark if the issuer is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their
obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days.
Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions
of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Yes No
Yes No
Large Accelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated Filer
Accelerated Filer
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended
transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
By the International Accounting Standards Board
Other
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Item 17 Item 18
Yes No
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards
Codification after April 5, 2012.
CONVENTIONS
Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Annual Report to “U.S. Dollars,” “Dollars,” “US$,” or “$” are to United States dollars; all references to “HK$”
are to Hong Kong dollars; and all references to “Renminbi,” “RMB” or “CNY” are to Chinese Yuan, which is the lawful currency of the People’s Republic of China. The
accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries are maintained in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi. The financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are
prepared in Renminbi. Translations of amounts from Renminbi to U.S. Dollars, and from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. Dollars are for the convenience of the reader. Unless
otherwise indicated, any translations from Renminbi to U.S. Dollars or from U.S. Dollars to Renminbi have been made at the single rate of exchange (the “CNY
Exchange Rate”) as quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2020, which was US$1.00 = CNY6.5306. Translations from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. Dollars have been
made at the official pegged exchange rate of US$1.00 = HK$7.80 as of December 31, 2020, and from Hong Kong dollars to Renminbi have been made at the single rate
of exchange as quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2020, which was HK$1.00 = CNY0.8895. The Renminbi is not freely convertible into foreign currencies and no
representation is made that the Renminbi or U.S. Dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. Dollars or Renminbi, as the case may
be, at the CNY Exchange Rate or at all.
References to “Bayannaoer Mining” are to Bayannaoer City Feishang Mining Company Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Yangpu Shuanghu.
References to the “BVI” are to the British Virgin Islands.
References to “China Coal” are to China Coal Mining Investment Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
References to the “Company,” “CHNR,” “we,” “us,” and “our company” are to China Natural Resources, Inc., a BVI company. Unless the context otherwise
requires, references to the Company and/or CHNR include the operations of its subsidiaries.
References to “common shares” are to the common shares, without par value, of CHNR.
References to “Double Grow” are to Double Grow International Limited, a company organized in the BVI and, until December 29, 2017, a wholly owned
subsidiary of CHNR.
References to “Feishang Anthracite” and “FARL” are to Feishang Anthracite Resources Limited (formerly known as Wealthy Year Limited), a company
organized in the BVI whose ordinary shares were listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”) on January
22, 2014; and, until January 22, 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
References to “Feishang Dayun” are to Feishang Dayun Coal Mining Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and a wholly owned subsidiary of Pineboom.
References to “Feishang Enterprise” are to Feishang Enterprise Group Co., Ltd., a company organized in the PRC that is our affiliate and is controlled by Mr. Li
Feilie, the principal beneficial owner of the Company and its former Chairman and CEO.
References to “Feishang Group” are to Feishang Group Limited, CHNR’s principal shareholder and a company organized in the BVI that is ultimately controlled
by Mr. Li Feilie.
References to “Feishang Hesheng” are to Feishang Hesheng Investment Limited, a company organized in the BVI that is our affiliate and is ultimately controlled
by Mr. Li Feilie.
References to “Feishang Management” are to Shenzhen Feishang Management and Consulting Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Yunnan Mining.
References to “Feishang Mining” are to Feishang Mining Holdings Limited, a company organized in the BVI and, since February 3, 2006, a wholly owned
subsidiary of CHNR.
References to “Feishang Yongfu” are to Feishang Yongfu Mining Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and a wholly owned subsidiary of Newhold.
References to “FMH Services” are to FMH Corporate Services Inc., a company organized in Florida and a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR. FMH Services is
currently inactive.
i
References to “Full Profit” are to Full Profit Investments Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly owned subsidiary of Double Grow.
References to the “Group” are to the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
References to “HK” or “Hong Kong” are to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
References to “IFRS” or “IFRSs” are to International Financial Reporting Standard/International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
References to “Newhold” are to Newhold Investments Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
References to “Pineboom” are to Pineboom Investments Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
References to the “PRC” or “China” are to the People’s Republic of China and, solely for the purpose of this Annual Report, excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and
Taiwan.
References to the “Related-Party Debtholders” are to the companies affiliated with Mr. Li Feilie, CHNR’s principal beneficial owner, including without
limitation, Feishang Enterprise and Feishang Group.
References to “shareholders” of CHNR are to the members of the Company. “Members” under BVI law are the equivalent of “shareholders” under the laws of
the several states of the United States.
References to “Silver Moon” are to Silver Moon Technologies Limited, a company organized in the BVI and an 80%-owned subsidiary of CHNR. Silver Moon
is currently inactive.
References to “Sunwide” are to Sunwide Capital Limited, a company organized in the BVI and a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR. Sunwide is currently
inactive.
References to “Wuhu Feishang” are to Wuhu Feishang Mining Development Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and, until March 3, 2017, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Feishang Mining.
References to “Yangpu Lianzhong” are to Yangpu Lianzhong Mining Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly owned subsidiary of China
Coal.
References to “Yangpu Shuanghu” are to Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial Development Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Feishang Yongfu.
References to “Yunnan Mining” are to Yunnan Feishang Mining Co., Limited, a company organized in the PRC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Yangpu
Shuanghu.
ii
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Any statements
contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. For example, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,”
“estimates,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “continue,” “strategy,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” and similar expressions are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this Annual Report and include, without limitation, statements regarding the belief
and current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to the Company’s policies regarding its business development, investments, dispositions,
financings, conflicts of interest and other matters, and trends affecting the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Forward-looking statements are not a
guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement as a result of
various factors. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are:
uncertainties regarding the governmental, economic and political circumstances in the PRC;
uncertainties associated with metal price volatility;
uncertainties concerning the viability of mining and estimates of reserves at the Company’s Moruogu Tong Mine in Inner Mongolia;
uncertainties regarding our ability to extract reserves located at the Moruogu Tong Mine in an economically feasible manner;
uncertainties related to our ability to fund operations;
uncertainties regarding the impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic on domestic PRC and global economic conditions, demand for the
mineral reserves that we may locate or extract, our workforce, whether due to illness or restrictions on movement, and on the price of our common shares;
uncertainties related to possible future increases in operating expenses;
uncertainties related to the Company’s ability to identify potential partners or acquisition targets as it considers strategic alternatives, including in the
healthcare sector;
the potential lack of appetite for the Company’s current holdings as consideration for a transaction;
possible downturns in the PRC healthcare sector or other sectors that the Company may invest in;
the results of the next assessment by the Staff of the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications department of the Company’s compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules;
uncertainties related to the political situation between the PRC and the United States, the implementation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”) of more stringent disclosure and/or other requirements for companies located in the PRC and potential negative impacts on companies with
operations in the PRC that are listed on exchanges in the United States; and
other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including without limitation the information set forth in Item 3.D. of this
Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors.”
With respect to forward-looking statements that include a statement of underlying assumptions or bases, the Company cautions that, while it believes such
assumptions or bases to be reasonable and has formed them in good faith, assumed facts or bases almost always vary from actual results, and the differences between
assumed facts or bases and actual results can be material depending on the circumstances. When, in any forward-looking statement, the Company, or its management,
expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, that expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and is believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no
assurance that the stated expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished.
iii
ITEM 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
PART I
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION
A.
Selected Financial Data
The selected financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 set forth below should be read in conjunction
with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The selected financial data is stated in CNY and is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31,
2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS.
The selected consolidated statements of profit or loss data for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and the consolidated statements of
financial position data as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part III, “Item 18. Financial
Statements” of this Annual Report. The selected consolidated statements of financial position data as of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and the selected consolidated
statements of profit or loss data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in
this Annual Report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our results in any future period.
Consolidated statements of profit or loss have been restated retrospectively for the year ended December 31, 2016 due to the disposal of Wuhu Feishang and
Double Grow on March 3, 2017 and December 29, 2017, respectively. Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow were the primary contributors to the Group’s exploration and
mining of non-ferrous metals segment and copper smelting segments, respectively, which represent a separate major line of business with separately identifiable
operations and cash flows. Accordingly, the results of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow are classified and separately reported as “discontinued operations” in the
consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. The comparative amounts reported in the consolidated statements of profit or
loss and related notes have been revised accordingly to reflect the reclassification between continuing operations and the discontinued operations. In addition, the gains
recognized on the disposal of Wuhu Feishang and Double Grow are included in the results of the discontinued operations.
1
Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss Data
Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
Operating loss
Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Finance costs
Interest income
(Loss)/profit before income tax
—
—
—
—
(4,519)
(4,519)
-
(1)
75
(4,445)
—
—
—
—
(6,204)
(6,204)
-
(14)
39
(6,179)
—
—
—
—
(6,207)
(6,207)
-
5
26
(6,176)
Income tax benefit
—
—
—
Loss for the year from continuing operations attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Loss for the year from discontinued operations attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
(Loss)/profit attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
(Loss)/earnings per share attributable to owners of the Company:
Basic and diluted
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Amounts in thousands, except share amounts and per share data
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
CNY
Year Ended
December 31,
2017
CNY
Year Ended
December 31,
2018
CNY
Year Ended
December 31,
2019
CNY
Year Ended
December 31,
2020
CNY
12,969
(12,752)
217
(2)
(5,814)
(5,599)
-
(62)
16
(5,645)
—
(5,645)
—
(5,645)
—
—
—
6,867
(6,854)
13
(2 )
(7,140 )
(7,129)
31,334
(60)
18
24,163
1,416
25,579
—
25,579
—
—
—
25,579
—
25,579
0.90
—
0.90
(4,445)
—
(4,445)
(18,591)
—
(18,591)
(23,036)
—
(23,036)
(6,179)
—
(6,179)
(6,176)
—
(6,176)
—
—
—
(23,817)
—
(23,817)
(29,996)
—
(29,996)
(6,176)
—
(6,176)
(5,645)
—
(5,645)
(0.18)
(0.74)
(0.92)
(0.25)
(0.95)
(1.20)
(0.25)
—
(0.25)
(0.23)
—
(0.23)
24,910,916
24,910,916
24,910,916
24,910,916
24,910,916
24,910,916
24,910,916
24,910,916
28,308,653
28,308,653
2
December 31,
2016
CNY
December 31,
2017
CNY
Amounts in thousands
December 31,
2018
CNY
December 31,
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
—
36,242
94,793
76,296
81,598
13,195
13,195
312,081
—
29,411
29,748
45,253
45,253
(15,505)
(15,505)
312,081
—
7,468
7,743
29,541
29,541
(21,798)
(21,798)
312,081
—
7,468
8,298
35,852
35,852
(27,554)
(27,554)
312,081
138,674
141,191
142,428
30,915
41,226
101,202
101,202
390,297
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Total current assets
Total assets
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity/(deficiency in assets)
Equity/(deficiency in assets) attributable to owners of the Company
Capital stock
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
D.
Risk Factors
An investment in our common shares involves a high degree of risk and should be considered speculative. You should carefully consider the following risks set
out below and other information before investing in our common shares. If any event arising from these risks occurs, our business, prospects, financial condition, results
of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected, the trading price of our common shares could decline and all or part of your investment may be lost.
Risks Relating to Our Planned Expansion into Other Sectors
We currently do not generate revenue from operations, and as a result, we face a high risk of business failure.
We have generated minimal revenues from our current operations to date and have ceased our trading of copper ore, which was our sole revenue generating
activity. Our ability to generate revenues in the future largely depends on our ability to pivot to a new sector in order to operate our business. As such, in order to generate
revenues, we may incur substantial expenses in identifying a new focus for our business. We therefore expect to incur significant losses in the foreseeable future. We
recognize that if we are unable to generate significant revenues from our activities, our entire business may fail. There is no history upon which to base any assumption as
to the likelihood that we will be successful in our strategic plan, and we can provide no assurance to investors that we will generate operating revenues or achieve
profitable operations in the future.
We may acquire other businesses or form joint ventures that could negatively affect our operating results, dilute our stockholders’ ownership, increase our debt or
cause us to incur significant expense.
We are actively seeking opportunities to enter the healthcare industry in the PRC; however, we cannot offer any assurance that acquisitions of businesses, assets
and/or entering into strategic alliances or joint ventures will be successful. We may not be able to find suitable partners or acquisition candidates and may not be able to
complete such transactions on favorable terms, if at all. If we make any acquisitions, we may not be able to integrate these acquisitions successfully into our existing
infrastructure. In addition, in the event we acquire any existing businesses we could assume unknown or contingent liabilities.
Any future acquisitions could result in incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or future write-offs of intangible assets or goodwill, any of which could have a
negative impact on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. Integration of an acquired company may also disrupt ongoing operations and require
management resources that otherwise would be focused on developing and expanding the acquired business. We may experience losses related to potential investments in
other companies, which could harm our financial condition and results of operations. Further, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, strategic
alliance or joint venture if such investments do not materialize.
3
To finance any acquisitions or joint ventures, we may choose to issue shares of common shares, or a combination of debt and equity as consideration, which
could significantly dilute the ownership of our existing shareholders or provide rights to such target shareholders in priority over our common shareholders. Additional
funds may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. If the price of our common shares is low or volatile, we may not be able to acquire other companies
or fund a joint venture project using stock as consideration.
Future acquisitions or strategic investments could be difficult to identify and integrate, divert the attention of management, and could disrupt our business, dilute
stockholder value and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
As part of our growth strategy, we may acquire or invest in other businesses, assets or technologies that are outside of the sectors we have historically operated in
but fit within our strategic goals. Any acquisition or investment may divert the attention of management and require us to use significant amounts of cash, issue dilutive
equity securities or incur debt. We have limited experience in acquiring other businesses. In addition, we may be exposed to unknown risks, any of which could adversely
affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition, including risks arising from:
difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, product or service offerings, administrative systems, and personnel of acquired businesses, especially
if those businesses operate outside of our core competency or geographies in which we currently operate;
potential loss of key employees of the acquired business;
inability to maintain key business relationships and reputation of the acquired business;
litigation arising from the acquisition or the activities of the acquired business, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former
stockholders or other third parties;
assumption of contractual obligations that contain terms that are not beneficial to us, require us to license, or increase our risk of liability;
complications in the integration of acquired businesses or diminished prospects, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its global economic
effects;
failure to generate the expected financial results related to an acquisition on a timely manner or at all;
failure to accurately forecast the impact of an acquisition transaction; and
implementation or remediation of effective controls, procedures, and policies for acquired businesses.
Because a majority of our management’s prior business experience has been limited to industries outside of the healthcare space, they may lack the necessary
experience to consummate a business combination with a target business in an alternative industry.
A significant portion of our management’s prior business experience has been limited to industries outside the healthcare space. As we explore opportunities in
new industries, we have been considering opportunities in the healthcare sector. Messrs. Zou Yu and Peng Wenlie are the only members of our management that have
experience in the healthcare sector, and we are reliant on their expertise for finding an attractive business combination or joint venture. If we locate an attractive business
combination that is unrelated to the industries our management has worked with, our management may not have the necessary experience to adequately assess the merits
or risks of the industries or segments in which the business operates. In addition, our management may not have the necessary experience to operate such acquired
business successfully.
Our primary asset available as consideration for a business combination is the FARL shares. A target may not view that asset as attractive for merger purposes.
We do not have a current operating business and our primary asset is 120,000,000 shares of FARL. Our purchase price when acquiring the FARL shares was
adjusted for a 27.5% liquidity discount, based on an independent valuation report. Potential targets may not be interested in the assets we have available as consideration,
due to liquidity concerns regarding the FARL shares. As a result, we may have more difficulty completing a business combination or engaging in a joint venture, even if
we locate suitable opportunities.
4
Risks Relating to Our Mine Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia
Our current operations are highly speculative due to the high-risk nature of our current business, which includes the acquisition, financing, exploration, and
development of mineral properties and operation of mines. The risks and uncertainties set out below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not
currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, may also impair our operations. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and
operating results could be adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our common shares could decline, and investors could lose part or all of their investment.
The Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine (the “Moruogu Tong Mine”) is in the exploration stage and we may not generate revenues for the foreseeable future.
Our operating subsidiary, Bayannaoer Mining, is in the exploration stage at the Moruogu Tong Mine located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the
PRC, and, at this stage, we cannot predict whether ore can be mined on a profitable basis. During the exploration stage, the mine incurs operating expenses but does not
generate revenues. We intend to fund mine exploration, construction and development through funds received pursuant to Bayannaoer Mining’s mutual cooperation
agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with Bayannaoer Jijincheng Mining Co., Ltd. (“Jijincheng Mining”) and loans from a related party. Jijincheng Mining is
currently running the exploration program for the Moruogu Tong Mine, pursuant to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement. To date, the exploration program has
indicated the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. However,
Jijincheng Mining may terminate the Cooperation Agreement if no resources are discovered in three consecutive drilling holes or in 50% of the drilling holes, in which
case we may be unable to find a suitable replacement partner or source of funds. At this stage of exploratory activities, we cannot predict whether sufficient ore of
acceptable quality will be found at the Moruogu Tong Mine to warrant further exploration and/or extraction.
The Moruogu Tong Mine is currently being explored under an agreement that effectively reduces our share in any future profits from mineral extraction at the mine.
On August 20, 2017, Bayannaoer Mining entered into the Cooperation Agreement with Jijincheng Mining, an unrelated third party. The Cooperation Agreement
is intended to provide for financial support for the operating expenses of the Moruogu Tong Mine during the exploration stage, and the allocation of rights and
responsibilities between Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining. According to the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining is responsible for engaging the
exploration team and providing the required funding. Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement: (i) Bayannaoer Mining contributed the existing exploration results for the
Moruogu Tong Mine; (ii) Jijincheng Mining provides the necessary funds for further exploration at the mine; (iii) Bayannaoer Mining enjoys full rights to any resources
already discovered and confirmed by its independent exploration work conducted prior to commencement of the cooperative exploration project; (iv) Bayannaoer Mining
and Jijincheng Mining will each receive a 50% interest in any newly discovered resources from the first 10 drilling holes in the cooperative exploration project; and (v)
Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining will receive 30% and 70% interests, respectively, in any newly discovered resources from drilling work beyond the first 10
drilling holes in the cooperative exploration project. Other details of the Cooperation Agreement, including allocations and distributions upon completion of exploration
work, remain to be negotiated between the parties. There is no assurance that the details of the arrangement that remain to be negotiated will be resolved in a manner
satisfactory to the Company. Moreover, because the Cooperation Agreement provides us with either a half or minority interest in the resources discovered as part of the
cooperative exploration project, we will not be able to enjoy the full economic benefits of the resources we discover in the Moruogu Tong Mine for the duration of the
Cooperation Agreement.
Our estimates of the reserves contained in the Moruogu Tong Mine are based upon protocols not generally recognized in the United States and the various
assumptions underlying our estimates may be inaccurate.
The Moruogu Tong Mine is the subject of a geological survey prepared in conformity with procedures and protocols recognized in the PRC. These procedures
and protocols are different from those generally recognized in the United States. In addition, reserve estimation is an interpretive process based upon available data and
various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, and the economic value of ore reserves may be adversely affected by price fluctuations in the metals markets,
reduced recovery rates or a rise in production costs as a result of inflation or other technical problems arising in the course of extraction. If the assumptions upon which
we conduct the reserve study prove to be inaccurate, we may reach incorrect conclusions as to the nature and extent of resources present at the Moruogu Tong Mine, and
we may not be able to generate revenues in an amount that would lead to profitability or at all.
5
There are no assurances that we can produce minerals on a commercially viable basis.
The Company’s ability to generate revenue and profit from the Moruogu Tong Mine is expected to occur through exploration, evaluation, advancement and
operation of that property. The economic feasibility of a project depends on numerous factors, including the cost of mining and production facilities required to extract the
desired minerals, the total mineral deposits that can be mined using a given facility, the proximity of the mineral deposits to refining facilities, and the market price of the
minerals at the time of sale. There is no assurance that our current or future exploration programs or any acquisitions will result in the identification of deposits that can be
mined profitably.
Volatility in the market prices of metals may adversely affect the results of our operations.
The market prices of lead, silver and other metals have experienced significant volatility in recent years. Market prices depend upon many factors beyond our
control, which include industry specific factors such as supply and demand and the level of customer inventories, as well as factors such as local and world-wide general
economic conditions, and disruptions caused by unforeseen domestic or international crisis such as the global outbreak of COVID-19. The uncertainties surrounding the
market prices of metals and the costs of extraction may adversely affect our ability to operate on a profitable basis if our mining exploration proves fruitful.
Due to the global economic slowdown and trade conflicts of the past few years, the market prices of metals have generally been weak. We believe that the price
of silver increased simply because of the investment demand for silver as a safe-haven asset. See “Item 4.B. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY – Business Overview
– Lead, Silver and Copper Industry and Market” for information on the historical prices in 2020 and prior years. The global outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 caused
disruptions to business activities at all levels and a slowdown in the PRC as well as global economy. The PRC was the first major economy to recover from the pandemic
and the only one to report positive economic growth in 2020. Investment, supply and demand in the metals industry was initially weak and later gradually recovered as the
economy and expectations improved, resulting in high volatility in the market prices of lead, silver and copper. In 2020, the Shanghai Futures Exchange (“SHFE”) lead
price hit a low of CNY12,620 (US$1,932) per ton and a high of CNY16,585 (US$2,540) per ton, the SHFE silver price reached a low of CNY2,857 (US$437) per
kilogram (“kg”) and a high of CNY6,877 (US$1,053) per kg, and the SHFE copper price hit a low of CNY35,300 (US$5,405) per ton and a high of CNY59,640
(US$9,132) per ton, each reflecting high volatility. The extent to which demand will be supported in the future is highly uncertain, as there remains uncertainty on how
soon the COVID-19 pandemic will be controlled globally and global economic activities rebound to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Any widespread resurgence of
COVID-19 or other pandemic in the future could significantly and adversely impact market sentiment and the broader economy. Therefore, demand and price volatility in
the commodity markets may continue for a prolonged period or further deteriorate, which may adversely affect our ability to sell minerals from the Moruogu Tong Mine
on a profitable basis.
The loss of key personnel could affect our business and prospects.
We believe that our future success depends in part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel necessary for the development of our
business. If one or more members of our management team or other key technical personnel become unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, and if
additional key personnel cannot be hired and retained as needed, our business and prospects for growth could be adversely affected.
We will be subject to government regulations in various aspects of our exploration activities and our failure to comply with applicable government regulations could
adversely affect us.
Bayannaoer Mining, our subsidiary that acquired exploration rights to the Moruogu Tong Mine, is and will continue to be subject to the regulations of various
aspects of its operations by a variety of laws, rules and regulations administered by the national and local Chinese government, including laws, rules and regulations
relating to: exploration activities, environmental protection; the use and preservation of dangerous substances; employment practices; as well as land use laws and a
variety of local business laws and rules. Our failure to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations could adversely affect our operations and subject us to fines and
other penalties including suspension or termination of our business permits.
We do not have binding agreements with customers to purchase any future output of metals.
While we believe there is a robust market for lead, silver and other metals not only in China but also in other countries (although our operations are currently
limited to the PRC and are not currently producing any metals), we do not currently have any commitments from any customers to purchase our future output of metals.
As a result, we may not be able to sell any metals that we are able to successfully extract at prices that are acceptable to us or at all.
6
Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition
We have incurred losses from operations for each of the preceding three fiscal years and there is no assurance that we will generate profits in the future.
For the three years ended December 31, 2018 and, 2019 and 2020, we incurred operating losses from continuing operations of CNY6.21 million, CNY5.60
million and CNY7.13 million (US$1.09 million), respectively. Our operating losses mainly represent administrative expenses such as legal and professional fees, as well
as exploration expenses in the Moruogu Tong Mine. Our profitability is dependent upon many factors, including our ability to fund our exploration and operating
expenses, produce metal outputs, and sell our production output to third parties, or successfully execute our plans to pivot to another industry, such as healthcare. Other
factors, such as uncertainty over the demand and market price for lead, silver and other metals, or the availability of attractive acquisition targets in other industries, are
outside of our control. There is no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to achieve profitability.
We currently do not generate revenues from operations; we will have to fund operating expenses until we are able to generate sufficient revenue to pay them.
We do not currently generate revenues from operations. We will continue to incur operating expenses in connection with our exploratory activities, and we intend
to fund those expenses with the proceeds of loans from our Related-Party Debtholders, if available, payments pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement and, to the extent
deemed necessary, bank borrowings. There is no assurance that we will be able to secure amounts sufficient to fund our operating expenses until such time as we are able
to generate revenues sufficient to pay those expenses.
Any failure to maintain effective internal controls could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and the market price of our shares.
The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“SOX”), adopted rules requiring most public companies to
include a management report on such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the
effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we become an accelerated or large accelerated filer, as defined in the SEC’s rules,
we will be required to provide an annual attestation from an independent registered public accounting firm on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 was effective. However, we cannot assure you that our
management will not identify material weaknesses in the future, or our independent public registered accounting firm will not identify material weaknesses if it assesses
our internal control over financial reporting in the future. In addition, because of the inherent limitations of any internal control over financial reporting, including the
possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As
a result, if we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or should we be unable to prevent or detect material misstatements due to error or fraud on
a timely basis, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and results of operations, negatively
impact the market price of our shares, and harm our reputation. Furthermore, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur considerable costs and to use significant
management time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the SOX.
Risks Relating to PRC Operations
Our current business operations are conducted in the PRC; our executive officers, directors and principal shareholder, our auditors and our bank accounts are
located in the PRC; and many of our subsidiaries are organized and funded in the PRC. As we are subject to the laws, rules, regulations and customs of the PRC,
investors should consider the following Risk Factors.
We may become subject to additional extensive and evolving regulatory requirements, non-compliance with which, or changes in which, may materially and adversely
affect our business and prospects.
Due to the complex nature of the healthcare business, we may become subject to the legal and regulatory requirements of multiple industries in the PRC if we
combine with or acquire a company, acquire assets and/or enter into strategic alliances or joint ventures in the PRC in such industries. These industries primarily include
the pharmacy, healthcare, and pharmaceutical and healthcare retail products industries. Various regulatory authorities in the PRC are empowered to promulgate and
implement regulations governing broad aspects of these industries. Any violation of the relevant laws, rules and regulations may result in harsh penalties and, under
certain circumstances, lead to criminal prosecution.
7
The regulations relating to healthcare sector in the PRC are evolving, and their interpretation and potential enforcement present significant uncertainty. As a
result, under certain circumstances, it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions would be deemed to be in violation of the applicable laws and regulations.
These uncertainties entail risks that may materially and adversely affect our business prospects. Due to the uncertainty and complexity of the regulatory environment, we
cannot assure you that future laws and regulations would not render any operations that we engage in non-compliant or that we will always be in full compliance with
applicable laws and regulations. Compliance with future laws and regulations may require us to change our business model and practices at an undeterminable and
possibly significant financial cost. These additional monetary expenditures may increase future overhead, which may, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
The manufacturing and sale of pharmaceutical and healthcare products in China are each subject to extensive and evolving government regulations and
supervision. If we enter these industries, any unfavorable regulatory changes in these industries may also increase our compliance burden and materially and adversely
affect our business, profitability and prospects. Certain other laws, rules and regulations may affect the pricing of, demand for and sales of pharmaceutical and healthcare
products (such as those laws relating to the procurement, prescription and dispensing of drugs by hospitals, other medical institutions and retail pharmacies), government
funding for private healthcare and medical services, and the inclusion of products in the drugs catalogs for national basic medical insurance, on-the-job injury insurance
and maternity insurance jointly promulgated by the National Healthcare Security Administration and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC.
Furthermore, the introduction of new services and products may require us to comply with additional, yet undetermined, laws and regulations. Compliance may
require obtaining appropriate permits, licenses or certificates as well as expending additional resources to monitor developments in the relevant regulatory environment.
Failure to adequately comply with these additional laws and regulations may delay, or possibly prevent, some of our products or services from being offered, which may
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Investors should consider the ongoing development of laws and regulations in the PRC relating to our business and investments therein prior to investing in our
company, which may develop in a manner adverse to your interests.
Since 1979, the PRC government has been making efforts to promote reforms of its economic system. These reforms have brought about marked economic
growth and social progress, and the economy of China has shifted from a planned economy to a market-oriented economy. Our PRC subsidiaries have also benefited from
the economic reforms implemented by the PRC government and the related economic policies and measures. However, economic, legal and social policies in the PRC are
not similar to those of western governments and revisions or amendments may be made to these policies and measures from time to time, and we are not in a position to
predict whether any change in the political, economic or social conditions may adversely affect our operating results, and how those changes may impact us.
The PRC legal system is a statutory law system. Unlike the common law system, decided legal cases have little significance for guidance, and rulings by courts
can only be used as references with little value as precedent. Since 1979, the PRC government has established a commercial law system, and significant progress has been
made in promulgating laws and regulations relating to economic affairs, but the PRC government is still in the process of developing a comprehensive set of laws and
regulations, for example, the organization of companies and their regulation, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. However, these laws and regulations are
relatively new and judicial interpretations of them are limited in number. Moreover, as judicial interpretations are not binding, both the implementation and interpretation
of these laws and regulations are uncertain in many areas. The activities of our subsidiaries in China are subject to PRC regulations governing PRC companies. The
interpretation of PRC laws may also be subject to policy changes reflecting domestic political changes, and new laws, changes to existing laws and the pre-emption of
local regulations by national laws may adversely affect foreign investors.
We face the risk that changes in the policies of the PRC government could have a significant impact upon the business we may be able to conduct in the PRC and the
profitability of such business.
The PRC’s economy is in a transition from a planned economy to a market-oriented economy subject to five-year and annual plans adopted by the government
that set national economic development goals. The policies of the PRC government can have significant effects on the economic conditions of the PRC. During this
transition, we believe that the PRC will generally continue to strengthen its economic and trading relationships with foreign countries and business development in the
PRC will follow market forces. While we believe that this trend will continue, we cannot assure you that this will be the case, and this process has recently experienced
headwinds due to international tariff disputes. A change in policies by the PRC government could adversely affect our interests through, among other factors: changes in
laws, regulations or the interpretation thereof, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, imports or sources of supplies, or the expropriation or
nationalization of private enterprises. Although the PRC government has been pursuing economic reform policies for more than four decades, we cannot assure you that
the government will continue to pursue such policies or that such policies may not be significantly altered, especially in the event of a change in leadership, social or
political disruption, or other circumstances affecting the PRC’s political, economic and social life.
8
PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain. Any changes in such laws and regulations may have a
material and adverse effect on our business.
There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and
regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our arrangements with customers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, death,
bankruptcy and criminal proceedings. We and any future subsidiaries are or will be considered foreign persons or foreign-invested enterprises under PRC laws, and as a
result, we are and will be required to comply with PRC laws and regulations applicable to foreign persons or foreign-invested enterprises. These laws and regulations are
sometimes vague and may be subject to future changes, and their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. Exploration and mining
operations in the PRC are subject to environmental laws and regulations, and the imposition of more stringent environmental regulations may affect our ability to comply
with, or our costs to comply with, such regulations. Such changes, if implemented, may adversely affect our business operations and may reduce our profitability. The
effectiveness of newly enacted laws, regulations or amendments may be delayed, resulting in detrimental reliance by foreign investors. New laws and regulations that
affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. We cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or
regulations may have on our businesses.
