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Eldorado Gold Corp

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FY2011 Annual Report · Eldorado Gold Corp
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Growing the leading 
global gold producer

Annual Report 2011

2011 Highlights

(All amounts in the annual report are expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

 ●

 Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company increased to $318.7 million (2010: $221.0 million)

 ● Basic earnings per share increased 41% to $0.58 per share (2010: $0.41 per share)

 ●

 Generated $502.1 million in cash from operating activities before changes in non-cash working 
capital – an increase of 40% compared to $357.9 million in 2010

 ● Produced 658,652 ounces of gold at a cash operating cost of $405 per ounce

 ●

 ●

 ●

 ●

 ●

 ●

 Sold gold for an average realized price of $1,581 per ounce, compared to $1,223 per ounce in 2010

 Announced an improved formula for semi-annual dividends with additional step-ups as the average 
realized gold price increases. Dividend attributable to 2011 earnings: CDN$0.15 (2010: CDN$0.10)

 Commissioned Efemçukuru, our second gold mine in Turkey. Began mining during the third quarter 
and shipped approximately 20,000 contained ounces of gold in concentrate to Kis¸ladag˘, to be 
processed at the new concentrate treatment plant

 Continued construction activities at Eastern Dragon in China. Expect commissioning and production 
to start in the third quarter of 2012

 Prepared our first annual Sustainability Report to comply with the requirements of the Global 
Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines

 Announced the Plan of Arrangement for European Goldfields on December 18, 2011. The 
transaction closed on February 24, 2012

Table of Contents

2011 Highlights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Where we Operate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Letter to Shareholders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Sustainability Report (GRI). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Mineral Reserves and Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Gold Production Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Financial Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

MD&A  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  . . 63

Corporate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Shareholder Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Cautionary Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Where we Operate

Eldorado Gold Corporation is a Canadian international gold producer with seven operating mines, 
three mines under construction, three development projects and an extensive exploration program. We 
operate in China, Turkey, Brazil, Greece and Romania. We are one of the lowest-cost gold producers, 
with young mines, robust margins and a strong balance sheet. We pay a semi-annual dividend based 
on the ounces of gold sold and the realized gold price and are well positioned to grow as we create and 
pursue new opportunities in gold and other resources. We expect to produce approximately 1.5 million 
ounces of gold annually by 2015.

Cover Images

1

3

2

4

6

1. Kis¸ladag˘ 

2. Efemçukuru

3. Jinfeng

4. Onsite Safety Meeting, White Mountain

5

7

5. Tanjianshan

6. White Mountain

7. Vila Nova iron ore

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  3

lETTER TO ShAREhOlDERS

Dear shareholders,

I am pleased to report on another successful year of growth and development for Eldorado. Our achievements 
were many – the start-up of our mine at Efemçukuru, an expansion at our Kis¸ladag˘ mine and the acquisition of 
European Goldfields. In an environment of the strongest gold prices we’ve seen, Eldorado posted record earnings 
in 2011. The future also looks bright, and we are anticipating annualized production increases averaging 30% 
over the next four years, reaching 1.5 million ounces of gold by 2015. 

Strong Operating Performance

We were very pleased with the operating performance of our gold mines in Turkey and China in 2011. These 
assets continue to perform exceptionally well. In 2011, we increased production for the sixth consecutive year 
to 658,652 ounces of gold at a cash operating cost of $405 per ounce and a total cash cost of $472 per ounce. 
And in Brazil, our iron ore mine marked its first full year of production, performing on target and increasing iron 
ore revenues by $48.5 million over 2010. 

Our strategic focus on being a low-cost operator of high-quality assets is paying off. In 2011, our per ounce 
margins increased to 70%, or $1,110 per ounce of gold, keeping us in the lowest quartile of costs when 
compared with other gold producers.

With the successful commissioning of Efemçukuru in December 2011, we now operate two gold mines in Turkey. 
I would like to commend our technical team for bringing this project from initial discovery to an operating mine 
with expected annual production of 120,000 ounces of gold.

At Kis¸ladag˘, we completed our Phase III expansion of the mine, which increased capacity by 25% to  
12.5 million tonnes per year. We also announced our plans for a Phase IV expansion that will double production 
from current levels to 25 million tonnes per year by 2015. 

Our three operating mines in China also performed well over the year. At White Mountain, in particular, gold 
production was 31% higher than in 2010. 

We have three existing development projects under way, in Brazil, Greece and China. In 2011, we continued to 
advance these projects – from submitting the environmental impact assessment for the Tocantinzinho mine in 
Brazil to significant construction activity at Eastern Dragon in China, which we expect to commission in the third 
quarter of 2012. 

Finally, we are advancing numerous exploration projects in Turkey, China and Brazil.

A Focus on Social Responsibility

Social responsibility is an integral part of our business. We have always worked hard to protect the environment, 
invest in health and safety programs, develop infrastructure, and improve access to health care and education 
in the communities where we operate. This year we are publishing our first Sustainability Report to document our 
work in these areas and set a baseline for marking ongoing improvements.

Some of the highlights of our sustainability initiatives in 2011 include:

 ● providing over 2,200 man-hours of health, safety and environmental training to our employees and contractors 

worldwide,

 ● achieving 566 days without a lost-time incident at our Kis¸ladag˘ mine in Turkey,

 ●

 ●

reporting no significant environmental incidents at any of our operations,

taking steps to certify our Kis¸ladag˘ mine to the ISO 14001 standard,

 ● preparing to become a signatory to the International Cyanide Management Code, and 

 ●

 being a good corporate neighbour by investing in infrastructure, health care and education in local communities 
near our operations.

4  eldoradogold.com

lETTER TO ShAREhOlDERS

Efemçukuru

Water quality testing,  
Efemçukuru

Shovel, Kis¸ladag˘

Financial Performance

Our solid operating performance translated into strong financial performance, supported by a gold price that 
remained at historic high levels throughout the year. This resulted in record earnings for Eldorado, with profit 
attributable to shareholders of the Company of $318.7 million compared to $221.0 million in 2010. Cash flow per 
share increased by 38% to $0.91 per share, and our earnings per share increased by 41% to $0.58. We have net 
cash of $368.1 million, up 84% from 2010. 

With our strong balance sheet, we are able to fund our development and exploration projects and accelerate 
repayment of debt. We also increased our dividend by 50% in 2011; CDN$0.15 per share was attributable to 
2011 performance. 

Growth Ahead

On February 24, 2012, we announced the completion of our acquisition of European Goldfields, a company with 
10 million ounces of gold reserves in projects in Greece, Romania and Turkey. With this strategic acquisition, we 
have significantly increased our gold reserves, making us the leading intermediate gold producer in the world. 

There’s more growth ahead. With the assets acquired from European Goldfields – one mine and three 
development projects – and our own mines and development projects, we expect annualized production growth of 
30% over the next four years, reaching 1.5 million ounces of gold per year by 2015. 

Eldorado is in a superb position going forward. We have a strong balance sheet, a diverse portfolio of high-quality 
and low-cost projects around the world, and the skills and expertise to deliver on our strategy. 

As always, I would like to thank all of our employees worldwide – we would not be where we are today without 
their significant contributions and remarkable efforts. And I would also once again like to thank our shareholders 
for their ongoing support as we continue to grow as a quality gold company. 

Sincerely,

Paul N. Wright
President & CEO
Eldorado Gold Corporation
March 21, 2012

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  5

Sustainability Report 2011

Jinfeng

White Mountain fruit and vegetable project

Local children near Jinfeng

About this Report

Welcome to Eldorado Gold’s first annual Sustainability 
Report. We are pleased to provide our health, safety, 
environmental and community performance for the 
2011 calendar year.

GRI Reporting

This report includes performance indicators covering 
our five wholly or majority-owned gold mines, and one 
wholly owned iron ore mine. This data is as of year-end 
2011 and does not include the European Goldfields’ 
assets, which we acquired on February 24, 2012. Many 
of the performance indicators do not yet apply to our 
exploration, development and construction projects.

This report has been prepared to comply with the 
requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)  
G3.1 Guidelines (www.globalreporting.org/
resourcelibrary/G3.1-Sustainability-Reporting-
Guidelines.pdf). We have assessed this report 
internally and are confident that it meets the 
requirements for the GRI Application level C.

The performance indicators contained in this report 
reflect issues that are relevant to our operations. 
The GRI Index and a glossary are found at the end of 
the report.

Materiality

This Sustainability Report includes information 
that we believe is material to our stakeholders and 
operations. Material issues are selected based 
on their relevance to our Corporate Responsibility 

6  eldoradogold.com

values, and their effects on employees, surrounding 
communities, investors and other interested parties.

Exclusions

Although our exploration and development projects 
are not yet at appropriate stages to be included 
in all aspects of this report, they are incorporated 
in the discussion and statistics when appropriate. 
Performance data from our Vancouver head office is 
not included unless indicated otherwise.

Contact

Please direct any questions about this report to:

Nancy E. Woo
Vice President, Investor Relations
Eldorado Gold Corporation
1188 Bentall 5, 550 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2B5
email: nancyw@eldoradogold.com
Tel: 604.687.4018 / Fax: 604.687.4026

Table of Contents

highlights for 2011  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Goals for 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
health & Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 
Environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Community  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Glossary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Our Stakeholders

We strive to be inclusive when engaging with 
stakeholders. Our stakeholders include employees, 
contractors, suppliers, investors, local community 
members around our operations, all levels of 
governments in the countries in which we operate 
and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We 
have continuous dialogue with governments, local 
community members and indigenous peoples. 
Company employees, contractors and investors also 
have multiple modes of communication open to them 
to gain information and voice any potential concerns 
regarding corruption, environmental effects and 
safety. Eldorado also maintains a whistle-blowing 
policy that is open to all stakeholders.

Goals for 2012

Health & Safety 

 ● Zero fatalities

 ● Zero lost-time incidents

 ● To continue to improve the safety culture in all 

countries where we have operations

 ● To improve health, safety and environmental 

incident prevention through increased 
communication between all sites by standardizing 
the software used to collect data

 ● To improve and standardize tracking for non-lost-
time incidents (medical aid, first aid and near 
misses). These will enable us to increase safety 
awareness and better target potential lTIs

Environment 

 ● No significant environmental incidents

 ● To become an International Cyanide Management 

Code signatory at all of our cyanide-using 
operations

 ● To become ISO 14001 certified for environmental 

management at Kis¸ladag˘

Communication 

 ● To improve transparency by continuing to publish 

annual sustainability reports as per the GRI 
guidelines

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  7

Tree planting, Kis¸ladag˘

Highlights for 2011

Environment 

 ● We are in compliance with environmental standards 

at all of our operations

 ● None of our operations had significant environmental 
spills (meaning immediate recovery is not possible, 
there will be an eventual recovery from the effects, or 
the effects are permanent)

 ● We continue significant reclamation of the waste 

dump at Kis¸ladag˘

Employee Relations 

 ● We continue to have excellent employee relations

 ● We had no employee strikes at any of our operations

 ● None of our operations reported incidents of 

discrimination

Community 

 ● Eldorado’s operations collectively provided over 
US$3 million in charitable donations, medical 
supplies, school supplies, and infrastructure in 2011

 ● We aim to hire as many employees as possible from 

each operation’s region to support the local economies. 
62.2% of our employees worldwide are from the same 
province or state

 ● We continue our work to create a sustainable, economic 

vineyard at our Efemçukuru mine

 ● We also support education in the communities 

around our operations by providing scholarships and 
inteinternships to local students

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Employees

Over 4,500 employees and contractors worldwide make 
Eldorado what it is today. Wherever possible, we hire 
from local communities. We pay competitive wages and 
help contribute to building lifelong skills, which provide 
social and economic benefits to the nearby area.

Number of Employees at 2011 Year-End

Site

Male Female Contractors

Total

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Eastern Dragon

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Perama hill

Vancouver

Total

283

590

71

717

375

383

39

8

28

2,494

19

29

21

74

80

70

4

3

16

316

Annual Employee Turnover

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

57

330

240

473

256

439

258

–

–

359

949

332

1,264

711

892

301

11

44

2,053

4,863

%

2.98%

3.23%

7.59%

13.63%

7.51%

27.91%

7.59%

Employee turnover is higher at Vila Nova due to the high number of  
short-term contracts in a region that culturally has a low rate of long-term, 
full-time positions

Percentage of Employees Covered by Collective 
Bargaining Agreements (Not Including Contractors)

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

%

0.0%

75.8%

100.0%

7.5%

100.0%

100.0%

67.2%

Efemçukuru is currently in the process of formalizing collective bargaining 
agreements, which are expected to be complete by early 2012.

8  eldoradogold.com

Average Hours of Training per Employee

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Eastern Dragon

Vila Nova

Average per employee

Percentage of Employees Receiving Regular 
Performance Reviews (Not Including Contractors)

Site

Efemçukuru *

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Eastern Dragon

Vila Nova

Total

* Not representative due to the mine starting up mid-year.

Ratio of Average Entry-Level Wage per Hour  
to Local Minimum Wage per Hour

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Publications

Hours

140.1

38.3

16.6

31.8

21.0

40.0

9.2

38.93

%

2.7%

69.3%

100.0%

98.0%

89.1%

95.7%

0.0%

78.6%

Ratio

1.3

2.7

2.4

2.1

1.5

1.5

Eldorado employees publish two internal magazines 
each quarter: one for our Turkish operations and one 
for our Chinese operations. Each magazine highlights 
various aspects of the operations, including community 
initiatives, employee profiles, and various achievements.

 
SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Health & Safety

health and safety is our top priority. When an 
employee’s health is affected or they are injured, 
the effects extend from the employee to his or her 
family and community, as well as mine production. 
We have set ambitious objectives for health and 
safety standards, and we believe that by continuously 
improving our training and other safety initiatives, we 
can achieve a culture of safety with zero fatalities 
and lost-time incidents (lTIs).

lTIs are any work-related incidents that require 
an employee to take time off work; the frequency 
rate (lTIFR) is the number of incidents per million 
man-hours worked. Occupational diseases result 
from workplace exposure to a chemical, physical or 
biological agent; examples include lead poisoning or 
heatstroke. The lost-day rate is the average number 
of work days lost per million man-hours worked. 

Working Towards our Safety Goals

All lost-time incidents, 
occupational diseases  
and fatalities are 
preventable. We are 
deeply saddened by the 
death of a local contractor 
at our Jinfeng mine 

this year due to a rock fall. We have undertaken a 
rigorous investigation of the accident and are updating 
our safety procedures to prevent similar incidents. 
Eldorado’s goal remains to have zero fatalities, zero 
lost-time incidents and zero occupational diseases. 
In working toward this goal, all reported incidents are 
investigated, and the findings are shared between 
operations. Contractors pose an increased safety 
risk to our operations; to alleviate this risk, Eldorado 
checks their previous work records and includes them 
in safety training workshops with our employees.

Safety Key Performance Indicators (Employees and Contractors)

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng *

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

LTIFR

3.08

1.85

1.49

1.76

2.09

7.00

Occupational Diseases

 Lost-Day Rate

Fatalities

0

0

0

0

0

0

54.2

5.5

185.9 

18.9

24.8

89.7

0

0

1

0

0

0

*  Without the fatality, Jinfeng's lost-date rate would have been 120.4.

Tocantinzinho employees

Forest fire training,Efemçukuru

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  9

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Emergency response training, White Mountain

Emergency Training

As part of our commitment to safety, we regularly 
conduct extensive emergency drills. Each operation 
has a rigorously trained emergency response team, 
emergency equipment and defined emergency 
procedures and protocols. Adjacent communities are 
also included in procedures, and nearby hospitals and 
fire and police departments are advised of potential 
emergency scenarios. 

Emergency training includes mine rescue drills, 
fire drills, CPR and first aid training, and training 
in hazardous materials suits and other safety 
equipment. Our teams are often first responders to 
emergencies in communities near our operations.

Man-Hours of Health, Safety,  
and Environmental Training

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

Hours

1,714

1,200

1,230

1,072

423

127

5,766

Eldorado’s health programs provide immunizations, 
check-ups and basic medical services for all staff.

10  eldoradogold.com

We also take extensive preventative measures to 
combat endemic diseases at our operations. For 
example, to combat malaria in Brazil, we spray 
indoor and outdoor areas to inhibit the breeding of 
mosquitoes. Employees and contractors are trained 
in malaria prevention and in recognizing symptoms; 
they are given blood tests when symptoms occur to 
ensure early diagnosis and treatment for anyone who 
may have become infected. The local town, Porto 
Grande, carries out entomology work semi-annually to 
identify and eliminate probable breeding grounds for 
malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in areas close to our 
operations and nearby communities.

Continuous Improvement

Jinfeng and White Mountain have instituted a 
Continuous Improvement (CI) culture to emphasize 
that safety is the top priority. The CI culture is based 
on practicing the “Review, Plan, Do” concept before 
each action and encouraging all employees to get 
involved. A central aspect is the suggestion system: 
at Jinfeng alone, 1,446 suggestions for improvement 
were collected last year, and 1,044 were implemented. 
Once implemented, the suggestions improve health 
and safety, as well as productivity: already, employees’ 
suggestions have reduced expenditures on Jinfeng’s 
top 100 consumables by over uS$550,000 annually.
Suggestion boxes are in place at all of our operations. 
The contents is reviewed regularly and approved 
recommendations are implemented.