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or
prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to fund and expand
our business.
We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries, or we may make additional capital
contributions to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China. Any loans to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China, which are treated as foreign-invested
enterprises under PRC law, are subject to PRC regulations and foreign exchange loan registration requirements. In addition, a foreign-invested PRC enterprise has
limitations upon its uses of capital, including restrictions on such capital being: (i) directly or indirectly used for payments beyond the business scope of the enterprise or
payments prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly used for investments in securities or investments other than banks’ principal-secured
products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations; (iii) used for the granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where expressly permitted in
the foreign-invested PRC enterprise’s business license; and (iv) used for paying expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for foreign-
invested real estate enterprises). We may also decide to finance our PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, in which case the PRC subsidiary is required to
register the details of the capital contribution with the local branch of the State Administration for Market Regulation and submit a report on the capital contribution via
the online enterprise registration system to the Ministry of Commerce.
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot
assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals or filings on a timely basis, if at all, with
respect to future loans by us to our current PRC operating subsidiary or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our current PRC operating subsidiary. If we
fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely
affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
Inflation in the PRC, or a slowing PRC economy, could negatively affect our profitability and growth.
While the PRC economy has experienced rapid growth, such growth has been uneven among various sectors of the economy and in different geographical areas
of the country. Rapid economic growth can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. If prices for our products rise at a rate that is insufficient to
compensate for the rise in the costs of supplies, it may have an adverse effect on our profitability. In order to control inflation in the past, the PRC government has
imposed controls on bank credit, limits on loans for fixed assets and restrictions on bank lending. Such an austere policy can lead to a slowing of economic growth, and
recent statistics have, indeed, suggested that China’s high annual economic growth has slowed down. In addition, the global outbreak of COVID-19 and the efforts to
contain it have negatively impacted economic development in the PRC, and around the world. Despite targeted fiscal and monetary stabilizing policies implemented by
the PRC government, the PRC economy has experienced a significant slowdown since the outbreak of COVID-19. For further discussion of the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic, please refer to “– Risks Relating to our Mine Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia – Volatility in the market prices of metals may adversely affect the
results of our operations” and “– Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-19.” As a result, domestic and global economic conditions may improve, and the markets we
intend to serve may grow, at a lower-than-expected rate or even experience a downturn, adversely affecting our future profitability and growth.
9
Our PRC subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on paying dividends and making other payments to us.
We are a holding company incorporated in the BVI. As a result of our holding company structure, dividends and other distributions to our shareholders, if any,
will depend primarily upon dividend payments from our subsidiaries. However, PRC regulations currently permit the payment of dividends only out of accumulated
profits, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our subsidiaries in China are also required to set aside a portion of their after-tax
profits as certain reserve funds according to PRC accounting standards and regulations. The PRC government also imposes controls on the conversion of Renminbi into
foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. We may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and
remit foreign currency. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries in China incur debt in the future, the debt covenants may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other
payments. If we or our subsidiaries are unable to receive dividend from our operating company, Bayannaoer Mining, due to contractual or other limitations on the
payment of dividends, we may be unable to pay dividends or make other distributions on our common shares.
Governmental control of currency conversion may affect payment of any dividends or foreign currency denominated obligations, and the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the PRC.
Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict our ability to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends, or otherwise satisfy foreign currency
denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and
expenditures can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) by complying with certain
procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate governmental authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted
out of the PRC to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies.
The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control
system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay certain of our expenses as they come due.
See “Item 10.D. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – Exchange Controls” for further details of exchange controls in the PRC.
The fluctuation of the Renminbi may materially and adversely affect your investment.
The exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC’s
political and economic conditions. As most of our operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi, any significant revaluation of the Renminbi may materially and
adversely affect our cash flows and financial condition. Additionally, if we convert our Renminbi into U.S. Dollars, should we determine to pay dividends on our common
shares or for other business purposes, depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar would negatively affect the amount of U.S. Dollars we convert our Renminbi
into. Conversely, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. Dollars we receive from an offering of our securities or otherwise into Renminbi for our operations, the
appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. Dollar could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and result in a charge to our income statement and a
reduction in the value of these U.S. Dollar denominated assets.
In 2020, the Renminbi appreciated against the U.S. Dollar by 6.21% over the course of the year. Since the beginning of 2021 to March 31, 2021, the Renminbi
depreciated against the U.S. Dollar by 0.30%.
Recent PRC SAFE regulations regarding offshore financing activities by PRC residents have undergone changes which may increase the administrative burden we
face and create regulatory uncertainties that could adversely affect us, and a failure by our shareholders who are PRC residents to make any required applications
and filings pursuant to such regulations may prevent us from being able to distribute profits and could expose us and our PRC resident shareholders to liability under
PRC law.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and
Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles (“SAFE Circular 37”). SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and
PRC corporate entities as well as foreign individuals that are deemed PRC residents for foreign exchange administration purpose) to register with SAFE or its local
branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 further requires an amendment to a SAFE registration in the event of
any changes with respect to the basic information of the offshore special purpose vehicle, such as a change in the PRC shareholders, the names of such shareholders, and
the operation term of such special purpose vehicle, or any significant changes with respect to the offshore special purpose vehicle, such as an increase or decrease of
capital, a share transfer or exchange, or mergers or divisions. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any
offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.
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If our shareholders who are PRC residents fail to make the required SAFE registration or to update a previously filed registration, our PRC subsidiaries may be
prohibited from distributing their profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may also be prohibited from making
additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. In February 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange
Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, effective June 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound
foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of
SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. To date, no registration has been filed with
SAFE regarding us, and accordingly, SAFE may prohibit distributions from our PRC subsidiaries, which would prevent us from paying dividends and may adversely
affect our financial condition and potentially expose us to liability under PRC law.
The auditor’s report included in this Annual Report is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such,
our investors are deprived of the benefits of such inspection and are exposed to uncertainties.
Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the auditor’s report included elsewhere in this Annual Report, as an auditor of
companies that are traded publicly in the U.S. and a firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB, is subject to
laws in the U.S. pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. According to Article 177
of the PRC Securities Law which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection
activities within the territory of the PRC. Accordingly, without the consent of the competent PRC securities regulators and relevant authorities, no organization or
individual may provide the documents and materials relating to securities business activities to overseas parties. Because our auditors are located in the People’s Republic
of China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditors are not currently
inspected by the PCAOB.
In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China Securities
Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, and the PRC Ministry of Finance, which established a cooperative framework for the production and exchange of audit documents
relevant to investigations undertaken by the PCAOB in the U.S. or the CSRC or the PRC Ministry of Finance in the PRC. The PCAOB continues to be in discussions with
the CSRC and the PRC Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with the PCAOB and audit Chinese companies that
trade on U.S. exchanges.
On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by U.S. regulators in their oversight of financial
statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. On November 4, 2019, the SEC announced that the SEC and the PCAOB had engaged in a
dialogue with the “Big Four” accounting firms, which emphasized the need for effective and consistent global firm oversight of member firms, including those operating
in China. On February 19, 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB further issued a joint statement on continued dialogue with the “Big Four” accounting firms on audit quality in
China, highlighting that the PCAOB continues to be prevented from inspecting the audit work and practices of PCAOB-registered audit firms in China. On April 21,
2020, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a new joint statement, reminding investors that in many emerging markets, including China, there is substantially greater risk that
disclosures will be incomplete or misleading and, in the event of investor harm, there may be substantially less access to recourse, in comparison to U.S. domestic
companies. The April 21, 2020 joint statement also stressed again the PCAOB’s inability to inspect audit work papers in China and the potential for resulting harm to
investors. However, it remains unclear what further actions, if any, the SEC and the PCAOB will take to address the problem.
This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating the audit and quality control procedures of our independent registered
public accounting firm. As a result, we and the investors in our common shares are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to
conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or
quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our
stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
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As part of a continued regulatory focus in the U.S. on access to audit-related and other information currently protected by foreign law, in particular access to
information in China, in June 2019, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced bills in both houses of the U.S. Congress, which, if passed, would require the SEC to
maintain a list of issuers for which the PCAOB is not able to inspect or investigate an auditor’s report issued by an independent registered public accounting firm. The
proposed Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on our Exchanges Act prescribes increased disclosure requirements for these issuers
and, beginning in 2025, the delisting from U.S. national securities exchanges such as the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) of issuers included on the SEC’s list for three
consecutive years. The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCAA, was enacted on December 18, 2020. According to the HFCAA, if the SEC
determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years
beginning in 2021, the SEC will prohibit our shares from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. The
SEC has not yet proposed rules relating to the implementation of the HFCAA. There could be additional regulatory or legislative requirements or guidance that could
impact us if our auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspection. For example, on August 6, 2020, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, or the PWG, issued
the Report on Protecting United States Investors from Significant Risks from Chinese Companies to the then President of the United States. This report recommended the
SEC implement five recommendations to address companies from jurisdictions that do not provide the PCAOB with sufficient access to fulfil its statutory mandate. Some
of the concepts of these recommendations were implemented with the enactment of the HFCAA. However, some of the recommendations were more stringent than the
HFCAA. For example, if a company was not subject to PCAOB inspection, the report recommended that the transition period before a company would be delisted would
end on January 1, 2022. The SEC has announced that the SEC staff is preparing a consolidated proposal for the rules regarding the implementation of the HFCAA and to
address the recommendations in the PWG report. It is unclear when the SEC will complete its rulemaking and when such rules will become effective and what, if any, of
the PWG recommendations will be adopted. The implications of this possible regulation in addition to the requirements of the HFCAA are uncertain. Such uncertainty
could cause the market price of our common shares to be materially and adversely affected, and our securities could be delisted or prohibited from being traded “over-the-
counter” earlier than would be required by the HFCAA. If our securities are unable to be listed on another securities exchange by then, such a delisting would
substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our common shares when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with a potential delisting would
have a negative impact on the price of our common shares. Furthermore, there have been recent media reports on deliberations within the U.S. government regarding
potentially limiting or restricting China-based companies from accessing U.S. capital markets. If any such deliberations were to lead to legislation, the resulting legislation
may have an adverse impact on the stock performance of China-based issuers listed in the U.S.
Proceedings instituted by the SEC against Chinese affiliates of the “Big Four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, could
result in our financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the SEC.
In December 2012, the SEC instituted administrative proceedings against PRC-based affiliates of the “Big Four” accounting firms, including our independent
registered public accounting firm, alleging that these firms had violated the U.S. securities laws and the SEC’s rules and regulations thereunder by failing to provide to the
SEC the firms’ audit work papers with respect to certain PRC-based companies that are publicly traded in the U.S.
On January 22, 2014, the administrative law judge presiding over the matter rendered an initial decision that each of the firms had violated the SEC’s rules of
practice by failing to produce audit papers and other documents to the SEC. The initial decision censured each of the firms and barred them from practicing before the
SEC for a period of six months.
On February 6, 2015, four China-based accounting firms each agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the dispute and avoid suspension of their
ability to practice before the SEC and audit U.S.-listed companies. The settlement required the firms to follow detailed procedures and to seek to provide the SEC with
access to Chinese firms’ audit documents via the CSRC. Under the terms of the settlement, the underlying proceeding against the four China-based accounting firms was
deemed dismissed with prejudice four years after entry of the settlement. The four-year mark occurred on February 6, 2019. In the event that the SEC restarts the
administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the U.S. with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain
auditors with respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the
SEC, the consequences of which include possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty
regarding PRC-based, U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our common shares may be adversely affected.
12
If our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely find
another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance
with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of our
ordinary shares from Nasdaq or deregistration under the Exchange Act, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our common
shares in the U.S.
Risks Relating to Foreign Private Issuer Status
Because our assets are located outside of the United States and all of our directors and all our officers reside outside of the United States, it may be difficult for you to
enforce your rights based on the U.S. federal securities laws against us or our officers and directors or to enforce a judgment of a United States court against us or
our officers and directors in the PRC.
We are a BVI company, our officers and directors are non-residents of the United States, our assets are located in the PRC, and our operations are conducted in
the PRC. We do not maintain a business presence in the United States. Therefore, it may not be possible to effect service of process on such persons in the United States,
and it may be difficult to enforce any judgments rendered against us or them. Moreover, there is doubt whether courts in the BVI or the PRC would enforce (a) judgments
of United States courts against us, our directors or officers based on the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state, or (b) in original
actions brought in the BVI or the PRC, liabilities against us or any non-residents based upon the securities laws of the United States or any state.
Our status as a “foreign private issuer” results in less information being available about us than about domestic reporting companies.
We are a foreign private issuer and are not required to file as much information about us as domestic issuers are required to file. In this regard:
we are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our annual reports on Form 20-F are subject to disclosure requirements that differ from
annual reports on Form 10-K;
we are exempt from the provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures;
the SEC proxy statement and information statement rules do not apply to us; and
our officers, directors and principal shareholder are not required to file reports under Section 16 of the Exchange Act detailing their beneficial ownership of
our shares; and they are not subject to the short-swing profit provisions under Section 16.
Since there is generally greater and more timely information available about domestic issuers than about foreign private issuers such as us, you will not be
afforded the same protections or information as would be available to you if you were investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
Our status as a “foreign private issuer” allows us to adopt IFRS accounting principles, which are different from accounting principles under U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles.
We have adopted and presented our financial statements in accordance with IFRS accounting principles. IFRS is an internationally recognized body of
accounting principles that are used by many companies outside of the United States to prepare their financial statements, and the SEC permits foreign private issuers such
as the Company to prepare and file their financial statements in accordance with IFRS rather than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). IFRS
accounting principles are different from those of U.S. GAAP, and SEC rules do not require us to provide a reconciliation of IFRS accounting principles to those of U.S.
GAAP. Accordingly, we suggest that readers of our financial statements familiarize themselves with the provisions of IFRS accounting principles in order to better
understand the differences between these two sets of principles.
As a “foreign private issuer” we are not subject to certain requirements that other Nasdaq-listed issuers are required to comply with, some of which are designed to
provide information to and protect investors.
Our common shares are currently listed on Nasdaq and, for so long as our securities continue to be listed, we will remain subject to the rules and regulations
established by Nasdaq applicable to listed companies. However, we have elected to claim certain exemptions afforded to foreign private issuers by relevant Nasdaq rules,
and as a result:
a majority of the members of our board of directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) are not independent as defined by Nasdaq rules;
13
our independent directors do not hold regularly scheduled meetings in executive session;
while executive compensation is recommended by our Compensation Committee which is comprised of independent directors, the compensation of our
executive officers is ultimately determined by the Board of Directors rather than an independent committee of the Board or by the independent members of
the Board of Directors;
related party transactions are not required to be reviewed or approved by our Audit Committee or other independent body of the Board of Directors;
we are not required to solicit shareholder approval of stock plans or issuances of securities, including those in which our officers or directors may
participate; stock issuances that will result in a change in control; the issuance of our stock in related party transactions or other transactions in which we
may issue 20% or more of our outstanding common shares; or, below market issuances of 20% or more of our outstanding shares to any person; and
we are not required to hold an in-person annual meeting to elect directors and transact other business customarily conducted at an annual meeting.
Due to an exemption from Nasdaq rules applicable to “foreign private issuers,” our related party transactions may not receive the type of independent review process
that those of other Nasdaq-listed companies receive; the terms of these transactions are not negotiated at arms-length and may not be as favorable as could be
obtained from unrelated parties.
We have historically engaged in a substantial number of transactions with related parties in the ordinary course of business, predominantly with our principal
beneficial owner and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and/or companies that he owns or controls. These transactions are described in greater detail
elsewhere in this Annual Report. In general, Nasdaq rules require that related party transactions be reviewed by an audit committee or other committee comprised of
independent directors. However, under Nasdaq rules applicable to foreign private issuers such as our company, we are exempt from certain Nasdaq requirements,
including requirements applicable to independent director review of related party transactions. This exemption is available to us because the laws of the BVI, our home
jurisdiction, do not mandate independent review of related party transactions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, non-recurring related party transactions (i.e., related party transactions that are not in the ordinary course of business) are
submitted for approval by our Board of Directors, following disclosure of the related party’s interest in the transaction, and, in all cases, Board approval has historically
included the unanimous approval of our independent directors. In addition, our annual audited financial statements, including the related party transactions reported
therein, are approved by our Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors. However, except to the limited extent described above, these
transactions are not individually reviewed or approved solely by independent directors. While management believes that our related party transactions have been on terms
at least as favorable to the Company as could be obtained from unrelated parties, there is no assurance that such is the case or will be so in the future, or that shareholders
would not be better protected if we were not exempt from, or we chose to voluntarily comply with, the applicable Nasdaq rules.
Risks Relating to Our Common Shares
There are a limited number of our common shares in the public float and trading in our shares is not active; therefore, our common shares tend to experience price
volatility.
There are currently approximately 13,408,397 of our common shares in the public float and, in general, there has not been an active trading market for our shares.
Our shares tend to trade along with other shares of public companies whose operations are based in the PRC, and, at times, in tandem with other natural resource
companies. These shares tend to exhibit periods of extreme volatility and price fluctuations, even when there are no events peculiar to the Company that appear to warrant
price changes. We cannot assure you that price volatility will not continue in the future or, as a result thereof, that market prices will reflect actual values of our company.
As a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our shareholders may disproportionately influence the price of
those shares in either direction. The share price could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of shares are sold on the market without
commensurate demand. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, due to the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of
negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be in the case of the stock of a
seasoned issuer, negatively impacting the trading price of our common shares.
14
You may experience dilution to the extent that our common shares are issued upon the exercise of outstanding warrants or other securities that we may issue in the
future.
You may experience dilution to the extent that our common shares are issued upon the exercise of our outstanding warrants, and if we issue additional equity
securities, or there are any issuances and subsequent exercises of stock options issued in the future. Up to 1,980,000 common shares may be issued with the exercise of
warrants at a per share exercise price of $2.35 issued to the investors and the placement agent in a private placement in January 2021. See “Item 8.B. FINANCIAL
INFORMATION – Significant Changes.” These warrants also bear anti-dilution protections in the event of stock dividends or splits, business combination, sale of assets,
similar recapitalization transactions, or other similar transactions. The trading price of our common shares may be depressed upon the exercise of these warrants.
Our principal beneficial owner and his affiliates control us through their stock ownership; and their interests may differ from those of other shareholders.
Mr. Li Feilie, beneficial owner of a majority of our outstanding common shares, beneficially owns approximately 63% of our outstanding common shares, and as
a result, Mr. Li is and will continue to be able to influence the outcome of shareholder votes on various matters, including the election of directors and extraordinary
corporate transactions such as business combinations. Through his related companies, Mr. Li also provides funding to support the Company’s operating expenses and
holds a substantial amount of the Company’s debt (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party
Transactions,” below). Mr. Li’s interests may differ from those of other shareholders. Additional information relating to the beneficial ownership of our securities is
contained elsewhere in this Annual Report under “Item 6.E. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Share Ownership.”
The rights of our shareholders are governed by BVI law, the provisions of which may not be as favorable to shareholders as under U.S. law, and our directors may
take actions with which you disagree without first receiving shareholder approval.
Our directors have the power to take certain actions without shareholder approval, including the amendment of our Amended and Restated Memorandum of
Association (“Memorandum”) and our Articles of Association (“Articles”) (unless such amendment varies the rights attached to shares) or an increase or reduction in our
authorized capital, which would require shareholder approval under the laws of most jurisdictions in the United States. In addition, the directors of a BVI company,
subject in certain cases to court approval but without shareholder approval, may, among other things, implement a reorganization, certain mergers or consolidations with a
subsidiary, the sale, transfer, exchange or disposition of any assets, property, part of the business, or securities of the company, or any combination of the foregoing
(provided the assets do not represent more than 50% of the total assets of the company and the sale is not outside of the usual or ordinary course of the company’s
business), if they determine it is in the best interests of the company. Our ability to amend our Memorandum and Articles without shareholder approval could allow our
directors to implement provisions to those documents that have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in our control without any further action by the
shareholders, including a tender offer to purchase our common shares at a premium over then current market prices, as could the ability of our directors to issue blank
check preferred stock.
The elimination of monetary liability against our directors, officers and employees under our Articles and the indemnification of our directors, officers and employees
may result in substantial expenditures by us and may discourage lawsuits against our directors, officers and employees.
Our Articles contain provisions that eliminate the liability of our directors for monetary damages to us and to our stockholders to the maximum extent permitted
under the corporate laws of the BVI. We may provide contractual indemnification obligations under agreements with our directors, officers and employees. These
indemnification obligations could result in our incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlements or damage awards against directors, officers and
employees, which we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and resultant costs may also discourage us from bringing a lawsuit against directors, officers and
employees for breach of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our shareholders against our directors, officers and
employees even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit the Company and our shareholders.
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Because we became an inadvertent investment company when we acquired shares of FARL on August 17, 2020, we have until August 17, 2021 to cease being an
investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), or we will have to comply with the provisions of the
Investment Company Act.
We are not engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, and we do not hold ourselves out as being engaged in those activities. Under
Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act, however, a company may be deemed an investment company if the value of its investment securities is more than
40% of its total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. As a result of the FARL Transaction (please refer to “Item 4.A.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY – History and Development of the Company”), we inadvertently became an investment company, since the FARL stock we hold
exceeds 40% of our total assets, exclusive of cash.
An inadvertent investment company can avoid being classified as an investment company if it can rely on one of the exclusions under the Investment Company
Act. One such exclusion, Rule 3a-2 under the Investment Company Act, allows an inadvertent investment company a grace period of one year from the earlier of (a) the
date on which an issuer owns securities and/or cash having a value exceeding 50% of the issuer’s total assets on either a consolidated or unconsolidated basis and (b) the
date on which an issuer owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of such issuer’s total assets (exclusive of
government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Pursuant to Rule 3a-2 under the Investment Company Act, the Company has until August 17, 2021 to
cease being an investment company.
Classification as an investment company under the Investment Company Act requires registration with the SEC. Foreign private issuers such as our Company are
generally unable to comply with the registration and reporting requirements of the Investment Company Act. If an investment company fails to register, it would have to
stop doing almost all business, and its contracts would become voidable. Registration is time consuming and restrictive and would require a restructuring of our
operations, and we would be very constrained in the kind of business we could do as a registered investment company. Further, we would become subject to substantial
regulation concerning management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons and portfolio composition, and would need to file reports under the Investment
Company Act regime. The cost of such compliance would result in our incurring substantial additional expenses, and the failure to register if required would have a
materially adverse impact on conducting our operations.
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U. S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.
We have not made a determination whether we will or will not be a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the
current tax year or in subsequent tax years. Whether we are a PFIC is determined on a year by year basis, and we cannot assure you that we are not and we will not be a
PFIC for our future tax years. A non-U.S. corporation is generally a PFIC if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income for a tax year or (ii) at least 50%
of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a tax year) are attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of
passive income. The market value of our assets may be determined to a large extent by the market price of our common shares. If we are treated as a PFIC for any tax year
during which U.S. shareholders hold common shares, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. shareholders. For further discussion
of the implications of PFIC status, please refer to “Item 10.E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – Taxation – United States Federal Income Taxation.”
Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-19
COVID-19 has disrupted our operations, may further disrupt our operations or adversely affect our operations and financial position in the future, and may
exacerbate the various other Risk Factors that we face.
The COVID-19 pandemic is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and markets globally. Governments and other authorities in the PRC and
around the world have taken a slew of unprecedented measures intended to control the spread of COVID-19, including quarantines, restrictions on travel and public
gatherings, and the temporary closure of certain businesses and facilities. The pandemic and the efforts to contain it have caused significant economic and financial
disruptions around the world, including the disruption of industrial operations and global logistical and supply chains, and extreme volatility in the global financial
markets.
The COVID-19 outbreak and governmental control measures imposed to contain its spread impacted our business by restricting the movement of our employees
since the beginning of the pandemic in the PRC through mid-March 2020, when we were able to partially re-open. Moreover, some of the Company’s personnel were
unable to return to work until the beginning of April because they were quarantined in Hubei Province, the critical epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. Prior to returning
to work at the Company’s office in Shenzhen, these critical employees were required to undergo an additional 14 days of quarantine according to local control measures.
Accordingly, our operations were severely disrupted by COVID-19 and efforts to contain it.
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More broadly, the outbreak of COVID-19 in the PRC resulted in travel restrictions, tightened border controls, and the shutdown of businesses, which caused a
slower recovery of the PRC economy from the impacts of large-scale quarantines. We may experience further impacts from current or future government-enforced
quarantines and market downturns related to pandemic fears, as well as on our workforce if the virus continues to spread and affects their health or freedom of
movements. COVID-19 also affected our suppliers’ workforces, and as a result we experienced a slow resumption of operations and delays or the inability to deliver
goods on a timely basis. In addition, one or more of our customers, partners, service providers or suppliers may experience financial distress or delays or defaults on
payment, file for bankruptcy protection, or suffer disruptions in their business due to the outbreak, which may adversely impact our arrangements with them. The market
demand for the metals that we may mine was similarly negatively impacted by COVID-19 as a result of the sharp decrease in manufacturing and other activity due to the
widespread closure of businesses in the PRC and worldwide, with a commensurate impact on commodity prices. Although prices have recently recovered, the extent to
which demand and prices will be supported in the future is highly uncertain. We cannot predict when COVID-19 may be controlled outside the PRC and global demand
may reach levels observed prior to COVID-19, if ever. Similarly, the impact of COVID-19 led to extreme volatility in the capital markets, which has affected and may
continue to affect the price of our common shares, and may impact our ability to access the capital or credit markets.
The extent to which the evolving COVID-19 pandemic ultimately impacts our results of operations is highly uncertain and will depend upon the severity of the
COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by governments at various levels and private businesses in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. Wider-spread
COVID-19 in the PRC and globally could prolong the deterioration in economic conditions and could cause further decreases in demand and reduce and/or negatively
impact our ability to grow our revenues. Any decreased collectability of accounts receivable, bankruptcy of our customers or suppliers, or early termination of
agreements that we have in place or may enter into due to deterioration in economic conditions could negatively impact our results of operations. The ongoing COVID-19
pandemic will likely serve as an exacerbating factor for many of the other Risk Factors discussed above.
It is not possible to foresee all risks that may affect us. Moreover, we cannot predict whether we will successfully effectuate our current business plan. Each
prospective purchaser of our common shares is encouraged to carefully analyze the risks and merits of an investment in the common shares and should take into
consideration when making such analysis, the Risk Factors discussed above, among others.
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
History and Development of the Company
China Natural Resources, Inc. was incorporated in the BVI on December 14, 1993, and is a company limited by shares organized under the BVI Business
Companies Act.
Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia
Currently, the Company’s resources focus on metals exploration and mining activities and other business opportunities in the PRC. We are currently exploring
for lead, silver and other metals in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC.
In November 2017, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Bayannaoer Mining for a purchase price of CNY716,900. Bayannaoer Mining
holds an exploration permit issued by the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region covering the Moruogu Tong Mine, located in
Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia. The exploration permit evidences Bayannaoer Mining’s right to explore for minerals at the Moruogu Tong Mine. Initial
results of the exploration program indicate the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores
such as copper. We anticipate that our working capital and capital expenditures for our exploration activities will be funded by non-interest-bearing loans from our
affiliates and funds provided pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement. See “– Metal Exploration Activities” below for more information and a discussion of developments
at the Moruogu Tong Mine.
Copper Ore Trading
In 2019 and 2020, Bayannaoer Mining was involved in the trade of copper ore in the PRC. We ceased trading copper ore in the second half of 2020, due to
volatile fluctuations in the price of copper.
Acquisition of FARL Shares
On August 17, 2020, we acquired 120,000,000 shares of FARL, a company that is traded on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under ticker
1738, representing approximately 8.7% of the outstanding equity of that company. For more information, see “Item 7.B. – MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions – Acquisition of FARL Shares in Exchange for Newly Issued Company Shares.”
17
Other Matters
Since 2018, we have invested CNY18,600 (US$2,848) in capital expenditures. During 2020, we invested CNY8,600 (US$1,317) in capital expenditures. No
principal capital expenditures or divestitures are currently in progress.
On October 16, 2020, we announced that in addition to our current mining segment, we would explore potential investments, among others, in the healthcare
sector of the PRC. We intend to explore the opportunities presented by the healthcare sector in the PRC, and to diversify our operations as we move into our next phase of
growth. Driven by an aging population, increasing disposable income, and rising health awareness and life expectancy, we believe that the PRC has become a major
healthcare market with sizable and steadily increasing healthcare expenditures, and that the relatively early stage of development and huge market potential provides
fertile ground for our new expansion strategy. On October 22, 2020, we appointed Zou Yu as Vice President of the Company. Mr. Zou has more than ten years of
experience in the healthcare sector and has five years’ experience with mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare sector. Additionally, on March 22, 2021, we appointed
Dr. Peng Wenlie as Vice President of the Company. Dr. Peng has been engaged in the development of natural medicines and investment consulting for more than 20
years. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Shanghai Onway Environmental Development Co., Ltd., as director of Guangxi Huaxia Herbal Medicine Co.
Ltd., and as director of Guangxi Huaxia Herbal Medicine Sales Co. Ltd. He previously served as Director of the Biomedicine Investment Department of Feishang
Enterprise. While at Feishang Enterprise, Dr. Peng led the selection of target companies for investment in the biomedical space, conducting due diligence and appraising
risks and returns as part of the investment decisions. He will be responsible for evaluating the Company’s investment opportunities in the healthcare, biomedicine, and
related markets. We anticipate that Messrs. Peng and Zou’s expertise will help us identify potential opportunities in the healthcare sector, among others.
The Company’s executive offices are located at Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong,
telephone +852 28107205. The Company does not currently maintain an agent in the United States.
The SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, information statements and other documents that we furnish to or file with the SEC. Those
documents may be viewed, downloaded and/or printed. The address of the SEC website is http://www.sec.gov.
We maintain a company website at http://www.chnr.net. The information on our website is not a part of this Annual Report.
B.
Business Overview
CHNR is principally engaged in exploration for lead, silver and other metals in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC and has begun the trading of
copper ore in that region since 2019 but ceased that activity in 2020. As we have discontinued our other operations, and as our exploratory activities have yet to develop
into revenue-generating mining operations, our sole revenues from continuing operations over the past three years has been the CNY19.84 million (US$3.04 million) of
revenues that we enjoyed over 2019 and 2020 in the aggregate as a result of our copper ore trading activities, which we have discontinued.
Bayannaoer Mining holds an exploration permit issued by the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region covering the Moruogu
Tong Mine, located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia. Based upon preliminary geologic surveys, it is believed that the Moruogu Tong Mine contains
lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper.
Lead, Silver and Copper Industry and Market
Lead (chemical element symbol Pb) is a supple and ductile heavy metal that is denser than most common materials. In its pure state, lead is bluish-white and
tarnishes to a dull gray color when exposed to air. It is extensively used in construction, plumbing, batteries, bullets and shot, weights, solders, pewters, fusible alloys,
white paints, leaded gasoline, and radiation shielding. Lead’s properties of high density, low melting point, ductility and relative inertness to oxidation allow it to be used
in a wide range of applications, of which use in lead-acid batteries is by far the most prevalent. The reactions in the battery between lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid
provide a reliable source of voltage. Despite having lower energy density and charge-discharge efficiency than lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries have stable
electromotive force when discharging and steady working voltage, while being significantly cheaper. These properties and their ability to supply high surge currents and
operate under a wide range of temperatures make them useful in the automobile industry.
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Lead is an internationally traded commodity, the price of which is established on commodity markets throughout the world. During 2020, the metals market was
hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lead mines and lead production were affected, leading to a considerable decrease in the supply of lead ore. Lead ore was in short of
supply in the global market in 2020, and China, as the first major economy to recover from the pandemic and the largest consumer of lead ore, still relied upon lead ore
imports to fulfill domestic demand. Nevertheless, the world market for refined lead experienced a surplus in 2020, as demand for lead from downstream industries,
especially the lead-acid batteries industry, weakened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the year, the price of lead was highly volatile and in general followed
a “W” shape. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic saw the SHFE lead price drop sharply and reach an annual low of CNY12,620 (US$1,932) per ton in mid-March
2020. As COVID-19 was later brought under control in China and the Chinese government implemented several fiscal and monetary policies to boost the economy, the
SHFE lead price recovered and hit an annual high of CNY16,585 (US$2,540) per ton in early August 2020. After that, as demand weakened, the price of lead then
declined again. The closing price at the end of 2020 was CNY14,625 (US$2,239) per ton, representing a decline of approximately 3% compared with the opening price at
the beginning of the year.
The following table shows the world refined production and world demand of lead over the past five years:
World refined production (in thousands of tons)
World demand (in thousands of tons)
China’s refined production (in thousands of tons)
China’s demand (in thousands of tons)
London Mercantile Exchange (“LME”) average price (US$/ton)
SHFE average price (CNY/ton)
———————
Source: International Lead and Zinc Study Group, LME, SHFE, Wind Economic Database.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
10,832
10,828
4,483
4,447
2,015
17,555
11,580
11,777
4,920
4,995
2,531
19,160
11,765
11,902
4,847
5,006
2,021
18,005
11,772
11,808
4,976
4,916
1,927
15,115
11,919
11,753
4,982
5,023
1,994
14,745
Silver (chemical element symbol Ag) is a soft, ductile, and malleable metal with the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and reflectivity of any
metal. It has a brilliant white metallic luster that can take a high polish and has similar physical and chemical properties with copper and gold. Most silver is produced as a
byproduct during refining of copper, gold, lead, or zinc. Despite being more abundant than gold, silver has long been valued as a precious metal and used in currency and
as an investment medium (bullion coins) alongside gold. It is also used as an industrial metal in jewelry, silverware, medicine, electronics, brazing alloys, chemical
equipment, catalysis, and photography, etc.
Silver is an internationally traded commodity, the price of which is established on commodity markets throughout the world. The silver market experienced a
surplus in 2020 due to sluggish industrial demand and a weak global economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic and intensified trade
conflicts created significant risks and uncertainties associated with the global economy and financial markets, so demand for silver for investment caused the price of
silver to surge in 2020. During the year, the price of silver was highly volatile and in general followed a “W” shape. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
SHFE silver price dropped sharply and reached its annual low of CNY2,857 (US$437) per kg in mid-March 2020. It then surged along with gold, another safe-haven
asset, and reached its annual high of CNY6,877 (US$1,053) per kg in mid-August 2020, a point not seen in the past seven years. The closing price at the end of 2020 was
CNY5,586 (US$855) per kg, representing an increase of approximately 26% compared with the opening price at the beginning of the year.
The following table shows the world refined production and world demand of silver over the past five years:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
World mine production (in tons)
World total production (in tons)
World total demand (in tons)
COMEX average price (US$/oz)
SHFE average price (CNY/kg)
———————
*: Certain data for 2020 was not available as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report and was forecasted.
Source: COMEX, SHFE, Wind Economic Database.
26,147
31,906
30,963
16.0
4,102
24,873
32,117
30,005
17.1
3,885
24,252
31,626
30,739
15.5
3,674
25,476
31,822
30,848
17.9
4,432
23,421
30,422*
29,965*
26.4
5,585
19
Copper (chemical element symbol Cu) is a ductile metal with excellent electric conductivity and is rather supple in its pure state and has a pinkish luster. Copper
was one of the first metals used by man. It is now primarily used as a heat conductor, an electrical conductor, a building material, and a constituent of various metal
alloys. Copper alloys have excellent mechanical properties and low resistivity, among which bronze and brass are the most important. Copper is also a durable metal that
can be recycled many times without losing its mechanical properties. Copper’s properties of high electrical and thermal conductivity, together with good workability,
allow it to be used in a wide range of applications, of which wire and cable and other electrical uses are by far the most prevalent. The primary uses of copper are in
electrical and electronic products, the building and construction industry and, to a lesser extent, industrial machinery and equipment, consumer and general products and
transportation.
Copper is an internationally traded commodity, the price of which is established on commodity markets throughout the world. Traditionally, the price of copper
is closely related to economic cycles and largely determined by supply and demand. China has relatively small copper reserves, yet has the greatest copper demand
globally, so it relies on copper imports to meet that demand. Demand for copper in China and the U.S. plays a major role in global price determination. Global
consumption of refined copper has increased annually, and there continues to be in short supply. COVID-19 did not change this trend. However, we believe that the
substantial increase in copper price in 2020 was attributable not only to the traditional supply and demand relationship but also to the fact that copper can be used to
finance trade. During 2020, the price of copper had a positive correlation with the exchange rate of RMB and was highly volatile. The SHFE copper price followed a deep
“V” shape in the first half of the year and exhibited a strong upward trend in the second half. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SHFE copper price
dropped sharply and reached an annual low of CNY35,300 (US$5,405) per ton in late March 2020. As COVID-19 was later brought under control in China and the
economy gradually recovered, the SHFE copper price recovered and reached an annual high of CNY59,640 (US$9,132) per ton in late December 2020. The closing price
at the end of 2020 was CNY57,750 (US$8,843) per ton, representing an increase of approximately 17% compared with the opening price at the beginning of the year.
The following table shows the world refined production and world demand of copper over the past five years:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
World refined production (in thousands of tons)
World demand (in thousands of tons)
China’s refined production (in thousands of tons)
China’s demand (in thousands of tons)
LME average price (US$/ton)
SHFE average price (CNY/ton)
———————
Source: International Copper Study Group, World Bureau of Metal Statistics, LME, SHFE, Wind Economic Database.
23,341
23,441
8,436
11,642
5,516
45,430
23,518
23,701
8,890
11,791
7,264
55,740
23,808
24,221
8,950
12,482
5,965
48,170
23,929
24,326
9,447
12,800
6,174
49,280
24,426
24,982
10,030
14,990
7,766
57,970
Metal Exploration Activities
Overview of Bayannaoer Mining
Bayannaoer Mining was established in 2005 to engage in mineral exploration activities in Bayannaoer City, located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
of the PRC. The registered capital of Bayannaoer Mining is CNY59.48 million.
In 2005, Bayannaoer Mining obtained 11 exploration rights from the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Following
completion of preliminary exploration activities and evaluation, management determined to retain exploration rights solely to the Moruogu Tong Mine; and, to date, has
received a series of license renewals. Total exploration expenses related to these 11 exploration rights (exclusive of capitalized expenses that have not yet fully
depreciated or amortized and administrative expenses) borne by Bayannaoer Mining incurred to date amount to approximately CNY35.58 million (US$5.45 million). The
current exploration permit for the Moruogu Tong Mine runs until September 2021 and covers a site area of 10.43 square kilometers. We intend to renew the exploration
permit prior to its scheduled expiration.
20
The Moruogu Tong Mine is located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC. In 2006, Bayannaoer Mining
engaged the Land and Resources Exploration and Development Institute of Inner Mongolia to carry out prospecting, including geophysical and drilling works. To date,
exploration expenses of approximately CNY23.52 million (US$3.60 million), inclusive of amount paid by Jijincheng Mining, have been incurred for the Moruogu Tong
Mine, which were paid for by Bayannaoer Mining with self-owned capital, loans from a related party, and funds received pursuant to its Cooperation Agreement with
Jijincheng Mining of approximately CNY6.72 million (US$1.03 million).
Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining is responsible for engaging the exploration team for the Moruogu Tong Mine and providing the
required funding. During the field exploration process, Bayannaoer Mining did not have its own exploration equipment. The exploration equipment – drilling machines –
used at the Moruogu Tong Mine was provided and operated by third party contractors until drilling work was done. Drilling machines at the mine were mainly powered
by a diesel generator set, and a state power substation near the mine area. To date, the exploration program at the Moruogu Tong Mine has primarily involved the
completion of mine geological surveying and mapping at 1:2000 covering an area of 2.73 square kilometers, which included trenching exploration works totaling 982.94
cubic meters in nine trenches and 76 drill holes for a total of 22,272.86 meters. 1,467 different samples, including basic analysis samples, chemical analysis samples,
spectra samples and aqueous analysis samples, etc., have been collected thus far during the exploration program.
Initial results of the exploration program indicate the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the
presence of other ores such as copper. During 2020, activities at the Moruogu Tong Mine included: the taking of one additional complete chemical analysis sample and
nine additional composite samples; the completion of a research report on lead ore beneficiation process experiment for the mine; and the completion of an exploitation
and utilization plan for the lead mineral resources at the mine. At this stage of exploratory activities, we cannot predict whether sufficient ore of acceptable quality will be
found at the Moruogu Tong Mine to warrant further exploration and/or extraction.
The current exploration work stage of the Moruogu Tong Mine has been completed. The future amount for the exploration project, including drilling expenses,
site construction costs, grassland compensation fees and simple infrastructure construction costs in order to apply for a mining rights permit, is anticipated to be
approximately CNY11.38 million (US$1.74 million). Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining intend to seek other investors to play roles similar to those of Jijincheng
Mining in order to proceed with the further exploration and analysis of the Moruogu Tong Mine, with an aim to apply for a mining rights permit. This exploration project
is expected to be financed by funds received pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement and/or any new or similar cooperation agreement, and loans from a related party.
While the results of preliminary prospecting suggest that the Moruogu Tong Mine contains mineable quantities of lead and silver, until further exploration and analysis is
completed, the Company cannot predict the nature and extent of minerals contained at the mine or the commercial viability of pursuing a plan of extraction. It is possible
that further exploration and analysis will not confirm initial findings and that continued activities in furtherance of mining operations will cease.
Moruogu Tong Mine
The Moruogu Tong Mine is a concealed deposit or, an underground mine, with minimum depth of about 40 meters below ground.
The main outcrop strata in and around the mine area are the third lithological member of Agulugou Formation of Zhaertaishan Group in the middle and upper
Proterozoic, followed by the quaternary Holocene strata. There is no magmatic rock in the exploration area, and Permian granodiorite is found locally. In addition, gabbro
dike, diabase dike and quartz dike are found in the area. The geotectonic location of the mine area is in the north wing of the Wolf Mountain anticline, with frequent
tectonic activities and multiple periods of magma intrusion. The strata of the mine area are damaged by transformation, and the fold structure is not complete. The outcrop
strata in the mine area are relatively simple, which are a monoclinal structure with a northeast-to-southwest strike and a southeastern tilt.
The Moruogu Tong Mine is located in the fault bundle of the Huogeqi dome at the north wing of the Haorige Mountain syncline. Monoclinal structures
predominates and the strike is north-eastern. The lead ore (mineralized) bodies are produced in the third lithological member of Agulugou Formation, where quartzite and
quartz schist with strong silicification are the main host rocks. The ore bodies are distributed in an area of 3,000 meters long from east to west and 1,000 meters wide from
south to north, and 14 lead ore bodies have been delineated with orebody numbers of I-1, I-2, II-1, II-2, II-3, III, IV-1, IV-2, IV-3, IV-4, IV-5, IV-6, IV-7, and V.
21
The Moruogu Tong Mine is mainly a lead deposit associated with silver. The ore bodies occur in certain strata, whose genetic type belongs to air-exhaled
sedimentary type, with lead deposit then transformed by hydrothermal process. The ore mineral compositions mainly include galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite,
arsenopyrite and gangue mineral quartz, calcite, and mica, etc. The depth of oxidized zone and mixed zone in this mine area is about 15 meters below ground.
The primary zone is below 15 meters underground. The lead ore bodies delineated in this deposit are all in the primary zone, and the natural type of the ore is primary lead
sulfide ore. The main useful constituent of this deposit is lead, with associated useful constituent of silver, so it is classified as lead and silver deposit.
The key industrial indicators of the deposit are as follows:
Cutoff grade: Pb≥0.3%;
Minimum industrial grade: Pb≥0.7%;
Minimum minable thickness: ≥1.0m;
Average grade of deposit: Pb ≥1.81%;
Band rejected thickness: ≥2m;
When the orebody thickness is less than the minable thickness and the grade is high, meter percentage can be used as an indicator: Pb≥0.70 meter
percentage; and
Industrial grade of associated useful constituent: Ag≥2g/t.
Cooperation Agreement
On August 20, 2017, Bayannaoer Mining entered into the Cooperation Agreement with Jijincheng Mining, an unrelated third party. The Cooperation Agreement
is intended to provide for financial support by Jijincheng Mining for the exploration and operating expenses of the Moruogu Tong Mine during the exploration stage such
that Bayannaoer Mining is not required to make any further capital contribution for exploration activities, and for the allocation of rights and responsibilities between
Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining. According to the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining is also responsible for engaging the exploration team and
directing their activities. Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement: (i) Bayannaoer Mining contributed the existing exploration results for the Moruogu Tong Mine; (ii)
Jijincheng Mining provides the necessary funds for further exploration at the mine; (iii) Bayannaoer Mining enjoys full rights to any resources already discovered and
confirmed by its independent exploration works conducted prior to commencement of the cooperative exploration project; (iv) Bayannaoer Mining and Jijincheng Mining
will each receive a 50% interest in any newly discovered resources from the first 10 drilling holes in the cooperative exploration project; and (v) Bayannaoer Mining and
Jijincheng Mining will receive 30% and 70% interests, respectively, in any newly discovered resources from drilling works beyond the first 10 drilling holes in the
cooperative exploration project. Other details of the Cooperation Agreement, including allocations and distributions upon completion of exploration works, remain the
subject of continuing discussion between the parties. To date, the total exploration expenses paid by Jijincheng Mining amount to approximately CNY6.72 million
(US$1.03 million).
The foregoing description of the Cooperation Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Cooperation Agreement, a copy of
which has been translated into English and incorporated by reference as Exhibit 4.5 to this Annual Report.
22
Geography
The following diagram shows the geography of Bayannaoer Mining’s exploration site and its surrounding areas:
The Moruogu Tong Mine of Bayannaoer Mining is located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC. The mine
is approximately 45 kilometers to Chaogewenduer Town and 40 kilometers to Qingshan Town. The Qingxian Road passes through the southern part of the mine and
transportation is very convenient. Connectivity to water, electric and other necessary services will be addressed at the time of mine construction and development. The
current exploration permit for the Moruogu Tong Mine runs from September 14, 2019 to September 13, 2021 and covers a site area of 10.43 square kilometers. We intend
to renew the exploration period prior to its scheduled expiration.
23
Government Regulation of Mineral Exploration Activities
Under the “Mineral Resources Law,” all mineral resources in the PRC are owned by the state. Exploration and mining rights granted by the state permit
recipients to conduct exploration or mining activities in a specific mining area during the specified license period. Although Bayannaoer Mining believes its exploration
licenses will continue to be renewed as necessary, there can be no assurance that such will be the case or that Bayannaoer Mining will be able to obtain a mining license in
the future and exploit the entire mineral resources of the Moruogu Tong Mine during its license period. If Bayannaoer Mining fails to renew its exploration rights upon
expiry or if it cannot obtain a mining license and effectively extract the resources within the license period, the operation and performance of Bayannaoer Mining will be
adversely affected.
Bayannaoer Mining’s exploration permit entitles it to undertake exploration activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, within the specific area
covered by the license during the license period. Bayannaoer Mining is required to complete a prospecting report and a final appraisal and file with the relevant
government authority before it can apply for mining rights and proceed to mine construction. A mining rights permit entitles the holder to undertake mining activities and
infrastructure and ancillary work, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, within the specific area covered by the license during the license period. Holders are
required to submit a mining proposal and feasibility studies to the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Entities seeking mining rights
are also obligated to pay natural resources fees in relation to sales of metal concentrates.
The State Administration for Environmental Protection is responsible for the supervision of environmental protection in, the implementation of national
standards for environmental quality and discharge of pollutants for, and the supervision of the environmental management system of the PRC. Environmental protection
bureaus at the county level or above are responsible for environmental protection within their jurisdictions.
The laws and regulations governing environmental protection require each applicant to lodge environmental impact statements for a construction project with the
environmental protection bureaus at the county level. These statements must be filed prior to the commencement of construction, expansion or modification of a project.
The environmental protection bureaus inspect new production facilities and determine compliance with applicable environmental standards, prior to the commencement of
operations.
The “Environmental Protection Law” requires all operations that may cause pollution or produce other hazards to take environmental protection measures and to
establish an environmental protection responsibility system. Such system includes the adoption of effective measures to prevent and control exhaust gas, sewage, waste
residues, dust or other waste materials. Entities discharging pollutants must report to and register with the Ecology and Environment Department of Inner Mongolia
Autonomous Region.
If an enterprise fails to report or register the environmental pollution caused by it, it may be subject to a warning or penalty. Enterprises that fail to restore the
environment or remedy the effects of the pollution within the prescribed time are also subject to penalty or termination of their business licenses. Enterprises that have
polluted and endangered the environment are responsible for remedying the danger and effects of the pollution, as well as for the payment of compensation for any losses
or damages suffered as a result of such environmental pollution. A material violation of the Environmental Protection Law that causes a material loss to public and private
belongings or personal injuries or death may result in criminal liabilities.
Management believes that Bayannaoer Mining is in material compliance with all applicable environmental protection requirements of the state.
Copper Trading Activities
Please see the discussion under “Item 4.A. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY — History and Development of the Company — Copper Ore Trading” above
for a description of our copper ore trading activities, which have been our sole source of revenue from continuing operations for the last three years, recording revenues of
CNY12.97 million and CNY6.87 (US$1.05 million) in 2019 and 2020, respectively. We have discontinued our copper ore trading activities. Our copper ore trading
activities were not affected by seasonality. The business registration certificate of Bayannaoer Mining permits trading activity. There are no other special regulations
with regard to copper trading in the PRC.
24
C.
Organizational Structure
CHNR is a holding company directly or indirectly owning the following subsidiaries, to the extent indicated (as of March 31, 2021):
100%
100%
80%
FMH Services
(Florida, US)
Feishang Mining
(BVI)
Silver Moon
(BVI)
CHNR
(BVI)
100%
China Coal
(HK)
100%
Yangpu
Lianzhong
(PRC)
100%
Sunwide
(BVI)
100%
Bayannaoer
Mining
(PRC)
100%
Pineboom
(BVI)
100%
Feishang
Dayun
(HK)
100%
Newhold
(BVI)
100%
Feishang
Yongfu
(HK)
100%
Yangpu
Shuanghu
(PRC)
100%
Yunnan Mining
(PRC)
100%
Feishang
Management
(PRC)
All current operations are conducted by Bayannaoer Mining. See “Item 4.B. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY – Business Overview – Metal Exploration
Activities.”
Feishang Management
Feishang Management was incorporated in the PRC in October 2008. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yunnan Mining and is engaged in providing
management and consulting services to the other companies in the Group. Feishang Management currently serves as a cost center for the Group.
Inactive Subsidiaries
The following subsidiaries are not currently engaged in active operations but remain in good standing in their home jurisdictions and are poised to participate in
future opportunities, should they arise:
China Coal
China Coal was incorporated in Hong Kong in January 2008. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
Feishang Dayun
Feishang Dayun was incorporated in Hong Kong in June 2008. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pineboom.
Feishang Mining
Feishang Mining was incorporated in the BVI in September 2004. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
Feishang Yongfu
Feishang Yongfu was incorporated in Hong Kong in June 2008. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Newhold.
FMH Services
FMH Services is a Florida company incorporated in November 2007 in connection with a proposed transaction that was not consummated. FMH Services, which
is wholly owned by CHNR, is currently dormant.
Newhold
Newhold was incorporated in the BVI in July 2008. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
25
Pineboom
Pineboom was incorporated in the BVI in May 2008. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR.
Silver Moon
Silver Moon is a BVI company incorporated in March 2000. Silver Moon, which is 80% owned by CHNR, is currently dormant.
Sunwide
Sunwide was incorporated in the BVI in January 2001. Sunwide, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CHNR, is currently dormant.
Yangpu Lianzhong
Yangpu Lianzhong was incorporated in the PRC in January 2008. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Coal.
Yangpu Shuanghu
Yangpu Shuanghu was incorporated in the PRC in May 2004. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Feishang Yongfu.
Yunnan Mining
Yunnan Mining was incorporated in the PRC in June 2007. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yangpu Shuanghu.
D.
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company’s administrative offices and its principal subsidiaries are located in Hong Kong, Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) and Bayannaoer City (Inner
Mongolia Autonomous Region) in the PRC.
On April 1, 2017, the Company signed an office sharing agreement with Anka Consultants Ltd. (“Anka”), a related party, which superseded all previously signed
agreements between the parties, pursuant to which the Company shares 184 square meters of the total area of the office premises. The agreement also provides that the
Company shares certain costs and expenses in connection with its use of the office, in addition to certain accounting and secretarial services and day-to-day office
administration services provided by Anka. In 2018, Anka’s lease with the unrelated landlord was extended for two years, from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. In 2020,
Anka signed a new contract with the unrelated landlord for two years, from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the
Company paid its share of rental expenses and rates to Anka amounting to approximately CNY1,036,000, CNY1,105,000 and CNY930,000 (US$142,407), respectively.
On January 1, 2018, Feishang Management signed an office sharing agreement with Feishang Enterprise. On October 1, 2020, Feishang Management signed a
new contract with Feishang Enterprise, which will expire on September 30, 2021. Pursuant to the agreement, Feishang Management shared 40 square meters of the office
premises, and annual rent was CNY165,600, CNY165,600 and CNY165,600 (US$25,358) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The offices and exploration site of Bayannaoer Mining are located in Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the PRC. The property, plant and
equipment of Bayannaoer Mining mainly includes vehicles, office equipment and furniture, with a total net value as of December 31, 2020 of approximately CNY0.15
million (US$0.02 million). On May 11, 2018, May 11, 2019 and May 11, 2020, Bayannaoer Mining signed annual lease agreements with private individuals pursuant to
which Bayannaoer Mining leases office premises located at 10/F, Huaao Building, Shengli North Road in Bayannaoer City. The office covered an area of 274 square
meters in 2018, and 186 square meters in 2019 and 2020, and annual rent was CNY82,200, CNY55,800 and CNY55,800 (US$8,544), respectively.
The Moruogu Tong Mine exploration site is located in Northwestern Qingshan Town, Wulatehouqi in Bayannaoer City and covers an area of approximately
10.43 square kilometers. As is typical in the PRC, the PRC government owns all of the land on which the exploration activities are carried out. Bayannaoer Mining
assumed the rights to use the land when it obtained the exploration right from the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2005. We
are still in the exploration stage of mining the Moruogu Tong Mine, and have not yet produced any silver, lead or copper. To date, the exploration program has indicated
the presence of lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. For the location of the
Moruogu Tong Mine, please refer to the map located in “Item 4.B. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY — Business Overview — Metal Exploration Activities –
Geography” above.
26
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Company incurred capital expenditures (excluding fees for renewal of mining rights) of CNY5,000,
CNY5,000 and CNY8,600 (US$1,317), respectively.
In the event we determine to pursue a mining permit and thereafter engage in mining at the Moruogu Tong Mine, we will be required, among other things, to
construct and develop the mine, including roads and making provision for water and electricity at the mine site. There will be significant capital expense for these and
other projects. We intend to fund those capital expenditures from the proceeds of loans from our Related-Party Debtholders, if available, payments pursuant to the
Cooperation Agreement and, to the extent deemed necessary, bank borrowings.
See “Item 4.B. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY – Business Overview – Government Regulation of Mineral Exploration Activities,” above, for a
discussion of environmental laws affecting the Moruogu Tong Mine.
ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and the Company’s financial position should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere herein. The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. For a discussion of our results for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to our results for the year ended December
31, 2018, please see Item 5 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on June 12, 2020.
A.
Operating Results
Historic Overview
As the Group disposed of its prior operating subsidiaries during 2017, and Bayannaoer Mining is still in the exploration stage, the Group did not generate any
revenue in 2018.
On November 30, 2017, CHNR acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Bayannaoer Mining, a PRC company established in 2005 to engage in
mineral exploration activities in Bayannaoer City in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the PRC. Bayannaoer Mining currently holds an exploration permit issued
by the Land and Resources Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region covering the Moruogu Tong Mine, located in Wulatehouqi, Bayannaoer City, Inner
Mongolia. Based upon preliminary geologic surveys, it is believed that the Moruogu Tong Mine contains lead and silver, with the prospect that further surveying and
exploration may indicate the presence of other ores such as copper. During 2019 and 2020, Bayannaoer Mining traded copper ore in the PRC. Copper ore trading involves
(i) the purchase and sale of copper ore to fill a customer order and/or (ii) the purchase of copper ore for our own account, for resale. Bayannaoer Mining’s copper ore
trading activities were discontinued in the second half of 2020.
The following discussions cover our current operations which consist of the exploration for lead, silver and other metals in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous
Region of the PRC.
Revenues and Gross Profit
Revenue for sales of all products is recognized when control of the products is transferred to the customer upon delivery.
Revenues decreased by CNY6.10 million (US$0.93 million) for the year ended December 31, 2020 from CNY12.97 million for the year ended December 31,
2019. The decrease in revenues was mainly because Bayannaoer Mining ceased trading copper ore in the second half of 2020 due to the volatile fluctuations of copper’s
price.
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 was CNY13,591 (US$2,081) compared to CNY0.22 million (US$0.03 million) in 2019. Our gross profit
margin in 2020 was 0.20%. The gross profit margin level was in accordance with the nature of the copper ore trading business.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses are mainly comprised of salaries and staff welfare expenses, depreciation expenses, travel and entertainment expenses, legal and
professional fees, rental expenses, and office expenses.
27
Administrative expenses were CNY7.14 million (US$1.09 million) in 2020 as compared with CNY5.81 million in 2019. The increase of administrative expenses
was mainly due to the increase of professional fees in connection with the Company’s acquisition of FARL shares. Please see “Item 7.B. – MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions – Acquisition of FARL Shares in Exchange for Newly Issued Company Shares.”
Fair Value Gain on Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss
Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss represents the net changes in fair value of 120,000,000 shares of FARL, which were
acquired on August 17, 2020. Please see “Item 7.B. – MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions –
Acquisition of FARL Shares in Exchange for Newly Issued Company Shares.”
Income Tax Benefit
The Company is not subject to taxes in the United States.
Under the current laws of the BVI, dividends and capital gains arising from the Company’s investments in the BVI are not subject to income taxes and no
withholding tax is imposed on payments of dividends to the Company.
The Company’s subsidiaries in the PRC are subject to a PRC enterprise income tax rate of 25% applicable to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic
companies.
Income tax benefits were CNY1.42 million (US$0.22 million) in 2020 and nil in 2019. The amount in 2020 represent the reversal of a prior withholding
enterprise income tax payable amounting to CNY6.59 million (US$1.01 million) that is no longer required to be paid according to the prevailing Regulations for the
Implementing of the Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC, which was offset by deferred tax expenses amounting to CNY5.17 million (US$0.79 million) that is
associated with the fair value change of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.
Profit/Loss for the Year
Profit for the year of 2020 was CNY25.58 million (US$3.92 million), as compared with a loss of CNY5.65 million for the year of 2019. The increase in profit
was mainly contributed by the CNY31.33 million (US$4.80 million) fair value gain on Feishang Anthracite shares acquired and the reversal of tax provisions in 2020 as
mentioned above.
Impact of Government Policies on the Company’s Operations
In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the PRC government took a slew of unprecedented measures intended to control its spread, including quarantines,
restrictions on travel and public gatherings, and temporary closure of certain businesses and facilities. These policies significantly affected our operations by restricting
the movement of our employees and slowing the resumption of exploratory activities in our Moruogu Tong Mine and of our copper trading business. Also, large-scale
quarantines and travel restrictions led to a significant slowdown in the general economy and the markets we intend to serve. There remains uncertainty on how long these
impacts will last and whether they will escalate in the future. For further details of the impact on our operations of governmental policies in response to COVID-19, please
refer to “Item 3.D. KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-19 – COVID-19 has disrupted our operations, and may further
disrupt our operations or adversely affect our operations and financial position in the future, and may exacerbate the various other Risk Factors that we face.”
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements reflect the selection and application of accounting policies that require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. We
believe that the following are some of the more significant judgment areas in the application of our accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and
results of operations.
Revenue recognition
Revenue from contracts with a customer. Revenue from contracts with a customer is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to the customers
at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
When the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, the amount of consideration to which the Group will be entitled in exchange for transferring the
goods or services to the customer is estimated. The variable consideration is estimated at contract inception and constrained until it is highly probable that a significant
revenue reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.
28
When the contract contains a financing component which provides the customer with the significant benefit of financing the transfer of goods or services to the
customer for more than one year, revenue is measured at the present value of the amount receivable, discounted using the discount rate that would be reflected in a
separate financing transaction between the Group and the customer at contract inception. When the contract contains a financing component which provides the Group
with a significant financial benefit for more than one year, revenue recognized under the contract includes the interest expense accreted on the contract liability under the
effective interest method. For a contract where the period between the payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised goods or services is one year or less, the
transaction price is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component, using the practical expedient in IFRS 15.
Trading of copper ores. Historically, the Group purchased copper ores from third-party suppliers and then resold to a third-party trading company. Revenue was
recognized on a gross basis, and at a point in time when control of the asset was transferred to the customer, upon delivery of the copper ores to the customers.
Other income. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method by applying the rate that exactly discounts the estimated
future cash receipts over the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, when appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.
Exploration and evaluation costs
Exploration and evaluation assets include topographical and geological surveys, exploratory drilling, sampling and trenching and activities in relation to
commercial and technical feasibility studies, and expenditure incurred to secure further mineralization in existing bodies and to expand the capacity of a mine.
Expenditures incurred prior to acquiring legal rights to explore an area are expensed as incurred.
Once the exploration right has been acquired, exploration and evaluation expenditures is charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss as incurred, unless
a future economic benefit is more likely than not to be realized. Exploration and evaluation assets acquired in a business combination are initially recognized at fair value.
They are subsequently stated at cost less accumulated impairment.
When it can be reasonably ascertained that a mining property is capable of commercial production, exploration and evaluation costs are transferred to tangible or
intangible assets according to the nature of the exploration and evaluation assets. If any project is abandoned during the evaluation stage, the total expenditure thereon will
be written off.
Income taxes
Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax relating to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized outside profit or loss, either as other
comprehensive income or loss, or directly in equity.
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to
compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantially enacted, by the end of the reporting date, taking into consideration interpretations and practices prevailing
in the countries in which the Group operates.
Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their
carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:
when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of
the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and
in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be
controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it
is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can
be utilized, except:
where the deferred tax assets relating to the deductible temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is
not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and
29
in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, deferred tax assets are only recognized to the extent that it is
probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences
can be utilized.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit
will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the
extent that it has become probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based
on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if and only if the Group has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax
liabilities and the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different
taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future
period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.
Leases
The Group adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2019. Under this method, the standard has been applied retrospectively with
the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained profit at January 1, 2019, and the comparative information for
2018 was not restated and continued to be reported under IAS 17 and related interpretation.
The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control
the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.
(a)
Group as a lessee.
The Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. The Group
recognizes lease liabilities for obligations to make lease payments and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.
At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component and a non-lease component, the Group adopts the practical expedient not to
separate the non-lease component and to account for the lease component and the associated non-lease component (e.g., property management services for leases of
properties) as a single lease component.
(1)
Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets are recognized at the commencement date of the lease (that is, the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are
measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-
of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date
less any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease terms and the estimated useful
lives of the assets as follows:
Buildings
2 - 5 years
If ownership of the leased asset transfers to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost reflects the exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is
calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset.
(2)
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease
payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an
index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option
reasonably certain to be exercised by the Group and payments of penalties for termination of a lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising the
option to terminate the lease. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognized as an expense in the period in which the
event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.
30
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate
implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest
and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease
term, a change in lease payments (e.g., a change to future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate) or a change in assessment of an
option to purchase the underlying asset.
(3)
Short-term leases
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of buildings (that is those leases that have a lease term of 12 months
or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option).
Lease payments on short-term leases are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Investments and other financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement. Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as subsequently measured at amortized cost, fair value through other
comprehensive income, and fair value through profit or loss.
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model
for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical
expedient of not adjusting the effect of a significant financing component, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value, plus in the case of a financial
asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied
the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15 in accordance with the policies set out in “Revenue recognition” above.
In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income, it needs to give rise to cash flows
that are solely payments of principal and interest (“SPPI”) on the principal amount outstanding. Financial assets with cash flows that are not SPPI are classified and
measured at fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model.
The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model
determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both. Financial assets classified and measured at amortized
cost are held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, while financial assets classified and measured at
fair value through other comprehensive income are held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect contractual cash flows and selling. Financial
assets which are not held within the aforementioned business models are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss.
All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date, that is, the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.
Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within the period generally established by regulation or convention
in the marketplace.
Subsequent measurement. The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification as follows:
Financial assets at amortized cost (debt instruments). Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest method and
are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognized in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognized, modified or impaired.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at
fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in the statement of profit or loss.
This category includes derivative instruments and equity investments which the Group had not irrevocably elected to classify at fair value through other
comprehensive income. Dividends on equity investments classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are also recognized as other
income in consolidated the statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established, it is probable that the economic benefits associated
with the dividend will flow to the Group and the amount of the dividend can be measured reliably.
31
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s primary liquidity needs are to fund operating expenses, capital expenditures and acquisitions. As of December 31, 2020, the Company financed
its working capital requirements and capital expenditures through internally generated cash in prior years, non-interest-bearing loans from the Related-Party Debtholders,
and funds provided pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement. Additionally, in January 2021, the Company sold 3,960,000 common shares at an offering price of US$1.85.
See “Item 8.B. FINANCIAL INFORMATION – Significant Changes.” In view of the disposition of our metals mining and copper smelting operations, and since the
Moruogu Tong Mine is in the pre-revenue exploration stage, it can be expected that the availability of internally generated funds to sustain operations will decrease until
the commencement of commercial production at the Moruogu Tong Mine or we commence the operation of other revenue generating activities. As announced on October
16, 2020, in addition to operating our current mining segment we plan to explore potential investments, among others, in the healthcare sector of the PRC. Although we
believe that our working capital is sufficient to continue our current operations over the next 12 months, as we intend to explore the opportunities presented by the
healthcare sector in the PRC, and to diversify our operations as we move into our next phase of growth, we envisage engaging in further capital-raising activities.
In order to improve the Group’s liquidity and cash flows to sustain the Group as a going concern, the directors of the Company have undertaken certain measures
to improve the cash flows of the Group, which include but are not limited to obtaining letters from Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise, entities controlled by Mr. Li
Feilie, the principal beneficial shareholder of the Company, which state that Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise will provide continuous financial support to the
Group in relation to the going concern of its operations, including not recalling any amounts due to them until the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without
having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group, and that Feishang Enterprise will pay debts on behalf of the Group when needed.
See “Item 5.F. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS – Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations,” below, for a summary of our
contractual obligations for future cash payments as of December 31, 2020.
Revenue and expenses of our PRC subsidiaries are denominated in Renminbi. We pay our corporate expenses in either Hong Kong dollars or U.S. Dollars.
Conversion of Renminbi is strictly regulated by the Chinese Government. Under PRC foreign exchange rules and regulations, payment of routine transactions under
current accounts, including trade and service transactions and payment of dividends, may be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the SAFE but are
subject to procedural requirements. Strict foreign exchange control continues to apply to capital account transactions, such as direct investments and capital contributions.
These transactions must be approved by the SAFE. See “Item 3.D. – KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors” and “Item 10.D. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION –
Exchange Controls” for a further discussion of exchange controls in the PRC.
As of December 31, 2020, the breakdown of cash (in thousands) held in different currencies is as follows:
Currency and Amount
CNY1,969
HK$307
US$34
Total
CNY Equivalent
US$ Equivalent
1,969
259
222
2,450
301
40
34
375
The Company expects to maintain a balanced portfolio of foreign currencies in order to meet its cash obligations in different currencies for its expenses, capital
expenditures and acquisitions. Management does not anticipate the payment of dividends or any similar profit distribution from the Company’s PRC subsidiaries in the
foreseeable future.
The following table sets forth the Company’s cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 including cash flows from
discontinued operations:
Cash and cash equivalent at beginning of year
Net cash used in operating activities
Net cash from/(used in) investing activities
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Cash and cash equivalent at end of year
32
Years Ended December 31,
2018
CNY’000
2019
CNY’000
2020
CNY’000
18,878
(7,527)
9,372
(13,813)
(11,968)
(117)
6,793
6,793
(3,333)
(5)
(24)
(3,362)
13
3,444
3,444
(4,561)
(9)
3,283
(1,287)
293
2,450
The following table sets forth the Company’s financial condition and liquidity at the dates indicated:
Current ratio
Working capital (CNY’000)
Leverage ratio
2020 vs 2019
Years Ended December 31,
2018
0.25 x
(22,073)
—
2019
0.21 x
(28,384)
—
2020
4.57 x
110,276
—
Net cash used in operating activities was CNY4.56 million (US$0.70 million) in 2020 and CNY3.33 million in 2019. The increase of cash outflow was mainly
attributable to higher professional service fees in 2020.
Net cash used in investing activities was CNY8,600 (US$1,317) in 2020 and CNY5,000 in 2019. The cash outflows in 2020 and 2019 mainly represent purchase
of office equipment.
Net cash from financing activities was CNY3.28 million (US$0.50 million) in 2020, as compared to net cash outflow of CNY24,000 in 2019. The net cash flows
of financing activities were primarily composed of the net advances and repayments to related parties, and payments of lease liabilities.
2019 vs 2018
Net cash used in operating activities was CNY3.33 million in 2019 and CNY7.53 million in 2018. The decrease in cash outflows was mainly attributable to lower
professional service fees in 2019.
Net cash used in investing activities was CNY5,000 in 2019, as compared to net cash inflows of CNY9.37 million in 2018. The cash inflows in 2018 were
primarily comprised of the consideration received for the disposal of Double Grow in 2017.
Net cash flows used in financing activities was CNY24,000 in 2019, as compared to net cash outflows of CNY13.81 million in 2018. The net cash flows of
financing activities were primarily composed of the net advances and repayments with related parties, and payment of lease liabilities.
Our liquidity, including our working capital, is affected by many factors including:
The liquidity of our holdings of FARL shares;
Funding of our on-going metal exploration activities through internally generated funds;
Our ability to secure bank financing as and when required, on acceptable terms;
Our difficulty in accessing U.S. capital markets to fund PRC operations; and
The lack of development of an active trading market for our securities, which has hampered our ability to use our securities as currency to fund
acquisitions, business combinations and similar transactions.
See “Item 5.F. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS – Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations,” below, for a tabular payment
schedule of capital commitments of the Company.
Except as disclosed above and discussed under “Item 7.B. – MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party
Transactions – Acquisition of FARL Shares in Exchange for Newly Issued Company Shares,” there have been no significant changes in the Company’s financial
condition and liquidity during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
In the event we determine to pursue a mining permit and thereafter engage in mining at the Moruogu Tong Mine, we will be required, among other things, for
mine construction and development, to build roads and make provision for water and electricity at the mine site. There will be significant capital expense for these and
other projects. We intend to fund those capital expenditures from the proceeds of loans from our Related-Party Debtholders, if available, payments pursuant to the
Cooperation Agreement and, to the extent deemed necessary, bank borrowings.
C.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.
The Company did not incur any significant amounts on Company-sponsored research and development activities during each of the last three fiscal years.
33
D.
Trend Information
The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to contain it have caused significant economic and financial disruptions around the world. Our business operations,
including the exploration activities at the Moruogu Tong Mine and the trading of copper ore, were severely and adversely affected due to travel restrictions and temporary
restraints on our operations, as well as a slowdown in the general economy and volatile commodity demand and prices. For further details on the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic, please refer to “Item 3.D. KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to our Mine Exploration Activities in Inner Mongolia – Volatility in the
market prices of metals may adversely affect the results of our operations,” “Item 3.D. KEY INFORMATION – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to the Outbreak of COVID-
19 – COVID-19 has disrupted our operations, may further disrupt our operations or adversely affect our operations and financial position in the future, and may
exacerbate the various other Risk Factors that we face” and “Item 5.A. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS – Operating Results – Impact of
Government Policies on the Company’s Operations.”
As a result of the major uncertainties caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, our reported financial results may not necessarily be indicative of our future
prospects and results of operations.
In the second half of 2020, we ceased trading copper ore, our sole revenue producing activity. Additionally, in October 2020, we announced that we were
considering strategic opportunities in sectors outside of mining, including in the healthcare industry in the PRC.
Other than the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic discussed above, the Company does not believe that there have been any other recent known trends,
uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company’s net revenues, income from continuing operations,
profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial
condition.
E.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Under SEC regulations, we are required to disclose our off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our
financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to
investors. An off-balance sheet arrangement means a transaction, agreement or contractual arrangement to which any entity that is not consolidated with us is a party,
under which we have:
Obligations under certain guarantee contracts;
A retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk
support to that entity for such assets;
Any obligation under a derivative instrument that is both indexed to our stock and classified in stockholder’s equity, or not reflected, in our statement of
financial position; and
Any obligation arising out of a material variable interest held by us in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk
support to us, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our
financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to
investors.
F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments for the periods indicated as of December 31, 2020:
Lease liabilities
Total
CNY’000
Within 1 year
CNY’000
Payments due by period
1 to 3 years
CNY’000
3 to 5 years
CNY’000
Thereafter
CNY’000
1,092
1,092
745
745
347
347
—
—
—
—
Under the Cooperation Agreement, Jijincheng Mining, rather than the Company, is the party to any contracts relating to exploratory work relating to the
Moruogu Tong Mine.
34
G.
Safe Harbor
The safe harbor provided in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, or the statutory safe harbors, applies
to forward-looking information provided pursuant to Item 5.F. above. For our cautionary statement on the use of forward-looking statements in this Annual Report, see
“Forward-Looking Statements” on page iii of this Annual Report.
ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Directors and Senior Management
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table identifies the current directors and executive officers of the Company, and sets forth their ages and positions with the Company:
Name
Wong Wah On Edward
Tam Cheuk Ho
Zhu Youyi
Zou Yu
Peng Wenlie
Lam Kwan Sing
Ng Kin Sing
Yip Wing Hang
Li Feilie
Age
Position
57
58
40
42
53
51
58
54
55
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Director
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
Vice President
Vice President
Non-employee Director
Non-employee Director
Non-employee Director
Director of Subsidiaries
Mr. Wong Wah On Edward was appointed as a director in April 2015, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer in
August 2016. Mr. Wong has served as the director of Feishang Anthracite since February 2013. He served as a director of the Company from January 1999 to January
2014, as its financial controller from December 2004 to January 2008, as its secretary from February 1999 to January 2014, and as its chief financial officer from January
2008 to January 2014. Mr. Wong is a co-owner and has been principally employed as a director of Anka, a privately held company, since April 2008. Mr. Wong has also
served as an independent non-executive director of Quali-Smart Holdings Limited, a company listed in Hong Kong since September 2015. He received a professional
diploma in Company Secretaryship and Administration from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He is a fellow member of both the Hong Kong Institute of Certified
Public Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and an associate member of the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries. He is also a
certified public accountant (practicing) in Hong Kong.
Mr. Tam Cheuk Ho was appointed as a director in April 2015. Mr. Tam has served as the director of Feishang Anthracite since February 2013. He served as a
director of the Company from December 1993 to December 1994 and from December 1997 to January 2014. He was also the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice
President of the Company, from December 2004 to January 2008, and from January 2008 to January 2014, respectively. Mr. Tam is also a director and co-owner of Anka.
He is a fellow member of both the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He is also a certified
public accountant (practicing) in Hong Kong. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Zhu Youyi joined the Company in 2009 and has served the Company for over 10 years with various roles in accounting, internal audit and compliance
functions. He was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary in July 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Zhu worked at the audit department of an
international certified public accountant firm, providing audit services to clients in a variety of business sectors. Mr. Zhu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, and is a member of the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Mr. Zou Yu joined the Company as a Vice President in October 2020. From March 2015 to September 2020, Mr. Zou served as the general manager of the
investment management center of Feishang Enterprise, where he was responsible for mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare sector involving projects aggregating
approximately CNY800 million. From May 2011 to May 2014, he served as assistant to the chairman and the head of the business development department of Shanghai
American-Sino Medical Group, where he was in charge of the investment in and operation of premier private hospitals. Mr. Zou has also worked with several private
equity funds. Mr. Zou has more than 10 years of experience working and investing in the healthcare sector, and has participated in projects involving acquisitions,
mergers and divestments with an aggregate value exceeding CNY3 billion. Mr. Zou graduated from Sun Yat-Sen University in June 2007, with a Master of Business
Administration degree. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Tianjin University of Commerce.
35
Dr. Peng Wenlie joined the Company as a Vice President in March 2021. Dr. Peng has been engaged in the development of natural medicines and investment
consulting for more than 20 years. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Shanghai Onway Environmental Development Co., Ltd., as director of Guangxi
Huaxia Herbal Medicine Co. Ltd., and as director of Guangxi Huaxia Herbal Medicine Sales Co. Ltd. He previously served as Director of the Biomedicine Investment
Department of Feishang Enterprise. While at Feishang Enterprise, Dr. Peng led the selection of target companies for investment in the biomedical space, conducting due
diligence and appraising risks and returns as part of the investment decisions. Earlier in his career, Dr. Peng was a professor in the Life Sciences School of Sun Yat-Sen
University. He was awarded a Doctor of Science degree from Sun Yat-Sen University in 1999 and a Master of Science degree in 1996.
Mr. Lam Kwan Sing has been a non-employee director and a member of CHNR’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance committee since December
2004, and a member of its Compensation Committee since November 2007. Mr. Lam has been an independent non-executive director of Summit Ascent Holdings
Limited, a Hong Kong listed company, since June 2019. From November 2016 to the present, Mr. Lam has been the chief executive officer and executive director of
SFund International Holdings Ltd., a Hong Kong listed company. He is also an independent non-executive director of Hao Tian Development Group Limited, a Hong
Kong listed company, since August 2012. From August 2010 to August 2017, Mr. Lam was the executive director of China Smarter Energy Group Holdings Limited, a
Hong Kong listed company, where he was responsible for corporate development. Mr. Lam was the executive director and chief executive officer of Enterprise
Development Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong listed company, from February 2012 to May 2015 and from May 2013 to May 2015, respectively. Mr. Lam holds a
Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the City University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Ng Kin Sing has been a non-employee director and a member of CHNR’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee since December
2004, and a member of its Compensation Committee since November 2007. From March 2012 to present, Mr. Ng has been the director of Sky Innovation Limited, a
private investment company. Mr. Ng holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Yip Wing Hang has been a non-employee director and a member of CHNR’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee since June
2006, and a member of its Compensation Committee since November 2007. From January 2018 to the present, Mr. Yip has been the senior director of Winsome Asset
Management Ltd., where he is responsible for managing high-net-worth clients’ assets on a discretionary basis. Mr. Yip has served as adjunct associate professor at the
Institute of China Business, the University of Hong Kong SPACE since 2013. From October 2010 to December 2017, Mr. Yip was the marketing director of Athena
Financial Services Limited where he was responsible for the sale and distribution of financial products. Mr. Yip holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability from the
University of Cambridge and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the Lancaster University, United Kingdom. He is also a Chartered Banker in the United
Kingdom.
Mr. Li Feilie served as a director, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of CHNR from February 2006 to August 2016. He currently serves as
director of Feishang Mining, Newhold, Pineboom, China Coal, Feishang Dayun, Feishang Yongfu and FMH Services, each of which is a subsidiary of CHNR. While Mr.
Li is not an officer or director of the Company, he ultimately controls the Company through his services as an officer and/or director of certain of the Company’s
subsidiaries, his beneficial ownership of the Company’s shares, his ability to elect the Board of Directors and his direct ownership of a substantial amount of Company
debt. In addition to his directorships, Mr. Li provides strategic guidance relating to the various businesses in which he and his controlled companies invest. Through his
related companies, Mr. Li also provides funding to support the Company’s operating expenses and indirectly holds a substantial amount of the Company’s debt (see “Item
7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions,” below). He served as a director of Feishang Anthracite
from January 2010 to July 2016, its Chairman from December 2013 to July 2016, and its Chief Executive Officer from December 2013 to March 2016. Mr. Li has been
the chairman of Feishang Enterprise, Wuhu City Feishang Industrial Co., Ltd. and Wuhu Feishang Port Co., Ltd., companies beneficially owned by him, since June 2000,
from December 2001 to July 2011 and since October 2002, respectively. Mr. Li graduated from Peking University with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in
Economics.
Key Employees
The following table identifies the senior management of Bayannaoer Mining, and their ages and positions:
Name
Yu Jun
Yao Yangli
Age
53
56
Position
General Manager
Deputy Chief Engineer
Mr. Yu Jun was appointed as general manager of Bayannaoer Mining in January 2015. He has served as finance manager and chief financial officer of
Bayannaoer Mining since 2005. Mr. Yu has over 25 years of experience in corporate finance. Prior to joining Bayannaoer Mining, he served in the positions of finance
manager and financial controller of several companies including subsidiary companies of Sichuan University. Mr. Yu graduated from the University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China in 1989 and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in 2004.
36
Mr. Yao Yangli was appointed as deputy chief engineer of Bayannaoer Mining in charge of exploration work in April 2012. Mr. Yao has almost 30 years of
experience in mineral exploration. Prior to joining Bayannaoer Mining, he served as chief geological prospecting engineer, exploration project leader and chief engineer in
several companies. Mr. Yao has been appointed as distinguished geologist consultant for the Land and Resources Department of Bayannaoer Municipal Government since
2012. Mr. Yao graduated from Guilin College of Geology (now known as Guilin University of Technology) with a Bachelor’s degree in 1988 and holds a senior engineer
accreditation.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of the individuals identified above. There are no arrangements or understandings between major shareholders,
customers, suppliers or others pursuant to which any of the individuals identified above was selected as a director or member of senior management, other than the fact
that each was elected by Mr. Li Feilie.
B.
Compensation
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth the amount of compensation that was paid, earned and/or accrued and awards made under the Company’s equity compensation
plan during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, to each of the individuals identified in “Item 6.A. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES –
Directors and Senior Management” above.
Name
Directors and Executive Officers
Li Feilie1
Wong Wah On Edward2
Tam Cheuk Ho2
Zhu Youyi3
Zou Yu4
Peng Wenlie5
Lam Kwan Sing
Ng Kin Sing
Yip Wing Hang
Key Employees
Yu Jun
Yao Yangli
———————
1
Compensation
(US$)
Number of
options
to purchase
common shares
Exercise price
(US$/share)
Expiration
date
1
1
1
16,320
1
—
15,385
15,385
15,385
11,867
32,075
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Mr. Li serves as director of certain subsidiaries of the Company. The amount does not include payments under an office sharing agreement pursuant to which Feishang Enterprise, a
company controlled by Mr. Li, provides our subsidiary Feishang Management with certain shared office space (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions – Commercial Transactions with Related Companies,” below).
2
3
4
5
The amounts do not include payments to Anka under an office sharing agreement pursuant to which Anka provides certain accounting, administrative and secretarial services to the
Company (see “Item 7.B. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party Transactions – Commercial Transactions with Related
Companies,” below). Anka is jointly owned by Wong Wah On Edward and Tam Cheuk Ho.
Mr. Zhu was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary in July 2020.
Mr. Zou was appointed as a Vice President in October 2020.
Dr. Peng was appointed as a Vice President in March 2021, and was not an executive officer during 2020.
On April 2, 2015, we entered into service agreements with Mr. Tam Cheuk Ho (a director) and Mr. Wong Wah On Edward (our Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and President). Each of the agreements is for an initial term of one year and, thereafter, continues unless and until terminated by either party on not less than one
months’ notice. Each of the agreements also provides for the payment to the individual of an annual fee of US$1.00, plus such equity awards as may from time to time be
determined by our Compensation Committee.
37
On March 7, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Yu Jun for his services as general manager of Bayannaoer Mining for a term of one year
expiring on March 6, 2020. The agreement was renewed on March 7, 2020 with the same initial terms. For his services, Mr. Yu receives a basic salary at the rate of
CNY5,000 (US$766) per month, and is eligible for a bonus. Mr. Yu also enjoys certain perquisites and is eligible for bonuses. These amounts are included in the table
above.
On April 23, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Yao Yangli for his services as deputy chief engineer for a term of one year expiring on
April 22, 2020. The agreement was renewed on April 23, 2020 with the same initial terms. For his services, Mr. Yao receives a basic salary at the rate of CNY14,666
(US$2,246) per month, and is eligible for a bonus. Mr. Yao also enjoys certain perquisites and is eligible for bonuses. These amounts are included in the table above.
On July 14, 2020, we entered into a service agreement with Mr. Zhu Youyi (our Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary). The agreement is for an initial
term of one year and, thereafter, continues unless and until terminated by either party on not less than one months’ notice. The agreement also provides for the payment of
an annual fee of US$1.00, plus such equity awards as may from time to time be determined by our Compensation Committee.
On October 22, 2020, we entered into a service agreement with Mr. Zou Yu (Vice President). The agreement is for an initial term of one year and, thereafter,
continues unless and until terminated by either party on not less than one months’ notice. The agreement also provides for the payment of an annual fee of US$1.00, plus
such equity awards as may from time to time be determined by our Compensation Committee.
On March 22, 2021, we entered into a service agreement with Mr. Peng Wenlie (Vice President). The agreement is for an initial term of one year and, thereafter,
continues unless and until terminated by either party on not less than one months’ notice. The agreement also provides for the payment of an annual fee of US$1.00, plus
such equity awards as may from time to time be determined by our Compensation Committee.
There are no current contracts, agreements or understandings to increase the annual cash compensation payable to any of our executive officers or directors. For
each of the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, no increases in cash compensation were determined by the Compensation Committee under the service
agreements, and we paid or accrued nil, nil and nil, respectively, for cash compensation to our executive officers for their services as such.
The Company has no other employment contracts with any of its executive officers or directors and maintains no retirement, fringe benefit or similar plans for
the benefit of its executive officers or directors. The Company may, however, enter into employment contracts with its officers and key employees, adopt various benefit
plans and begin paying compensation to its officers and directors as it deems appropriate to attract and retain the services of such persons. The Company and its
subsidiaries have not set aside or accrued any amounts to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to the Company’s directors.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
We pay our independent directors a monthly directors’ fee equal to HK$10,000. We do not otherwise pay fees to directors for their attendance at meetings of the
Board of Directors or of committees; however, we may adopt a policy of making such payments in the future. We reimburse out-of-pocket expenses incurred by directors
in attending Board and committee meetings. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, no long-term incentive plans or pension plans were in effect with respect to
any of the Company’s executive officers or directors.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information relating to our outstanding stock option plans as of December 31, 2020:
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
2014 Equity Compensation Plan
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
Total
38
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in
column (a))
—
—
—
N/A
N/A
N/A
7,589,616
—
7,589,616
Stock Option Plan
The 2014 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2014 Plan”) was authorized by our Board of Directors on June 20, 2014 and was ratified and approved by members on
July 21, 2014.
The purposes of the 2014 Plan are to:
Encourage ownership of our common stock by our officers, directors, employees and advisors;
Provide additional incentive for them to promote our success and our business; and
Encourage them to remain in our employ by providing them with the opportunity to benefit from any appreciation of our common shares.
The 2014 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board (the “Plan Committee”). The 2014 Plan allows the Board or
Plan Committee to grant various incentive equity awards not limited to stock options. The Company has reserved a number of common shares equal to 20% of the issued
and outstanding common shares of the Company, from time to time, for issuance pursuant to options granted (“Plan Options”) or for restricted stock awarded (“Stock
Grants”) under the 2014 Plan. Stock appreciation rights may be granted as a means of allowing participants to pay the exercise price of Plan Options. Stock Grants may be
made upon such terms and conditions as the Board or Plan Committee determines. Stock Grants may include deferred stock awards under which receipt of Stock Grants is
deferred, with vesting to occur upon such terms and conditions as the Board or Plan Committee determines.
The Board or Plan Committee may determine, from time to time, those of our officers, directors, employees and consultants to whom Stock Grants and Plan
Options will be granted, the terms and provisions of the respective Stock Grants and Plan Options, the dates such Plan Options will become exercisable, the number of
shares subject to each Plan Option, the purchase price of such shares and the form of payment of such purchase price. Plan Options and Stock Grants will be awarded
based upon the fair market value of our common shares at the time of the award. All questions relating to the administration of the 2014 Plan, and the interpretation of the
provisions thereof are to be resolved at the sole discretion of the Board or Plan Committee.
A total of 7,589,616 common shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan. No awards have yet been made under the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan
terminates on June 19, 2024.
C.
Board Practices
As provided by our Memorandum and Articles, each director is to hold office for a three-year term expiring immediately following the annual meeting of
shareholders held three years following the annual meeting at which he or she was elected.
At the annual meeting of shareholders in 2020, Mr. Ng Kin Sing was elected to serve as Class I directors until immediately following the annual meeting to be
held in 2023 and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified. Messrs. Wong Wah On Edward and Tam Cheuk Ho serve as Class III directors until immediately
following the annual meeting to be held in 2022 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Messrs. Lam Kwan Sing and Yip Wing Hang serve as
Class II directors until immediately following the annual meeting to be held in 2021 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
Messrs. Lam Kwan Sing, Yip Wing Hang and Ng Kin Sing are each an “independent director” as such term is used in applicable rules and regulations of the SEC
and in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). We are not required to maintain a Board of Directors consisting of a majority of independent directors based upon an
exemption from Nasdaq requirements applicable to foreign private issuers whose home jurisdiction does not require the board of directors to consist of a majority of
independent directors.
Our officers are elected annually at the meeting of the Board of Directors following each annual meeting of shareholders, and hold office until their respective
successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to their earlier death, resignation or removal, and the terms of applicable employment agreements.
Please see “Item 6.B. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Compensation – Executive Compensation,” above, for information
regarding directors’ service contracts.
39
Audit Committee
Our Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee that operates pursuant to a written charter. Our Audit Committee, whose members currently consists
of Yip Wing Hang, Lam Kwan Sing and Ng Kin Sing, is principally responsible for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the annual audit of the financial statements.
The duties of the Audit Committee include, but are not limited to:
Appointing and supervising our independent registered public accounting firm;
Assessing the organization and scope of the company’s interim audit function;
Reviewing the scope of audits to be conducted, as well as the results thereof;
Approving audit and non-audit services provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm; and
Overseeing our financial reporting activities, including our internal controls and procedures and the accounting standards and principles applied.
Each member of the Audit Committee is an “independent director,” as such term is used in applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and in Nasdaq
Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; Shareholder Nominees for Director
Our Board of Directors has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that operates pursuant to a written charter. The current members of
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Ng Kin Sing, Lam Kwan Sing and Yip Wing Hang. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee is an “independent director,” as such term is used in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for providing oversight on a broad range of issues surrounding the composition and
operation of our Board of Directors. In particular, the responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include:
Identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors;
Determining the slate of nominees to be recommended for election to the Board of Directors;
Reviewing corporate governance principles applicable to us, including recommending corporate governance principles to the Board of Directors and
administering our Code of Ethics;
Assuring that at least one Audit Committee member is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of regulatory requirements; and
Carrying out such other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required to meet at least once annually, and more frequently if the committee deems it to be
appropriate. The committee may delegate authority to one or more members of the committee, provided that any decisions made pursuant to such delegated authority are
presented to the full committee at its next scheduled meeting. Discussions pertaining to the nomination of directors are required to be held in executive session.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates for directors proposed by shareholders, although no formal procedures for
submitting the names of candidates for inclusion on management’s slate of director nominees have been adopted. Until otherwise determined by the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee, a member who wishes to submit the name of a candidate to be considered for inclusion on management’s slate of nominees at the next
annual meeting of shareholders must notify our Corporate Secretary, in writing, no later than June 30 of the year in question of its desire to submit the name of a director
nominee for consideration. The written notice must include information about each proposed nominee, including name, age, business address, principal occupation,
telephone number, shares beneficially owned and a statement describing why inclusion of the candidate would be in our best interests. The notice must also include the
proposing member’s name and address, as well as the number of shares beneficially owned. A statement from the candidate must also be furnished, indicating the
candidate’s desire and ability to serve as a director. Adherence to these procedures is a prerequisite to the Board’s consideration of the shareholder’s candidate. Once a
candidate has been identified, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the individual’s experience and background, and may discuss the proposed
nominee with the source of the recommendation. If the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes it to be appropriate, committee members may meet
with the proposed nominee before making a final determination whether to include the proposed nominee as a member of management’s slate of director nominees to be
submitted for election to the Board.
40
Compensation Committee
Our Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee that operates pursuant to a written charter. The current members of the Compensation
Committee are Ng Kin Sing, Lam Kwan Sing and Yip Wing Hang. Each member of the Compensation Committee is an “independent director,” as such term is used in
Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).
The Compensation Committee is responsible for:
Formulating corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation payable to the CEO and other executive officers;
Evaluating the performance of the CEO and other executive officers in light of these goals and objectives;
Recommending to the Board for its adoption and approval compensation payable to the CEO and other executive officers, including (a) annual base salary
level, (b) annual incentive opportunity level, (c) long-term incentive opportunity level, (d) employment agreements, severance arrangements, and change in
control agreement/provisions, in each case as, when and if appropriate, and (e) any special or supplemental benefits;
Administering and supervising the Company’s incentive compensation plans, including equity compensation plans;
Recommending to the Board for its adoption and approval, awards to be made under the Company’s incentive compensation plans, including equity
compensation plans; and
Generally supporting the Board of Directors in carrying out its overall responsibilities relating to executive compensation.