Environment

Environmental issues are a key influence in 
Eldorado’s decision-making process. Employees 
and contractors for each project and operation 
are required to uphold the highest environmental 
standards through all stages of exploration, operation 
and closure. During development, we conduct 
extensive environmental testing and studies to 
determine firm baseline data and characteristics for 
air, water, soil and biodiversity. This becomes part 
of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). All of 
Eldorado’s mines also have closure plans, which are 
created as part of the permitting process.

Waste

Most of the mining waste at our operations consists 
of overburden, waste rock and tailings. When 
overburden and rock can potentially pose toxicity 
risks, we carefully plan how and where it is placed. For 
example, at Kis¸ladag˘, sulphide waste is encapsulated 
within an oxide layer in a designed waste dump. In 
open pit mines, the topsoil will eventually be used 
during rehabilitation and decommissioning. It cannot 
be stored over two metres high or the seeds and 
active microbes in the soil are no longer viable when 
the material is placed on stockpiles or dam walls for 
revegetation. If required, tailings are stored on a lined 
pad, and during rehabilitation will be covered with soil 
to prevent any residual toxins from causing harmful 
environmental effects.

Waste at Each Operation (Tonnes)

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

Overburden

0

26,383

0

0

0

0

26,383

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Native plant, White Mountain

Total Amount of Land Used at Each  
Operation Since Project Inception (Hectares)

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

Hectares

33

461

285

277

205

108

1,369

Rock

224,772

18,338,610

2,092,372

2,858,299

1,081,022

1,983,384

26,578,459

Tailings and Sludges

102,915

0

1,544,965

1,087,086

708,883

82,897

3,526,746

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  11

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Water

Water is emerging as an increasingly important global 
issue in our world. Eldorado has set goals to assure 
the quality of discharged water and to recycle water 
wherever possible. Jinfeng, White Mountain and 
Efemçukuru all have access to more water than they 
require, and have treatment plants for the excess 
water to be discharged. The Kis¸ladag˘ mine has  
built a rainwater catchment area as an additional 
water source.

Surface water is drawn from lakes, rivers and 
areas where water naturally collects above ground. 
Groundwater is drawn from wells or from below 
ground. Rainwater is collected from rainfall in 
constructed collection areas. Reused water has 
already been used in operations, processes or 
offices and is recirculated. None of Eldorado’s 
operations use municipal water.

Water Withdrawn at Each Operation by Source (Cubic Meters)

White Mountain

Surface Water

Groundwater

Rainwater

Reused Water

Total Withdrawn

158,238

863,386

0

0

1,281,046

18,288

2,320,958

m3/oz

*

5.27

10.34

5.16

15.76

7.91

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

0

0

1,837,785

593,040

0

36,843

2,467,668

Water Efficiency (Cubic Metres per Ounce of Gold)

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Total

*Efemçukuru is not included due to the mid-year start of production.

12  eldoradogold.com

336,029

637,560

0

0

0

0

343,968

16,689,066

2,294,999

837,516

1,944,461

1,296,000

973,589

23,406,010

158,238

863,386

1,837,785

593,040

1,281,046

55,131

4,788,626

ISO 14001

Eldorado’s Kis¸ladag˘ mine is working toward meeting 
the International Organization for Standardization 
(ISO) standards for environmental management: ISO 
14001. Kis¸ladag˘ has completed an environmental risk 
assessment for each workplace area, and has updated 
standard procedures and forms to meet the ISO 
requirements. Workforce training is ongoing to increase 
environmental awareness for all staff, and an internal 
audit was completed in December 2011. In early 2012, 
we plan to address any deficiencies found by the internal 
audit, and we will then apply for an external audit to gain 
certification. For more information regarding ISO 14001, 
please visit: www.iso.org/iso/iso_14000_essentials.

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Energy Efficiency (Gigajoules per Ounce of Gold)

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Total

GJ/oz

*

0.85

3.49

2.43

2.40

2.03

*Efemçukuru is not included due to the mid-year start of production.

Energy

Eldorado’s operations are generally located in rural 
areas that have no access to renewable energy 
sources such as wind and solar power. Most of 
Eldorado’s direct energy comes from fossil fuels 
and electricity. We recognize that energy is one of 
the biggest cost factors for our operations and that 
how we use it impacts our environment. We continue 
to look for the most energy-efficient processes and 
strive to reduce energy requirements at each of  
our operations.

Direct energy is used by us in the form of gasoline 
and diesel fuels for on-site equipment, and electricity 
for power-processing plants and buildings.

Direct Energy Used per Operation (Gigajoules)

GJ

46,886

240,647

620,059

279,555

195,027

7,976

1,390,150

Near Tanjianshan

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

Materials

Cyanide

Gold generally occurs at concentrations of less than 
0.001% (by mass) in ore. As gold is not soluble in 
water, cyanide is used to dissolve the gold so that it 
can be removed from the ore.

Close to 1.1 million metric tonnes of hydrogen cyanide 
are produced globally each year, with only around 6% 
used in gold mining. Cyanide is used extensively in 
the nylon and plastics industries, as well as in fire 
retardants, food processing and cosmetics.

Protective measures are taken at each site to ensure 
worker and environmental safety. For example, 
appropriate personal protective equipment must be 
worn in all areas in which cyanide is in use, and plastic 
balls cover ponds containing cyanide to deter birds. 

The International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) 
developed the Cyanide Code, which outlines best 
practices for cyanide from production to disposal. 

Eldorado has done preliminary audits of its operations 
and plans to apply for Code certification for all of 
its cyanide-using mines in 2012. By becoming Code 
signatories, we aim to ensure that all of our operations 
are using the world’s best practices in regard to 
cyanide use. For more information regarding the 
Cyanide Code, please visit: www.cyanidecode.org.

For more information regarding the use of cyanide 
in mining, please visit: www.gold.org/about_gold/
sustainability/environmental.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  13

 
SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Lime

Sulphuric Acid

lime is used in gold mining as an additive to the 
cyanide solution. This keeps the solution at a safe 
ph level. Contact with lime can cause irritation to 
the skin and eyes, and we apply the same safety 
precautions for lime as we do for cyanide.

Carbon

Activated carbon is used to extract the gold and 
cyanide compound from slurry. The gold is then 
stripped from the carbon, which is then recirculated. 
It does not pose risks to workers.

Hydrochloric Acid

After the gold is stripped from the carbon, diluted 
hydrochloric acid is used to remove impurities from 
the carbon before it is reused. hydrochloric acid is an 
irritant; personal protective equipment and training 
are required to protect workers from coming in 
contact with the acid.

Materials Used at Each Operation (Tonnes)

Sulphuric acid is used at Jinfeng to produce 
suitable conditions for bacteria to expose the gold 
contained in sulphide minerals for subsequent 
leaching. Sulphuric acid is produced at Tanjianshan 
by converting sulphur dioxide from the gas produced 
by the roaster, and is sold. This eliminates toxic air 
emissions that result as a byproduct of roasting. 
Personal protective equipment, training and stringent 
procedures are in place for employees who work with 
sulphuric acid.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is used as a ph modifier for 
stripping gold from carbon and electro-winning. At the 
Efemçukuru concentrate treatment plant, it is used 
as the ph modifier for leaching. Sodium hydroxide 
is an irritant; personal protective equipment and 
training are required to protect workers from coming 
in contact with the acid.

Carbon

Hydrochloric Acid

Sulphuric Acid

Sodium Hydroxide

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Total

Cyanide

0

5,050

1,256

572

925

Lime

14

63,742

19,426

3,589

1,845

0

69

28

6

26

7,803

88,616

129

0

474

178

94

104

850

1

0

4,428

72,000*

0

4,429

0

1,598

177

29

674

2,478

*Sulphuric acid is produced at Tanjianshan and sold. It is not included in the total sulphuric acid used.

Community

Eldorado strives to maintain strong relations with 
its neighbours to earn and keep the social licence 
to operate in a given area. We seek to improve the 
standard of living through added economic activity 
in local areas, increased job availability, added 
infrastructure, enhanced medical and educational 
services, and by teaching skills to improve 
employability. Eldorado’s sites practise transparency 
by communicating with nearby communities about 
mine activities.

14  eldoradogold.com

Improving villagers' health by teaching hygiene, Jinfeng

Disputes Relating to Land Use, Customary Rights of 
Local Communities, and Indigenous Peoples

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

Disputes

0

0

6

0

0

2

8

Land Use Disputes

At Jinfeng, four separate road blockages were staged 
relating to land compensation and compensation for 
flood damage; all were resolved. Another dispute was 
raised over land encroachment by a contractor, and 
settlements are ongoing. There was also a dispute 
between local villagers and the county government 
over land compensation and water supply concerns. It 
began with road blockages at Jinfeng, and resulted in 
a temporary shutdown of underground production and 
processing. The government resolved the dispute with 
the villagers as it is responsible for land compensation 
payments.

At Vila Nova, there were two disputes with settlers in 
the mine area regarding compensation for previous 
improvements. In 2011, we reached an agreement with 
one of the settlers; negotiations with the second are 
ongoing.

Human Rights

Eldorado holds itself to the highest human rights 
standards. China is considered at risk for forced and 
child labour, and Eldorado has set in place practices 
to prevent the use of forced or child labour at any of 
our operations. As the top reason of forced and child 
labour is poverty, Eldorado is committed to increasing 
direct and indirect economic contributions to local 
areas around all of our operations to reduce the need 
for forced or child labour.

Economic Contribution

local communities are benefiting from job, health 
and safety skills development, which will create 
employment opportunities well beyond the life of the 
mine. For example, Eldorado has provided training 
to community members employed in Efemçukuru’s 
vineyard and agricultural project to provide income for 
future generations.

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Local farmer near Kis¸ladag˘

Eldorado’s direct economic contribution to local 
communities is extensive through: 

 ● wages to local employees,

 ● charitable donations, and

 ●

taxes and royalties to governments.

In 2010, Tüprag, Eldorado’s wholly owned subsidiary 
operating Kis¸ladag˘ and Efemçukuru, was ranked the 
30th highest corporate taxpayer in Turkey.

Engagement & Communication

Eldorado begins its formal communication with local 
communities during the pre-mining stage, when we 
conduct a social impact assessment. We continue to 
meet with locals to inform them about the mine, and 
to determine what initiatives would best serve the 
community’s needs. Regional students, teachers and 
government officials frequently tour our operations 
to gain a better understanding of our practices to 
keep workers, the environment and surrounding 
communities safe.

Number of Households Resettled at Each Operation 
Since Project Inception

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

Number

0

12

50

0

37

0

99

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  15

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

Community Initiatives

Efemçukuru

The village of Efemçukuru is located two kilometres 
south of our newest gold mine in Turkey. As part 
of our commitment to the communities we operate 
in, we are excited to help create a new sustainable 
industry in the region: wine production.

The area’s climate is ideal for grape cultivation, and 
locals have been growing table grapes for many years. 
We have retained experts who have suggested that 
the region’s conditions are also suitable for wine 
production. We have made a multi-year commitment 
to work in partnership with the local community and to 
provide resources to diversify land use. Following the 
purchase of land surrounding the mine, we employed 
villagers to cultivate the soil. Initially, the villagers 
planted 2.5 hectares with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot 
and Chardonnay vines.

In phase two of the project, the villagers will plant an 
additional 2.5 hectares with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay 
and Sauvignon Blanc vines. In a few years, the 
project is expected to produce 40 tonnes of white 
and 25 tonnes of red wine.

Kis¸ladag˘

Kis¸ladag˘ has multiple ongoing programs to improve 
the livelihood of locals living around the mine site. 
Many improvements focus on infrastructure such as 
paving roads and constructing water supply pipelines, 
sewage systems and buildings.

We fund scholarships, donate buildings and 
supplies, and make charitable donations to teachers 
and students in the area, in addition to granting 
internships to mining students. Many teachers, 
students, local villagers and government members 
visit the site to learn about the industry.

Eldorado funded a public health bus for the province 
of us¸ ak in 2004. The bus continues to travel around 
the province providing immunizations, basic medical 
check-ups, eye exams and x-rays to villagers: generally 
the elderly, women and children.

“We were quite satisfied with the interest and attention 
shown by the company staff. They are perfect in terms of 
occupational safety and sensitivity to the environment. I 
would like to thank the company for its economic support 
to the surrounding villages and districts of Us¸ak, and I wish 
health and happiness.” – Celal Korkmaz, Teacher

16  eldoradogold.com

Jinfeng

Jinfeng has established a strong community 
development program, providing funds, training and 
supplies to improve the local education systems, 
infrastructure and health care. Jinfeng routinely 
sends its International SOS (ISOS) Clinic staff to 
surrounding communities to provide free check-ups, 
x-rays and medicine.

Jinfeng has also provided relief to communities 
affected by natural disasters. Money and essential 
items were donated to victims of a large fire in lihuai 
village, and water was supplied to multiple villages for 
drought relief.

Jinfeng also supports the local economies through 
hiring practices. For example,

 ● 38% of employees come from the local villages,

 ●

the local community is given priority for small 
contracts (valued at uS$15,700 or less and that  
do not require specific expertise), and

 ● casual labour is always hired from the local 

communities.

Jinfeng has entered a cooperation program for 
community development with the Zhenfeng County 
Government, the first program of its kind in China. It 
includes:

 ●

inspection and guidance from the Provincial  
Safety Bureau,

 ● updates and project information provided to 

governments via newsletters and monthly reports, 
and enhanced by periodic visits,

 ● government assistance in promoting awareness 

and support for the mine,

 ● government assistance in providing power to the 

area and paving the mine access road, and

 ● a county work group.

Tanjianshan

Tanjianshan is in a very remote and isolated area 
of China. While there are no local communities 
surrounding it, we still make an effort to improve the 
communities throughout the province, despite the mine 
not having a direct impact on them. Each year, Eldorado 
sets aside uS$200,000 for donation to charity projects 
in the Qinghai province. This is part of a five-year charity 
agreement with the provincial government.

SuSTAINABIlITy REPORT 2011

White Mountain also has community development 
projects to improve education and provide water 
supply to nearby towns, road access from major cities 
to the mine and surrounding areas, and medical care.

We have also undertaken an agricultural project to 
create sustainable income for villagers beyond the  
life of the mine. We completed construction of five  
greenhouses in November, and engaged local 
university professors to select fruit and vegetable 
varieties. In the spring, a team of local villagers 
will be taught greenhouse farming skills, and the 
greenhouses will be given to their team to plant and 
harvest crops.

Monetary Amount of Charitable Donations and 
Community Development Spending in 2011, by Site

Site

Efemçukuru

Kis¸ladag˘

Jinfeng

Tanjianshan

White Mountain

Vila Nova

Total

Donations (US $1,000)

557.4

1,270.3 

801.1

134.3

327.6

355.3

3,446.0

Tanjianshan’s community initiatives are focused 
on education and medical improvements. We 
have donated money, school supplies, uniforms 
and computers, and have granted scholarships to 
students in the province. We upgraded the Mahai 
Village Medical Clinic and supplied medical equipment 
and training for the staff.

In addition, we have donated food, water, cash, and 
other essential items to families in the province 
affected by natural disasters. After the 2010 Qinghai 
yushu earthquake, employees were encouraged 
to donate money for aid. The total sum collected 
was matched by the mine, in addition to the initial 
uS$100,000 cash donation.

White Mountain

White Mountain is located seven kilometres from the 
town of Baishan. Eldorado staff work closely with all 
levels of government in the area, who recognize the 
mine as a model operation. Government members 
frequently tour the mine site to monitor environmental 
and safety standards, speak with staff and stay up to 
date with the operation.

Before we began mining, a community had to be 
relocated. White Mountain built a modern 37-home 
village for the community families. Residents from this 
and other local villages are given priority for employment, 
as well as for purchasing and project contracts.

Free, Prior and Informed Consent

Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is a United Nations set of guidelines outlining the rights of 
locals and Indigenous Peoples. It is summarized by the UN as “information about and consultation 
on any proposed initiative and its likely impacts, with meaningful participation of indigenous 
peoples and representative institutions.” “Free” means without coercion, and “prior” means 
having sufficient time to allow for information-gathering and discussion before a project starts. A 
project can only begin once the process is fully completed and an agreement has been reached. 
Stakeholders participate throughout all stages of the project life cycle.

Eldorado Gold is committed to following the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and we are beginning to introduce 
it at all of our sites. At Jinfeng, for example, a community relations team meets with the village elders to keep them informed 
and to give them an opportunity for input on project plans. These meetings began prior to any construction. At White Mountain, 
cooperation meetings are held between the government, university, community and mine staff. In addition to matters 
pertaining to the mine, discussions also include the local villages’ agriculture and livestock, and White Mountain’s greenhouse 
project. Eldorado’s Beijing office plans to implement cooperation programs based on this model at each of Eldorado’s Chinese 
operations. Jinfeng has already begun to coordinate similar meetings with the local Shaping township government.

In Turkey, senior mine executives meet with locals in their traditional tea houses and discuss plans for the mines. Like the Chinese 
meetings, the plans are not limited to the mines: Eldorado staff use these opportunities to hear locals’ concerns about their 
infrastructure, labour, education and medical systems.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  17

GlOSSARy

Absenteeism Rate
The absenteeism rate is the average 
number of days taken off work per 
employee, including sick time and 
personal leave. The absenteeism rate 
does not include paid vacation time.