The Compensation Committee is required to meet at least once annually, and more frequently if the committee deems it to be appropriate. The committee may
delegate authority to one or more members of the committee; provided, that any decisions made pursuant to such delegated authority are promptly communicated to all
other committee members. The committee’s current compensation decisions are reflective of our current financial position.
Nasdaq Requirements
Our common shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and, for so long as our securities continue to be listed, we will remain subject to the rules
and regulations established by Nasdaq Stock Market as being applicable to listed companies. Nasdaq has adopted, and from time to time adopts, amendments to its
Marketplace Rule 5600 that impose various corporate governance requirements on issuers of listed securities. Section (a)(3) of Marketplace Rule 5615 provides that
foreign private issuers such as our company are required to comply with certain specific requirements of Marketplace Rule 5600, but, as to the balance of Marketplace
Rule 5600, foreign private issuers are not required to comply if the laws of their home jurisdiction do not otherwise mandate compliance with the same or substantially
similar requirement.
We currently comply with the applicable specifically mandated provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600. In addition, we have elected to voluntarily comply with
certain other provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600, notwithstanding that our home jurisdiction does not mandate compliance with the same or substantially similar
requirements; although we may in the future determine to cease voluntary compliance with those provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600 that are not mandatory. However,
we have elected not to comply with the following provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600, since the laws of the BVI do not require compliance with the same or
substantially similar requirements:
A majority of our directors are not independent as defined by Nasdaq rules;
Our independent directors do not hold regularly scheduled meetings in executive session (rather, all Board members may attend all meetings of the Board
of Directors);
The compensation of our executive officers is recommended but not determined by an independent committee of the Board or by the independent members
of the Board of Directors; and our CEO is not prevented from being present in the deliberations concerning his compensation;
Related party transactions are not required to be reviewed;
We are not required to solicit member approval of stock plans or securities issuances, including: those in which our officers or directors may participate;
stock issuances that will result in a change in control; the issuance of our stock in related party acquisitions or other acquisitions in which we may issue
20% or more of our outstanding shares; or, below market price issuances of 20% or more of our outstanding shares to any person; and
We are not required to hold an in-person annual meeting to elect directors and transact other business customarily conducted at an annual meeting (rather,
we complete these actions by written consent of holders of a majority of our voting securities).
We may in the future determine to voluntarily comply with one or more of the foregoing provisions of Marketplace Rule 5600.
41
D.
Employees
As of the date of this Annual Report, we employed a total of 10 employees on a full-time basis consisting of (a) six employees engaged in metal exploration, and
(b) four executive and administrative employees in corporate services. The Company believes that its relations with employees are generally good.
The following table sets out the number of employees as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, including their principal category of activity and geographic
location.
Years Ended December 31,
2019
2018
2020
Hong Kong
Accounting, administration and management
The PRC
Total
Accounting, administration and management (Shenzhen)
Accounting, administration and management (Bayannaoer)
Cashier
Mining exploration
E.
Share Ownership
3
3
2
5
1
1
9
12
2
2
2
4
1
1
8
10
2
2
2
4
1
1
8
10
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2021, the share ownership of the Company’s common shares by each of the individuals disclosed in response to
Item 6.B. of this Annual Report.
As of March 31, 2021, there were 37,948,082 common shares issued and outstanding. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting
power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned. The term “beneficial owner” of securities refers to any person who, even if not the record owner of the
securities, has or shares the underlying benefits of ownership. These benefits include the power to direct the voting or the disposition of the securities or to receive the
economic benefit of ownership of the securities. A person also is considered to be the “beneficial owner” of securities that the person has the right to acquire within 60
days by option or other agreement. Beneficial owners include persons who hold their securities through one or more trustees, brokers, agents, legal representatives or
other intermediaries, or through companies in which they have a “controlling interest,” which means the direct or indirect power to direct the management and policies of
the entity. The Company’s directors and executive officers do not have different voting rights than other shareholders of the Company.
Name of Beneficial Owner
Li Feilie
Wong Wah On Edward
Tam Cheuk Ho
Zhu Youyi
Zou Yu
Lam Kwan Sing
Ng Kin Sing
Yip Wing Hang
Yu Jun
Yao Yangli
Officers and directors as a group (8 persons)
———————
(1)
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
Percentage of Class
23,857,759(1)
400,000
281,926
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
24,539,685
62.87%
1.05%
0.74%
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
64.66%
Mr. Li is not an officer or director of CHNR but is an officer and/or director of certain of our subsidiaries, and ultimately controls the Company through his beneficial ownership of
our shares, his ability to elect the Board of Directors and his ownership of a substantial amount of Company debt. This number consists of (a) 23,557,759 outstanding common shares
held in the name of Feishang Group, a BVI corporation that is wholly owned by Mr. Li, and (b) 300,000 outstanding common shares held by Mr. Li.
Please refer to the discussion of our equity compensation plan and securities authorized for issuance thereunder under “Item 6.B. DIRECTORS, SENIOR
MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Compensation – Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” above.
42
Name of Beneficial Owner
Li Feilie
———————
(1)
ITEM 7.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A.
Major Shareholders
Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2021, to the knowledge of management, the share ownership of each person who is the beneficial owner of more
than 5% of our outstanding common shares.
As of March 31, 2021, there were 37,948,082 common shares issued and outstanding. Mr. Li has sole investment and voting power with respect to all shares
shown below as beneficially owned. The term “beneficial owner” of securities refers to any person who, even if not the record owner of the securities, has or shares the
underlying benefits of ownership. These benefits include the power to direct the voting or the disposition of the securities or to receive the economic benefit of ownership
of the securities. A person also is considered to be the “beneficial owner” of securities that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days by option or other agreement.
Beneficial owners include persons who hold their securities through one or more trustees, brokers, agents, legal representatives or other intermediaries, or through
companies in which they have a “controlling interest,” which means the direct or indirect power to direct the management and policies of the entity. The Company’s
major shareholder does not have different voting rights than other shareholders of the Company.
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
Percentage of Class
23,857,759(1)
62.87%
Consists of (a) 23,557,759 outstanding common shares held in the name of Feishang Group, a BVI corporation that is wholly owned by Mr. Li, and (b) 300,000 outstanding common
shares held by Mr. Li.
Significant Changes in Ownership
In August 2020, we issued 9,077,166 common shares to Feishang Group, which is indirectly wholly owned by Li Feilie, our controlling shareholder, in exchange
for 120,000,000 shares of FARL held by Feishang Group. See “Item 7.B. – MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party
Transactions – Acquisition of FARL Shares in Exchange for Newly Issued Company Shares.” As a result of this issuance, Mr. Li was the beneficial owner of 70.2% of
our common shares. In January 2021, we issued 3,960,000 common shares in a registered offering, diluting Mr. Li’s ownership such that he currently holds 62.87% of our
outstanding common shares. See “Item 8.B. FINANCIAL INFORMATION – Significant Changes.” Other than the foregoing events, there have been no significant
changes in the percentage of ownership held by the major shareholder during the past three years.
Geographic Breakdown of Shareholders
Based upon a review of our shareholder records as of March 31, 2021, on that date our common shares were held of record by approximately 191 persons, 162 of
whom, holding approximately 29.4% of our outstanding common shares on that date, were located in the United States (host country). Shares registered in the name(s) of
intermediaries were assumed to be held by residents of the same country in which the intermediary was located.
Control
To our knowledge (a) there are no arrangements the operation of which may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of the Company and (b) except as
otherwise disclosed in this Annual Report, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporation, by any foreign government or by any other
natural or legal person, severally or jointly.
B.
Related Party Transactions
As discussed above, we have received letters from Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise, entities controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial
shareholder of the Company, both dated March 30, 2021 which state that Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise will provide continuous financial support (in the form
of interest-free loans) to us in relation to the going concern of our operations, including not recalling any amounts due to them until we are in a position to settle the
amounts due without having a detrimental impact on our financial resources, and that Feishang Enterprise will pay debts on our behalf when needed. As far as the
Company understands, there is no limitations on the amount or provision or the duration of support from Feishang Group or Feishang Enterprise.
43
Feishang Enterprise and Feishang Group are each beneficially owned by Mr. Li Feilie, the principal beneficial owner of the Company, and members of his
family. Mr. Li is also the former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company and currently serves as a director of certain subsidiaries of the Company. Wong
Wah On Edward, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company is also a director of certain affiliates of Feishang Group.
Acquisition of FARL Shares in Exchange for Newly Issued Company Shares
On August 17, 2020, the Company entered into the Sale and Purchase Agreement with Feishang Group pursuant to which the Company issued 9,077,166 shares
of the Company’s common stock, no par value, to Feishang Group, in exchange for 120,000,000 shares of FARL, with an approximate aggregate value of HK$87,522,000
(determined at a price of HK$1.006 per share, representing the average closing price of FARL on the five trading days before August 17, 2020, adjusted for a 27.5%
discount based on an independent valuation report). Feishang Group is the largest stockholder in the Company, and is wholly owned by Mr. Li Feilie, who also
beneficially owns 53.53% of the outstanding equity of FARL.
Commercial Transactions with Related Companies
Commercial transactions with related companies are summarized as follows:
2018
CNY’000
Year Ended December 31,
2019
CNY’000
2020
CNY’000
1,442
166
1,506
166
1,368
166
CHNR’s share of office rental, rates and others to Anka (1)
Feishang Management’s share of office rental to Feishang Enterprise (2)
———————
(1)
On April 1, 2017, the Company signed an office sharing agreement with Anka that superseded all previously signed agreements between the parties, pursuant to
which the Company shares 184 square meters of the total area of the office premises. The agreement also provides that the Company shares certain costs and
expenses in connection with its use of the office in addition to some of certain accounting and secretarial services and day-to-day office administration services
provided by Anka. In 2018, Anka’s lease with the unrelated landlord was extended for two years, from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. In 2020, Anka signed a new
contract with the unrelated landlord for two years, from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.
(2)
On January 1, 2018, Feishang Management signed an office sharing agreement with Feishang Enterprise, a related party and an affiliate of ours controlled by Mr. Li
Feilie. On October 1, 2020, Feishang Management signed a new contract with Feishang Enterprise, which will expire on September 30, 2021. Pursuant to the
agreement, Feishang Management shares 40 square meters of the office premises.
Balances with Related Parties
Payables to related parties (1)
Feishang Enterprise (2)
Feishang Group (3)
Anka Capital Limited (“Anka Capital”) (4)
Lease liabilities to related parties
Feishang Enterprise
Anka (4)
2018
CNY’000
As of December 31,
2019
CNY’000
2020
CNY’000
4,041
6,973
—
—
—
5,077
7,097
—
287
516
6,378
7,149
2,780
—
1,092
———————
(1)
Feishang Enterprise and Feishang Group are entities controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, who is the principal beneficial owner of the Company.
(2)
The payable to Feishang Enterprise by Feishang Management represents the net amount of advance from Feishang Enterprise. The balance is unsecured and interest-
free. The balance is repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.
44
(3)
(4)
The payable to Feishang Group represents the net amount of advance from Feishang Group. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance is repayable
when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.
Anka Capital and Anka are each jointly owned by Wong Wah On Edward and Tam Cheuk Ho, who are officers of the Company. The payable to Anka Capital by
CHNR represents the net amount of advance from Anka Capital. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance is repayable when the Group is in a
position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
The Company’s consolidated financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report are included herewith as Appendix A and are incorporated herein by
reference.
There are no legal or arbitration proceedings (including governmental proceedings pending or known to be contemplated), including those relating to bankruptcy,
receivership or similar proceedings and those involving any third party, which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on the Company’s financial
position or profitability. Moreover, there are no material proceedings in which any director, any member of senior management, or any of our affiliates is either a party
adverse to us or our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.
The Company has not paid any dividends with respect to its common shares and has no present plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company
intends to retain its earnings to support the development of its business. Any dividends paid in the future by the Company will be paid at the discretion of the Board of
Directors and will be dependent upon distributions, if any, made by its subsidiaries, and on the Company’s results of operations, its financial condition and other factors
deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. In accordance with the relevant PRC regulations and the Articles of Association of companies incorporated in the PRC,
appropriations of net income of wholly owned foreign enterprises and Sino-foreign joint venture companies as reflected in their statutory financial statements are to be
allocated to either (i) each of the general reserve, the enterprise expansion reserve and the staff bonus and welfare reserve, respectively, or (ii) the statutory reserve, as
determined by the resolution of the Board of Directors annually.
B.
Significant Changes
Registered Direct Offering of Common Shares and Warrants with Certain Institutional Investors
On January 20, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain institutional investors (the
“Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, (i) in a registered direct offering, up to an aggregate of 3,960,000 of common shares, no par value
(the “Shares”) of the Company at a per Share purchase price of $1.85 (the “Registered Offering”), and (ii) in a concurrent private placement, warrants initially exercisable
for the purchase of an aggregate of 1,584,000 common shares of the Company (the “Investors Warrants”), for gross proceeds of approximately $7.3 million, before
deducting fees to the placement agent and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Registered Offering closed on January 22, 2021.
The Investors Warrants are exercisable immediately as of the date of issuance until 36 months after the date of issuance at an initial exercise price of $2.35 per
share. The exercise price of the Investors Warrants is subject to full-ratchet anti-dilution adjustment in the case of future issuances of common shares of the Company
below the Investors Warrants’ exercise price then in effect, as well as customary adjustment in case of stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and similar
recapitalization transactions. A holder of the Investors Warrants also will have the right to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis if a registration statement or
prospectus contained therein is not available for the issuance of all common shares issuable upon exercise thereof. The exercisability of the Investors Warrants may also
be limited if, upon exercise, the holder and its affiliates would in aggregate beneficially own more than 4.99% or 9.99% of the Company’s common shares, which
percentage shall be elected by the holder on or prior to the issuance date.
45
Pursuant to the provisions of the Purchase Agreement, the Company and the Investors have agreed that until January 20, 2022, the Company will not enter into
an agreement to effect a “Variable Rate Transaction,” as that term is defined in the Purchase Agreement; and until January 22, 2022, the Company shall not issue or
announce the issuance or disposition or proposed issuance or disposition of any securities (each, a “Subsequent Placement”) unless the Investors are offered a
participation right, subject to certain terms and conditions as set forth in the Purchase Agreement, to subscribe, on a pro rata basis, for up to 35% of the securities offered
in the Subsequent Placement.
FT Global Capital, Inc. (the “Placement Agent”) acted as the exclusive placement agent in connection with the Registered Offering and the private placement
pursuant to the terms of a placement agency agreement, dated January 20, 2021, between the Company and Placement Agent (the “Placement Agent Agreement”).
Pursuant to the Placement Agent Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Placement Agent a cash fee equal to 8% of the aggregate proceeds received by the Company
from the sale of its securities to investors introduced to the Company by the Placement Agent. The Placement Agent is also entitled to additional tail compensation for any
financings consummated within the 12-month period following the termination of the Placement Agent Agreement to the extent that such financing is provided to the
Company by investors that the Placement Agent had introduced to the Company. In addition to the cash fee, the Company agreed to issue to the Placement Agent
warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 10% of the aggregate number of Shares sold in the Registered Offering (the “Placement Agent Warrants”). The Placement
Agent Warrants are on the same terms and conditions as the Investors Warrants, exercisable at a price of $2.35 per share, subject to a 180-day delay in the exercise period.
ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING
A.
Offer and Listing Details
The principal United States market for our common shares, our only class of outstanding equity securities, is the Nasdaq Stock Market. Our common shares are
traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “CHNR.” We are not aware of any principal market for any of our securities outside of the United States.
B.
Plan of Distribution
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
C.
Markets
Our common shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market since November 22, 2004, under the symbol “CHNR.” From August 7, 1995 until
November 22, 2004, our common stock was listed on the Nasdaq Small Cap market under the symbol “CHRB.”
D.
Selling Shareholders
E.
F.
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
Dilution
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
Expenses of the Issue
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.
Share Capital
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
B.
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
The information contained in our Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-233852), declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2019, under the
heading “Our Charter and Certain Provisions of BVI Law” is hereby incorporated by reference.
C.
Material Contracts
The Company is a beneficiary from the letters from Feishang Group and Feishang Enterprise regarding the provision of financial support to the Company,
executed on March 30, 2021.
46
In August 2020, we issued 9,077,166 common shares to Feishang Group, which is indirectly wholly owned by Li Feilie, our controlling shareholder, in exchange
for 120,000,000 shares of FARL held by Feishang Group. See “Item 7.B. – MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Related Party
Transactions – Acquisition of FARL Shares in Exchange for Newly Issued Company Shares” for additional information.
On January 20, 2021, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors and a Placement Agent Agreement with FT Global
Capital, Inc. See “Item 8.B. – FINANCIAL INFORMATION – Significant Changes – Registered Direct Offering of Common Shares and Warrants with Certain
Institutional Investors” for additional information.
D.
Exchange Controls
There are no material BVI laws, decrees, regulations or other pieces of legislation that impose foreign exchange controls on us or that affect our payment of
dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares. BVI law and our Memorandum and Articles impose no limitations on the right of non-resident
or foreign owners to hold or vote our common shares. However, we operate through subsidiaries located in the PRC, and the payment of dividends by PRC companies is
subject to certain restrictions imposed under PRC law.
The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, most recently amended in August
2008. Under the PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange
transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or
registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses
such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans.
In August 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement
of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency-
registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. SAFE Circular 142 provides that the RMB capital converted from the foreign currency
registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not
be used for equity investments within the PRC. SAFE also strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered
capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed without SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to
repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. In March 2015, SAFE issued SAFE Circular 19, which took effect and replaced SAFE Circular 142
from June 1, 2015. Although SAFE Circular 19 allows for the use of RMB converted from foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investments in the PRC,
restrictions continue to apply as to foreign-invested enterprises’ use of the converted RMB for purposes beyond their business scope, for entrusted loans or for inter-
company RMB loans.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct
Investment, which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign
exchange accounts, the reinvestment of lawful income derived by foreign investors in the PRC (e.g. profits, the proceeds of a sale of equity, a capital reduction,
liquidation or the early repatriation of an investment), and purchase and remittance of foreign exchange as a result of such lawful income in a foreign-invested enterprise
no longer requires SAFE approval, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition,
SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors
and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, specifying that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall
be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information
provided by SAFE and its branches.
In February 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving Policies for Foreign Exchange Administration for Direct Investment, or
SAFE Circular 13, which took effect on June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular 13 delegates the authority to enforce the foreign exchange registration in connection with the
inbound and outbound direct investment under relevant SAFE rules to certain banks and therefore further simplifies the foreign exchange registration procedures for
inbound and outbound direct investment.
In October 2019, SAFE issued the Circular on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross Border Trade and Investment, pursuant to which all foreign-invested
enterprises can make domestic equity investments with their capital funds in accordance with related law.
47
In addition, our wholly owned subsidiaries are required to allocate portions of their after-tax profits to their enterprise expansion funds and staff welfare and
bonus funds at the discretion of their boards of directors. Allocations to these statutory reserves and funds can only be used for specific purposes and are not transferable
to us in the forms of loans, advances or cash dividends.
E.
Taxation
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below), BVI tax consequences of an
investment in our common shares, and PRC tax considerations.
United States Federal Income Taxation
The following discussion addresses only the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder who holds common shares as a capital asset
(generally, property held for investment). This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential
U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of the ownership and disposition of common shares. In addition, this summary does not
take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder,
including specific tax consequences to a U.S. Holder under an applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal
or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any particular U.S. Holder. In addition, this summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax
applicable to non-corporate holders, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. Medicare contribution, U.S. state and local, or non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership or disposition of common shares, except to the extent described below under “British Virgin Islands Income Taxation” and “PRC Income Taxation.” Except as
specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding all U.S.
federal, U.S. state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of common shares.
No opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of common shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position
that is different from, and contrary to, any position taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities upon which this summary is based are subject to various
interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of the positions taken in this summary.
Scope of This Disclosure
Authorities. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or
proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and
available, as of the date hereof. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such
change could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. This summary does
not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.
U.S. Holders. For purposes of this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of common shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
An individual who is a U.S. citizen or resident;
A corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state
thereof or the District of Columbia;
An estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
A trust that (a) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (b)
has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
Non-U.S. Holders. For purposes of this summary, a “non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of common shares that is not a partnership (or other “pass-through”
entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is not a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to non-U.S.
Holders arising from the ownership or disposition of common shares.
48
Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding all U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences (including the
potential application of and operation of any income tax treaties) relating to the purchase, ownership or disposition of common shares.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations of ownership or disposition of common shares by U.S. Holders that are subject to
special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or
other tax-deferred accounts; (b) financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) broker-
dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect to apply a “mark-to-market” accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other
than the U.S. Dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that own common shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement
involving more than one position; (f) U.S. Holders that acquire common shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation
for services; (g) U.S. Holders that hold common shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for
investment purposes); (h) U.S. Holders that own directly, indirectly, or by attribution, 10% or more, by voting power or value, of the outstanding stock of the Company;
(i) U.S. Holders subject to Section 451(b) of the Code; and (j) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions
under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding all U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S.
tax consequences (including the potential application and operation of any income tax treaties) relating to the acquisition, ownership, or disposition of common shares.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership (or other “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds common shares, the U.S.
federal income tax consequences to such partnership and the partners (or other owners) of such partnership of the ownership, or disposition of the common shares
generally will depend on the activities of the partnership and the status of such partners (or other owners). This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax
consequences for any such partner or partnership (or other “pass-through” entity or its owners). Owners of entities and arrangements that are classified as partnerships (or
other “pass-through” entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
ownership or disposition of common shares.
Taxation of Dividends
The gross amount of a distribution paid on our common shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) generally will be taxable to you as foreign source dividend income and generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporate
shareholders under U.S. federal income tax law. To the extent that a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distribution will be
treated as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of your basis in our common shares with respect to which such distribution is made, and thereafter as a capital gain.
We do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. You therefore should expect that
distributions generally will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. Dollar amount of dividends received by certain non-corporate taxpayers, including
individuals, will be subject to taxation at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains if the dividends are "qualified dividends." Dividends paid on common
shares will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and (ii) the Company was
not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a PFIC, as discussed below.
The common shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States so long
as they are so listed.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, upon the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a capital gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common
shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Such capital gain or loss will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition, the
U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common shares is more than one year. Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of noncorporate U.S. Holders.
Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in common shares generally will be such U.S. Holder’s U.S.
Dollar cost for such common shares.
49
PFIC Status of the Company
The Company has not performed an analysis of whether or not it will be deemed a PFIC for its current taxable year. If the Company is or becomes a PFIC, the
foregoing description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares will be different. The
U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of common shares if the Company is or becomes a PFIC are described below under the heading “Tax
Consequences if the Company is a PFIC.”
A non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for each tax year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income (as defined for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) (the “income test”) or (ii) 50% or more (by value) of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during such tax year) either produce or
are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). For purposes of the PFIC provisions, “gross income” generally includes sales revenues less cost of goods
sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or other operations or sources, and “passive income” generally includes dividends, interest, certain rents and
royalties, certain gains from commodities or securities transactions and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of certain assets which produce passive
income. If a non-U.S. corporation owns at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, the non-U.S. corporation is treated, for purposes of the income test and
asset test, as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and as receiving directly its proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.
Under certain attribution and indirect ownership rules, if the Company is a PFIC, U.S. Holders will generally be deemed to own their proportionate share of the
Company’s direct or indirect equity interest in any company that is also a PFIC (a “Subsidiary PFIC”), and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their
proportionate share of (a) any “excess distributions,” as described below, on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC and (b) a disposition or deemed disposition of the stock of a
Subsidiary PFIC by the Company or another Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. In addition, U.S. Holders
may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any indirect gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC on the sale or disposition of common shares. Accordingly, U.S.
Holders should be aware that they could be subject to tax even if no distributions are received and no redemptions or other dispositions of the Company’s common shares
are made.
The determination of PFIC status is inherently factual, is subject to a number of uncertainties, and can be determined only annually at the close of the tax year in
question. Additionally, the analysis depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. There can
be no assurance that the Company will or will not be determined to be a PFIC for the current tax year or any prior or future tax year, and no opinion of legal counsel or
ruling from the IRS concerning the status of the Company as a PFIC has been obtained or will be requested. U.S. Holders should consult their own U.S. tax advisors
regarding the PFIC status of the Company.
Tax Consequences if the Company is a PFIC
If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder holds common shares, special rules may increase such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income
tax liability with respect to the ownership and disposition of such common shares. If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder owns common
shares, the Company will be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder for that tax year and for all subsequent tax years, regardless of whether the Company
meets the income test or the asset test for such subsequent tax years, unless the U.S. Holder makes a “deemed sale” election with respect to the common shares. If the
election is made, the U.S. Holder will be deemed to sell the common shares it holds at their fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year in which the Company
qualified as a PFIC, and any gain recognized from such deemed sale would be taxed under the PFIC excess distribution regime. After the deemed sale election, the U.S.
Holder’s common shares would not be treated as shares of a PFIC unless the Company subsequently becomes a PFIC. U.S. Holders should consult their own U.S. tax
advisors regarding the availability and desirability of a deemed sale election.
Under the default PFIC rules:
Any gain realized on the sale or other disposition (including dispositions and certain other events that would not otherwise be treated as taxable events) of
common shares (including an indirect disposition of the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC) and any “excess distribution” (defined as a distribution to the extent
it (together with all other distributions received in the relevant tax year) exceeds 125% of the average annual distribution received during the shorter of the
preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common shares) received on common shares or with respect to the stock of a Subsidiary
PFIC will be allocated ratably to each day of such U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common shares;
50
The amount allocated to the current tax year and any year prior to the first year in which the Company was a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income in the
current year;
The amount allocated to each of the other tax years (the “Prior PFIC Years”) will be subject to tax at the highest ordinary income tax rate in effect for the
applicable class of taxpayer for that year; and
An interest charge will be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each Prior PFIC Year.
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective “mark-to-market” election under Section 1296 of the Code (a “Mark-to-Market Election”) or a timely and
effective election to treat the Company and each Subsidiary PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (a “QEF”) under Section 1295 of the Code (a “QEF Election”) may
generally mitigate or avoid the default PFIC rules described above with respect to common shares. U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurance that the
Company has satisfied or will satisfy the recordkeeping requirements that apply to a QEF or that the Company has supplied or will supply U.S. Holders with information
such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules in the event that the Company is a PFIC for any tax year.
A timely and effective QEF Election requires a U.S. Holder to include currently in gross income each year its pro rata share of the Company’s ordinary earnings
and net capital gains, regardless of whether such earnings and gains are actually distributed. Thus, a U.S. Holder could have a tax liability with respect to such ordinary
earnings or gains without a corresponding receipt of cash from the Company. If the Company is a QEF with respect to a U.S. Holder, the U.S. Holder’s basis in the
common shares will be increased to reflect the amount of the taxed but undistributed income. Distributions of income that had previously been taxed will result in a
corresponding reduction of basis in the common shares and will not be taxed again as a distribution to a U.S. Holder. Taxable gains on the disposition of common shares
by a U.S. Holder that has made a timely and effective QEF Election are generally capital gains. A U.S. Holder must make a QEF Election for the Company and each
Subsidiary PFIC if it wishes to have this treatment. To make a QEF Election, a U.S. Holder will need to have an annual information statement from the Company setting
forth the ordinary earnings and net capital gains for the year and the Company may not provide this statement, in which case a QEF Election cannot be made. In general, a
U.S. Holder must make a QEF Election on or before the due date for filing its income tax return for the first year to which the QEF Election will apply. Under applicable
Treasury Regulations, a U.S. Holder will be permitted to make retroactive elections in particular, but limited, circumstances, including if it had a reasonable belief that the
Company was not a PFIC and did not file a protective election. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through another PFIC, separate QEF Elections must be made
for the PFIC in which the U.S. Holder is a direct shareholder and the Subsidiary PFIC for the QEF rules to apply to both PFICs.
Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability and desirability of, and procedure for, making a timely and effective QEF Election
(including a “pedigreed” QEF Election where necessary) for the Company and any Subsidiary PFIC.
Alternatively, a Mark-to-Market Election may be made with respect to “marketable stock” in a PFIC if such stock is “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange
or other market” (within the meaning of the Code and the applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations). A class of stock that is traded on one or more qualified exchanges or
other markets is considered to be “regularly traded” for any calendar year during which such class of stock is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days
during each calendar quarter. If the common shares are considered to be “regularly traded” within this meaning, then a U.S. Holder generally will be eligible to make a
Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its common shares. However, there is no assurance that the common shares will remain “regularly traded” for this purpose. A
Mark-to-Market Election may not be made with respect to the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC. Hence, a Mark-to-Market Election will not be effective to eliminate the
application of the default PFIC rules, described above, with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock, or excess distributions with respect to a Subsidiary
PFIC.
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective Mark-to-Market Election with respect to common shares generally will be required to recognize ordinary income
in each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such shares as of the close of such taxable year over
the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares as of the close of such taxable year. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares generally will be
increased by the amount of ordinary income recognized with respect to such shares. If the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares as of the close of a tax
year exceeds the fair market value of such shares as of the close of such taxable year, the U.S. Holder generally will recognize an ordinary loss, but only to the extent of
net mark-to-market income recognized with respect to such shares for all prior taxable years. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its common shares generally will be
decreased by the amount of ordinary loss recognized with respect to such shares. Any gain recognized upon a disposition of the common shares generally will be treated
as ordinary income, and any loss recognized upon a disposition generally will be treated as an ordinary loss to the extent of net mark-to-market income recognized for all
prior taxable years. Any loss recognized in excess thereof will be taxed as a capital loss. Capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code. Each U.S.
Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability and desirability of, and procedure for, making a timely and effective Mark-to-Market Election with
respect to the common shares.
51
Receipt of Foreign Currency
The amount of any distribution or proceeds paid in any currency other than U.S. Dollars to a U.S. Holder in connection with the ownership of common shares, or
on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as translated into U.S. Dollars calculated by reference to
the exchange rate prevailing on the date of actual or constructive receipt of the payment, regardless of whether the currency is converted into U.S. Dollars at that time. If
the currency received is not converted into U.S. Dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a basis in the currency equal to its U.S. Dollar value on the date of
receipt. Any U.S. Holder who receives payment in non-U.S. currency and engages in a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the currency may have a foreign
currency exchange gain or loss that would generally be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes.
Different rules apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method with respect to foreign currency.
Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of non-U.S.
currency.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding
Under U.S. federal income tax law, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a
non-U.S. corporation. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on individuals who are U.S. Holders that hold certain specified
foreign financial assets in excess of certain threshold amounts. The definition of “specified foreign financial assets” includes not only financial accounts maintained in
non-U.S. financial institutions, but also, if held for investment and not in an account maintained by certain financial institutions, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S.
person, any financial instrument or contract that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a non-U.S. entity. A U.S. Holder may be subject
to these reporting requirements unless such U.S. Holder’s common shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. Penalties for failure to file certain of these
information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns on IRS Form 8938,
and, if applicable, filing obligations relating to the PFIC rules, including possible reporting on an IRS Form 8621.
A holder of common shares may be subject to information reporting and “backup withholding,” currently at the rate of 24%, with respect to (a) distributions paid
on our common shares and (b) proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares, in each case if the distribution or proceeds are paid by a
paying agent, broker or other intermediary in the United States or by a U.S. broker or certain United States-related brokers to the holder outside the United States. Backup
withholding may be avoided by the holder of common shares if such holder:
is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories; or
provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that such holder is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with the backup
withholding rules.
In addition, holders of common shares who are not U.S. persons are generally exempt from backup withholding, although they may be required to comply with
certification and identification procedures in order to prove their exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a holder will be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that amount withheld is claimed as federal taxes withheld on the holder’s U.S. federal income tax return relating to the year in which the backup
withholding occurred. A holder who is not otherwise required to file a U.S. income tax return must generally file a claim for refund or, in the case of non-U.S. holders, an
income tax return in order to claim refunds of withheld amounts.
The discussion of reporting requirements set forth above is not intended to constitute an exhaustive description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a
U.S. Holder. A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax, and, under certain
circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting requirement. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax
advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.
THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL U.S. TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO U.S.
HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE OWNERSHIP, EXERCISE OR DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN
TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
52
British Virgin Islands Taxation
This summary has been prepared based upon management’s understanding of applicable tax consequences, but has not been reviewed by counsel or other experts
in U.S. or BVI taxation. This summary does not address all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our common shares and does not purport to deal with
the tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors, some of which, such as dealers in securities, insurance companies and tax-exempt entities, may be subject to
special rules. In particular, the discussion does not address the tax of non-BVI tax laws, except to the extent described above under “United Stated Federal Income
Taxation.” Accordingly, each prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular tax consequences to it of an investment in the common
shares. The discussion below is based upon laws and relevant interpretations in effect as of the date of this Annual Report, all of which are subject to change. Under the
BVI Business Companies Act (as amended) as currently in effect, companies incorporated or registered under the BVI Business Companies Act are exempt from income
and corporate tax. In addition, the BVI currently does not levy capital gains tax on companies incorporated or registered under the Business Companies Act.
A holder of our common shares who is not a resident of BVI is exempt from BVI income tax on dividends paid with respect to the common shares and any
capital gains realized with respect to any common shares. In addition, the common shares are not subject to transfer taxes, stamp duties or similar charges for so long as
we do not hold an interest in real estate in the BVI.
There are no estate, gift or inheritance taxes levied by the BVI on companies incorporated or registered under the BVI Business Companies Act.
There is no income tax treaty or convention currently in effect between the United States and the BVI that is applicable to any payments made by or to a
company incorporated or registered under the BVI Business Companies Act.
PRC Taxation
If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a withholding tax of 10% may be imposed by us
on any dividends that non-PRC resident holders of our common shares receive from us and on gains realized on their sale or other disposition of common shares, if such
income is considered as income derived from within the PRC.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
G.
Statement by Experts
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
H.
Documents on Display
The documents concerning the Company that are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the Company’s principal executive offices at Room 2205,
22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Certain documents described in response to Item 19. of this Annual
Report are filed with this Annual Report and others are incorporated by reference to documents previously filed by the Company with the SEC. The documents that are
filed herewith or incorporated by reference can be viewed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
I.
Subsidiary Information
See Exhibit 8 to this Annual Report for further information about our subsidiaries.
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Equity Price Risk
We have exposure to equity price risk as a result of our investments in FARL’s equity securities. Equity price risk results from changes in the level or volatility
of equity prices which affect the value of equity securities or instruments that derive their value from such securities or indexes. The fair value of our investments that are
subject to equity price risk as of December 31, 2020 was approximately CNY138.67 million. The impact of a 10% change in fair value of these investments would have
been approximately CNY11.58 million to net income, net of income taxes. Changes in equity values of our investments could have a material effect on our results of
operations and our financial position.
53
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
Revenue and expenses of our PRC subsidiaries are denominated in Renminbi. The administrative expenses of the Company’s head office in Hong Kong are
denominated either in United States dollars or Hong Kong dollars. As the reporting currency of the Company’s consolidated financial statements is the Renminbi, the
Company has market risk with respect to currency fluctuation between Hong Kong dollars and United States dollars to Renminbi and translation difference may arise on
consolidation. The Company may also suffer an exchange loss when it converts Renminbi to other currencies, such as Hong Kong dollars or United States dollars. If
market conditions allow, the Company endeavors to match the currency used in operating/investing activities with that used in financing activities. We have not engaged
any foreign currency contracts to hedge our potential foreign currency exchange exposure, if any.
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. We are not
currently exposed to interest rate risk as we do not have any outstanding interest-bearing financial instruments.
Commodity price risk
We were not exposed to commodity price risk as of December 31, 2020, as we did not have any copper ore in inventory on that date.
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
54
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
PART II
There are no defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies or other information required to be disclosed in response to this Item.
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
There have been no modifications to the rights of security holders and there is no other information to disclose in response to this Item.
ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. As of December 31, 2020, the
Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.
In designing and evaluating its disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well
conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in
designing disclosure controls and procedures, management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure
controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and
there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Based upon that evaluation and subsequent evaluations conducted in connection with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2020, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective
to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the
periods specified by the SEC’s rules and regulations.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f)
and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act defines internal control over financial reporting as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the
Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS issued by the IASB and
includes those policies and procedures that:
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS issued by
IASB, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
Company; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could
have a material effect on the financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only
reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to
the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
55
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, we used
the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) (2013
framework) (the COSO criteria). Based on our evaluation and the COSO criteria, we determined that, as of December 31, 2020, the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance
with IFRS.
Since the Company is not an accelerated filer, the auditor’s attestation report pursuant to SOX Section 404(b) is not required in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year 2020 and that has materially affected, or
is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16.
[Reserved]
ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
In general, an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 16A. of Form 20-F, is an individual member of the Audit Committee who:
understands generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;
is able to assess the general application of such principles in connection with accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves;
has experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements comparable to the breadth and complexity of our financial statements, or
experience actively supervising one or more persons engaging in such activities;
understands internal controls over financial reporting; and
understands audit committee functions.
An “audit committee financial expert” may acquire the foregoing attributes through:
education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person serving similar
functions;
experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person serving similar
functions; experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accounts with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of
financial statements; or
other relevant experience.
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Yip Wing Hang and Mr. Lam Kwan Sing is each an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of
Item 16 of Form 20-F of Regulation S-K. Each of our “audit committee financial experts” is independent as that term is used in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).
ITEM 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS
A Code of Ethics is a written standard designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
honest and ethical conduct,
full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in regulatory filings and public statements,
compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,
the prompt reporting violation of the code, and
accountability for adherence to the Code of Ethics.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that is applicable to all of our employees, and also contains provisions that apply only to our Chief Executive Officer,
principal financial and accounting officers and persons performing similar functions. A copy of our Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this
Annual Report.
56
ITEM 16C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table shows the fees that we paid for audit and other services provided by Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, our independent registered public
accounting firm, for fiscal years 2019 and 2020.
Audit Fees
Audit-Related Fees
Tax Fees
All Other Fees
Total
Fiscal Year 2019
Fiscal Year 2020
US$143,612
US$7,000
—
—
US$153,125
US$7,656
—
—
US$150,612
US$160,781
Audit Fees —This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements and services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in
connection with engagements for those fiscal years.
Audit-Related Fees —This category includes the pro forma review of the Company’s share acquisition of Feishang Anthracite.
The Audit Committee has adopted a procedure for pre-approval of all fees charged by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Under the
procedure, the Audit Committee approves the engagement letter with respect to audit, tax and review services. Other fees are subject to pre-approval by the entire Audit
Committee, or, in the period between meetings, by a designated member of the Audit Committee. Any such approval by the designated member is disclosed to the entire
Audit Committee at the next meeting. All the audit fees paid to Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP with respect to fiscal years 2019 and 2020 were approved by the Audit
Committee.
ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTION FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
There have been no exemptions from listing standards required to be disclosed in response to this Item.
ITEM 16E.
PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
There have been no purchases of equity securities required to be disclosed in response to this Item.
ITEM 16F.
CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
No disclosure is required in response to this Item.
ITEM 16G.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our common shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and, for so long as our securities continue to be listed, we will remain subject to the rules
and regulations established by the Nasdaq Stock Market that apply to listed companies. Nasdaq rules include various corporate governance requirements applicable to
listed securities. While all Nasdaq-listed companies are subject to certain of these corporate governance requirements, foreign private issuers such as our company are
exempt from other corporate governance requirements if the laws of their home jurisdiction do not otherwise require compliance. Since our home jurisdiction does not
mandate compliance with some of these Nasdaq rules, we have opted out of compliance with them. A more detailed description of the Nasdaq requirements that we are
not subject to is contained elsewhere in this Annual Report under “Item 6.C. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES – Board Practices – Nasdaq
Requirements.”
ITEM 16H.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
57
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PART III
The following financial statements are filed as a part of this Form 20-F in Appendix A hereto:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, together with the consolidated financial statements for the Company and subsidiaries,
including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Notes to consolidated financial statements
58
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Form 20-F. Certain exhibits have been previously filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, as amended
(Commission File Number 000-26046).
Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
8
11
12.1
12.2
13.1
13.2
15.1
15.2
101.INS
101.SCH
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished
January 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
Description of China Natural Resources, Inc.’s Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended (included as
Exhibit 2.1 to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed June 12, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Investors Warrant (included as Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished January 20, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (included as Exhibit 2.2 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished January 20, 2021 and incorporated herein by
reference).
2014 Equity Compensation Plan (included as Annex A of Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished August 13, 2014 and incorporated
herein by reference).
Service Agreement dated as of April 2, 2015 by and between the Company and Tam Cheuk Ho (included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K
furnished April 6, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
Service Agreement dated as of April 2, 2015 by and between the Company and Wong Wah On Edward (included as Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on
Form 6-K furnished April 6 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
License Agreement dated April 1, 2017 by and between Anka Consultants Limited and China Natural Resources, Inc. (included as Exhibit 4.15 to the Annual
Report on Form 20-F filed June 19, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
Inner Mongolia Wulatehouqi Moruogu Tong Mine Cooperation Agreement on Mineral Exploration dated August 20, 2017 by and between Bayannaoer City
Feishang Mining Company Limited and Bayannaoer Jijincheng Mining Co., Ltd. (included as Exhibit 4.25 to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed April
30, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement by and among the Company and the Investors (included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 6-K furnished
January 20, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
Placement Agency Agreement by and between the Company and FT Global Capital, Inc., dated January 20, 2021 (included as Exhibit 4.2 to the Current
Report on Form 6-K furnished January 20, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).
Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc., dated March 30, 2021, from Feishang Group Limited (filed herewith).
Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc., dated March 30, 2021, from Feishang Enterprise Group Co., Ltd. (filed herewith).
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith).
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (filed as Exhibit 14 to Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed March 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
Consent of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP to incorporation of audit report dated April 23, 2021 into registration statements on Form F-3 (SEC File No. 333-
233852 and SEC File No. 333-252895) (filed herewith).
Press Release dated April 23, 2021 (filed herewith).
XBRL Instance Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
59
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this
SIGNATURES
Annual Report on its behalf.
Date: April 23, 2021
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
By:
/s/ WONG WAH ON EDWARD
Wong Wah On Edward, CEO
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, together with the consolidated financial statements for the Company and its subsidiaries, including:
APPENDIX A
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Pages
F-2
F-4 – F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9 – F-10
F-11 – F-55
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of China Natural Resources, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of China Natural Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2020,
the related consolidated statements of profit or loss, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
As discussed in Note 2.4 (v) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for accounting for leases using the modified retrospective
approach in 2019.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based
on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to
perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no
such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing
procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required
to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our
especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the
accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
F-2
Revenue Recognition-principal vs agent consideration
Description of the Matter
As described in Notes 2.4(p), 2.5 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group recognizes revenue at a point in time
when control of the assets is transferred to the customer. The Group determined that it is a principal in the transactions since it has
exposure to the significant risks and rewards associated with the sale of the goods. Thus, the revenue arrangements should be
recognized at the gross amounts.
How We Addressed the Matter in
Our Audit
Auditing the Group's contracts with the customer was challenging, given the significant judgments required to analyze the Group's
contracts and the high degree of subjectivity and effort involved in assessing the Group's determination of whether the Group is
acting as a principal or agent in each contract arrangement. This assessment included evaluating the indicators of the Group’s
control over the promised goods before being transferred to the customer, whether the Group was primarily responsible for fulfilling
the promised goods and whether the Group had full discretion in establishing the prices for the promised goods.
To evaluate whether or not the Group is acting as a principal or an agent related to revenue recognition, our audit procedures
included, among others, the examination of executed customer contracts, identifying products in the contracts and evaluating the
Group’s determination of principal versus agent. For example, we evaluated management’s assessment of the indicators of control
over the promised goods which included determining whether the Group is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promised goods,
has control of the goods before the goods are transferred to the customer and has full discretion in establishing pricing by evaluating
the contractual terms with merchants and contracts with suppliers. We also assessed the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures
included in Notes 2.4(p), 2.5 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements regarding the revenue recognition.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
April 23, 2021
F-3
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands)
ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Prepayments
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Cash and cash equivalents
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
Notes
3
4(a)
5
6
7
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
214
616
830
29
3,956
39
—
3,444
7,468
8,298
158
1,079
1,237
25
—
42
138,674
2,450
25
165
190
4
—
6
21,234
375
141,191
21,619
142,428
21,809
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued liabilities
Taxes payable
Lease liabilities
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Deferred tax liabilities
Lease liabilities
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
(DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS)/EQUITY
Issued capital
Other capital reserves
Accumulated losses
Other comprehensive loss
(DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS)/EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Notes
8
9
4(b)
16(b)
16(b)
13
4(b)
17
17
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
3,896
2,161
16,818
803
5,077
7,097
35,852
—
—
—
35,852
100
3,558
10,205
745
9,158
7,149
30,915
9,964
347
10,311
41,226
15
545
1,563
114
1,402
1,095
4,734
1,526
53
1,579
6,313
312,081
692,518
(1,028,284)
(3,869)
390,297
716,776
(1,002,705)
(3,166)
(27,554)
101,202
8,298
142,428
59,764
109,756
(153,539)
(485)
15,496
21,809
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
OPERATING LOSS
Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Finance costs
Interest income
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR
ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Notes
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
10
11
11
11
11
13
—
—
—
—
(6,207)
12,969
(12,752)
217
(2)
(5,814)
6,867
(6,854)
13
(2 )
(7,140 )
1,052
(1,050)
2
—
(1,093)
(6,207)
(5,599)
(7,129)
(1,091)
—
5
26
—
(62)
16
31,334
(60)
18
(6,176)
(5,645)
24,163
—
—
1,416
(6,176)
(5,645 )
25,579
(6,176 )
—
(5,645)
—
25,579
—
(6,176 )
(5,645)
25,579
4,798
(9)
3
3,701
217
3,918
3,918
—
3,918
(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY:
Basic and diluted
- (Loss)/earnings per share
14
(0.25)
(0.23)
0.90
0.14
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2018
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
(6,176)
(5,645)
25,579
3,918
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR
Other comprehensive (loss)/income:
Other comprehensive (loss)/income that will be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Foreign currency translation adjustments of the Company
(117)
(111)
6,172
945
Other comprehensive loss that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Foreign currency translation adjustments of the subsidiaries
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME FOR THE YEAR
Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
—
—
(5,469 )
(117)
(111)
703
(837)
108
(6,293)
(5,756 )
26,282
4,026
(6,293)
—
(5,756)
—
26,282
—
(6,293)
(5,756)
26,282
4,026
—
4,026
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands)
Issued
capital
(Note 17)
CNY
Attributable to owners of the Company
Other
capital
reserves
CNY
Accumulated
losses
CNY
Other
comprehensive
loss
CNY
312,081
—
—
—
312,081
—
—
—
312,081
—
—
—
78,216
390,297
59,764
692,518
—
—
—
692,518
—
—
—
692,518
—
—
—
24,258
716,776
109,756
(1,016,463)
(6,176)
—
(6,176)
(1,022,639)
(5,645)
—
(5,645)
(1,028,284)
25,579
—
25,579
—
(1,002,705)
(153,539)
(3,641)
—
(117)
(117)
(3,758)
—
(111)
(111)
(3,869)
—
703
703
—
(3,166)
(485)
Total
CNY
(15,505)
(6,176)
(117)
(6,293)
(21,798)
(5,645)
(111)
(5,756)
(27,554)
25,579
703
26,282
102,474
101,202
15,496
At January 1, 2018
Loss for the year
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total comprehensive loss
At December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2019
Loss for the year
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total comprehensive loss
At December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020
Profit for the year
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total comprehensive income
Issuance of shares (Note 17)
At December 31, 2020
At December 31, 2020 (US$)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(Loss)/profit before income tax for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 11)
Depreciation of right-of-use assets (Note 11)
Interest on lease liabilities
Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (Note 11)
Changes in working capital:
Trade receivables
Prepayments
Other receivables
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued liabilities
Taxes payable
Net cash flows used in operating activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities
Year Ended December 31,
2018
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
(6,176)
(5,645)
24,163
3,701
67
—
—
—
—
—
(12)
(115)
(1,287)
(4)
66
1,187
60
—
(3,956)
10
597
3,796
522
30
65
976
38
(31,334)
3,956
4
(3)
(3,796)
1,397
(27)
(7,527)
(3,333)
(4,561)
9,377
(5)
9,372
—
(5)
(5)
—
(9)
(9)
10
149
6
(4,798)
606
1
—
(581)
214
(4)
(696)
—
(1)
(1)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments related to issuance of shares
Repayments to the Shareholder
Repayments to related companies
Advances from the Shareholder
Advances from related companies
Payment of the principal portion of lease liabilities
Interest paid
Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIFFERENCE
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
Supplementary disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash receipt of interest
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
—
(4,600)
(11,392)
—
2,179
—
—
—
—
(5,704)
—
6,740
(1,000)
(60)
(72)
—
—
462
4,081
(1,150)
(38)
(13,813)
(24)
3,283
(11,968)
(3,362)
(1,287)
(117)
18,878
6,793
13
6,793
3,444
293
3,444
2,450
26
16
18
(11)
—
—
69
625
(176)
(6)
501
(196)
45
527
375
3
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
1.
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
China Natural Resources, Inc. (“CHNR” or the “Company”) is a British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) holding company incorporated in 1993. The address of the principal
executive office is Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. The Company does not conduct
any substantive operations on its own and conducts its primary business operations through its subsidiaries (collectively with CHNR, the “Group”). A list of the
Company's subsidiaries is included in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.
CHNR's principal shareholder is Feishang Group Limited (“Feishang Group” or the “Shareholder”), a BVI corporation. Mr. Li Feilie is the beneficial owner of
Feishang Group. In the opinion of the directors of the Company, the ultimate parent of CHNR is Laitan Investment Limited, a BVI corporation.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended December 31, 2020 were authorized for issuance in accordance with a resolution of the
directors on April 23, 2021.
2.1
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Chinese Yuan (“CNY”)
and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand, except when otherwise indicated. US$ indicates U.S. dollars.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2020.
A subsidiary is an entity (including a structured entity), directly or indirectly, controlled by the Company. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has
rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee (i.e., existing rights
that give the Group the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee).
When the Company has, directly or indirectly, less than a majority of the voting or similar right of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and
circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:
(a)
(b)
(c)
the contractual arrangement with the other vote holders of the investee;
rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and
the Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.
The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company, using consistent accounting policies. The results of
subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Group obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases.
F-11
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.1
BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONTINUED)
Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to owners of the Company and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results
in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions
between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.
The Group reassesses whether it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control above.
A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.
If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes (i) the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary, (ii) the carrying amount of any non-
controlling interest and (iii) the cumulative translation differences recorded in equity; and recognizes (i) the fair value of the consideration received, (ii) the fair
value of any investment retained and (iii) any resulting surplus or deficit in profit or loss. The Group’s share of components previously recognized in other
comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss or retained earnings, as appropriate, on the same basis as would be required if the Group had directly disposed
of the related assets or liabilities.
2.2
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES
The Group has adopted the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting 2018 and the following revised IFRSs for the first time for the current year's financial
statements.
Amendments to IFRS 3
Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7
Amendment to IFRS 16
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8
Definition of a Business
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions (early adopted)
Definition of Material
The nature and the impact of the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting 2018 and the revised IFRSs are described below:
(a)
(b)
Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting 2018 (the “Conceptual Framework”) sets out a comprehensive set of concepts for financial reporting and
standard setting, and provides guidance for preparers of financial statements in developing consistent accounting policies and assistance to all parties to
understand and interpret the standards. The Conceptual Framework includes new chapters on measurement and reporting financial performance, new guidance
on the derecognition of assets and liabilities, and updated definitions and recognition criteria for assets and liabilities. It also clarifies the roles of stewardship,
prudence and measurement uncertainty in financial reporting. The Conceptual Framework is not a standard, and none of the concepts contained therein
override the concepts or requirements in any standard. The Conceptual Framework did not have any significant impact on the financial position and
performance of the Group.
Amendments to IFRS 3 clarify and provide additional guidance on the definition of a business. The amendments clarify that for an integrated set of activities
and assets to be considered a business, it must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to
create output. A business can exist without including all of the inputs and processes needed to create outputs. The amendments remove the assessment of
whether market participants are capable of acquiring the business and continue to produce outputs. Instead, the focus is on whether acquired inputs and
acquired substantive processes together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The amendments have also narrowed the definition of outputs
to focus on goods or services provided to customers, investment income or other income from ordinary activities. Furthermore, the amendments provide
guidance to assess whether an acquired process is substantive and introduce an optional fair value concentration test to permit a simplified assessment of
whether an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business. The Group has applied the amendments prospectively to transactions or other events that
occurred on or after January 1, 2020. The amendments did not have any impact on the financial position and performance of the Group.
F-12
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.2
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES (CONTINUED)
(c)
(d)
Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 address issues affecting financial reporting in the period before the replacement of an existing interest rate
benchmark with an alternative risk-free rate (“RFR”). The amendments provide temporary reliefs which enable hedge accounting to continue during the
period of uncertainty before the introduction of the alternative RFR. In addition, the amendments require companies to provide additional information to
investors about their hedging relationships which are directly affected by these uncertainties. The amendments did not have any impact on the financial
position and performance of the Group as the Group did not have any interest rate hedging relationships.
Amendment to IFRS 16 provides a practical expedient for lessees to elect not to apply lease modification accounting for rent concessions arising as a direct
consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The practical expedient applies only to rent concessions occurring as a direct consequence of the pandemic and only
if (i) the change in lease payments results in revised consideration for the lease that is substantially the same as, or less than, the consideration for the lease
immediately preceding the change; (ii) any reduction in lease payments affects only payments originally due on or before June 1, 2021; and (iii) there is no
substantive change to other terms and conditions of the lease. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after June 1, 2020 with earlier
application permitted and shall be applied retrospectively. The Group has early adopted the amendment on January 1, 2020. During 2020, the Group had no
rent concessions granted by the lessors. Therefore, the amendments did not have any impact on the financial position and performance of the Group.
(e)
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 provide a new definition of material. The new definition states that information is material if omitting, misstating or
obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those
financial statements. The amendments clarify that materiality will depend on the nature or magnitude of information, or both. The amendments did not have
any significant impact on the financial position and performance of the Group.
2.3
ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS
The Group has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs, that have been issued but are not yet effective, in these financial statements:
Amendments to IFRS 3
Amendments to IFRS 9,
IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28
IFRS 17
Amendments to IFRS 17
Amendments to IAS 1
Amendments to IAS 16
Amendments to IAS 37
Amendments to IAS 8
Amendments to IAS 1
Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards
2018-2020
———————
Reference to the Conceptual Framework2
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - Phase 21
Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or
Joint Venture4
Insurance Contracts3
Insurance Contracts3,5
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current3
Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use2
Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling a Contract2
Definition of Accounting Estimates3
Disclosure of Accounting Policies3
Amendments to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, Illustrative Examples accompanying
IFRS 16, and IAS 412
1
2
3
4
5
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023
No mandatory effective date yet determined but available for adoption
As a consequence of the amendments to IFRS 17 issued in June 2020, IFRS 4 was amended to extend the temporary exemption that permits insurers to apply IAS 39 rather than IFRS 9 for annual
periods beginning before January 1, 2023
F-13
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.3
ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (CONTINUED)
Further information about those IFRSs that are expected to be applicable to the Group is described below.
(a)
(b)
Amendments to IFRS 3 are intended to replace a reference to the previous Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements with a
reference to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting issued in March 2018 without significantly changing its requirements. The amendments also
add to IFRS 3 an exception to its recognition principle for an entity to refer to the Conceptual Framework to determine what constitutes an asset or a liability.
The exception specifies that, for liabilities and contingent liabilities that would be within the scope of IAS 37 or IFRIC 21 if they were incurred separately
rather than assumed in a business combination, an entity applying IFRS 3 should refer to IAS 37 or IFRIC 21 respectively instead of the Conceptual
Framework. Furthermore, the amendments clarify that contingent assets do not qualify for recognition at the acquisition date. The Group expects to adopt the
amendments prospectively from January 1, 2022. Since the amendments apply prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or
after the date of first application, the Group will not be affected by these amendments on the date of transition.
Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 address issues not dealt with in the previous amendments which affect financial reporting when
an existing interest rate benchmark is replaced with an alternative RFR. The Phase 2 amendments provide a practical expedient to allow the effective interest
rate to be updated without adjusting the carrying amount when accounting for changes in the basis for determining the contractual cash flows of financial
assets and liabilities, if the change is a direct consequence of the interest rate benchmark reform and the new basis for determining the contractual cash flows
is economically equivalent to the previous basis immediately preceding the change. In addition, the amendments permit changes required by the interest rate
benchmark reform to be made to hedge designations and hedge documentation without the hedging relationship being discontinued. Any gains or losses that
could arise on transition are dealt with through the normal requirements of IFRS 9 to measure and recognize hedge ineffectiveness. The amendments also
provide a temporary relief to entities from having to meet the separately identifiable requirement when an RFR is designated as a risk component. The relief
allows an entity, upon designation of the hedge, to assume that the separately identifiable requirement is met, provided the entity reasonably expects the RFR
risk component to become separately identifiable within the next 24 months. Furthermore, the amendments require an entity to disclose additional
information to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect of interest rate benchmark reform on an entity’s financial instruments and risk
management strategy. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021 and shall be applied retrospectively, but entities
are not required to restate the comparative information. The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 address an inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and in IAS 28 in dealing with the sale or contribution of
assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The amendments require a full recognition of a gain or loss when the sale or contribution of assets
between an investor and its associate or joint venture constitutes a business. For a transaction involving assets that do not constitute a business, a gain or loss
resulting from the transaction is recognized in the investor’s profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investor’s interest in that associate or joint
venture. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. The previous mandatory effective date of amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 was removed by the
IASB in December 2015 and a new mandatory effective date will be determined after the completion of a broader review of accounting for associates and
joint ventures. However, the amendments are available for adoption now. The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s
financial statements.
F-14
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.3
ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (CONTINUED)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Amendments to IAS 1 clarify the requirements for classifying liabilities as current or non-current. The amendments specify that if an entity’s right to defer
settlement of a liability is subject to the entity complying with specified conditions, the entity has a right to defer settlement of the liability at the end of the
reporting period if it complies with those conditions at that date. Classification of a liability is unaffected by the likelihood that the entity will exercise its right
to defer settlement of the liability. The amendments also clarify the situations that are considered a settlement of a liability. The amendments are effective for
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 and shall be applied retrospectively. Earlier application is permitted. The amendments are not expected
to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 16 prohibit an entity from deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced
while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, an entity
recognizes the proceeds from selling any such items, and the cost of those items, in profit or loss. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2022 and shall be applied retrospectively only to items of property, plant and equipment made available for use on or after the beginning
of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which the entity first applies the amendments. Earlier application is permitted. The amendments
are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 37 clarify that for the purpose of assessing whether a contract is onerous under IAS 37, the cost of fulfilling the contract comprises the
costs that relate directly to the contract. Costs that relate directly to a contract include both the incremental costs of fulfilling that contract (e.g., direct labor
and materials) and an allocation of other costs that relate directly to fulfilling that contract (e.g., an allocation of the depreciation charge for an item of
property, plant and equipment used in fulfilling the contract as well as contract management and supervision costs). General and administrative costs do not
relate directly to a contract and are excluded unless they are explicitly chargeable to the counterparty under the contract. The amendments are effective for
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and shall be applied to contracts for which an entity has not yet fulfilled all its obligations at the
beginning of the annual reporting period in which it first applies the amendments. Earlier application is permitted. Any cumulative effect of initially applying
the amendments shall be recognized as an adjustment to the opening equity at the date of initial application without restating the comparative information. The
amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 8 introduce a new definition of accounting estimates. The amendments are designed to clarify the distinction between changes in
accounting estimates and changes in accounting policies and the correction of errors. An entity shall apply these amendments for annual reporting periods
beginning on or after January 1, 2023. Earlier application is permitted. An entity shall apply the amendments to changes in accounting estimates and changes
in accounting policies that occur on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period in which it applies the amendments. The amendments are not
expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 1 require an entity to disclose its material accounting policy information rather than its significant accounting policies. To help entities to
apply the amendments to IAS 1, the IASB also amended IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements to illustrate how an entity can judge
whether accounting policy information is material to its financial statements. The IASB added guidance and examples to IFRS Practice Statement 2 to help an
entity apply the four-step materiality process to accounting policy information. An entity shall apply the amendments to IAS 1 for annual reporting periods
beginning on or after January 1, 2023. Earlier application is permitted. If an entity applies those amendments for an earlier period, it shall disclose that fact.
The amendments are not expected to have any significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.
F-15
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.3
ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (CONTINUED)
(h)
Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 sets out amendments to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, Illustrative Examples accompanying IFRS 16, and IAS 41.
Details of the amendments that are expected to be applicable to the Group are as follows:
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments: clarifies the fees that an entity includes when assessing whether the terms of a new or modified financial liability are
substantially different from the terms of the original financial liability. These fees include only those paid or received between the borrower and the
lender, including fees paid or received by either the borrower or lender on the other’s behalf. An entity applies the amendment to financial liabilities that
are modified or exchanged on or after the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the entity first applies the amendment. The amendment is
effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Earlier application is permitted. The amendment is not expected to have a significant
impact on the Group’s financial statements.
IFRS 16 Leases: removes the illustration of payments from the lessor relating to leasehold improvements in Illustrative Example 13 accompanying IFRS
16. This removes potential confusion regarding the treatment of lease incentives when applying IFRS 16.
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a)
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred is measured at the acquisition date fair value which is the
sum of the acquisition date fair values of assets transferred by the Group, liabilities assumed by the Group to the former owner of the acquiree and the equity
interests issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling
interests in the acquiree that are present ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of net assets in the event of liquidation at fair
value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. All other components of non-controlling interests are measured at fair value.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
The Group determines that it has acquired a business when the acquired set of activities and assets includes an input and a substantive process that together
significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with
the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as of the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host
contracts of the acquiree.