Artisanal Mining
Artisanal mining is small-scale, generally 
individual or family-run mining. Generally,
artisanal mining is labour-intensive, with
minimal capital expenditures, safety
standards, and access to markets.

Collective Bargaining Agreements
Collective bargaining agreements are 
between the company and workers’ 
organizations, such as trade unions.

Continuous Improvement (CI)
Eldorado’s Jinfeng mine created the CI 
program, which has now been instituted at 
White Mountain. It is based on soliciting 
employee improvement suggestions, 
and reviewing and implementing these. A 
significant part of this program is focused 
on using employees' ideas to improve 
safety practices.

Direct and Indirect Energy
Direct energy is used by the company 
in fuel for on-site equipment and 
electricity for power processing and 
other direct applications. Indirect energy 
is the energy associated with business 
travel, product transportation and 
other applications where energy is not 
immediately consumed by the company.

Discharged Water
Discharged water is used by a mine, and 
is then collected, treated and released 
back into a water body.

Endemic Diseases
Endemic diseases are those that occur 
frequently in a given area, such as 
malaria in Brazil. 

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
An EIA is a study done on an intended 
project area in the pre-construction phase 
as part of the permitting process. The EIA 
extensively covers many environmental 
aspects, such as air, water, and dust 
quality, and flora and fauna in the area. 
This data is used throughout the mine life 
and rehabilitation to gauge the effect of 
the mine and the remedial measures on 
the environment.

Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
FPIC is a set of united Nations guidelines 
outlining the rights of locals and 
indigenous peoples. It promotes the 
rights of locals to have input regarding 

18  eldoradogold.com

plans in all life-cycle stages, in a timely 
manner and free from coercion.

Garimpeiros
Garimpeiros are artisanal miners in Brazil.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
The GRI is a widely used voluntary frame-
work that seeks to improve transparency 
through sustainability reporting. The first 
set of guidelines was released in 2000; 
the current version is G3.1.

Groundwater
Groundwater is collected from 
underground sources, including wells and 
water pumped from underground mines.

Incidents of Discrimination
Eldorado defines incidents of discrim-
ination as any treatment of a person 
in an unethical matter. It can include 
the promotion or denial of promotion or 
benefits for reasons other than personal 
merit, or the harassment of employees 
due to cultural differences.

International Cyanide Management 
Institute (ICMI) and International 
Cyanide Management Code (ICMC)
The ICMC covers best practices for 
managing cyanide in all stages of its life 
cycle, created specifically by the ICMI for 
the gold mining industry. Companies can 
become signatory as a company, or on a 
mine-by-mine basis.

International Organization for 
Standardization (ISO); ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is a set of voluntary 
standards for environmental 
management best practices.

International SOS (ISOS) Clinic
ISOS is an organization providing 
medical and emergency care that meets 
international standards for expatriates. 
ISOS operates clinics at each of our 
Chinese operations.

Lost-Day Rate
The lost-day rate is the number of 
employee workdays lost due to lTIs per 
million man-hours worked.

Lost-Time Incidents (LTIs)
lTIs are workplace accidents in which 
employees sustain injuries that result in 
an inability to work.

Lost-Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR)
The lTIFR is the number of lost-time 
incidents per million man-hours worked.

Municipal Water
Municipal water is drawn from a municipal 
source. Eldorado does not use municipal 
water at any of its operations.

Occupational Diseases
Occupational diseases are illnesses 
caused by workplace exposure to 
physical, chemical or mental agents. 
For example, occupational diseases can 
include stress-related diseases, illness 
due to prolonged proximity to toxic 
chemicals or heatstroke.

Overburden
Overburden is the waste rock stripped 
from an open pit mine above the ore body.

Rainwater
Rainwater is collected in specific 
catchment areas and used for various 
tasks. It does not include rainfall into 
leach pads and pregnant ponds.

Recycled and Reused Water
Recycled and reused water has been 
used in a task and is being re-circulated 
for use in other tasks. Recycled water 
has been treated before recirculation; 
reused water is not treated. We have 
reported recycled and reused water 
collectively as reused water.

Significant Environmental Spill
Eldorado defines a significant 
environmental spill as one that cannot 
be readily contained and remedied. A 
significant spill has medium- to long-term 
or permanent environmental effects.

Social Impact Assessments (SIAs)
SIAs are done in conjunction with 
environmental impact assessments 
prior to beginning construction in an 
area as part of the permitting process. 
Potentially affected communities are 
surveyed to determine the effects the 
mine could have on the local residents. 
Considerations include the population, 
current labour situation, local concerns 
and risk assessment.

Surface Water
Surface water is collected from any 
naturally occurring above-ground water 
source, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, 
and streams.

Tailings and Sludges
Tailings and sludges are waste residue 
that result from ore processing.

Waste Rock
Waste rock is material that is mined and 
stripped from the ore.

Withdrawn Water
Withdrawn water is the cumulative amount 
used from external sources. This includes 
surface, ground, rain and municipal 
water. Water efficiency is calculated from 
withdrawn water.

As of December 31, 2011

Project

Gold
Kis¸ladag˘

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Efemçukuru

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Perama 

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Tanjianshan

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Jinfeng

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

White Mountain

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Eastern Dragon

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

MINERAl RESERVES AND RESOuRCES

Mineral Reserves

Mineral Resources

Tonnes
(x1000)

Grade
Au g/t

In-situ  
Gold Ounces  
(x1000)

Tonnes
(x1000)

Grade
Au g/t

In-situ  
Gold Ounces 
(x1000)

114,955

344,915

459,870

1,016

4,007

5,023

2,477

7,220

9,697

4,299

1,229

5,528

8,671

8,661

17,332

3,776

2,072

5,848

837

2,253

3,090

0.91

0.64

0.71

12.42

8.30

9.13

4.44

2.68

3.13

3.19

3.07

3.16

3.74

3.75

3.75

3.70

3.65

3.68

11.07

6.46

7.71

3,368

Measured

7,148

Indicated

10,516

M+I

Inferred

121,590

458,270

579,860

380,760

406

Measured

1,069

1,475

354

621

975

441

121

562

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

Measured

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

Measured

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

1,043

Measured

1,045

2,088

449

243

692

297

467

764

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

Measured

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

Measured

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

1,122

4,304

5,426

2,524

3,064

9,375

12,439

8,766

5,373

3,820

9,193

3,137

12,119

13,126

25,245

10,630

4,892

2,868

7,760

4,907

800

2,700

3,500

2,200

0.88

0.59

0.65

0.40

13.68

8.50

9.57

5.96

4.30

3.18

3.46

1.96

2.94

2.52

2.77

3.50

3.59

3.46

3.52

3.18

3.62

3.23

3.47

5.22

12.48

6.04

7.50

2.67

3,436

8,619

12,055

4,921

494

1,177

1,670

484

424

958

1,382

554

509

309

818

353

1,397

1,459

2,856

1,086

569

297

866

824

322

530

852

190

Continued on next page.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  19

MINERAl RESERVES AND RESOuRCES

As of December 31, 2011

Project

Mineral Reserves

Mineral Resources

Gold continued
Tocantinzinho

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Total Gold

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Iron
Vila Nova

Proven

Probable

Proven+Probable

Tonnes
(x1000)

Grade
Au g/t

In-situ  
Gold Ounces  
(x1000)

Tonnes
(x1000)

Grade
Au g/t

In-situ  
Gold Ounces 
(x1000)

17,735

31,315

49,050

153,766

401,672

555,438

1.39

1.17

1.25

1.45

0.92

1.07

792

Measured

1,183

1,975

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

7,150

Measured

11,897

Indicated

19,047

M+I

Inferred

19,777

50,457

70,234

6,950

168,737

544,920

713,657

419,874

1.29

0.97

1.06

0.66

1.47

0.85

1.00

0.63

Mineral Reserves

Mineral Reserves

Tonnes
(x1000)

2,338

6,603

8,941

Grade
Fe %

63.4

60.0

60.9

Measured

Indicated

M+I

Inferred

Tonnes
(x1000)

2,338

7,295

9,633

2,022

820

1,574

2,394

147

7,971

14,923

22,893

8,559

Grade
Fe %

63.4

60.9

61.5

61.2

Notes on Mineral Resources and Reserves: 
1.  Mineral reserves and mineral resources are as of December 31, 2011.
2.  Mineral reserves are included in the mineral resources.
3.   The Eastern Dragon project also contains economic concentrations of silver. The silver grade for the project’s Proven and Probable reserves averages 71 g/t 
Ag (7.0 million in-situ ounces) whereas the average silver grade in the Measured and Indicated resources equals 73 g/t Ag (8.3 million in-situ ounces).

Mineral Reserve Notes: 
1.   Gold price used was $1250/oz, except for the Eastern Dragon and Tocantinzinho projects, which used $1000/oz and the Efemçukuru mine which used $825/oz. 
2.   Cut-off grades (gold g/t): Kis¸ladag˘: 0.20 g/t oxide, 0.31 g/t sulphide; Efemçukuru: 4.0 g/t; Perama: 0.8 g/t; Tanjianshan: 1.6 g/t, JLG sulphide,  

1.3 g/t, JLG oxide/transition, 1.5 g/t 323 Pit; Jinfeng: 0.8 g/t open pit, 2.3 g/t underground; White Mountain: 1.5 g/t; Eastern Dragon: 1.0 g/t open pit,  
1.7 g/t underground; Tocantinzinho: 0.49 g/t sulphide, 0.43 g/t oxide.

3.   Qualified Persons: Richard Miller, P.Eng., Manager, Mining for the Company, is responsible for the Kis¸ladag˘, Tanjianshan, Jinfeng open pit and Perama 

reserves; Norm Pitcher, P.Geo., Chief Operating Officer for the Company, is responsible for the Jinfeng underground, White Mountain, Eastern Dragon and 
Efemçukuru reserves; Sean Gregersen, P.Eng., Business Development Manager for the Company, is responsible for the Tocantinzinho reserves;  
Roberto Costa, principal of Roberto Costa Engenharia Ltda, is responsible for the Vila Nova iron reserves.

Mineral Resource Notes: 
1.  Cut-off grades (gold g/t): Kis¸ladag˘: 0.25 g/t; Efemçukuru: 3.0 g/t; Perama: 0.5 g/t; Jinfeng: 0.7 g/t open pit, 2.0 g/t underground; Tanjianshan: 1.0 g/t; 

White Mountain: 1.0 g/t; Eastern Dragon: 1.0 g/t; Tocantinzinho: 0.3 g/t.

2.  Qualified Persons: Stephen Juras, Ph.D., P.Geo., Director, Technical Services for the Company, is responsible for the Kis¸ladag˘, Efemçukuru, Perama, 
Tanjianshan, Tocantinzinho, Jinfeng, White Mountain and Eastern Dragon resources. Roberto Costa, principal of Roberto Costa Engenharia Ltda, is 
responsible for the Vila Nova iron resources. 

20  eldoradogold.com

GOlD PRODuCTION hIGhlIGhTS

First
Quarter
2011

Second
Quarter
2011

Third
Quarter
2011

Fourth
Quarter
2011

Fourth
Quarter
2010

2011

2010

Gold Production

 Ounces Sold

 Ounces Produced

148,530

162,164

179,513

168,712

149,022

658,919

639,949

148,577

162,429

179,195

168,451

148,374

658,652

632,539

 Cash Operating Cost ($/oz) 1,3

 Total Cash Cost ($/oz) 2,3

410

462

397

477

397

463

418

486

418

460

405

472

382

423

 Realized Price ($/oz – sold) 

1,397

1,510

1,700

1,686

1,373

1,581

1,223

Kis¸ladag˘ Mine, Turkey

 Ounces Sold

 Ounces Produced

 Tonnes to Pad

 Grade (grams/tonne)

 Cash Operating Cost ($/oz) 3

 Total Cash Cost ($/oz) 2,3

Tanjianshan Mine, China

 Ounces Sold

 Ounces Produced

 Tonnes Milled

50,832

50,833

66,392

66,688

87,121

86,788

80,572

80,339

59,741

284,917

279,025

59,815

284,648

274,592

2,341,635

3,194,051 3,520,220

3,374,541

2,021,057 12,430,447

10,372,719

1.04

386

408

0.92

389

411

0.90

377

401

0.97

353

379

1.00

382

354

0.95

374

398

1.06

329

339

28,493

28,493

31,977

31,977

26,935

26,935

27,564

27,567

30,710

114,969

116,765

30,710

114,972

113,864

238,070

264,698

218,330

284,138

244,867 1,005,236

1,049,952

 Grade (grams/tonne)

 Cash Operating Cost ($/oz) 3

 Total Cash Cost ($/oz) 2,3

3.90

402

515

4.23

343

596

4.25

353

541

3.56

415

616

4.59

349

459

3.96

377

567

4.19

383

485

Jinfeng Mine, China

 Ounces Sold

 Ounces Produced

 Tonnes Milled

 Grade (grams/tonne)

 Cash Operating Cost ($/oz) 3

 Total Cash Cost ($/oz) 2,3

White Mountain Mine, China

 Ounces Sold

 Ounces Produced

 Tonnes Milled

48,518

48,564

46,381

46,350

44,187

44,202

38,672

38,641

38,282

177,758

182,026

37,560

177,757

181,950

384,400

397,987

379,352

383,226

387,710 1,544,965

1,557,199

4.32

430

482

4.05

401

457

4.26

424

509

3.63

525

596

3.81

486

585

4.06

442

507

4.24

425

480

20,687

20,687

17,414

17,414

21,270

21,270

21,904

21,904

20,289

20,289

81,275

81,275

62,133

62,133

140,211

192,558

191,157

184,956

169,669

708,882

622,418

 Grade (grams/tonne)

 Cash Operating Cost ($/oz) 3

 Total Cash Cost ($/oz) 2,3

5.71

438

475

3.71

518

564

4.15

475

519

4.29

472

519

4.06

498

536

4.37

474

517

3.98

487

522

1 Cost figures calculated in accordance with the Gold Institute Standard.
2 Cash operating costs, plus royalties and the cost of off-site administration.
3 Cash operating costs and total cash costs are non-IFRS measures. See the section “Non-IFRS Measures” of this annual report.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  21

Financial Review

Kis¸ladag˘ open pit

Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Independent Auditors’ Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Consolidated Income Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

22  eldoradogold.com

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

For the year ended December 31, 2011

Throughout this MD&A, Eldorado, we, us, our and the Company mean Eldorado Gold Corporation. 

This year means 2011. All dollar amounts are in united States dollars unless stated otherwise.

The information in this MD&A is as of February 23, 2012. you should also read our audited consolidated financial 
statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
(“IASB”). The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 are the Company’s first set 
of consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and IFRS 1 “First-Time Adoption of IFRS” has 
been applied. We file them with appropriate regulatory authorities in Canada and the united States. you can find 
more information about Eldorado, including our annual information form, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Eldorado

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Eldorado owns and operates mines around the world. Its activities involve all facets 
of the mining industry including exploration, development, production and reclamation. 

Operating gold mines:

 ● Kis¸ladag˘, in Turkey (100%)

 ● Tanjianshan, in China (90%)

 ● Jinfeng, in China (82%)

 ● White Mountain, in China (95%)

 ● Efemçukuru, in Turkey (100%)

Development gold projects: 

 ● Eastern Dragon, in China (95%)

 ● Tocantinzinho, in Brazil (100%) 

 ● Perama hill, in Greece (100%) 

Iron ore mine: 

 ● Vila Nova, in Brazil (100%)

Eldorado is listed on the following exchanges:

 ● Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol ElD 

 ● New york Stock Exchange (NySE) under the symbol EGO

ElD is part of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index. EGO is part of the AMEX Gold BuGS Index. Eldorado Chess 
Depositary Interests (CDIs) trade on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the symbol EAu.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  23

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

2011 highlights, corporate developments

 ● Gold production increased 4% (658,652 ounces – 2011; 632,539 ounces – 2010).

 ● Gold revenues increased 33% ($1,042.1 million – 2011; $782.8 million – 2010).

 ● Basic earnings per share increased 41% ($0.58 per share – 2011; $0.41 per share – 2010).

 ● Cash generated from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital increased  

40% ($502.1 million – 2011; $357.9 million – 2010). This is a non-IFRS measure. See page 38 for  
more information.

 ● Paid dividends totalling CDN$0.11 per share compared to CDN$0.05 per share in 2010.

 ● Paid down debt of $92.4 million.

 ● Efemçukuru completed start up of operations during which it produced concentrate containing approximately 

20,000 contained ounces of gold.

 ● The Company announced the results of a positive NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report for Tocantinzinho.

 ● The Company completed Kis¸ladag˘’s Phase III expansion which increased productive capacity at the mine by 
25%, and announced the results of a study validating its intention to further double the mine capacity by the 
third quarter of 2014.

Corporate developments – acquisitions and financings

Completion of Revolving Credit Facility

On October 12, 2011 the Company entered into a $280.0 million revolving credit facility with hSBC and a 
syndicate of four other banks (see page 40 for details related to the revolving credit facility).