If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured
to fair value at the acquisition date through the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as an asset
or liability is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. If the contingent consideration is not within the scope of IAS 39, it
is measured in accordance with the appropriate IFRSs. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured and subsequent settlement is
accounted for within equity.
F-16
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(CONTINUED)
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount recognized for non-controlling interests
and any fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interests in the acquiree over the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the sum of
this consideration and other items is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is, after reassessment, recognized in
the consolidated statement of profit or loss as a gain on bargain purchase.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently
if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. The Group performs its annual impairment test of goodwill as of
December 31. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the
Group’s cash-generating units, or groups of cash-generating units, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether
other assets or liabilities of the Group are assigned to those units or groups of units.
Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) to which the goodwill relates.
Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized.
An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.
(a)
Business combinations(continued)
Where goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating unit (or group of cash-generating units) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the
goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on the disposal.
Goodwill disposed of in these circumstances is measured based on the relative value of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit
retained.
(b)
Related parties
A party is considered to be related to the Group if:
(1)
the party is a person or a close member of that person’s family and that person
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
has control or joint control over the Group;
has significant influence over the Group; or
is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or of a parent of the Group;
or
(2)
the party is an entity where any of the following conditions applies:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
the entity and the Group are members of the same group;
one entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or of a parent, subsidiary or fellow subsidiary of the other entity);
the entity and the Group are joint ventures of the same third party;
one entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an associate of the third entity;
the entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees of either the Group or an entity related to the Group;
the entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in (1);
a person identified in (1)(i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent
of the entity); and
the entity, or any member of a group of which it is a part, provides key management personnel services to the Group or to the parent of the Group.
F-17
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(c)
Property, plant and equipment and depreciation
Property, plant and equipment comprise buildings, machinery and equipment and motor vehicles.
Buildings, machinery and equipment, and motor vehicles are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Expenditures for routine
repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation for the following items is calculated on the straight-line basis over each asset’s estimated useful life down to the estimated residual value of each
asset.
Estimated useful lives are as follows:
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Motor vehicles
8 - 35 years
3 - 15 years
4 - 8 years
Residual values, useful lives and the depreciation method are reviewed and, adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.
When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit
or loss on disposal is recognized in the statement of profit or loss.
Expenditure incurred after items of property, plant and equipment have been put into operation, such as repairs and maintenance, is normally charged to the
statement of profit or loss in the period in which it is incurred. In situations where the recognition criteria are satisfied, the expenditure for a major inspection
is capitalized in the carrying amount of the asset as a replacement. Where significant parts of property, plant and equipment are required to be replaced at
intervals, the Group recognizes such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciates them accordingly.
An item of property, plant and equipment including any significant part initially recognized is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic
benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss on disposal or retirement recognized in the statement of profit or loss in the year the asset is
derecognized is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant asset.
(d)
Fair value measurement
The Group measures equity investments at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid
to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption
that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal
market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group. The fair
value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market
participants act in their economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its
highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing
the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
F-18
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(d)
Fair value measurement (continued)
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as
follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1 – based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – based on valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is observable, either directly or
indirectly
Level 3 – based on valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable
For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between
levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of
each reporting period.
(e)
Exploration and evaluation costs
Exploration and evaluation assets include topographical and geological surveys, exploratory drilling, sampling and trenching and activities in relation to
commercial and technical feasibility studies, and expenditure incurred to secure further mineralization in existing bodies and to expand the capacity of a mine.
Expenditure incurred prior to acquiring legal rights to explore an area are expensed as incurred.
Once the exploration right has been acquired, exploration and evaluation expenditure is charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss as incurred,
unless a future economic benefit is more likely than not to be realized. Exploration and evaluation assets acquired in a business combination are initially
recognized at fair value. They are subsequently stated at cost less accumulated impairment.
When it can be reasonably ascertained that a mining property is capable of commercial production, exploration and evaluation costs are transferred to tangible
or intangible assets according to the nature of the exploration and evaluation assets. If any project is abandoned during the evaluation stage, the total
expenditure thereon will be written off.
(f)
Impairment of non-financial assets
Where an indication of impairment exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required (other than inventories and financial assets), the asset's
recoverable amount is estimated. An asset's recoverable amount is the higher of the asset's or cash-generating unit's value in use and its fair value less costs of
disposal, and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or
groups of assets, in which case the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash
flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks
specific to the asset. An impairment loss is charged to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it arises in those expense categories consistent with
the function of the impaired asset.
An assessment is made at the end of each reporting period as to whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer
exist or may have decreased. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. A previously recognized impairment loss of an asset other than
goodwill is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount of that asset, but not to an amount higher than
the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of any depreciation/amortization) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior
years. A reversal of such an impairment loss is credited to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it arises.
F-19
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(g)
Investments and other financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as subsequently measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, and fair
value through profit or loss.
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business
model for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied
the practical expedient of not adjusting the effect of a significant financing component, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value, plus in
the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component
or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15 in accordance with the policies set
out in Note 2.4(p) “Revenue recognition” below.
In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income, it needs to give rise to cash
flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (“SPPI”) on the principal amount outstanding. Financial assets with cash flows that are not SPPI are
classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model.
(g)
Investments and other financial assets (continued)
The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model
determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both. Financial assets classified and measured
at amortized cost are held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, while financial assets
classified and measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect
contractual cash flows and selling. Financial assets which are not held within the aforementioned business models are classified and measured at fair value
through profit or loss.
All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date, that is, the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.
Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within the period generally established by regulation or
convention in the marketplace.
Subsequent measurement
The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification as follows:
Financial assets at amortized cost (debt instruments)
Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest method and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are
recognized in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognized, modified or impaired.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in
the statement of profit or loss.
This category includes derivative instruments and equity investments which the Group had not irrevocably elected to classify at fair value through other
comprehensive income. Dividends on equity investments classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are also recognized as other income
in consolidated the statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the
dividend will flow to the Group and the amount of the dividend can be measured reliably.
F-20
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(h)
Derecognition of financial assets
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily derecognized (i.e., removed from
the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position) when:
the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or
the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without
material delay to a third party under a “pass-through” arrangement; and either (a) the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the
asset, or (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset but has transferred control of the asset.
When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, it evaluates if, and to what
extent, it has retained the risk and rewards of ownership of the asset. When it has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the
asset nor transferred control of the asset, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset to the extent of the Group's continuing involvement. In that
case, the Group also recognizes an associated liability. The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and
obligations that the Group has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and
the maximum amount of consideration that the Group could be required to repay.
(i)
Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses (“ECLs”) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based
on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted
at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit
enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.
General approach
ECLs are recognized in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are
provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12 months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which
there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the
exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. When making
the assessment, the Group compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as of the reporting date with the risk of a default occurring on
the financial instrument as of the date of initial recognition and considers reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort,
including historical and forward-looking information.
The Group considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments are 90 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Group may also consider a
financial asset to be in default when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full
before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering
the contractual cash flows.
F-21
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(i)
Impairment of financial assets (continued)
Financial assets at amortized cost are subject to impairment under the general approach and they are classified within the following stages for measurement of
ECLs except for trade receivables which apply the simplified approach as detailed below:
Stage 1 – Financial instruments for which credit risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition and for which the loss allowance is measured
at an amount equal to 12-month ECLs
Stage 2 – Financial instruments for which credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition but that are not credit-impaired financial assets
and for which the loss allowance is measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs
Stage 3 – Financial assets that are credit-impaired at the reporting date (but that are not purchased or originated credit-impaired) and for which the loss
allowance is measured at an amount equal to lifetime ECLs
Simplified approach
For trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or when the Group applies the practical expedient of not adjusting the effect of a
significant financing component, the Group applies the simplified approach in calculating ECLs. Under the simplified approach, the Group does not track
changes in credit risk, but instead recognizes a loss allowance based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date. The Group has established a provision matrix
that is based on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment.
(j)
Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables, or as
derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.
All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs.
The Group’s financial liabilities include trade payables, and financial liabilities included in other payables and accrued liabilities.
Subsequent measurement
The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification as follows:
Financial liabilities at amortized cost
After initial recognition, lease liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method unless the effect of discounting
would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost. Gains and losses are recognized in the statement of profit or loss when the liabilities are
derecognized as well as through the effective interest rate amortization process.
Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest
rate. The effective interest rate amortization is included in finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.
F-22
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(k)
Derecognition of financial liabilities
A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled, or expires.
When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are
substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and a recognition of a new liability, and the
difference between the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the statement of profit or loss.
(l)
Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the statement of financial position if there is a currently enforceable legal
right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
(m)
Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and short-term highly
liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and have a short-term
maturity of generally within three months when acquired, less bank overdrafts which are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash
management.
For the purpose of the consolidated statement of financial position, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and at banks, including term deposits,
and assets similar in nature to cash, which are not restricted as to use.
(n)
Employee benefits
Pension obligations
The Group contributes on a monthly basis to various defined contribution retirement benefit plans administered by the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”)
government. The relevant government agencies undertake to assume the retirement benefit obligation payable to all existing and future retired employees
under these plans and the Group has no further obligation for post-retirement benefits beyond the contributions made. Further information is set out in Note 12
to the consolidated financial statements.
Housing funds
All full-time employees of the Group are entitled to participate in various government-sponsored housing funds. The Group contributes on a monthly basis to
these funds based on certain percentages of the salaries of the employees. The Group's liability in respect of these funds is limited to the contributions payable
in each year.
(o)
Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds. Borrowing costs directly relating to the
acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are
capitalized as part of the cost of the respective asset. The capitalization of such borrowing costs ceases when the asset is substantially ready for their intended
use or sale. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity
incur in connection with the borrowing funds.
F-23
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(p)
Revenue recognition
Revenue from contracts with a customer
Revenue from contracts with a customer is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to the customers at an amount that reflects the
consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
When the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, the amount of consideration to which the Group will be entitled in exchange for transferring
the goods or services to the customer is estimated. The variable consideration is estimated at contract inception and constrained until it is highly probable that
a significant revenue reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration
is resolved.
When the contract contains a financing component which provides the customer with the significant benefit of financing the transfer of goods or services to
the customer for more than one year, revenue is measured at the present value of the amount receivable, discounted using the discount rate that would be
reflected in a separate financing transaction between the Group and the customer at contract inception. When the contract contains a financing component
which provides the Group with a significant financial benefit for more than one year, revenue recognized under the contract includes the interest expense
accreted on the contract liability under the effective interest method. For a contract where the period between the payment by the customer and the transfer of
the promised goods or services is one year or less, the transaction price is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component, using the practical
expedient in IFRS 15.
Trading of copper ores
The Group purchases copper ores from third-party suppliers and then resells to a third-party trading company. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis, and at a
point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, upon delivery of the copper ores to the customers.
Other income
Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method by applying the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash
receipts over the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, when appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.
(q)
Government grants
Government grants are recognized at their fair value where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attaching conditions will be
complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the period in which the costs, for which it is
intended to compensate, are expensed.
(r)
Income taxes
Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax relating to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized outside profit or loss, either as
other comprehensive income or loss, or directly in equity.
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used
to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantially enacted, by the end of the reporting date, taking into consideration interpretations and
practices prevailing in the countries in which the Group operates.
Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their
carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.
F-24
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(r)
Income taxes (continued)
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:
when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time
of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and
in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can
be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that
it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused
tax losses can be utilized, except:
where the deferred tax assets relating to the deductible temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that
is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and
in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, deferred tax assets are only recognized to the extent that it is
probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences
can be utilized.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable
profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and
are recognized to the extent that it is probable that it has become probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax
asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based
on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if and only if the Group has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax
liabilities and the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or
different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities
simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.
(s)
Foreign currencies
The functional currency of substantially all the operations of the Group is the CNY, the national currency of the PRC. Transactions denominated in currencies
other than the CNY recorded by the entities of the Group are initially recorded using their respective functional currency rates prevailing at the dates of the
transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies have been translated into CNY at the functional currency rates of exchange
prevailing at the end of the reporting period. The resulting exchange gains or losses are credited or charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date of the initial
transactions.
F-25
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(s)
Foreign currencies (continued)
The functional currency of the Company is Hong Kong dollars. The consolidated financial statements of certain overseas subsidiary operations with a
functional currency other than the CNY have been translated into CNY. The assets and liabilities of these entities have been translated using the exchange
rates prevailing at the reporting date and their consolidated statements of profit or loss have been translated using the weighted average exchange rate for the
year. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income.
On disposal of a foreign operation, the deferred cumulative amount recognized in equity relating to that particular foreign operation is recognized in the
consolidated statement of profit or loss.
(t)
Convenience translation
The consolidated financial statements are stated in CNY. The translation of amounts from CNY into US$ is supplementary information and is included solely
for the convenience of the readers and has been made at the rate of exchange quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2020 of US$1.00 = CNY6.5306. No
representation is made that the CNY amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ at that rate on December 31, 2020 or at any other date.
(u)
Provisions
A provision is recognized when a present obligation (legal or constructive) has arisen as a result of a past event and it is probable that a future outflow of
resources will be required to settle the obligation, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
When the effect of discounting is material, the amount recognized for a provision is the present value at the end of the reporting period of the future
expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The increase in the discounted present value amount arising from the passage of time is included
in finance costs in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
(v)
Leases
The Group adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2019. Under this method, the standard has been applied retrospectively
with the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained profit at January 1, 2019, and the comparative
information for 2018 was not restated and continued to be reported under IAS 17 and related interpretation.
The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to
control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.
Group as a lessee
The Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. The Group
recognizes lease liabilities for obligations to make lease payments and right-of-use assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.
At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component and a non-lease component, the Group adopts the practical expedient not to
separate the non-lease component and to account for the lease component and the associated non-lease component (e.g., property management services for
leases of properties) as a single lease component.
F-26
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(v)
Leases (continued)
(1) Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets are recognized at the commencement date of the lease (that is, the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-of-use assets are
measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-
use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less
any lease incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease terms and the estimated useful lives of
the assets as follows:
Buildings
2 - 5 years
If ownership of the leased asset transfers to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost reflects the exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is
calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset.
(2) Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease
payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an
index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option
reasonably certain to be exercised by the Group and payments of penalties for termination of a lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising the option
to terminate the lease. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognized as an expense in the period in which the event or
condition that triggers the payment occurs.
In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate
implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest
and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease
term, a change in lease payments (e.g., a change to future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate) or a change in assessment of an option to
purchase the underlying asset.
(3) Short-term leases
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of buildings (that is those leases that have a lease term of 12 months or
less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option).
Lease payments on short-term leases are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(w)
Dividends
Final dividends are recognized as a liability when they are approved by the directors in a general meeting.
Interim dividends are simultaneously proposed and declared, because the Company's memorandum and articles of association grant the directors the authority
to declare interim dividends. Consequently, interim dividends are recognized immediately as a liability when they are proposed and declared.
F-27
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2.5
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material
adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability affected in future periods.
Judgement
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgement, apart from those involving estimations, which has the
most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements.
Principal versus agent consideration
The Group purchases copper ores from third-party suppliers which it then resells to a third-party trading company. The Group determined that it has control of the
goods before the goods are transferred to the customer, and it has the ability to direct the use of the copper ores or obtain benefits from the copper ores. The Group
determined that it is a principal in the transactions since it has exposure to the significant risks and rewards associated with the sale of the goods. Thus, the revenue
arrangements should be recognized at the gross amount.
In addition, the Group concluded that it transfers inventory at the point in time of the collection by the customer of the copper ores.
3.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Cost
At January 1, 2019
Additions
Exchange adjustment
At December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020
Additions
Exchange adjustment
At December 31, 2020
At December 31, 2020 (US$)
Accumulated depreciation and amortization and impairment losses
At January 1, 2019
Depreciation charge
Exchange adjustment
At December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020
Depreciation charge
Exchange adjustment
At December 31, 2020
At December 31, 2020 (US$)
Net carrying amount
At December 31, 2019
At December 31, 2020
At December 31, 2020 (US$)
Buildings
CNY
Machinery and
equipment
CNY
Motor
vehicles
CNY
Total
CNY
43
3
—
46
—
—
46
7
(3)
(3)
—
(6)
(3)
—
(9)
(1)
40
37
6
889
2
14
905
9
(51)
863
132
(870)
(5)
(14)
(889)
(4)
51
(842)
(129)
16
21
3
279
—
—
279
—
—
279
43
(63)
(58)
—
(121)
(58)
—
(179)
(27)
158
100
16
1,211
5
14
1,230
9
(51)
1,188
182
(936)
(66)
(14)
(1,016)
(65)
51
(1,030)
(157)
214
158
25
There was no impairment loss on property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020.
F-28
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
4.
LEASES
(a)
Right-of-use assets
The carrying amounts of the Group’s right-of-use assets and the movements during the year are as follows:
As of January 1, 2019
Depreciation charge
As of December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020
Addition
Depreciation charge
As of December 31, 2020
(b)
Lease liabilities
The carrying amount of lease liabilities and the movements during the year are as follows:
Carrying amount at January 1,
Addition
Accretion of interest recognized during the year
Payments
Carrying amount at December 31,
Analyzed into:
Current portion
Non-current portion
(c)
The amounts recognized in profit or loss in relation to leases are as follows:
Interest on lease liabilities
Depreciation charge of right-of-use assets (Note 11)
Expense relating to short-term leases (included in administrative expenses) (Note 11)
Total amount recognized in profit or loss
(d)
The total cash outflow for leases is disclosed in Note 23(b) to the financial statements.
F-29
Buildings
CNY
Total
CNY
Total
US$
1,803
(1,187)
616
1,439
(976)
1,803
(1,187)
616
1,439
(976)
1,079
1,079
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
1,803
—
60
(1,060)
803
803
—
803
1,439
38
(1,188)
1,092
745
347
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
60
1,187
46
1,293
38
976
97
1,111
276
(182)
94
220
(149)
165
123
220
6
(182)
167
114
53
6
149
15
170
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
5.
TRADE RECEIVABLES
Trade receivables
Less: Provision for impairment
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
3,956
—
3,956
—
—
—
A credit period of up to three months is granted to the customer. Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing.
An aging analysis of the trade receivables as of the end of the year, based on the invoice date and net of loss allowance, is as follows:
Within 3 months
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
3,956
3,956
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
An impairment analysis is performed on trade receivables at each reporting date and expected credit losses are estimated by applying a loss rate approach with
reference to the historical credit records of the Group’s customers. The loss rate is adjusted to reflect the current conditions and forecasts of future economic
conditions, as appropriate. According to historical experience, all of the proceeds have been received before their due date, and therefore, and management
considers that the probability of default was minimal as of December 31, 2020.
F-30
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
6.
OTHER RECEIVABLES
Withholding social insurance
Input value-added tax
Staff advances
Deposit
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
6
—
13
20
39
6
4
12
20
42
1
1
2
2
6
For the financial assets included above, an impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date by considering the probability of default by applying a loss rate
with reference to the historical loss record of the Group. The loss rate is adjusted to reflect the current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions, as
appropriate. For staff advances and deposits, management considers the probability of default to be minimal. The financial assets included in the above balances
relate to receivables for which there was no recent history of default or expectation of future losses and no impairment was provided for the years ended December
31, 2019 and 2020.
7.
FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS
On August 17, 2020, the Company entered into a definitive share purchase agreement with Feishang Group to acquire 120,000,000 shares, or 8.69% of the equity
interest in, Feishang Anthracite Resources Limited (“FARL”), a company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“Equity Investment”). In
exchange, the Company agreed to issue 9,077,166 common shares to Feishang Group at a total transaction price amounting to approximately CNY78,288
(US$11,988). The total transaction price of the exchange is based on the average closing price of FARL for the five trading days before August 17, 2020, adjusted
for a 27.5% discount by considering the impact of a lack of marketability due to the low trading volume of FARL on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Upon the
completion of above-mentioned acquisition of shares of FARL and the issuance of the shares of the Company on August 17, 2020, the Company recognized
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss amounting to CNY107,340 (US$16,436). The difference between the fair value of 120,000,000 shares of FARL
acquired and the total transaction price of CNY78,288 (US$11,988), further adjusted by the related deferred income tax effect, is recorded as other capital reserves
(Note 17(b)). The aforementioned Equity Investment was a non-cash transaction.
The FARL shares comprising the Equity Investment were recognized as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss as they were held for trading at December
31, 2020.
Listed equity investments, at fair value
The movements of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are as follows:
As of January 1
Upon initial recognition of the Equity Investment
Fair value adjustment (Note 11)
As of December 31
F-31
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
—
138,674
21,234
2019
CNY
—
—
—
—
2020
CNY
—
107,340
31,334
2020
US$
—
16,436
4,798
138,674
21,234
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
8.
TRADE PAYABLES
Trade payables
The aging analysis of trade payables as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 is as follows:
Within 1 year
1 to 2 years
Over 2 years
The trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are normally settled within six months.
9.
OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Contract deposit
Social security payable (a)
Payroll payable
Welfare payable
Accrued expenses
Others
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
3,896
100
15
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
3,796
—
100
3,896
—
—
100
100
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
102
104
433
24
1,484
14
2,161
102
96
423
10
2,909
18
3,558
—
—
15
15
16
15
65
2
445
2
545
———————
(a)
The social security payable represents the amounts payable for the PRC government-managed retirement insurance, medical insurance, etc.
F-32
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
10.
REVENUE
Revenue represents the following:
Revenue from contracts with a customer
Revenue from contracts with a customer
(a)
Disaggregated revenue information
Type of goods
Sale of copper ores
Geographic market
Mainland China
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods transferred at a point in time
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
—
12,969
6,867
1,052
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
—
—
—
12,969
6,867
1,052
12,969
6,867
1,052
12,969
6,867
1,052
All revenue was generated from the exploration and mining segment (Note 22).
No revenue was recognized in the current reporting period that was included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the reporting period and recognized from
performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.
(b)
Performance obligation
Information about the Group’s performance obligation is summarized below:
Trading of copper ores
The performance obligation is satisfied upon delivery of the copper ores and payment is generally due within 3 months from delivery.
F-33
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
11.
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX
The Group's (loss)/profit before tax is arrived at after charging/(crediting):
Crediting:
Interest income on bank deposits
Charging:
Cost of sales
Finance costs*
Auditors' remuneration:
- Audit fee
- Audit related fee
Sub-total
Employee benefit expenses (Note 12)
Depreciation and amortization:
- Property, plant and equipment (Note 3)
- Right-of-use assets (Note 4(c))
Fair value gain, net:
Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (Note 7)
Expense relating to short-term leases (included in administrative expenses) (Note 4(c))
Operating lease rental:
- Office properties
Year Ended December 31,
2018
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
(26)
(16)
(18 )
(3 )
—
(5)
1,000
—
1,000
1,878
67
—
—
—
1,189
12,752
62
1,000
48
1,048
1,733
66
1,187
—
46
—
6,854
60
1,000
50
1,050
1,327
65
976
1,050
9
153
8
161
203
10
149
(31,334)
(4,798)
97
—
15
—
*
Finance costs mainly represent bank charges, foreign currency exchange differences and interest on lease liabilities. The amounts of bank charges were CNY6.00,
CNY2.00 and CNY7.00 (US$1.00); the foreign currency exchange differences amounted to negative CNY11.00, nil and positive CNY15.00; and interest on lease
liabilities amounted to nil, CNY60.00 and CNY38.00 (US$6.00) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
F-34
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
12.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Group’s employee benefits comprise the following:
Wages, salaries and allowances
Housing funds (a)
Contribution to pension plans (a)
Welfare and other expenses
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
1,513
67
76
222
1,878
1,460
38
166
69
1,733
1,203
41
25
58
1,327
184
6
4
9
203
———————
(a)
According to the PRC state regulations, the employees of the Group's subsidiaries which operate in Mainland China are required to participate in a central
pension scheme operated by the local municipal government and government-sponsored housing funds. These subsidiaries are required to contribute a certain
percentage of their payroll costs for those qualified urban employees to the central pension scheme as well as the housing funds.
13.
INCOME TAX BENEFIT AND DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
The Company is incorporated in the BVI and conducts its primary business operations through its subsidiaries in the PRC. It also has intermediate holding
companies in the BVI and Hong Kong. Under the current laws of the BVI, the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated in the BVI are not subject to tax on
income or capital gains. The Hong Kong Profits Tax rate is 16.50%. The Company's Hong Kong subsidiaries have both Hong Kong-sourced and non-Hong Kong-
sourced income. The latter is not subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax and the related expenses are non-tax-deductible. For the Hong Kong-sourced income, no
provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax was made as such operations sustained tax losses during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Furthermore,
there are no withholding taxes in Hong Kong on the remittance of dividends.
China
Under the Law of the PRC on corporate income tax and the Implementation Regulation of the Corporate Income Tax Law (collectively, the “CIT Law”)
collectively, the tax rate applicable for PRC group entities is 25%.
Under the prevailing CIT Law and its relevant regulations, any dividends paid by the Company’s PRC subsidiaries from their earnings derived after January 1, 2008
to the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiaries are subject to PRC dividend withholding tax of 5% or 10%, depending on the applicability of the Sino-Hong Kong tax
treaty.
F-35
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
13.
INCOME TAX BENEFIT AND DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
The current and deferred components of income tax (benefit)/expense are as follows:
Current income tax benefit
Deferred income tax expense
(Loss)/profit before income tax consists of the following:
PRC
BVI
Hong Kong
Total (loss)/profit before income tax for the year
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2020
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
US$
—
—
—
—
—
—
(6,586)
5,170
(1,416 )
(1,009)
792
(217)
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2020
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
US$
(2,321)
(3,805)
(50)
(1,775)
(3,824)
(46)
(1,235)
25,442
(44)
(6,176)
(5,645)
24,163
(189)
3,897
(7)
3,701
A reconciliation of the income taxes computed at the PRC statutory tax rate of 25% to the actual income tax benefit is as follows:
(Loss)/profit before income tax for the year
Tax at the statutory tax rate
Computed income tax (benefit)/expense
Effect of different tax rates for the Company and overseas subsidiaries
Tax losses not recognized
Non-deductible expenses
Utilization of previously unrecognized deductible temporary differences
Others*
Income tax benefit
———————
*
F-36
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2020
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
US$
(6,176)
(5,645)
24,163
25%
25%
25%
(1,544)
955
588
1
—
—
(1,411)
965
444
2
—
—
—
—
6,041
(1,187)
373
4
(50)
(6,597)
(1,416)
3,701
25%
925
(182)
57
1
(8)
(1,010)
(217)
It mainly represents the reversal of a prior withholding CIT payable which is no longer required to be paid according to the prevailing Regulations for the Implementing of the
Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC.
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
13.
INCOME TAX BENEFIT AND DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Group did not recognize deferred tax assets.
The total amounts of unused tax losses for which no deferred tax assets were recognized amounted to CNY7.41 million and CNY7.80 million (US$1.20 million) as
of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, unused tax losses of CNY1.17 million (US$0.18 million), CNY1.07 million (US$0.16
million), CNY2.32 million (US$0.36 million), CNY1.75 million (US$0.27 million) and CNY1.49 million (US$0.23 million), if unused, will expire by the end of
2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Deferred tax liabilities
The movements in deferred tax liabilities during the year are as follows:
Fair value
adjustments of equity
investments at fair value through
profit or loss
CNY
US$
—
4,794
5,170
9,964
—
734
792
1,526
As of January 1, 2020
Upon initial recognition of the Equity Investment*
Charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss during the year
As of December 31, 2020
———————
*
Upon the completion of the Equity Investment (Note 7), the Company recognized deferred tax liabilities amounting to CNY4,794 (US$734), which represents the deferred
income tax effect associated with the difference between the fair value of 120,000,000 shares of FARL acquired and the total transaction price based on the statutory tax rate of
16.5%.
14.
(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are calculated as follows:
(Loss)/profit for the year:
Weighted average number of common shares:
Basic and diluted
(Loss)/earnings per share:
Basic and diluted:
2018
CNY
Year Ended December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
(6,176)
(5,645)
25,579
3,918
24,910,916
24,910,916
28,308,653
28,308,653
(0.25)
(0.25)
(0.23)
(0.23)
0.90
0.90
0.14
0.14
The Company did not have any potential diluted shares throughout the years presented above. Accordingly, the diluted (loss)/earnings per share amounts are the
same as the basic (loss)/earnings per share amounts.
F-37
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
15.
DIVIDEND
No dividend was paid or declared by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
16.
RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and the subsidiaries listed in the following table:
Name
China Coal Mining Investment Limited
FMH Corporate Services Inc.
Feishang Dayun Coal Mining Limited
Feishang Mining Holdings Limited
Feishang Yongfu Mining Limited
Newhold Investments Limited
Pineboom Investments Limited
Shenzhen Feishang Management and Consulting Co., Limited (“Feishang Management”)
Silver Moon Technologies Limited
Sunwide Capital Limited
Yangpu Lianzhong Mining Co., Limited
Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial Development Co., Limited
Yunnan Feishang Mining Co., Limited
Bayannaoer City Feishang Mining Company Limited
———————
*Insignificant
Place of
incorporation /
registration and
operations
Hong Kong
United States
Hong Kong
BVI
Hong Kong
BVI
BVI
PRC/Mainland China
BVI
BVI
PRC/Mainland China
PRC/Mainland China
PRC/Mainland China
PRC/Mainland China
Nominal value
of issued
common /
registered
share capital
(CNY)
Percentage
of equity
attributable to
the Company
Direct
Indirect
Principal
activities
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
10,000
1
*
115,008
1,000
50,000
59,480
100
100
—
100
—
100
100
—
80
100
—
—
—
—
— Investment holding
— Dormant
100 Investment holding
— Investment holding
100 Investment holding
— Investment holding
— Investment holding
100 Provision of management and
consulting services to other
companies in the Group
— Dormant
— Dormant
100 Investment holding
100 Investment holding
100 Investment holding
100 Exploration and development of
lead mine
In addition to the transactions detailed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements, the Group had the following transactions and balances with related
companies:
(a)
Commercial transactions with related companies
CHNR's share of office rental, rates and others to Anka Consultants
Limited (“Anka”)
Feishang Management's share of office rental to Feishang Enterprise Group Co., Ltd.
(“Feishang Enterprise”)
Notes
i
ii
Year Ended December 31,
2018
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
1,442
166
1,506
166
1,368
166
209
25
F-38
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
16.
RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
(a)
Commercial transactions with related companies (continued)
(i)
On April 1, 2017, the Company signed an office sharing agreement with Anka, a private Hong Kong company that is owned by two directors of the
Company, which superseded all previously signed agreements between the companies, pursuant to which the Company shares 184 square meters of the
total area of the office premises. The agreement also provides that the Company shares certain costs and expenses in connection with their use of the
office, in addition to some of the accounting and secretarial services and day-to-day office administration services provided by Anka. In 2018, Anka’s
lease with the unrelated landlord was extended for two years, from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. Anka signed a new contract with the unrelated
landlord in July 2020 for two years, to June 30, 2022.