Acquisition of European Goldfields Limited

On December 18, 2011 the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement (the 
“Arrangement Agreement”) with European Goldfields limited (“European Goldfields”) (TSX: EGu, AIM: EGu) 
pursuant to which Eldorado agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of European 
Goldfields by way of a plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) under the Yukon Business Corporations Act.

European Goldfields is a precious metals development company with attributable gold reserves of 9.2 million 
ounces and multi-stage assets located in Greece, Romania and Turkey. The company currently operates the  
95% owned Stratoni mine in Greece and is developing the 95% owned Skouries and Olympias projects in  
Greece and the 80.1% owned Certej project in Romania. 

under the Arrangement, shareholders of European Goldfields will receive 0.85 Eldorado shares and CDN$0.0001 
in cash per European Goldfields share (the “Exchange Ratio”). Each outstanding option of European Goldfields 
shall be exchanged for options of Eldorado that will entitle the holder to receive, upon the exercise thereof, 
Eldorado shares based upon the Exchange Ratio and otherwise on the same terms and conditions as in the 
original European Goldfields option. The total transaction value is approximately CDN$2.4 billion.

The acquisition is estimated to result in an increase in the Company’s mineral interest of $2.6 billion, an 
increase in goodwill of $427.5 million, an increase in deferred income taxes of $477.7 million, and an increase 
in non-controlling interest of $144.8 million. These preliminary numbers are based on the September 30, 2011 
interim balance sheet figures of European Goldfields and the Company’s share price on February 23, 2012 and 
are subject to change upon finalization of the purchase price allocation.

The acquisition is expected to have a minimal impact on the financial performance of the Company in 2012, 
with the exception of the recognition of approximately $26.0 million in estimated transaction costs, which are 
immediately expensed under IFRS. 

24  eldoradogold.com

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

2011 highlights, corporate developments continued

Aside from the transaction costs mentioned above, the major impacts of the acquisition on the Company’s cash flows 
for the upcoming year are still to be determined as a result of development decisions to be made at a later date.

The shareholders of both Eldorado and European Goldfields approved the transaction on February 21, 2012 and 
court approval was obtained on February 22, 2012. 

Investments in exploration companies

During 2011 Eldorado invested in the following exploration companies:

In September 2011 Eldorado entered into a share purchase agreement with Kopy Goldfields AB (“Kopy”), a 
company listed on the NASDAQ OMX First North exchange in Stockholm, Sweden, and acquired 1,700,000 
ordinary shares of Kopy for $2.5 million. The Company acquired an additional 1,000,000 ordinary shares of Kopy 
for $1.8 million in October 2011 for a total investment of 2,700,000 ordinary shares. This represents a 28.9% 
interest in Kopy. Kopy holds seven exploration licences totalling 255 km2 located in the lena Goldfields north of 
Bodaibo in the Irkutsk Region of Russia.

In December 2011, Eldorado acquired 44,595,920 ordinary shares of Glory Resources limited (“Glory”) (ASX: 
Gly) for $11.2 million. This represents a 19.9% interest in Glory. Glory acquired the Sappes Gold Project 
(“Sappes”) in north-eastern Greece in December 2011.

Summarized Annual Financial Results

($ millions except as noted)

Revenues 2

Gold sold (ounces)

Average realized gold price ($/ounce)

Average london spot gold price ($/ounce)

Earnings from gold mining operations 3

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders of the  
Company – Basic ($/share)

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders of the  
Company – Diluted ($/share)

Dividends paid – (CDN$/share)

Cash flow from operating activities before changes in  
non-cash working capital 4

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Assets

Total long-term financial liabilities 5

2011

$1,098.9

658,919

$1,581

$1,572

$610.8

$318.7

$0.58

$0.58

$0.11

$502.1

$393.8

$3,960.4

$63.2

2010

$791.2

639,949

$1,223

$1,225

$400.7

$221.0

$0.41

$0.40

$0.05

$357.9

$314.3

$3,685.4

$113.4

20091 

$358.5

360,226

$995

$972

$188.2

$102.4

$0.26

$0.26

–

$147.0

$265.4

$3,436.1

$161.1

1 Financial results prepared in accordance with CGAAP. 
2 Revenues include proceeds from the sale of iron ore produced by Vila Nova in the amount of $56.8 million in 2011 ($8.3 million – 2010; $nil – 2009).
3  Earnings from gold mining operations represent gross revenues less production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization. This is a non-IFRS 
measure. Please see page 38 for discussion of non-IFRS measures. 
4  Cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital is a non-IRFS measure. Please see page 38 for discussion of non-IFRS measures. 
5 Includes long-term debt net of deferred financing costs, defined benefit plans, and asset retirement obligations 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  25

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Review of Annual Financial Results

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased to $318.7 
million, or $0.58 per share, compared to $221.0 million, or $0.41 per share in 2010. The following main factors 
impacted our profit for the year as compared to 2010:

 ● Gold revenues increased $259.2 million, or 33% due to a 29% increase in the average realized gold price and a 
3% increase in gold sales volume, while iron ore revenues increased $48.5 million reflecting the first full year of 
Vila Nova production;

 ● Production costs increased $68.5 million, or 25% due to a full year of production costs at Vila Nova ($30.3 
million – 2011, $4.3 million – 2010), higher operating costs at Kis¸ladag˘, and higher production taxes at 
Tanjianshan and Jinfeng related to changes in laws governing mining taxation;

 ● Depreciation and amortization increased $15.3 million, or 14% mainly as a result of an increase in the 

depreciation rate at Jinfeng due to a reduction in reserves, higher depreciation at White Mountain related to 
higher sales volume, and higher depreciation at Vila Nova due to a full year of operation ($4.7 million – 2011, 
$1.0 million – 2010);

 ● Exploration expenses increased $8.3 million due to an increase in the Company’s worldwide exploration activities;

 ● General and administrative expenses increased $14.3 million, or 32% mainly as a result of the $11.3 million 

special bonus awarded to senior management in the first quarter of 2011;

 ●

Income tax expense increased $78.6 million or 90% due to: 1) higher taxable income; 2) withholding taxes paid 
on dividends from the Company’s Turkish subsidiary, Tuprag; and 3) the impact of the weakening of the Turkish 
lira on the Company’s tax asset base in Turkey. The effective tax rate increased from 27% to 32% year over 
year as a result of the impacts of items 2 and 3 discussed above.

Summarized Quarterly Financial Results

2011 
($ millions except as noted)

Revenues 

Gold sold (ounces)

Average realized gold price ($/ounce)

Earnings from gold mining operations 1

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders  
of the Company – Basic ($/share)

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders  
of the Company – Diluted ($/share)

Dividends paid– (CDN$/share)

Cash flow from operating activities before  
changes in non-cash working capital

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2011  
Total

$218.1

$251.4

$326.1

$303.3

$1,098.9

148,530

162,164

179,513

168,712

658,919

$1,397

$107.8

$52.5

$1,510

$137.6

$74.9

$1,700

$193.2

$102.5

$1,686

$172.2

$88.8

$1,581

$610.8

$318.7

$0.10

$0.14

$0.19

$0.16

$0.58

$0.10

$0.05

$91.7

$0.14

$0.19

$0.16

$0.58

–

$115.7

$0.06

$159.7

–

$135.0

$0.11

$502.1

Continued on next page.

26  eldoradogold.com

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Summarized Quarterly Financial Results continued

2010
($ millions except as noted)

Revenues 2 

Gold sold (ounces)

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2010 Total

$181.5

$206.4

$190.3

$213.0

$791.2

163,446

172,826

154,655

149,022

639,949

Average realized gold price ($/ounce)

Earnings from gold mining operations 1

$1,110

$91.8

$1,195

$105.0

$1,231

$94.5

$1,373

$109.4

$1,223

$400.7

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

$50.5

$55.7

$69.6

$45.2

$221.0

Earnings per share attributable to  
shareholders of the Company – Basic ($/share)

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders  
of the Company – Diluted ($/share)

Dividends paid– (CDN$/share)

Cash flow from operating activities before  
changes in non-cash working capital 3

$0.09

$0.10

$0.13

$0.08

$0.41

$0.09

–

$80.9

$0.10

$0.05

$87.4

$0.13

$0.08

$0.40

–

–

$101.4

$88.2

$0.05

$357.9

1  Earnings from gold mining operations represent gross revenues less production costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization. This is a non-IFRS measure. 
2 Revenues in Q4 include $8.3 million in iron ore sales. 
3 Cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital is a non-IRFS measure. Please see page 38 for discussion of non-IFRS 
measures.

Review of Quarterly Results

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 increased to $88.8 
million, or $0.16 per share, compared to $45.2 million, or $0.08 per share for the same period in 2010. The 
following main factors impacted our profit as compared to the profit for the quarter ended December 31, 2010:

 ● Gold revenues increased $79.8 million, or 39% due to a 23% increase in the average realized gold price and a 
13% increase in gold sales volume, while iron ore revenues increased $10.6 million reflecting increased sales 
prices and volumes of iron ore. Vila Nova started up operations during the fourth quarter of 2010;

 ● Production costs increased $22.0 million, or 30% due to a full quarter of production costs at Vila Nova ($12.4 
million – 2011, $4.2 million – 2010), higher gold sales volumes, higher operating costs at Kis¸ladag˘, and higher 
production taxes at Tanjianshan and Jinfeng related to changes in laws governing mining taxation;

 ● Depreciation and amortization increased $4.5 million, or 17% mainly as a result of an increase in the 

depreciation rate at Jinfeng due to a reduction in reserves and higher sales volume at Vila Nova;

 ● Exploration expenses increased $3.9 million due to an increase in the Company’s worldwide exploration activities;

 ● General and administrative expenses decreased $3.7 million, or 22% mainly as a result of a one-time charge of 
$3.3 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2010 related to withholding taxes on employee options in China;

 ●

Income tax expense increased $16.8 million or 59% due to higher taxable income. The effective tax rate 
decreased from 36% to 32% quarter over quarter as a result of the greater impact of the weakening of the 
Turkish lira on the Company’s tax asset base in the last quarter of 2010 as compared to 2011.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  27

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Operations highlights, outlook, and annual updates

 Operating highlights and outlook 1

2010

2011

2012 outlook3

632,539

382

184.2  

658,652

730,000 to 775,000

405

241.9

430 to 450

335.0

274,592

284,648

285,000 to 295,000

329

54.9

374

53.1

385 to 395

175.0

113,864

114,972

100,000 to 110,000

383

17.1

377

8.9

445 to 460

10.0

181,950

177,757

120,000 to 125,000

425

15.1

442

32.2

675 to 695

50.0

62,133

81,275

75,000 to 80,000

487

16.4

n/a

n/a

69.0

n/a

n/a

10.9

474

17.2

n/a

n/a

103.8

n/a

n/a

24.3

535 to 550

15.0

125,000 to 135,000

330 to 350

30.0

25,000 to 30,000

65 to 80

45.0

182,808

537,958

560,000 to 600,000

41

0.8

64

2.4

65 to 75

10.0

Total

Gold ounces produced

Cash operating costs ($ per ounce) 1  

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

Kis¸ladag˘

Gold ounces produced

Cash operating costs ($ per ounce) 1

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

Tanjianshan

Gold ounces produced

Cash operating costs ($ per ounce) 1

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

Jinfeng

Gold ounces produced

Cash operating costs ($ per ounce) 1

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

White Mountain

Gold ounces produced

Cash operating costs ($ per ounce) 1

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

Efemçukuru

Gold ounces produced

Cash operating costs ($ per ounce) 1

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

Eastern Dragon

Gold ounces produced

Cash operating costs ($ per ounce) 1, 2

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

Vila Nova

Iron ore tonnes produced

Cash operating costs ($ per tonne sold) 1

Capital expenditure ($ millions)

1 Cash operating costs is a non-IFRS measure. See page 38 for more information. 
2 Eastern Dragon cash operating costs are net of silver by-product credits.
3 Outlook uses the following assumptions:

Gold price:  
Iron ore price: 
Silver price: 
Oil price: 

$1,700 per ounce  
$100 per tonne  
$35 per ounce  
$100 per barrel 

Exchange Rates
RMB vs USD  6.20
Euro vs USD  1.40
YTL vs USD  1.70
Real vs USD  1.60

28  eldoradogold.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Annual updates – Operations

Kis¸ladag˘

Operating Data

Tonnes placed on pad

Average treated head grade (g/t)

Gold (ounces)

  Produced

  Sold

Cash operating costs (per ounce)

Total cash costs (per ounce)

Financial Data (millions)

Revenues

Depreciation and Depletion

Earnings from Operations

Expenditure on Mining Interests

2011

12,430,447

0.95

2010

10,372,719

1.06

284,648

284,917

$374

$398

$455.3

$11.0

$327.2

$53.1

274,592

279,025

$329

$339

$339.1

$14.1

$226.9

$54.9

Gold production for 2011 of 284,648 ounces was 4%, or 10,056 ounces higher than 2010. Total tonnes placed 
on the leach pad per quarter increased after the first quarter of 2011 as a result of the completion of the Phase 
III upgrade of the crushing circuit to 12.5 million tonnes per year. The increase in quarterly gold production due to 
higher throughput was partially offset by lower grade ore placed on the leach pad as compared with 2010. 

Gold inventory levels on the leach pad decreased by 38,940 ounces in 2011 as a result of intermediate leaching, 
begun in 2010. During 2011 a study was completed confirming the Company’s expectation that the average 
recovery rate of all sulphide ore placed on the leach pad was higher than the feasibility study rate of 60% used 
in the leach pad inventory estimates since the mine began production. As a result, an adjustment was made 
to increase the estimated recoverable ounces remaining on the leach pad by 19,495 ounces using an average 
recovery rate of 62% for all sulphide ore.

The combination of higher operating costs and lower grade resulted in a higher average cash operating cost 
per ounce compared with 2010. Operating costs were higher than 2010 due to higher electricity, reagent, and 
maintenance costs associated with the higher throughput. 

Capital expenditures at Kis¸ladag˘ in 2011 included costs related to the completion of the Phase III crushing and 
screening circuit expansion as well as capitalized waste stripping and ongoing sustaining capital. 

In 2011 a study was completed validating the Company’s intention to double the mine capacity by the third 
quarter of 2014 to 25.0 million tonnes per year as a result of Kis¸ladag˘'s increasing reserves. The expansion 
would include construction of additional process facilities as well as expansions to the leach pad and waste 
dumps to handle the higher plant throughput as well as an average of 8.0 million tonnes per year of low grade 
ore that would be transported directly from the pit to a dedicated run-of-mine (ROM) leach pad. Equipment sizing 
in the mining fleet would be increased to accommodate the additional ore and waste handling. Subject to receipt 
of required government permits, completion of the expansion is anticipated by the third quarter of 2014, at an 
estimated capital cost of $354.0 million.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  29

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Tanjianshan

Operating Data

Tonnes Milled

Average Treated head Grade (g/t)

Average Recovery Rate

Gold (ounces)

  Produced

  Sold

Cash operating costs (per ounce)

Total cash costs (per ounce)

Financial Data (millions)

Revenues

Depreciation and Depletion

Earnings from Operations

Expenditure on Mining Interests

Total 2011

1,005,236

3.96

82.1%

114,972

114,969

$377

$567

$181.0

$30.0

$84.6

$8.9

Total 2010

1,049,952

4.19

80.9%

113,864

116,765

$383

$485

$144.0

$25.5

$59.6

$17.1

Gold production for 2011 of 114,972 ounces was 1%, or 1,108 ounces higher than 2010 while tonnes milled and 
grade were lower than 2010 respectively. Extra tanks were installed during 2011 to increase the retention time 
of part of the leach circuit, which in turn improved the average recovery rate year over year from 80.9% to 82.1%. 
Additionally, flotation concentrate produced in prior years from ore mined from the Qinlongtan pit between 2007 
and 2008 was added to the roaster feed; and, “scats”, or partially milled “reject” stockpile material reclaimed by 
using a specialized crusher was added to the flotation circuits. These two stockpiled materials were responsible 
for approximately 10,000 ounces of extra production. 

For the year, cash operating costs per ounce were 1.6% or $6 per ounce lower than 2010 reflecting higher silver 
credits as a result of higher silver prices as compared with 2010. Total cash costs per ounce in 2011 were  
17% higher than 2010 mainly due to the effect of higher gold prices on royalties, and the imposition of a new tax 
(ecological compensation fee) levied at a rate of 40RMB per tonne mined.

Capital expenditures for the year included process plant upgrades, capitalized exploration costs and  
sustaining capital.

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Jinfeng

Operating Data

Tonnes Milled

Average Treated head Grade (g/t)

Average Recovery Rate

Gold (ounces)

  Produced

  Sold

Cash operating costs (per ounce)

Total cash costs (per ounce)

Financial Data (millions)

Revenues

Depreciation and Depletion

Earnings from Operations

Expenditure on Mining Interests

Total 2011

1,544,965

4.06

87.3%

177,757

177,758

$442

$507

$277.9

$50.0

$137.8

$32.2

Total 2010

1,557,199

4.24

86.4%

181,950

182,026

$425

$480

$222.0

$45.4

$88.3

$15.1

Gold production for 2011 of 177,757 ounces was 2%, or 4,193 ounces lower than 2010. This was mainly due to 
lower throughput and head grade. These two were partially offset by an improvement in recovery. Recovery was 
reduced in the fourth quarter of 2011 as increasing amounts of low grade stockpiled material were fed to the 
plant due to the completion of mining of the current phase of the open pit.