(ii)
On January 1, 2018, Feishang Management signed an office sharing agreement with Feishang Enterprise. Pursuant to the agreement, Feishang
Management will share 40 square meters of the office premises for 33 months. Feishang Management signed a new contract with Feishang Enterprise in
October 2020, which will expire on September 30, 2021.
(b)
Balances with related companies
The Company’s balances with related companies are unsecured and non-interest bearing. Feishang Enterprise and the Shareholder have provided letters
stating their continuous financial support to the Group and that they will not recall any amounts due to them until the Group has sufficient liquidity to finance
its operations. The balances are summarized as follows:
Current:
Payable to related companies:
Feishang Enterprise (a)
Anka Capital Limited (“Anka Capital”) (b)
Payable to the Shareholder:
Feishang Group (a)
Lease liabilities to related companies:
Feishang Enterprise (a)
Anka (b)
Notes
i
iii
ii
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
5,077
—
5,077
7,097
7,097
287
516
803
6,378
2,780
9,158
7,149
7,149
—
1,092
1,092
977
425
1,402
1,095
1,095
—
167
167
———————
(a)
Feishang Enterprise and Feishang Group are controlled by Mr. Li Feilie, who is the beneficial shareholder of the Company.
(b)
Anka Capital and Anka are each jointly owned by Wong Wah On Edward and Tam Cheuk Ho, who are officers of the Company.
F-39
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
16.
RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
(b)
Balances with related companies (continued)
(i)
The payable to Feishang Enterprise by Feishang Management represents the net amount of advance from Feishang Enterprise. The balance is unsecured
and interest-free. The balance is repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial
resources of the Group.
(ii)
The payable to Feishang Group represents the net amount of advance from Feishang Group. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance is
repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.
(iii)
The payable to Anka Capital by CHNR represents the net amount of advance from Anka Capital. The balance is unsecured and interest-free. The balance
is repayable when the Group is in a position to settle the amounts due without having a detrimental impact on the financial resources of the Group.
(c)
Compensation of key management personnel of the Group
Wages, salaries and allowances
Housing subsidies
Contribution to pension plans
Year Ended December 31,
2018
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
580
16
75
671
629
16
75
720
552
15
71
638
85
2
11
98
The amounts disclosed in the table are the amounts recognized as expenses during the years related to key management personnel.
17.
EQUITY
(a)
Issued capital
Authorized:
10,000,000 preferred shares, no par value
200,000,000 common shares, no par value
Issued and fully paid:
Year Ended December 31,
2018
CNY
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
33,988,082 (2018 and 2019: 24,910,916) common shares, no par
312,081
312,081
390,297
59,764
F-40
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
17.
EQUITY (CONTINUED)
A summary of movements in the Company’s share capital is as follows:
At January 1, 2020
Issuance of shares (Note 7)
At December 31, 2020
(b)
Other capital reserves
Number of
shares
24,910,916
9,077,166
33,988,082
Share capital
CNY
312,081
78,216
390,297
US$
47,787
11,977
59,764
Other capital reserves of the Group are mainly for issuance of shares, equity-settled share-based compensation, the exercise of stock options, the exercise of
warrants, and deemed contribution from the Shareholder of the Company and related companies.
Upon the completion of the acquisition of shares of FARL and the issuance of the shares of the Company (Note 7) on August 17, 2020, the Company
recognized other capital reserves amounting to CNY24,258 (US$3,714).
(c)
Dividend restrictions and reserves
Due to the Group's structure, the payment of dividends is subject to numerous controls imposed under PRC law, including foreign exchange control on the
conversion of the local currency into United States dollars and other currencies.
In accordance with the relevant PRC regulations, appropriations of net income as reflected in its PRC statutory financial statements are to be allocated to each
of the general reserve and enterprise expansion reserve, respectively, as determined by the resolution of the Board of Directors annually. No amounts were
appropriated to the general reserve and enterprise expansion reserve for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
F-41
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
18.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The financial instruments of the Group primarily include cash, trade receivables, certain other current assets, trade payables, other payables and certain accrued
liabilities, lease liabilities, amounts due to related companies, and an amount due to the Shareholder.
The Group is exposed to credit risk, foreign currency risk, business and economic risk and liquidity risk. The Group has not used any derivatives and other
instruments for hedging purposes. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Group reviews and agrees policies for
managing each of these risks and they are summarized below.
(a)
Credit risk
Maximum exposure and year-end staging
The tables below show the credit quality and the maximum exposure to credit risk based on the Group's credit policy, which is mainly based on past due
information unless other information is available without undue cost or effort, and year-end staging classification as of December 31, 2019 and 2020. The
amounts presented are gross carrying amounts for financial assets.
December 31, 2019
Trade receivables
Financial assets included in other receivables
- Normal*
- Doubtful*
Cash and cash equivalents
- Not yet past due
Total
December 31, 2020
Financial assets included in other receivables
- Normal*
- Doubtful*
Cash and cash equivalents
- Not yet past due
Total
12-month ECLs
Stage 1
CNY
Lifetime ECLs
Stage 2
CNY
Stage 3
CNY
Total
CNY
3,956
33
—
3,444
7,433
—
—
—
—
—
12-month ECLs
Stage 1
CNY
Lifetime ECLs
Stage 2
CNY
Stage 3
CNY
32
—
2,450
2,482
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,956
33
—
3,444
7,433
Total
CNY
32
—
2,450
2,482
F-42
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
18.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(a)
Credit risk (continued)
December 31, 2020
Financial assets included in other receivables
- Normal*
- Doubtful*
Cash and cash equivalents
- Not yet past due
Total
———————
*
12-month ECLs
Stage 1
US$
Lifetime ECLs
Stage 2
US$
Stage 3
US$
Total
US$
5
—
375
380
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5
—
375
380
The credit quality of the financial assets included in other receivables is considered to be “normal” when they are not past due and there is no
information indicating that the financial assets had a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. Otherwise, the credit quality of the
financial assets is considered to be “doubtful”.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Group maintains its cash and cash equivalents primarily with various PRC state-owned banks and Hong Kong based financial institutions, which
management believes are of high credit quality. The Group performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions.
Trade receivables
The Group trades only with recognized and creditworthy third parties.
The Group sells copper ores to one customer in Mainland China. Trade receivables are typically unsecured and are mainly derived from revenue earned from
the customer in Mainland China. The risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by credit evaluations that the Group performs on its customer and its
ongoing monitoring of outstanding balances. The Group provides impairment for trade receivables primarily based on the aging of the balances and factors
surrounding the customer’s creditworthiness. There was no balance of trade receivables as of December 31, 2020. No provision for impairment of trade
receivables was made during the year ended December 31, 2019, since all the trade receivables were within the credit period.
F-43
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
18.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(b)
Foreign currency risk
The CNY is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People's Bank of China,
controls the conversion of the CNY into foreign currencies. The value of the CNY is subject to changes in PRC government policies and to international
economic and political developments affecting the supply and demand in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System market. All foreign exchange
transactions continue to take place either through the People's Bank of China or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates
quoted by the People's Bank of China.
(c)
Business and economic risk
The Group's operations may be adversely affected by significant political, economic and social uncertainties in the PRC. Although the PRC government has
been pursuing economic reform policies for more than 40 years, no assurance can be given that the PRC government will continue to pursue such policies or
that such policies may not be significantly altered, especially in the event of a change in leadership, social or political disruption or unforeseen circumstances
affecting the political, economic and social conditions in the PRC. There is also no guarantee that the PRC government's pursuit of economic reforms will be
consistent or effective.
(d)
Liquidity risk
The Group manages its liquidity risk by regularly monitoring its liquidity requirements and its compliance with debt covenants to ensure that it maintains
sufficient cash and cash equivalents, and adequate time deposits to meet its liquidity requirements in the short and long term.
The table below summarizes the maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments:
December 31, 2019
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued liabilities
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
Lease liabilities
December 31, 2020
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued liabilities
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
Lease liabilities
On demand
CNY
Less than
1 year
CNY
1 to 5 years
CNY
More than
5 years
CNY
Total
CNY
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,896
1,600
5,077
7,097
812
18,482
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,896
1,600
5,077
7,097
812
18,482
On demand
CNY
Less than
1 year
CNY
1 to 5 years
CNY
More than
5 years
CNY
Total
CNY
—
—
—
—
—
—
100
3,029
9,158
7,149
753
20,189
—
—
—
—
376
376
—
—
—
—
—
—
100
3,029
9,158
7,149
1,129
20,565
F-44
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
18.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(d)
Liquidity risk (continued)
December 31, 2020
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued liabilities
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
Lease liabilities
(e)
Equity price risk
On demand
US$
Less than
1 year
US$
1 to 5 years
US$
More than
5 years
US$
Total
US$
—
—
—
—
—
—
15
463
1,402
1,095
115
3,090
—
—
—
—
58
58
—
—
—
—
—
—
15
463
1,402
1,095
173
3,148
Equity price risk is the risk that the fair values of equity securities decrease as a result of changes in the levels of equity indices and the value of individual
securities. The Group is exposed to equity price risk arising from individual equity investments included in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
(Note 7) as of December 31, 2020. The Group’s listed investment is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is valued at quoted market prices at the end
of the reporting period.
The market equity indices for the following stock exchanges, at the close of business of the nearest trading day in the year to the end of the reporting period,
and their respective highest and lowest points during the year were as follows:
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index
December 31,
2020
High/low
2020
27,231
29,175/
21,139
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to every 1% change in the fair values of the equity investments, with all other variables held constant and
before any impact on tax, based on their carrying amounts at the end of the reporting period.
2020
Investments listed in:
Hong Kong – Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
———————
* Excluding retained profits
F-45
Carrying
amount of
equity
investments
CNY
Increase/
(decrease)
in profit
before tax
CNY
Increase/
(decrease)
in equity*
CNY
138,674
1,387/
(1,387)
—
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
18.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(e)
Equity price risk (continued)
2020
Investments listed in:
Hong Kong – Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
(f)
Capital management
Carrying
amount of
equity
investments
US$
Increase/
(decrease)
in profit
before tax
US$
Increase/
(decrease)
in equity*
US$
21,234
212/
(212)
—
The Group monitors capital on the basis of the debt to capital ratio (gearing ratio), which is calculated as interest-bearing debt divided by total capital.
Interest-bearing debt mainly includes lease liabilities. Capital includes total equity and interest-bearing debt. The gearing ratio was 1.1% as of December 31,
2020 (2019: minus 3.0%).
19.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY
The carrying amounts of each of the categories of financial instruments as of the end of the reporting period are as follows:
Financial assets
December 31, 2019
Trade receivables
Financial assets included in other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
F-46
Financial
assets at
amortized
cost
CNY
3,956
33
3,444
7,433
Total
CNY
3,956
33
3,444
7,433
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
19.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY (CONTINUED)
Financial assets(continued)
December 31, 2020
Financial assets included in other receivables
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Cash and cash equivalents
December 31, 2020
Financial assets included in other receivables
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Cash and cash equivalents
F-47
Financial
assets at
fair value
through
profit or
loss
Designated
as such
upon initial
recognition
CNY
—
138,674
—
138,674
Financial
assets at
fair value
through
profit or
loss
Designated
as such
upon initial
recognition
US$
—
21,234
—
21,234
Financial
assets at
amortized
cost
Total
CNY
CNY
32
—
2,450
2,482
32
138,674
2,450
141,156
Financial
assets at
amortized
cost
Total
US$
US$
5
—
375
380
5
21,234
375
21,614
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
19.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY (CONTINUED)
Financial liabilities
December 31, 2019
Trade payables
Financial liabilities in other payables and accruals
Lease liabilities - current
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
December 31, 2020
Trade payables
Financial liabilities in other payables and accruals
Lease liabilities - current
Lease liabilities - non-current
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
December 31, 2020
Trade payables
Financial liabilities in other payables and accruals
Lease liabilities - current
Lease liabilities - non-current
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
F-48
Financial
liabilities at
amortized
cost
CNY
3,896
1,600
803
5,077
7,097
Total
CNY
3,896
1,600
803
5,077
7,097
18,473
18,473
Financial
liabilities at
amortized
cost
CNY
100
3,029
745
347
9,158
7,149
Total
CNY
100
3,029
745
347
9,158
7,149
20,528
20,528
Financial
liabilities at
amortized
cost
US$
Total
US$
15
463
114
53
1,402
1,095
3,142
15
463
114
53
1,402
1,095
3,142
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
20.
FAIR VALUE AND FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value hierarchy
The following tables illustrate the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s financial instruments:
Assets measured at fair value
As of December 31, 2020
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Total
As of December 31, 2020
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Total
Quoted prices
in active
markets
(Level 1)
CNY
138,674
138,674
Quoted prices
in active
markets
(Level 1)
US$
21,234
21,234
Fair value measurement using
Significant
Significant
unobservable
observable
inputs
inputs
(Level 3)
(Level 2)
CNY
CNY
—
—
—
—
Fair value measurement using
Significant
Significant
unobservable
observable
inputs
inputs
(Level 3)
(Level 2)
US$
US$
—
—
—
—
Total
CNY
138,674
138,674
Total
US$
21,234
21,234
During the year, there were no transfers of fair value measurements between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers into or out of Level 3 for both financial assets and
financial liabilities (2019: Nil).
21.
COMMITMENTS
(a)
There was no capital commitment as of December 31, 2019 and 2020.
(b)
The Group has lease commitments in respect of premises under non-cancellable lease agreements for short-term leases with a lease term of less than 12
months. The future lease payments for the lease contracts are CNY124 (US$ 19) due within one year.
F-49
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
22.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had one operating segment: exploration and mining. Management monitors the results of the Group's operating segments
separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on reportable
segment profit/loss, which is a measure of adjusted profit/loss before tax. The adjusted profit/loss before tax is measured consistently with the Group's profit/loss
before tax except that head office and corporate expenses are excluded from such measurement.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the segment results were as follows:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Operating loss
Interest income
Finance costs
Loss for the year
Capital expenditure
Total assets
Total liabilities
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the segment results were as follows:
Revenues from external customers
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Operating loss
Interest income
Finance costs
Loss for the year
Capital expenditure
Total assets
Total liabilities
F-50
Exploration and
mining
CNY
Corporate
activities
Total
(63)
(1,523)
1
(1)
(1,523)
—
527
1,854
(4)
(4,684)
25
6
(4,653)
(5)
7,216
27,687
(67)
(6,207)
26
5
(6,176)
(5)
7,743
29,541
Exploration and
mining
CNY
Corporate
activities
Total
12,969
(62)
(34)
(963)
1
(2)
(964)
—
4,268
6,560
—
(4)
(1,153)
(4,636)
15
(60)
(4,681)
(5)
4,030
29,292
12,969
(66)
(1,187)
(5,599)
16
(62)
(5,645)
(5)
8,298
35,852
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
22.
SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the segment results were as follows:
Revenues from external customers
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Operating loss
Fair value gains on financial asset at fair value through profit or loss
Finance costs
Interest income
Income tax benefit
(Loss)/profit for the year
Capital expenditure
Total assets
Total liabilities
Revenues from external customers
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Operating loss
Fair value gains on financial asset at fair value through profit or loss
Finance costs
Interest income
Income tax benefit
(Loss)/profit for the year
Capital expenditure
Total assets
Total liabilities
F-51
Exploration and
mining
CNY
Corporate
activities
Total
6,867
(62)
—
(682)
—
(1)
1
—
(682)
—
39
3,013
—
(3)
(976)
(6,447)
31,334
(59)
17
1,416
26,261
(9)
6,867
(65)
(976)
(7,129)
31,334
(60)
18
1,416
25,579
(9)
142,389
38,213
142,428
41,226
Exploration and
mining
US$
Corporate
activities
Total
1,052
(9)
—
(104)
—
—
—
—
(105)
—
6
461
—
(1)
(149)
(987)
4,798
(9)
3
217
4,023
(1)
21,803
5,852
1,052
(10)
(149)
(1,091)
4,798
(9)
3
217
3,918
(1)
21,809
6,313
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
23.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(a)
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
Year ended December 31, 2019
At January 1, 2019
Changes from financing cash flows
Foreign exchange movement
Interest expense
At December 31, 2019
Year ended December 31, 2020
At January 1, 2020
Changes from financing cash flows
New leases
Foreign exchange movement
Interest expense
At December 31, 2020
Year ended December 31, 2020
At January 1, 2020
Changes from financing cash flows
New leases
Foreign exchange movement
Interest expense
At December 31, 2020
(b)
Total cash outflow for leases
Within operating activities
Within financing activities
F-52
Due to related
companies
CNY
Due to the
Shareholder
CNY
Lease liabilities
CNY
4,041
1,036
—
—
5,077
6,973
—
124
—
7,097
1,803
(1,060)
—
60
803
Due to related
companies
CNY
Due to the
Shareholder
CNY
Lease liabilities
CNY
5,077
4,081
—
—
—
9,158
7,097
462
—
(410)
—
7,149
803
(1,188)
1,439
—
38
1,092
Due to related
companies
US$
Due to the
Shareholder
US$
Lease liabilities
US$
777
625
—
—
—
1,402
1,087
69
—
(61)
—
1,095
123
(182)
220
—
6
167
2019
CNY
(46)
(1,060)
(1,106)
2020
CNY
(56)
(1,188)
(1,244)
2020
US$
(9)
(182)
(191)
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
24.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 20, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue
and sell, (i) in a registered direct offering, up to an aggregate of 3,960,000 of common shares with no par value of the Company at a per share purchase price of
US$1.85 (the “Registered Offering”), and (ii) in a concurrent private placement, warrants initially exercisable for the purchase of an aggregate of 1,584,000
common shares of the Company, for gross proceeds of approximately US$7.3 million, before deducting fees to the placement agent and other estimated offering
expenses payable by the Company. The Registered Offering was closed on January 22, 2021.
25.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY
The following is the condensed financial information of the Company on a non-consolidated basis:
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Right-of-use assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Amounts due from subsidiaries
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
F-53
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
—
1,079
165
15,816
811
—
9,404
58
138,674
1,441
9
21,234
16,627
148,136
22,684
16,627
149,215
22,849
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
25.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY(CONTINUED)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Lease liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other payables and accrued liabilities
Lease liabilities
Due to the Shareholder
Due to related companies
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
EQUITY
Issued capital
Other capital reserves
Accumulated losses
Other comprehensive loss
TOTAL EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
F-54
2019
CNY
December 31,
2020
CNY
2020
US$
—
—
—
1,462
—
7,097
8,559
8,559
347
9,964
10,311
2,273
745
7,149
2,780
12,947
23,258
53
1,526
1,579
347
114
1,095
425
1,981
3,560
290,179
823,581
(1,095,446)
(10,246)
368,395
847,839
(1,074,563)
(15,714)
56,411
129,826
(164,543)
(2,405)
8,068
125,957
19,289
16,627
149,215
22,849
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
25.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY (CONTINUED)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS
Administrative expenses
Finance costs
Interest income
Fair value gains on financial asset at fair value through profit or loss
(Loss)/profit before income tax
Income tax expense
(Loss)/profit for the year
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Net cash flows used in operating activities
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities
Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities
NET DECREASE IN CASH
CASH AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR
Net foreign exchange differences
CASH AT END OF THE YEAR
2018
CNY
December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
(3,794)
—
—
—
(3,794)
—
(3,794)
2018
CNY
(5,200)
10,243
(15,811)
(10,768)
13,912
978
4,122
(3,814)
—
1
—
(3,813)
—
(3,813)
(5,243)
(38)
—
31,334
26,053
(5,170)
20,883
(803)
(6)
—
4,798
3,989
(792)
3,197
December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2020
US$
(3,294)
(21)
—
(3,315)
4,122
4
811
(3,269)
(216)
1,982
(1,503)
811
750
58
(501)
(33)
303
(231)
124
116
9
The above financial statements have been provided pursuant to the requirements of Rule 12-04(a) and 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X, which require the presentation
of condensed financial information as to the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of a parent company as of the same dates and for the same
periods for which audited consolidated financial statements have been presented when the restricted net assets of the consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries
and the parent's equity in the undistributed earnings of 50 percent or less owned persons, accounted for by the equity method, together exceed 25 percent of the
consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. As of December 31, 2020, CNY12.99 million (US$1.99 million) of the restricted
capital and reserves were not available for distribution, and therefore, the condensed financial information of the Company has been presented for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
In the parent-company-only financial statements, the Company's investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less accumulated impairment. The carrying amount of
the investment in subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 was nil. The parent-company-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company's consolidated financial statements.
The Company does not have any significant commitments or long-term obligations as of any of the years presented, except for those disclosed in the consolidated
financial statements.
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, no cash dividends were declared and paid by the Company.
F-55
FEISHANG GROUP LIMITED
EXHIBIT 4.8
March 30, 2021
China Natural Resources, Inc.
Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower
Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Dear Sirs,
Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc.
On behalf of Feishang Group Limited, we hereby confirm that we will extend continuous financial support to China Natural Resources, Inc. and its
subsidiaries, in relation to the going concern of their operations and will not recall any amounts due to us until they have sufficient liquidity to
finance its operations.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ LI Feilie
LI Feilie
Sole Director
Feishang Group Limited
FEISHANG ENTERPRISE GROUP CO., LTD
EXHIBIT 4.9
March 30, 2021
China Natural Resources, Inc.
Room 2205, 22/F, West Tower
Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Dear Sirs,
Confirmation of Financial Support to China Natural Resources, Inc.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Feishang Enterprise Group Company Limited, we hereby confirm that we will extend full financial support to
China Natural Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“CHNR Group”), in relation to the going concern of their operations and will not recall any
amounts due to us until they have sufficient liquidity to finance its operations, and Feishang Enterprise will pay debts on behalf of CHNR Group
when needed.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ LI Feilie
LI Feilie
Chairman
Feishang Enterprise Group Company Limited
Exhibit 8
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Name
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Percentage Ownership
(Direct Parent)
Bayannaoer City Feishang Mining
People’s Republic of China
Company Limited
100% (held by Yangpu Shuanghu
Industrial Development Co., Limited)
China Coal Mining Investment Limited
Hong Kong Special Administrative
100% (held by Registrant)
Feishang Dayun Coal Mining Limited
Hong Kong Special Administrative
100% (held by Pineboom Investments
Feishang Mining Holdings Limited
Feishang Yongfu Mining Limited
British Virgin Islands
Hong Kong Special Administrative
100% (held by Registrant)
100% (held by Newhold Investments
Region
Limited)
Region
FMH Corporate Services Inc.
Newhold Investments Limited
Pineboom Investments Limited
Shenzhen Feishang Management and
Consulting Co., Limited
Region
Florida, the United States
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
People’s Republic of China
Silver Moon Technologies Limited
Sunwide Capital Limited
Yangpu Lianzhong Mining Co., Limited
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
People’s Republic of China
Limited)
100% (held by Registrant)
100% (held by Registrant)
100% (held by Registrant)
100% (held by Yunnan Feishang Mining
Co., Limited)
80% (held by Registrant)
100% (held by Registrant)
100% (held by China Coal Mining
Investment Limited)
People’s Republic of China
100% (held by Feishang Yongfu Mining
Yangpu Shuanghu Industrial
Development Co., Limited
Yunnan Feishang Mining Co., Limited
People’s Republic of China
Limited)
100% (held by Yangpu Shuanghu
Industrial Development Co., Limited)
Exhibit 12.1
I, Wong Wah On Edward, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The company's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s
auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
April 23, 2021
/s/ Wong Wah On Edward
Wong Wah On Edward
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 12.2
I, Zhu Youyi, certify that:
CERTIFICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material
information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s
auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
5.
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely
affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Date: April 23, 2021
/s/ Zhu Youyi
Zhu Youyi
Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 13.1
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Wong Wah On Edward, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Wong Wah On Edward
Wong Wah On Edward
Chief Executive Officer
April 23, 2021
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 13.2
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 20-F of China Natural Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) on for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Zhu Youyi, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Zhu Youyi
Zhu Youyi
Chief Financial Officer
April 23, 2021
EXHIBIT 15.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
(1)
(2)
Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-233852) of China Natural Resources, Inc., and
Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-252895) of China Natural Resources, Inc.;
of our report dated April 23, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of China Natural Resources, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 20-F) of
China Natural Resources, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2020.
/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP
Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
April 23, 2021
Exhibit 15.2
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES REPORTS FULL YEAR 2020 RESULTS
HONG KONG, April 23, 2021 – CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC. (NASDAQ: CHNR) (the “Company”) today announced its results of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2020. For the convenience of the reader, amounts in Chinese Yuan (“CNY”) have been translated into United States dollars (“US$”) at the rate of
US$1.00 = CNY6.5306 as quoted by www.ofx.com on December 31, 2020.
Mr. Wong Wah On Edward, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the results: “As with the rest of the world, our business was
significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The business disruption had a negative financial impact as we focused on ensuring the health of our employees and
full compliance with government controls and health policies. This also dramatically slowed our Company’s strategic diversification into healthcare and other non-natural
resource sectors. On the financial front we took decisive measures to align our expenses to the reduced revenue profile after we ceased trading copper ore, while
prioritizing our working capital usage of cash in the near term. The positive result of our actions and an exchange of our newly issued common shares for equity in
Feishang Anthracite Resources Limited (Hong Kong ticker 1738) helped us achieve earnings of CNY 0.90 per share in 2020 compared to a loss of CNY 0.23 per share in
2019. We also recently completed a private placement with certain institutional investors in January 2021 for a total of US$7.3 million. This strengthened our balance
sheet giving us the resources to actively continue the Company’s strategic diversification, which we believe will provide greater meaningful opportunities for sustained
revenue growth and profitability, as we work to build value for shareholders.”
Mr. Wong Wah On Edward, continued, “I am proud of our team’s efforts and drive during such a challenging period. We continued to make progress in our mining and
exploration segment, as well as positioning ourselves to pursue new business opportunities. As I noted earlier, we acquired 8.7% of the shares of Feishang Anthracite
Resources Limited, a producer of anthracite coal based in China’s Guizhou province engaged in the acquisition, construction and development of anthracite coal mines
and the extraction and sale of anthracite coal. We believe this strategic investment will contribute to our growth, and give us improved access to the capital markets and
new opportunities. At the same time, we continued to bolster the team leading our efforts to diversify into healthcare and other non-natural resource sectors. We are
pleased to have attracted such highly qualified talent as our new vice presidents, Mr. Zou Yu, who joined us in October 2020 and Dr. Peng Wenlie, who joined us in
March 2021. Both seasoned executives have extensive experience in the healthcare and natural medicines sectors. They are already immersed in our company’s day-to-
day operations and working to identify potential opportunities in these markets, which we believe are global growth markets. We anticipate these will be a cornerstone of
our future business as we move into our next phase of growth.”
About China Natural Resources:
China Natural Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR) is currently engaged in the acquisition and exploitation of mining rights in Inner Mongolia, including exploring for
lead, silver and other nonferrous metal, and is actively exploring business opportunities in the healthcare and other non-natural resource sectors.
Page 1
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. These statements include, without limitation, statements
regarding the intent, belief and current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to: the potential presented by the healthcare sector in the PRC
and other industry sectors in the PRC generally; the impact on the Company’s financial position of an investment in the healthcare sector of the PRC; the impact of the
company’s recently acquired marketable securities on its ability to execute on potential acquisitions and its financial position, and its ability to locate and execute on
strategic opportunities. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially
from those in the forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from
its forward-looking statements are: the potential lack of appetite for the Company’s current holdings as consideration for a transaction in the healthcare sector or
otherwise; possible downturns in the healthcare sector in the PRC or other sectors that the Company may invest in; the results of the next assessment by the Staff of the
Nasdaq Listing Qualifications department of the Company’s compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules; uncertainties related to governmental, economic and political
circumstances in the PRC; uncertainties related to metal price volatility; uncertainties related to the Company’s ability to fund operations; uncertainties related to possible
future increases in operating expenses, including costs of labor and materials; uncertainties related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; uncertainties related to the
political situation between the PRC and the United States, and potential negative impacts on companies with operations in the PRC that are listed on exchanges in the
United States; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. When, in any forward-looking
statement, the Company, or its management, expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, that expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and is believed to
have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the stated expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Except as required by law, the
Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Page 2
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
2019
CNY
12,969
(12,752)
217
(2)
(5,814)
Year Ended December 31,
2019
US$
2020
CNY
6,867
(6,854)
13
(2)
(7,140)
1,986
(1,293)
33
—
(890)
2020
US$
1,052
(1,050)
2
—
(1,093)
(5,599)
(7,129)
(857)
(1,091)
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling and distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
OPERATING LOSS
Fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Finance costs
Interest income
—
(62)
16
31,334
(60)
18
—
(9)
2
4,798
(9)
3
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX
(5,645)
24,163
(864)
3,701
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR
ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY:
Basic and diluted
- Net (loss)/earnings per share
—
1,416
—
217
(5,645)
25,579
(864)
3,918
(5,645)
—
(5,645)
25,579
—
25,579
(864)
—
(864)
3,918
—
3,918
(0.23)
0.90
(0.04)
0.14
Page 3
CHINA NATURAL RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2020
(Amounts in thousands)
ASSETS (1)
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Prepayments
Trade Receivables
Other Receivables
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Cash and cash equivalents
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued liabilities
Taxes payable
Lease liabilities
Due to related companies
Due to the Shareholder
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
NON- CURRENT LIABILITIES
Deferred tax liabilities
Lease liabilities
TOTAL NON- CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
(DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS)/EQUITY
Issued capital
Other capital reserves
Accumulated losses
Other comprehensive loss
(DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS)/EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
December 31,
2019
CNY
2020
CNY
2019
US$
2020
US$
214
616
830
29
3,956
39
—
3,444
7,468
8,298
3,896
2,161
16,818
803
5,077
7,097
35,852
—
—
—
35,852
158
1,079
1,237
25
—
42
138,674
2,450
141,191
142,428
100
3,558
10,205
745
9,158
7,149
30,915
9,964
347
10,311
41,226
33
94
127
4
606
6
—
527
1,143
1,270
597
331
2,575
123
777
1,087
5,490
—
—
—
5,490
25
165
190
4
—
6
21,234
375
21,619
21,809
15
545
1,563
114
1,402
1,095
4,734
1,526
53
1,579
6,313
312,081
692,518
(1,028,284)
(3,869)
(27,554)
390,297
716,776
(1,002,705)
(3,166)
101,202
47,787
106,042
(157,456)
(593)
(4,220)
59,764
109,756
(153,539)
(485)
15,496
8,298
142,428
1,270
21,809
Page 4
The consolidated statements of profits or loss of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 and the consolidated statements of financial position of
the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board. The consolidated statements of profits or loss and the consolidated statements of financial position have been derived from and should be
read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 20-F as filed with the Commission on April 23, 2021.
(1)
Does not reflect the Company’s January 2021 registered direct placement of 3,960,000 common shares, or approximately $7.3 million of common shares, no par
value, at a price of $1.85 per share to certain institutional investors. In a concurrent private placement, the Company also issued to the investors warrants
(“Warrants”) initially exercisable for the purchase of 1,584,000 common shares at an exercise price of $2.35 per share, which Warrants have a term of 36 months
from the date of issuance. The net proceeds from this offering were used for general working capital purposes.
Page 5