Cash Costs were 4% higher in 2011 or $17 per ounce reflecting the impact of the decrease in treated head 
grade and the slightly lower throughput. Total cash costs increased 6% due to the effect of higher gold prices on 
royalties and production taxes.

A total of 689,737 tonnes of ore was mined from the open pit in 2011 (2010 - 1,432,278 tonnes). Mining of 
the open pit stopped in the second quarter pending completion of the acquisition of land required for a planned 
cutback. It is expected that the land purchase will be completed in 2012. A total of 494,422 tonnes of ore was 
mined from the underground (2010 - 405,015 tonnes). Additionally, a total of 360,806 tonnes of stockpiled ore 
was fed to the plant.

Capital expenditures for the year included capitalized underground development, process plant upgrades and 
sustaining capital.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  31

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

White Mountain

Operating Data

Tonnes Milled

Average Treated head Grade (g/t)

Average Recovery Rate

Gold (ounces)

  Produced

  Sold

Cash operating costs (per ounce)

Total cash costs (per ounce)

Financial Data (millions)

Revenues

Depreciation and Depletion

Earnings from Operations

Expenditure on Mining Interests

Total 2011

708,882

4.37

81.8%

81,275

81,275

$474

$517

$127.8

$24.2

$61.3

$17.2

Total 2010

622,418

3.98

77.5%

62,133

62,133

$487

$522

$77.8

$19.0

$25.9

$16.4

Gold production for 2011 of 81,275 ounces was 31%, or 19,142 ounces higher than 2010 due to higher 
throughput and average grade, as well as increased recovery rates. The increase in tonnes was due to an 
increase in underground working faces as a result of increased mine development. Recovery at White Mountain 
is a function of the ore type that is being treated. Approximately 15% of the current orebody is sulphide material 
and recoveries are significantly lower in this material. During 2011, a caustic pre-treatment system was 
commissioned that provides significantly better recoveries in the sulphide material and slightly better recoveries 
in the oxide material. The system was commissioned in the fourth quarter.

Cash operating costs per ounce were 3% lower in 2011 or $13 per ounce as the effect of the increase in head 
grade and recovery rates was partially offset by higher stope development and backfill costs. 

Capital expenditures for the year included capitalized underground development, construction of the caustic  
pre-treatment facility and sustaining capital. 

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OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Efemçukuru

Operating Data

Tonnes Milled

Average Treated head Grade (g/t)

Average Recovery Rate (to Concentrate)

Gold (ounces)

  Produced

  Sold

Average Realized Gold Price

Cash operating costs (per ounce)

Total cash costs (per ounce)

Financial Data (millions)

Revenues

Depreciation and Depletion

Earnings from Operations

Expenditure on Mining Interests

Total 2011

112,612

8.21

89.5%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 2010

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$103.8

$69.0

Efemçukuru began commissioning operations in June 2011 and treated 112,612 tonnes of ore at 8.21 g/t by 
year end. The operation encountered a number of challenges during commissioning that delayed the transition to 
commercial production until December 2011. 

Mining operations were impacted by voids encountered as a result of unanticipated prior mine workings. The mine 
development plan was modified and accelerated during the second half of the year to develop extra working areas 
to increase ore production. 

During commissioning of the processing facilities at Efemçukuru modifications were made to the tailings handling 
systems to reach design capacity. Approximately 20,000 ounces of contained gold in concentrate was produced 
during the year and shipped to Kis¸ladag˘ for treatment at a plant constructed in the second half of 2011 to 
process Efemçukuru concentrate. The Kis¸ladag˘ plant began commissioning at the end of 2011 and is expected 
to treat the concentrate accumulated during commissioning along with normal production so that no stockpile 
remains at the end of 2012.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  33

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Vila Nova

Operating Data

Tonnes Processed

Iron Ore Produced

Average Grade (% Fe)

Iron Ore Tonnes

  Sold

Average Realized Iron Ore Price

Cash Costs (per tonne produced)

Financial Data (millions)

Revenues

Depreciation and Depletion

Earnings from Operations

Expenditure on Mining Interests

Total 2011

Total 2010

623,684

537,958

63.9%

473,387

$120

$64

$56.9

$4.6

$21.8

$2.4

213,705

182,808

64.1%

89,074

$94

$46

$8.3

$1.0

$3.0

$0.8

Vila Nova produced 537,958 wet metric tonnes of iron ore at an average grade of 63.9% Fe during 2011. A total 
of 473,387 dry metric tonnes of iron ore in the form of lump and sinter feed was all sold on the spot market 
during 2011 at an average price of $120 per dry metric tonne. The project commenced operations in 2010 
but only recorded sales of iron ore during the fourth quarter of 2010 as a result of production and shipping 
difficulties. Production during 2011 reflected a full year of production and matched Company production targets.

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Annual updates – Development projects

Tocantinzinho

A total of $3.4 million was spent on engineering and permitting activities related to completion of a positive 
prefeasibility study for Tocantinzinho in 2011. The study was based on a 4.4 million tonne per year open pit 
operation using a combination of flotation and cyanide leach to recover gold from the granite hosted orebody. 
Capital costs are estimated at $383.5 million, including the infrastructure required to support the project. The 
average production rate is projected to be 159,000 ounces per year at an average cash cost of $559/ounce. 

In addition to the work carried out on the engineering studies, preparations were completed for the Environmental 
Impact Assessment (EIA) study, which was submitted to the state government in July 2011. Processing of the EIA 
application within the Brazilian government was delayed during the year due to a jurisdictional dispute between the 
state and federal governments over responsibility for permitting in the project area. By year end the jurisdictional 
dispute was resolved in favour of the state government. 

Perama Hill

During 2011 the Company worked closely with the Greek government to advance the processing of the 
Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment study (PEIA). Progress was made during the year to move the 
permitting process forward with the recognition of Perama hill as a key development project by the government. 
The Company received PEIA approval in February 2012, and plans to submit the EIA report during 2012 to 
address outstanding technical issues, followed by an application to begin construction of the mine. The 
Company’s public relations efforts continued during 2011, with a focus on maintaining and strengthening 
relations with the local villages as well developing relations with the local and state politicians. Capital 
expenditures totalling $2.9 million included costs related to engineering and permitting activities, public relations 
activities and project management.

Eastern Dragon

A total of $24.3 million was spent on construction at the Eastern Dragon project in 2011. During the year site 
buildings were enclosed and major mechanical and electrical phases of the plant were completed. In November 
construction was suspended pending receipt of permitting required to complete development of the mine. This 
includes construction on the tailings handling and storage facilities as well as the open pit and rock dump 
areas which are now scheduled for completion in 2012, corresponding with final completion of construction and 
commissioning of the plant. 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  35

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Annual updates – Exploration

A total of $56.9 million was spent on exploration activities during 2011, including $26.1 million in capitalized 
exploration costs. Exploration drilling in 2011 totalled approximately 120,000 metres at seventeen exploration 
projects in Turkey, China, Brazil, and Nevada.

Turkey

Kis¸ladag˘ 

At Kis¸ladag˘, over 10,700 metres of diamond drilling were completed in 2011. The drilling focused on planned 
infrastructure sites for the Phase IV expansion, areas along the periphery of the known deposit, and previously 
untested conceptual targets. No significant new zones of mineralization were intersected. 

Comprehensive soil sampling and a three dimensional induced polarization survey were completed over an area 
of approximately 20 square kilometres surrounding the deposit, extending the existing survey data that were 
collected early in the exploration history of the deposit. Results of these programs are being integrated with 
lithological, alteration, and structural data to define drill targets for potential satellite ore bodies to be tested 
during 2012.

Efemçukuru

At Efemçukuru, approximately 9,500 metres of exploration drilling were completed during the year on the Kestane 
Beleni Northwest Extension and the Kokarpinar vein targets.  The Kestane Beleni Northwest Extension target 
underlies a strong gold-in-soil anomaly along strike from the North, Middle, and South ore shoot resources.  
The 2011 drilling tested this target area over a strike length of approximately 750 metres to a depth of about  
250 metres, and identified a new shallow zone of gold mineralization that remains open downdip. At the Kokarpinar 
vein, gold values were reported in four out of six drillholes targeting previously untested segments of the vein 
along strike from and below ore-grade surface samples. 

Reconnaissance programs

Drilling campaigns were completed in 2011 at the AS gold-copper porphyry prospect (760 metres), the Malatya-
hasancelebi IOCG prospect (1,500 metres), the Sayacik porphyry Au prospect (1,770 metres),and the Sizma 
sediment-hosted gold prospect (3,450 metres). Multiple targets were tested at the AS, Sayacik, and Mh projects, 
but results failed to improve on those from previous drilling campaigns; no further work is planned for these 
projects. At the Sizma project, the 2011 drilling program outlined a tabular, stratiform zone of anomalous to  
low-grade gold mineralization within a foliated sandstone/siltstone/mudstone sequence. 

Mapping, geochemical sampling, and magnetic survey programs were completed during 2011 at early-stage 
projects in the Pontide Belt (Dolek and Sebin projects) and at the Atalan project in western Turkey. This work has 
defined drill targets at all of these projects, which will be tested during 2012.

China

Tanjianshan

The 2011 exploration program at Tanjianshan focused on resource conversion of the 323 Deposit, with 
approximately 10,300 metres drilled. The drilling confirmed and expanded the previously defined mineralized 
zones, and will support application for a mining license covering the deposit. Drilling was also completed at 
the Qinlongtan deeps and Zhongxinshang targets, and reconnaissance sampling and mapping programs were 
completed in the several areas of the Tanjianshan exploration licences.

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Jinfeng 

During 2011, drilling was completed on exploration targets in the Jinfeng district at the Jinluo, Qiaojiang, Da’ao, 
and Jinfeng 42 licence areas, and at the Jinfeng mine proper. Minesite drilling included surface and underground 
programs that targeted step-outs along the known major mineralized fault zones (F2, F3, F6), infilled gaps 
in the existing resource model, and tested conceptual targets developed during the year through a detailed 
reinterpretation of structural controls on mineralization. This program is ongoing, and is supported by positive 
results to date. 

Exploration elsewhere in the district tested soil and outcrop geochemical anomalies associated with mineralized 
fault zones for Jinfeng-style mineralization (Jinluo, Qiaojiang, Jinfeng 42 licence areas), and broad antiformal folds 
for stratiform mineralization similar to that present at the nearby Shuiyindong gold deposit (Da’ao licence). The 
best results were obtained from mineralized fault zones at the Qiaojiang licence area and at the Weiruo prospect 
in the Jinluo licence areas.

White Mountain 

Infill and stepout drilling of the White Mountain deposit was completed during the year from both surface and 
underground drill stations. The surface drilling program expanded the deep ore lens discovered in late 2010 
at the northern end of the deposit with two new high grade intercepts. underground exploration drilling was 
successful in filling in gaps in the existing resource, and targeted areas of Inferred Resources along the margins 
of the main deposit.

Elsewhere in the White Mountain district, drilling was completed at the Xiaoshiren and Zhenzhumen prospects. 
Both prospects represent similar structural/stratigraphic settings to that characterizing the White Mountain 
deposit. At Xiaoshiren, 4,500 metres of drilling tested targets along strike and down dip from high-grade surface 
trenches and 2010 drillhole intersections. At the previously undrilled Zhenzhumen prospect, one of the four 
drillholes completed (1,300 metres total) intersected a high grade, near-surface baritic breccia zone that is 
texturally and mineralogically similar to the White Mountain orebody, yet occurs at a deeper stratigraphic level.

Eastern Dragon

No significant exploration activities were conducted during 2011 at the Eastern Dragon project. 

Brazil

Tocantinzinho

At the Tocantinzinho project, the 2011 exploration program tested targets peripheral to the known deposit 
defined by soil geochemistry surveys, geophysical surveys (induced polarization, magnetic), and surface 
exposures of mineralized material. Grid-based auger drilling was employed to further define targets within 
broad gold-in-soil anomalies prior to drilling. Approximately 17,500 metres were drilled during the year. The 
best gold intercepts in the program consisted of narrow but high grade zones associated with fault zones or 
quartz+sulphide veins. Along the Tocantinzinho Trend southeast of the deposit and beneath garimpo workings 
south of the deposit. Also in 2011, existing soil surveys were extended into areas west, east, and north of the 
main deposit. The surveys identified several new targets to be tested in 2012.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  37

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Reconnaissance

At the Agua Branca project, 1,532 metres of drilling tested targets at the Carlinho and Camarao hill zones. 
At Camarao hill, drillhole AB46 intersected an interval of 154 metres grading 1.1 g/t Au and extended known 
mineralization 250 metres to the northeast of previous drilling. Based on the results of this drillhole and the 
exploration potential of the surrounding area, Eldorado exercised its option to earn 100% of the Agua Branca 
project through a $1.9 million payment to the owner.

West of Tocantinzinho at the Piranhas project, exploration activities completed in 2011 included extending the 
existing area of soil sampling, and employing grid-based auger drilling to define diamond drilling targets within a 
broad gold-in-soil anomaly.

Nevada

At the Buffalo Canyon project, reverse circulation and diamond drilling completed in 2011 (3,700 metres) targeted 
several different styles of mineralization exposed at surface. No significant mineralization was intersected, and 
Eldorado’s option on the project was dropped.

Non-IFRS measures

Throughout this document, we have provided measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, as well as some non-
IFRS performance measures as additional information for investors who also use them to evaluate our performance. 

Since there is no standard method for calculating non-IFRS measures, they are not a reliable way to compare 
us against other companies. Non-IFRS measures should be used with other performance measures prepared in 
accordance with IFRS.

We have defined our non-IFRS measures below and reconciled them with the IFRS measures we report.

Cash operating cost

The table below reconciles cash operating cost to operating costs. We calculate costs according to the Gold 
Institute Standard. 

2011

316.2

(5.2)

311.0

(43.9)

267.1

658,919

472

405

2010

273.7

(2.8)

270.9

(26.7)

244.2

639,949

423

382

$ millions (except for gold ounces sold and per ounce amounts)

Production costs – excluding Vila Nova (from consolidated income statements)

Less:

By-product credits

Total cash cost

Less:

Royalty expense and production taxes

Cash operating cost

Gold ounces sold 

Total cash cost per ounce

Cash operating cost per ounce

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
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Non-IFRS measures continued

Cash flow from operations before changes in non-cash working capital

We use cash flow from operations (or operating activities) before changes in non-cash working capital to 
supplement our consolidated financial statements, and calculate it by not including the period to period 
movement of non-cash working capital items, like accounts receivable, advances and deposits, inventory, 
accounts payable and accrued liabilities. 

We believe this provides a better indication of our cash flow from operations and may be meaningful in 
evaluating our past performance or future prospects. It is not meant to be a substitute for cash flow from 
operations (or operating activities), which we calculate according to IFRS.

Financial condition

Operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital generated $502.1 million in cash this year, 
compared to $357.9 million in 2010. 

Capital expenditures

We invested $272.8 million in capital expenditures, mine development, mining licences and other assets this year. 

Mine development and capitalized exploration expenditures totalled $146.1 million:

 ● $103.8 million at Efemçukuru

 ● $24.3 million at Eastern Dragon

 ● $15.1 million at Tocantinzinho 

 ● $2.9 million at Perama hill. 

Spending at our producing mines (including capitalized exploration) totalled $113.8 million: 

 ● $53.1 million at Kis¸ladag˘, mostly related to the Phase III expansion

 ● $32.2 million at Jinfeng, mostly related to tailings dam construction and underground mine development

 ● $17.2 million at White Mountain, mainly related to underground mine development exclude Xiaoshiren

 ● $8.9 million at Tanjianshan, mainly related to processing plant upgrades

 ● $2.4 milliion at Vila Nova, mainly related to processing plant upgrades. 

We also spent $9.9 million on land acquisitions in Turkey. The remaining $3.0 million related to fixed assets for 
our corporate offices in Canada, Brazil, Turkey and China.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  39

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Capital resources

$ millions

Cash and cash equivalents

Working capital

Restricted collateralized accounts

Debt – current and long-term

2011

393.8

408.8

55.4

81.0

2010

314.3

320.3

52.4

166.7

Chinese regulations governing cash movements require that our existing debt only be paid from cash flows 
generated from our Chinese operations that are party to the loan.

Cash and cash equivalents of $290.1 million are held by the Company’s operating entities in China and Turkey, 
where the cash was generated. No income tax liability has been recognized for the potential repatriation of these 
funds. If the cash held in these entities is repatriated by way of dividends to the parent company, withholding 
taxes would be due on the amounts at the rate of 10% for Turkey, and 5% to 10% for China.

Management believes that the working capital at December 31, 2011, together with future cash flows from 
operations, is sufficient to support our planned and foreseeable commitments. 

Contractual obligations

As at December 31, 2011 

$ millions

Debt

Capital leases

Operating leases

Purchase obligations

Totals

2012

81.7

0.1

10.3

81.8

173.9

2013

2014

2015 and beyond

–

0.1

3.6

5.1

8.8

–

–

3.5

1.1

4.6

–

–

1.9

0.6

2.5

Total

81.7

0.2

19.3

88.6

189.8

Purchase obligations in 2012 relate primarily to mine expansion projects at Kis¸ladag˘, mine development projects 
at Tocantinzinho and Eastern Dragon as well as operating and maintenance supply contracts at our operating 
mines. The table does not include interest on debt.

Debt

Revolving Credit Facility

On October 12, 2011 the Company entered into a $280 million revolving credit facility with hSBC and a syndicate 
of four other banks. The credit facility matures on October 12, 2015 and is secured by the shares of SG Resources 
and Tuprag Metal SA, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company that own the Company’s assets in Turkey. loan 
interest is set at the lesser of lIBOR plus an interest rate margin, or Prime rate plus an interest rate margin 
dependent on a leverage ratio pricing grid. At the Company’s current leverage ratio interest charges and fees are 
lIBOR plus a margin of 1.75%, and an annual undrawn standby fee of 0.40%. The credit facility contains covenants 
that restrict, among other things, the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness exceeding  
$200.0 million, make distributions in certain circumstances, sell material assets and carry on a business other 
than one related to the mining business. Significant financial covenants include a maximum debt to Earnings 
before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio of 3.5:1 and a minimum EBITDA to interest 
of 3:1. 

The credit facility is intended to be used for growth opportunities and for general corporate purposes. No 

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amounts were drawn down under the revolving credit facility as at December 31, 2011.

Eastern Dragon

Standby line of credit

In January 2010, Rock Mining Industry Development Company limited (“Eastern Dragon”), our 95% owned subsidiary, 
entered into a RMB 320.0 million ($50.8 million) standby letter of credit loan with CMB. This loan has a one year 
term and is subject to a floating interest rate adjusted quarterly at 90% of the prevailing lending rate stipulated by 
the People’s Bank of China for working capital loans. This loan is collateralized by way of a restricted cash deposit 
for $52.2 million as funding of the irrevocable letter of credit issued by Sino Gold to CMB. The interest rate on 
this loan as at December 31, 2011 was 5.90%. This loan is subject to an annual management fee of 10% of the 
interest accrued on the drawn down and outstanding amount. This management fee is paid in advance quarterly.

On February 5, 2010, Eastern Dragon made a drawdown on this loan which was used to repay its letter of credit 
loan with CCB. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, this loan was extended for a second year term to January 
2013 and the annual management fee of 10% of the interest accrued on the outstanding amount paid quarterly 
was removed. In addition, the floating interest rate is now adjusted monthly at the prevailing lending rate. The 
collateral by way of a restricted cash deposit has been increased to $56.5 million. 

This loan is to be repaid when Eastern Dragon obtains the required project approval that will allow it to complete 
the first drawdown on its project-financing loan.

Project financing loan

In 2009, Eastern Dragon entered into a RMB 450.0 million ($71.4 million) project financing loan with China 
Merchants Bank (“CMB”).

The loan has three components:

 ● a long-term loan of RMB 320.0 million ($50.8 million), with a five-year term, to replace the standby letter of 

credit with China Construction Bank

 ● a fixed asset loan of RMB 100.0 million ($15.9 million) with a four-year term

 ● a working capital loan of RMB 30.0 million ($4.8 million) with a one-year term

The project-financing loan is subject to a floating interest rate adjusted quarterly to 90% of the prevailing lending 
rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China for similar loans. 

The project-financing loan is secured by an irrevocable letter of Guarantee issued by Sino Gold. under the terms 
of the agreement, the following conditions are required to be met before the first drawdown:

 ● Obtain project approval from the heilongjiang Provincial Development and Reform Commission;

 ● Sino Gold to open an offshore banking business bank account with CMB and deposit $40.0 million; 

 ● The aggregate of the amount deposited in the offshore account, Eastern Dragon registered capital and 
shareholder loan is at least $84.7 million (this threshold has been reached as at December 31, 2009). 

In addition, before the drawdown on the fixed asset loan, Eastern Dragon should obtain the gold operation permit.

The working capital loan can be drawn down once the following conditions are satisfied:

 ● The project obtains the mining license;

 ● The project has been developed and in production;

 ● The gold operation permit has been granted; and

 ● The safety production permit and environmental protection permit have been granted.

The project-financing loan requires Eastern Dragon to maintain a liability to asset ratio of 70% or lower, excluding 
share-holder loan and total banking debt cannot exceed RMB 550.0 million ($87.3 million) and it is subject to an 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  41

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

annual management fee of 10% of the annual interest on the drawn down amount.

No amounts were drawn down under the project-financing loan as at December 31, 2011.

HSBC revolving loan facility

In May 2010, Eastern Dragon entered into a RMB 80.0 million ($12.7) revolving facility (“the Facility”) with 
hSBC Bank (China). The Facility can be drawn down in minimum tranches of RMB 1.0 million ($0.2 million) or its 
multiples. Each drawdown bears interest fixed at the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of 
China on the date of draw-down. The Facility has a term of up to one year. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, 
the Facility was reviewed by the bank and was extended to November 30, 2012. The interest rate on this loan as 
at December 31, 2011 was 6.71%.

In December 2011, Eastern Dragon repaid RMB12.5 million ($2.0 million) on the Facility. As at December 31, 2011, 
RMB 65.0 million ($10.3 million) was outstanding.

The Facility is secured by a letter of guarantee issued by Eldorado. Eldorado must maintain at all times a security 
coverage ratio of 110% of the amounts drawn down. As at December 31, 2011, the security coverage is  
$11.3 million. This Facility is to be repaid in full when Eastern Dragon obtains the required project approval that 
will allow it to complete the second drawdown on the project-financing loan.

Entrusted loan

In November 2010, Eastern Dragon, hSBC Bank (China) and QDMl, entered into a RMB 12.0 million ($1.9 million) 
entrusted loan agreement, which was subsequently increased to RMB 180.0 million ($28.6 million) in June 2011.

under the terms of the entrusted loan, QDMl with its own funds entrusts hSBC Bank (China) to provide a loan 
facility in the name of QDMl to Eastern Dragon.

The entrusted loan can be drawn down in tranches. Each drawdown bears interest fixed at the prevailing lending 
rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China on the date of drawdown. Each draw down has a term of three months 
and can be rolled forward at the discretion of QDMl. The interest rate on this loan as at December 31, 2011 was 
4.59%. As at December 31, 2011, RMB 119.0 million ($18.9 million) had been drawn under the entrusted loan. 
Subsequent to December 31, 2011, RMB 15.0 million ($2.4 million) was drawdown on this loan. The entrusted loan 
has been recorded on a net settlement basis.

Jinfeng 

Construction loan

In 2009, Guizhou Jinfeng Mining ltd. (“Jinfeng”), our 82% owned subsidiary entered into a RMB 680.0 million 
($107.9 million) construction loan facility (“the construction loan”) with China Construction Bank (“CCB”). The 
construction loan has a term of 6 years commencing from February 27, 2009 and is subject to a floating interest 
rate adjusted annually at 95% of the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China for similar 
loans. The applicable interest as at December 31, 2011 is 6.27% (after 5% discount). The construction loan is 
secured as following:

 ● Sino Gold corporate guarantee; 

 ● pledge of all shares held by Sino Gold in Jinfeng;

 ● mortgage on all fixed assets of Jinfeng with a value above $0.1 million; 

 ● mortgage on Jinfeng mining license and exploration license; and 

 ● mortgage on land use right. 

While the construction loan is outstanding, Jinfeng is required to obtain written consent from CCB before 
transferring funds to Sino Gold or any of its subsidiaries and must have a leverage ratio of 64% or lower in order 
to distribute dividends to its shareholders.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Principal repayment of this loan is as follows: for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 – quarterly payments of RMB 
35.0 million ($5.6 million); for the year 2014 – quarterly payments of RMB 32.5 million ($5.2 million); and for the 
year 2015 a final payment of RMB 130.0 million ($20.6 million). Any prepayments are applied to reduce future 
payments starting from the final payment. 

During 2010, Jinfeng prepaid RMB 180.0 million ($28.6 million) on the outstanding balance of this loan and 
during 2011 it made scheduled quarterly payments of RMB 35.0 million ($5.6 million) each. Additionally, during 
2011 Jinfeng prepaid RMB 230.0 million ($36.5 million) on the outstanding balance of this loan, leaving a 
balance owing of RMB 130.0 million ($20.6 million) at December 31, 2011.

Net deferred financing costs in the amount of $0.7 million have been included as an offset in the balance of the 
loan in the financial statements and are being amortized using the effective interest method.

Working capital loan

In 2010, Jinfeng entered into a RMB 85.0 million ($12.5 million) working capital loan with CCB. 

The working capital loan has a term of 3 years and was due on August 17, 2012. This loan was subject to a 
floating interest rate adjusted annually at 95% of the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of 
China for similar loans. 

While the working capital loan was outstanding, Jinfeng was required to obtain written consent from CCB before 
transferring funds to Sino Gold or any of its subsidiaries and was required to have a leverage ratio of 64% or 
lower in order to distribute dividends to its shareholders.

In 2010, Jinfeng prepaid the full amount on this loan.

White Mountain 

Project loan

In 2008, Sino Gold Jilin BMZ Mining limited (“White Mountain”), our 95% owned subsidiary, entered into a project 
loan (“project loan”) with CCB. The project loan has two components:

 ● A fixed asset loan of RMB 190.1 million ($30.2 million) with final payment due on September 2013 (fully paid); 

and

 ● A working capital project loan of RMB 40.9 million ($6.2 million) due on November 2010 (fully paid).

The interest rate on the project loan is the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China, 
adjusted annually for the fixed asset loan and twice a year for the working capital loan. 

The project loan was secured by a Sino Gold corporate guarantee and White Mountain’s fixed assets with a value 
above $100. The security was released in October, 2011.

During 2011, White Mountain completed its scheduled payment of RMB 14.5 million ($2.3 million) and made 
additional pre-payments of RMB 150.8 million ($23.9 million). As at December 31, 2011 this loan has been paid in 
full.

Working capital loan

In 2010, White Mountain entered into a RMB 50.0 million ($7.5 million) working capital loan with CMB. The 
working capital loan had a term of one year and was due on September 1, 2011. In January 2011, White 
Mountain prepaid the full amount of this loan.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  43

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Defined benefit plans

We have a defined benefit pension program with two components: a registered pension plan and a non-registered 
supplementary pension plan (SERP). These plans, which are only available to certain qualifying employees, 
provide benefits based on an employee’s years of service and final average earnings at retirement. Our annual 
contributions are actuarially determined, and are at or above the minimum requirements prescribed by legislation. 
We are not required to pre-fund any benefit obligation under the SERP. 

Total cash payments for pension benefits for 2011, including cash contributed to the pension plan and cash 
invested in respect of the SERP, were $7.5 million (2010 – nil). Based on minimum funding requirements the 
Company expects to contribute $0.1 million to the Pension Plan and $0.2 million to the SERP investments in 2012. 
Cash payments totaling $0.2 million were made directly to beneficiaries during the year (2010 - $0.2 million).

Equity

This year we received net proceeds of $31.6 million for issuing 3,495,725 common shares related to stock 
options and warrants being exercised. 

We may make minor accounting adjustments to these figures before they are presented in future consolidated 
financial statements.

Common shares outstanding 

  as of February 22, 2012
  as of December 31, 2011

Share purchase options - as of February 22, 2012
(Weighted average exercise price per share: CDN$12.60)

Managing risk

551,682,917
551,682,917

8,616,113

This section describes the types of risks we are exposed to and our objectives and policies for managing them 
(please read the Company’s Annual Information Form for additional information).

We manage risk using our risk management review process. Management prepares a risk assessment report 
every quarter outlining our operational and financial risks. The Board reviews the report to evaluate and assess 
the risks we are exposed to in various markets, and discusses the steps management takes to protect the 
company against them. 

Financial risk

Liquidity risk

liquidity risk is the risk that we cannot meet our financial obligations. We use a rigorous planning, budgeting 
and forecasting process to help determine the funds we will need to support our ongoing operations and our 
expansion plans. We believe that expected cash flows from operations and the cash and cash equivalent balance 
at December 31, 2011 will provide enough cash to meet our financial obligations in 2012 and beyond.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a financial instrument will not meet its obligations and will cause 
the Company to incur a financial loss. To mitigate exposure to credit risk on financial assets, we have policies 
that require counterparties demonstrate minimum creditworthiness, and ensure liquidity of available funds. We 
also monitor our concentrations of credit risk and closely monitor our financial assets. 

44  eldoradogold.com

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company sells its gold bullion exclusively to large international financial institutions or on the Istanbul and 
Shanghai Gold Exchanges and its doré exclusively to refineries. Payment is normally in advance or within one 
week of receipt of shipment. The historical level of customer defaults is negligible which reduces the credit risk 
associated with trade receivables at December 31, 2011. 

We invest our cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions and in government issuances, according 
to our short-term investment policy. The credit risk associated with these investments is considered to be low, 
but many financial institutions have gone into bankruptcy or been rescued by government authorities over the 
past few years. That makes us subject to the risk of loss of the deposits we have with financial institutions. As at 
December 31, 2011, approximately 37% of our cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, were with 
one financial institution.

Currency risk

We sell gold in uS dollars, but our costs are mainly in uS dollars, Canadian dollars, Turkish lira, Brazilian real 
and Chinese renminbi. An increase in the value of any of these currencies against the uS dollar can increase our 
production costs and capital expenditures, which can affect future cash flows.

The table below shows our assets and liabilities and debt denominated in currencies other than the uS dollar 
at December 31, 2011. We recognized a loss of $5.4 million on foreign exchange this year, compared to loss of 
$2.7 million in 2010.

$ thousands

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable  
and other

Accounts payable  
and accrued liabilities

Debt

Net balance

Equivalent in uS dollars

Canadian 
dollar

Australian 
dollar

20,837

2,686

2,353

(12,424)

–

13,452

13,227

1,308

–

–

(12)

–

1,296

1,318

Euro

61

–

499

(38)

–

522

675

Turkish 
lira

65,989

–

Chinese 
renminbi

855,214

–

Brazilian 
real

7,097

–

8,560

90,695

25,189

(59,520)

(672,734)

(12,740)

–

(510,568)

15,029

(237,393)

7,956

(37,676)

–

19,546

10,433

Accounts receivable and other current and long-term assets relate to goods and services taxes, income taxes, value-
added taxes and insurance receivables. Based on the balances at December 31, 2011, a 10% increase/decrease 
in the exchange rates on that date would have resulted in a decrease/increase of approximately $0.4 million in profit 
before taxes.

Interest rate risk

Interest rates determine how much interest we pay on our debt, and how much we earn on our cash and cash 
equivalents, which can affect future cash flows.

Much of our debt has a floating interest rate. The average interest rate on our debt at December 31, 2011 was 
6.09%, compared to 5.94% at the end of 2010. We earned an average of approximately 1.01% in interest on our 
cash and cash equivalents this year, compared to 0.51% in 2010.

We don’t actively manage our exposure to changes in interest rates.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  45

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Price risk

Our profitability depends on the price of gold, which is affected by many things, including the sale or purchase of gold 
by central banks and financial institutions, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation or deflation, fluctuations in the 
value of the uS dollar and foreign currencies, global and regional supply and demand, and the political and economic 
conditions of the world’s major gold-producing countries. We don’t hedge against changes in the price of gold. 

 ● The cost of production, development and exploration varies depending on the market prices of certain mining 
consumables, including diesel fuel and electricity. We are evaluating a hedge against changes in the price of 
diesel fuel. 

 ● Electricity is regionally priced in Turkey and China and semi-regulated by the federal governments of those 

countries, which reduces the risk of price fluctuations. We do not hedge against changes in the price of electricity.

Sensitivity analysis for key variables

Currency values against the uS dollar

Price of gold (based on the expectations and assumptions  
we used in our 2012 outlook)

Interest rate on debt

Interest earned on cash and cash equivalents

Price of diesel fuel

Other risks and uncertainties

Exploration and development

A change of

Would change our  
after-tax net earnings by

10% 

10%

10%

10%

10%

$0.3 million

$88.0 million

$0.3 million

$0.3 million

$5.0 million

The cost and results of our exploration and development programs affect our profitability and value. The life of 
a mine is fixed based on its mineral reserves, so we actively seek to replace and expand our reserves, mainly 
through exploration, acquisition and the development of our existing operations. Exploring for minerals involves 
many risks and may not lead to new economically viable mining operations or yield new reserves to replace 
and expand current reserves. Our reserve estimates are based on certain assumptions and are affected by the 
inherent limitations of the estimation process.

Acquiring title to mineral properties is a detailed and time-consuming process. We take steps, in accordance with 
industry standards, to verify and secure legal title to mineral properties that we have, or are seeking, an interest 
in. Although we take every precaution to ensure that legal title to our properties is properly recorded in our name, 
there can be no assurance we will ultimately secure title on every property. legal title to our properties depends 
on the laws in the countries we operate in, and their appropriate and consistent application.

Operations

The business of gold mining involves many operational risks and hazards. We work to reduce the risks associated 
with our projects by setting high operational standards, hiring and training appropriately skilled personnel, and 
making improvements to our operations. We maintain adequate insurance to cover normal business risk. We 
rely on a number of key employees. Our success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel in a 
competitive labour environment.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Environment

There may be environmental hazards at our mines or projects that we are unaware of. We may be liable for any 
associated losses, or be forced to do extensive remedial cleanup or pay for governmental remedial cleanup, even 
if the hazards were caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the property, past or present owners of 
adjacent properties or by natural conditions. The costs of any cleanup could have a material and adverse effect 
on our operations and profitability.

Laws, regulations and permits

Our activities are subject to extensive federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental 
protection and employee health and safety. We must obtain government permits and provide associated financial 
assurance to conduct certain activities. We are also subject to various conditions related to reclamation that are 
imposed under federal, state or provincial air, water quality and mine reclamation rules and permits.

We have budgeted for future capital and operating expenditures to obtain such permits and maintain compliance 
with these environmental, health and safety laws; however, any changes to these laws in the future could have 
an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations and could delay our ability to obtain 
such permits.

If these laws are not complied with, we may face injunctions, damages and penalties, or our permits could be 
suspended or revoked. There is no assurance that we have been, or will be, in compliance with environmental, 
health and safety laws at all times, that our compliance will not be challenged, or that the cost of complying with 
current or future laws will not have a material and adverse effect on our future cash flow, results of operations 
and financial condition.

Litigation

All industries, including the mining industry, are subject to legal claims that are with and without merit. 

We are currently involved in various routine legal and regulatory proceedings. It is unlikely that the final outcome 
of these routine proceedings will have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition or results 
of operations; however, defense and settlement costs can be substantial, even for claims that are without 
merit. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the litigation process and dealings with regulatory bodies, there is no 
assurance that any legal or regulatory proceeding will be resolved in a manner that will not have a material and 
adverse effect on our future cash flow, results of operations or financial condition.

Political risk

We operate in four countries outside of North America: Turkey, China, Brazil and Greece. Our operations in 
these countries may be subject to political, economic and other risks that may affect our future operations and 
financial position.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  47

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Other information 

Critical accounting policies and estimates

We are required to make estimates that affect the amount of assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities revenue and 
expenses we report. We have identified the following critical accounting policies and estimates. you can find all of 
our significant accounting policies in Note 3 of our 2011 consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

We value finished goods, work-in-process, heap leach ore and stockpiled ore at the average production cost or its 
net realizable value – whichever is lower. 

We consider ore stacked on our leach pads and in process at our mines as work-in-process inventory and record 
its value in earnings, and include it in the cost of sales based on ounces of gold recovered, using the following 
assumptions in our estimates:

 ●

 ●

 ●

 ●

the amount of gold we estimate is in the ore stacked on the leach pads 

the amount of gold we expect to recover from the stacks

the amount of gold in the mill circuits 

the gold price we expect to realize when the gold is recovered. 

If our estimates or assumptions are inaccurate, we could be required to write down the value we have recorded 
on our work-in-process inventories, which would reduce our earnings and working capital. At December 31, 2011, 
the average cost of inventory was significantly below its net realizable value.

Reserves and resources

Our estimates for Kis¸ladag˘, Efemçukuru, Tanjianshan, Jinfeng, White Mountain, Perama, Tocantinzinho, Eastern 
Dragon, and Vila Nova are based on the definitions adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and 
Petroleum, and in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral 
Projects (NI 43-101), developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

you will not be able to compare the mineral reserve and resources information in this report with similar 
information from u.S. companies. The united States Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) defines a mineral 
reserve as the part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced. It does not 
recognize the terms measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources (mining terms under NI 43-101), and 
does not accept them in reports and registration statements. you should not assume that:

 ●

 ●

 ●

the mineral reserves defined in this report qualify as reserves under SEC standards

the measured and indicated mineral resources in this report will ever be converted to reserves 

the inferred mineral resources in this report are economically mineable, or will ever be upgraded to a  
higher category. 

Value beyond proven and probable reserves 

On acquisition of a mineral property, we prepare an estimate of the fair value of the exploration potential of that 
property and record this amount as an asset, called value beyond proven and probable (VBPP), as at the date of 
acquisition. As part of our annual business cycle, we prepare estimates of proven and probable reserves for each 
mineral property. The change in reserves, net of production, is used to determine the amount to be converted 
from VBPP to proven and probable reserves subject to amortization.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Mining interests

We depreciate most of our mining properties, plant and equipment using the unit-of-production method, where 
the value of property is reduced as reserves are depleted. We base this on mining rates and our estimates of 
reserves. If these change, we could be required to write down the recorded value of our mining properties, plant 
and equipment, or to increase the amount of future depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, both of 
which would reduce our earnings and net assets. 

At the end of every year, we assess whether there has been an impairment of our capitalized mining properties, 
plant and equipment. If there were an impairment, we would be required to write down the recorded value of our 
mining properties, plant and equipment, which would reduce our earnings and net assets. 

For producing properties, we base our assessment on the future net cash flows we expect the property will 
generate. There will be an impairment if metal prices are lower, production costs have increased, or metal 
recoveries are lower than previously estimated.

For non-producing properties, we base our assessment on whether there are factors that might indicate the need 
for a writedown. There will be an impairment if we believe current economics or permitting issues will prevent us 
from recovering the costs we have deferred for the property.

At December 31, 2011, based on an average projected gold price for 2012 of $1,700 per ounce decreasing 
to a long-term price of $1,300 per ounce by 2016, the estimated undiscounted net cash flow from our mining 
properties, plant and equipment exceeded their carrying values.

Goodwill and impairment testing

We account for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. We record the fair market value 
of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition, and record any excess of the purchase 
price over fair value as goodwill. When the excess is negative it is recognized immediately in income. The 
assumptions underlying fair value estimates are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

We review and evaluate the carrying amount of goodwill every year by comparing the fair value of our reporting units 
to their carrying amounts. If a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, we compare its carrying value 
to the implied fair value of its goodwill, and charge the amount the carrying value exceeds fair value to operations. 

At December 31, 2011, our consolidated balance sheet included $365.9 million in goodwill related to Sino Gold 
($363.7 million) and Tanjianshan ($2.2 million). We used a discount rate of 7% to calculate the net present value 
of cash flows from Tanjianshan to estimate its implied fair value. We used a discount rate of between 7% and 9% 
to calculate the net present value of cash flows from Sino Gold mines in order to estimate their fair values. There 
was no impairment of goodwill for either unit.

Operating costs

We calculate cash operating costs according to the Gold Institute Standard. Future operating costs include 
estimates of foreign currency exchange and inflation trends.

Stock-based compensation

We use the Black-Scholes Model to calculate the fair value of stock options that have been given to employees, 
officers and directors. This model uses assumptions of share price, volatility and expected life of options.

Asset retirement obligations

We estimate the mine closure date, the credit-adjusted risk-free rate, the inflation rate and the timing reclamation 
costs to determine the carrying value of an asset retirement obligation.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  49

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Income taxes

We record income taxes using income tax rates we expect to apply in the years we estimate the various 
temporary differences will be recovered or settled. Where the tax laws and regulations are unclear or subject to 
varying interpretations, these estimates could change, and materially affect the amount of income tax liabilities 
recorded at the balance sheet date.

Pension plans

We use various actuarial assumptions to estimate our obligations and expenses, including a long-term estimate 
of the expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate, the rate of salary escalation and the average 
remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits. 

December 31, 2011

December 31, 2010

Key assumptions – pension plans

Expected long term-rate of return on plan assets

Discount rate beginning of year 

Discount rate end of year 

Rate of salary escalation

Pension 
plan

6.5%

5.5%

4.5%

3.0%

6.5%

5.5%

4.5%

3.0%

Average remaining service period of active employees 
expected to receive benefits

6.7 years

6.7 years

SERP

Pension plan

6.5%

6.0%

5.5%

4.50%

5 years

SERP

6.5%

6.0%

5.5%

4.5%

5 years

Changes in accounting policies

The following standards and amendments to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for 
Eldorado’s annual accounting periods beginning January 1, 2013, or later periods:

 ●

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement’ – This is the first part of a new standard on 
classification and measurement of financial assets that will replace IAS 39, ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement’. IFRS 9 has two measurement categories: amortized cost and fair value. All equity 
instruments are measured at fair value. A debt instrument is recorded at amortized cost only if the entity is 
holding it to collect contractual cash flows and the cash flows represent principal and interest. Otherwise it is 
measured at fair value with changes in fair value through profit or loss. In addition, this new standard has been 
updated to include guidance on financial liabilities and derecognition of financial instruments. This standard is 
effective for years beginning on/after January 1, 2015. The extent of the impact of adoption of IFRS 9 has not 
yet been determined.

 ●

IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’ – This standard replaces the guidance in IAS 31 'Interests in Joint Ventures'. under 
IFRS 11, joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures. These joint venture 
entities must now use the equity method.

 ● upon application of IFRS 11, entities that had previously accounted for joint ventures using proportionate 

consolidation shall collapse the proportionately consolidated net asset value into a single investment balance 
at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The investment’s opening balance is tested for impairment 
in accordance with IAS 28 and IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’. Any impairment losses are recognized as an 
adjustment to opening retained earnings at the beginning of the earliest period presented. 

 ● The Company intends to adopt IFRS 11 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on  

January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect IFRS 11 to have a material impact on the consolidated 
financial statements.

50  eldoradogold.com

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

 ●

 ●

 ●

IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’ – This IFRS shall be applied by companies with an interest 
in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates or unconsolidated structured entities. The application of this 
standard intends to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature of and risks associated with 
its interests in other entities, and the effects of those interests on its financial position, financial performance 
and cash flows. Companies will be required to disclose information about significant judgments and 
assumptions made in determining the control of another entity, the joint control of an arrangement or significant 
influence over another entity and the type of joint arrangement when the arrangement has been structured 
through a separate vehicle. This standard is effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.  The 
Company does not expect IFRS 12 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’, aims to improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a precise 
definition of fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use 
across IFRS. The requirements do not extend the use of fair value accounting but provide guidance on how it 
should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRS. The Company 
is yet to assess IFRS 13’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 13 no later than the accounting period 
beginning on or after January 1, 2013.

IFRIC 20 ‘Stripping costs in the production phase of a surface mine’ – This interpretation applies to waste 
removal costs that are incurred in open pit mining activity during the production phase of the mine. Recognition 
of a stripping activity asset requires the asset to be related to an identifiable component of the ore body. 
Stripping costs that relate to inventory produced should be accounted for as a current production cost in 
accordance with IAS 2, ‘Inventories’. Stripping costs that generate a benefit of improved access and meet the 
definition of an asset should be accounted for as an addition to an existing asset. Existing stripping costs 
on the balance sheet at transition that do not relate to a specific ore body should be written off to opening 
retained earnings. The stripping activity asset shall be depreciated on a systematic basis, over the expected 
useful life of the identified component of the ore body that becomes more accessible as a result of the 
stripping activity. This interpretation is effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company 
does not expect IFRIC 20 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as the Company 
currently applies comparable principles to those found in this interpretation.

 ● There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a 

material impact on the Company.

International financial reporting standards (IFRS)

The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting 
principles as set out in the handbook of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA handbook”). 
In 2010, the CICA handbook was revised to incorporate International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), 
and require publicly accountable enterprises to apply such standards effective for years beginning on or after 
January 1, 2011. Accordingly the Company has commenced reporting on this basis in its consolidated financial 
statements. In the financial statements, the term “Canadian GAAP” refers to Canadian GAAP before the  
adoption of IFRS. 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  51

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Significant accounting differences 

The following are areas where the accounting differences between Canadian GAAP and existing IFRS have 
impacted our consolidated financial statements. 

Impairment of assets

Canadian GAAP generally uses a two-step approach to impairment testing: 

 ● first, compare asset carrying values with undiscounted future cash flows to determine whether there is an 

impairment

 ●

if so, measure it by comparing asset carrying values with fair values. 

International Accounting Standard (IAS) 36, Impairment of Assets, uses a one-step approach for both testing for 
and measuring impairment:

 ● compare asset carrying values directly with the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use (which 

uses discounted future cash flows).

This can result in more write-downs if the carrying values of assets were previously supported under Canadian 
GAAP on an undiscounted cash flow basis but could not be supported on a discounted cash flow basis. 

IAS 36 also requires any previous impairment losses to be reversed if circumstances change and the 
impairments are reduced. Canadian GAAP does not allow impairment losses to be reserved.

Provision for reclamation and rehabilitation

The key areas of difference between IFRS and Canadian GAAP include: 

 ●

 ●

 ●

the discount rate used 

the re-measurement requirements 

the constructive obligation concept. 

under IFRS, a liability must be recognized at the time the entity becomes legally or constructively obliged to 
rehabilitate disturbance resulting from mining activities. under Canadian GAAP, a liability is only recognized when 
the entity is legally bound.

Discount rates should reflect the risks specific to the decommissioning provision. unlike IFRS, discount rates for 
asset retirement obligations under Canadian GAAP are based on the entity’s credit-adjusted risk-free rate. IFRS 
requires re-measurement of the liability at each reporting date, whereas Canadian GAAP requires re-measurement 
of the liability in the event of changes in the amount or timing of cash flows required to settle the obligation. 

The use of the current discount rate for all changes in estimates combined with the requirement to re-measure 
the liability at each reporting date under IFRS, will significantly simplify the process required to measure any 
restoration liabilities because there will no longer be a need to record separate layers for the original liability 
and each subsequent upward revision in estimated cash flows. under IFRS, accretion must be presented as an 
interest expense and included in Interest and financing costs on the statement of earnings. There is no prescribed 
presentation for asset retirement obligation accretion under Canadian GAAP. 

Business combinations

There are certain differences between IFRS and Canadian GAAP when accounting for business combinations. 

Canadian GAAP requires share-based consideration to be valued based on the announcement date share price. 
under IFRS, share-based consideration must be valued based on its fair value at the acquisition date. 

under IFRS, restructuring costs and other transactions costs are expensed on acquisition. They are included in 
the purchase consideration under Canadian GAAP. 

52  eldoradogold.com

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

under Canadian GAAP, after a business combination, we record non-controlling interest at the historical carrying 
value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity. under IFRS, we record non-controlling interest based on 
its share of the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity. 

Income taxes

Existing IFRS requires the recognition of deferred taxes in situations not required under Canadian GAAP. 
Specifically, a deferred tax liability (asset) is recognized for exchange gains and losses relating to foreign non-
monetary assets and liabilities that are re-measured into the functional currency using historical exchange rates.

Similar timing differences are also recognized for the difference in tax bases between jurisdictions as a result of 
intra-group transfer of assets. Future tax liabilities for temporary tax differences on asset acquisitions are not 
recognized.

Property, plant and equipment

Separate accounting for components of property, plant and equipment is more rigorously applied and broader 
under IFRS. Costs are allocated to significant parts of an asset if the useful lives differ, and each part is then 
separately depreciated.

Full disclosure of the Company’s accounting policies in accordance with IFRS can be found in Notes 2 and 3 
to the financial statements. The financial statements also include reconciliations of the previously disclosed 
comparative period’s financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting 
principles to IFRS as set out in Note 32.

Disclosure controls and procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information 
is gathered and reported to senior management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow for timely 
decisions about public disclosure.

Management, including the CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 
disclosure controls and procedures as at December 31, 2011, as defined in the rules of the u.S. Securities and 
Exchange Commission and Canadian Securities Administration. Based on this evaluation, they concluded that our 
disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required 
to be disclosed in reports we filed or submitted under united States and Canadian securities legislation was 
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules.

Internal controls over financial reporting

Management, including the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal 
control over financial reporting, and used the framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission (COSO) to evaluate the effectiveness of our controls in 2011. Based on this 
evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 
31, 2011 and provided a reasonable assurance of the reliability of our financial reporting and preparation of the  
financial statements.

No matter how well it’s designed, however, any system of internal control has inherent limitations. Even systems 
determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance of the reliability of financial statement 
preparation and presentation.

KPMG llP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited management’s assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and has expressed their opinion in their report included 
with our annual consolidated financial statements in Form 40-F.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  53

MANAGEMENT’S DISCuSSION AND ANAlySIS 
OF FINANCIAl CONDITION AND RESulTS OF OPERATIONS

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2011 
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, 
except for the following: we implemented a new ERP system in at our Chinese operations. Management used 
appropriate procedures to ensure internal controls were in place during and after the implementation.

Qualified person

Except as otherwise noted, Norman Pitcher, P. Geo., the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, is the Qualified 
Person under NI 43-101 who approved the scientific or technical information contained in this MD&A and has 
verified the technical data disclosed in this document.

Forward-looking information and risks

This MD&A includes statements and information about what we expect to happen in the future. When we discuss 
our strategy, plans and future financial and operating performance, or other things that have not yet happened in this 
review, we are making statements considered to be forward-looking information or forward-looking statements under 
Canadian and united States securities laws. We refer to them in this document as forward-looking information.

Key things to understand about the forward-looking information in this document:

 ●

It typically includes words and phrases about the future, such as: plan, expect, forecast, intend, anticipate, 
estimate, budget, scheduled, may, could, would, might, will.

 ● Although it represents our current views, which we consider to be reasonable, we can give no assurance that 

the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate.

 ●

 ●

It is based on a number of assumptions, including things like the future price of gold, anticipated costs and 
spending, and our ability to achieve our goals.

It is also subject to the risks associated with our business, including

 ■ the changing price of gold and currencies, 

 ■ actual and estimated production and mineral reserves and resources,

 ■ the speculative nature of gold exploration,

 ■ risks associated with mining operations and development,

 ■ regulatory and permitting risks,

 ■ acquisition risks, and 

 ■ other risks that are set out in our Annual Information Form and our Management Information Circular filed in 

respect of the European Goldfields acquisition.

 ●

If our assumptions prove to be incorrect or the risks materialize, our actual results and events may vary 
materially from what we currently expect.

We recommend that you review our annual information form, which include a more detailed discussion of material 
risks that could cause actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations.

Forward-looking information is designed to help you understand management’s current views of our near and 
longer term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. We will not necessarily update this 
information unless we are required to by securities laws.

54  eldoradogold.com

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBIlITy FOR FINANCIAl REPORTING

The management of Eldorado Gold Corporation is responsible for the integrity and fair presentation of the 
financial information contained in this annual report. Where appropriate, the financial information, including 
financial statements, reflects amounts based on management’s best estimates and judgments. The financial 
statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board. Financial information presented elsewhere in the annual report is 
consistent with that disclosed in the financial statements.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. 
Management has established and maintains a system of internal accounting control designed to provide 
reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded from loss or unauthorized use, financial information is 
reliable and accurate and transactions are properly recorded and executed in accordance with management’s 
authorization. This system includes established policies and procedures, the selection and training of 
qualified personnel and an organization providing for appropriate delegation of authority and segregation of 
responsibilities. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent 
limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance 
with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 

Management has a process in place to evaluate internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria 
established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control 
– Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that as at December 31, 2011,  
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The Board of Directors oversees management’s responsibility for financial reporting and internal control systems 
through an Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors. The Audit Committee meets 
periodically with management, the Company’s outside advisors and the independent auditors to review the scope 
and results of the annual audit and to review the financial statements and related financial reporting and internal 
control matters before the financial statements are approved by the Board of Directors and submitted to the 
Company’s shareholders.

KPMG, an independent registered public accounting firm, appointed by the shareholders, has audited the Company’s 
financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (united States) and has expressed its opinion in the auditors’ report. 
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2011 has also 
been audited by KPMG, and their opinion is included in their report.

Paul N. Wright 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Fabiana E. Chubbs
Chief Financial Officer

February 23, 2012
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  55

INDEPENDENT AuDITORS’ REPORT OF REGISTERED PuBlIC ACCOuNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Eldorado Gold Corporation 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Eldorado Gold Corporation, which 
comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010, 
the consolidated income statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for 
the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and notes, comprising a summary of significant 
accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards 
of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (united States). Those standards require that we comply 
with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 
consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of 
the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making 
those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An 
audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a  
basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial 
position of Eldorado Gold Corporation as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010, and its 
consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 
December 31, 2010, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board.

Other Matter

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board  
(united States), Eldorado Gold Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, 
based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an 
unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Eldorado Gold Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

Chartered Accountants 

Vancouver, Canada
February 23, 2012

56  eldoradogold.com

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PuBlIC ACCOuNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Eldorado Gold Corporation

We have audited Eldorado Gold Corporation’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management 
is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report  
on Controls and Procedures. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control  
over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(united States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on 
the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the 
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable 
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company 
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and 
(3) 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.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 
misstatements. 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.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards  
of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (united States), the consolidated balance sheets of the 
Company as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 and the related consolidated 
income statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years 
ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an 
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Chartered Accountants 

Vancouver, Canada
February 23, 2012

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  57

CONSOlIDATED BAlANCE ShEETS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars)

Assets

Current assets  

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash 

Marketable securities 

Accounts receivable and other

Inventories

Non-current inventories

Investments in significantly influenced companies

Deferred income tax assets

Restricted assets and other

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Liabilities & equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Current debt

Debt

Asset retirement obligations

Defined benefit plan

Deferred income tax liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Treasury stock

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Retained earnings (deficit)

Note

December 31, 
2011

December 31, 
2010

January 1,  
2010

5

6, 15

7

8

9

9

10

18

11

12

13

14

15

15

16

17

18

 393,763 

 314,344 

 265,369 

 55,390 

 2,640 

 42,309 

 164,057 

 658,159 

 26,911 

 18,808 

 4,259 

 38,430 

 52,425 

 8,027 

 42,437 

 147,263 

 564,496 

 29,627 

 6,202 

–

 50,000 

 13,951 

 26,434 

 129,197 

 484,951 

 31,534 

 – 

– 

 19,328 

 13,759 

 2,847,910 

 2,699,787 

 2,527,567 

 365,928 

 365,928 

 324,935 

 3,960,405 

 3,685,368 

 3,382,746 

 168,367 

 81,031 

 249,398 

 – 

 43,213 

 19,969 

 336,579 

 649,159 

 145,695 

 98,523 

 244,218 

 68,140 

 33,228 

 12,019 

 330,512 

 688,117 

 153,036 

 56,499 

 209,535 

 134,533 

 26,995 

 7,811 

 355,425 

 734,299 

19

 2,855,689 

 2,814,679 

 2,671,634 

 (4,018)

 30,441 

 (10,069)

 382,716 

 – 

 22,967 

 (1,637)

 125,221 

– 

 17,865 

 2,227 

 (69,423)

Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

 3,254,759 

 2,961,230 

 2,622,303 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

 56,487 

 3,311,246 

 3,960,405 

 36,021 

 2,997,251 

 3,685,368 

 26,144 

 2,648,447 

 3,382,746 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors

Robert R. Gilmore 
Director 

58  eldoradogold.com

Paul N. Wright  
Director

Date of approval: February 23, 2012

CONSOlIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars)

For the year ended December 31

Note

2011

2010

Revenue

Metal sales

Cost of sales

Production costs

Depreciation and amortization

Total cost of sales

Gross profit

Exploration expenses

Mine standby costs

General and administrative expenses

Defined benefit plan expense

Share based payments

Foreign exchange loss

Operating profit

Gain on disposal of assets

Gain on marketable securities

loss on investments in significantly influenced companies

Other income

Asset retirement obligation accretion

Interest and financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year

27

17

20

16

28

18

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

29

Basic

Diluted

Earnings per share attributable to shareholders of the Company:

29

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 1,098,933 

 791,175 

 346,484 

 122,414 

 468,898 

 630,035 

 30,773 

– 

 59,239 

 2,088 

 19,722 

 5,367 

 277,974 

 107,157 

 385,131 

 406,044 

 22,501 

 1,335 

 44,935 

 1,337 

 17,112 

 2,712 

 512,846 

 316,112 

 (2,729)

 (664)

 4,225 

 (7,673)

 1,546 

 5,331 

 512,810 

 165,587 

 347,223 

 318,662 

 28,561 

 347,223 

549,791

551,625

 0.58 

 0.58 

 (592)

 (6,572)

 531 

 (13,468)

 2,727 

 8,089 

 325,397 

 86,939 

 238,458 

 221,001 

 17,457 

 238,458 

542,861

545,850

 0.41 

 0.40 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  59

CONSOlIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREhENSIVE INCOME
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars)

Note

2011

2010

 347,223 

 238,458 

 (989)

 12 

 13,480 

 (40)

– 

 (11,424)

 (794)

 (3,245)

 (6,661)

 (8,432)

 (2,635)

 (3,864)

 338,791 

 234,594 

 310,230 

 28,561 

 338,791 

 217,137 

 17,457 

 234,594 

For the year ended December 31

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Income tax on items taken to equity

Reversal of unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments  
on acquisition of subsidiary

Realized gains on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets  
transferred to net income

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plans

17

Total other comprehensive (loss) income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income for the year

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

60  eldoradogold.com

CONSOlIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASh FlOWS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars)

Note

2011

2010

For the year ended December 31

Cash flows generated from (used in):

Operating activities

Profit for the year

Items not affecting cash

Asset retirement obligation accretion

Depreciation and amortization

unrealized foreign exchange loss

Deferred income tax expense (recovery) 

Gain on disposal of assets

loss on investment in significantly influenced companies

Gain on marketable securities 

Share based payments

Defined benefit plan expense

Changes in non-cash working capital

21

Investing activities

Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash received

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of marketable securities

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities

Non-registered supplemental retirement plan investments, net

Investments in significantly influenced companies

Increase in restricted cash

Increase in restricted assets and other

Financing activities

Issuance of common shares for cash

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

Dividend paid to shareholders

Purchase of treasury stock

long-term and bank debt proceeds

long-term and bank debt repayments

loan financing costs

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 347,223 

 238,458 

 1,546 

 122,414 

 6,500 

 1,804 

 (2,729)

 4,225 

 (664)

 19,722 

 2,088 

 2,727 

 107,157 

 5,802 

 (8,083)

 (592)

 531 

 (6,572)

 17,112 

 1,337 

 502,129 

 357,877 

 9,948 

 512,077 

 (59,509)

 298,368 

–

 (6,083)

 (272,818)

 (226,296)

 147 

 (1,823)

 8,154 

 (7,045)

 (16,830)

 (2,957)

 –

 23,756 

 (11,983)

 15,611 

 –

 (6,727)

 (2,463)

 (7,007)

 (293,172)

 (221,192)

 31,600 

 (8,095)

 (61,167)

 (6,438)

 5,782 

 (98,169)

 (2,999)

 (139,486)

 79,419 

 314,344 

 393,763 

 35,907 

 (7,580)

 (26,357)

–

 59,839 

 (90,010)

– 

 (28,201)

 48,975 

 265,369 

 314,344 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  61

CONSOlIDATED STATEMENTS OF ChANGES IN EQuITy
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

For the year ended December 31

Share capital 

Balance, beginning of year

Shares issued upon exercise of share options, for cash

Transfer of contributed surplus on exercise of options

Shares issued in consideration for interests acquired

Shares issued upon exercise of warrants, for cash 

Balance, end of year

Treasury stock

Balance, beginning of year

Purchase of treasury stock

Shares redeemed upon exercise of restricted share units

Balance, end of year

Contributed surplus

Balance, beginning of year

Share based payments

Share based payments on Brazauro warrants and options converted

Shares redeemed upon exercise of restricted share units

Transfer to share capital on exercise of options

Balance, end of year

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income 

Balance, beginning of year

Other comprehensive (loss) income for the year

Balance, end of year

Retained earnings (deficit)

Balance, beginning of year

Dividends paid

Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company

Balance, end of year

2011
$

2010
$

 2,814,679 

 2,671,634 

 30,115 

 9,410 

 – 

 1,485 

 35,895 

 12,020 

 95,118 

 12 

 2,855,689 

 2,814,679 

 – 

 (6,438)

 2,420 

 (4,018)

 22,967 

 19,304 

–

 (2,420)

 (9,410)

 30,441 

 (1,637)

 (8,432)

 (10,069)

 125,221 

 (61,167)

 318,662 

 382,716 

– 

–

–

–

 17,865 

 16,557 

 565

 – 

 (12,020)

 22,967 

 2,227 

 (3,864)

 (1,637)

 (69,423)

 (26,357)

 221,001 

 125,221 

Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

 3,254,759 

 2,961,230 

Non-controlling interests

Balance, beginning of year

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

Dividends paid

Balance, end of year

Total equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 36,021 

 28,561 

 (8,095)

 56,487 

 26,144 

 17,457 

 (7,580)

 36,021 

 3,311,246 

 2,997,251 

62  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1. General Information

Eldorado Gold Corporation (“Eldorado” or the “Company”) is a gold exploration, development, mining and 
production company. The Company has ongoing exploration and development projects in Turkey, China, Greece 
and Brazil. The Company acquired control of Sino Gold Mining ltd. (“Sino Gold”) in December 2009, including its 
two producing mines, Jinfeng and White Mountain, as well as the Eastern Dragon development project. It also 
completed in July 2010 the acquisition of Brazauro Resources Corporation (“Brazauro”), whose main asset is the 
Tocantinzinho exploration and development project in Tapajós, Brazil. 

Eldorado is a public company which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, New york Stock Exchange and the 
Australian Stock Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled in Canada.

2. Basis of preparation and first-time adoption of IFRS

The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting 
principles as set out in the handbook of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA handbook”). In 
2010, the CICA handbook was revised to incorporate International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and 
require publicly accountable enterprises to apply such standards effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 
2011. Accordingly the Company has commenced reporting on this basis in these consolidated financial statements. 
In the financial statements, the term “Canadian GAAP” refers to Canadian GAAP before the adoption of IFRS.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board. These are the Company’s first consolidated financial statements prepared in 
accordance with IFRS and IFRS 1 ‘First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards’ (“IFRS 1”) has 
been applied. Subject to certain IFRS 1 transition elections disclosed in Note 32, the Company has consistently 
applied the same accounting policies in its opening IFRS balance sheet as at January 1, 2010 and throughout all 
years presented, as if these policies had always been in effect. Note 32 discloses the impact of the transition 
to IFRS on the Company’s reported balance sheet and comprehensive income, including the nature and effect of 
significant changes in accounting policies from those used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for 
the year ended December 31, 2010.

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 23, 2012.

Upcoming changes in accounting standards

The following standards and amendments to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for 
Eldorado’s annual accounting periods beginning January 1, 2013, or later periods:

 ●

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement’ – This is the first part of a new standard on 
classification and measurement of financial assets that will replace IAS 39, ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement’. IFRS 9 has two measurement categories: amortized cost and fair value. All equity 
instruments are measured at fair value. A debt instrument is recorded at amortized cost only if the entity is 
holding it to collect contractual cash flows and the cash flows represent principal and interest. Otherwise it is 
measured at fair value with changes in fair value through profit or loss. In addition, this new standard has been 
updated to include guidance on financial liabilities and derecognition of financial instruments. This standard is 
effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2015. The extent of the impact of adoption of IFRS 9 has 
not yet been determined.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  63

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

2. Basis of preparation continued

 ●

IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’ – This standard replaces the guidance in IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures. under 
IFRS 11, joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures. Joint venture entities are 
now accounted for using the equity method. 

 ●

 ●

 ●

upon application of IFRS 11, entities which had previously accounted for joint ventures using proportionate 
consolidation shall collapse the proportionately consolidated net asset value into a single investment balance 
at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The investment’s opening balance is tested for impairment in 
accordance with IAS 28 and IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’.  

Any impairment losses are recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at the beginning of the 
earliest period presented. The Company intends to adopt IFRS 11 in its financial statements for the annual 
period beginning on January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect IFRS 11 to have a material impact on the 
consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’ – This IFRS shall be applied by companies with an interest 
in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates or unconsolidated structured entities. The application of this 
standard intends to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature of and risks associated with 
its interests in other entities, and the effects of those interests on its financial position, financial performance 
and cash flows. Companies will be required to disclose information about significant judgments and 
assumptions made in determining the control of another entity, the joint control of an arrangement or significant 
influence over another entity and the type of joint arrangement when the arrangement has been structured 
through a separate vehicle. This standard is effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The 
Company does not expect IFRS 12 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’, aims to improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a precise 
definition of fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use 
across IFRS. The requirements do not extend the use of fair value accounting but provide guidance on how it 
should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRS. The Company 
is yet to assess IFRS 13’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 13 no later than the accounting period 
beginning on or after January 1, 2013.

IFRIC 20 ‘Stripping costs in the production phase of a surface mine’ – This interpretation applies to waste 
removal costs that are incurred in open pit mining activity during the production phase of the mine. Recognition 
of a stripping activity asset requires the asset to be related to an identifiable component of the ore body. 
Stripping costs that relate to inventory produced should be accounted for as a current production cost in 
accordance with IAS 2, ‘Inventories’. Stripping costs that generate a benefit of improved access and meet the 
definition of an asset should be accounted for as an addition to an existing asset. Existing stripping costs 
on the balance sheet at transition that do not relate to a specific ore body should be written off to opening 
retained earnings. The stripping activity asset shall be depreciated on a systematic basis, over the expected 
useful life of the identified component of the ore body that becomes more accessible as a result of the 
stripping activity. This interpretation is effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company 
does not expect IFRIC 20 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as the Company 
currently applies comparable principles to those found in this interpretation.

 ● There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a 

material impact on the Company.

64  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all years presented in these 
consolidated financial statements, and have been applied consistently by Eldorado entities. Refer to Note 32 for 
the IFRS 1 exemptions taken in applying IFRS for the first time.

3.1 Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

(i)     Subsidiaries and business combinations

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by Eldorado. Control exists when Eldorado has the power to govern the 
financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, 
potential voting rights that currently are exercisable are taken into account. The financial statements of 
subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until 
the date that control ceases. 
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business acquisitions. The cost of an 
acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities 
incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent 
liabilities assumed in a business combination are generally measured initially at their fair values at the 
acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest.
The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of Eldorado’s share of the identifiable net assets 
acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets 
acquired, the difference, or gain is recognized directly in the income statement.
Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, which the Company 
incurs in connection with a business combination, are expensed as incurred.
The most significant wholly owned and partially owned subsidiaries of Eldorado, are presented below:

Subsidiary

Qinghai Dachaidan Mining ltd (“QDMl”)

Tüprag Metal Madencilik Sanayi ve  
Ticaret AS (“Tüprag”)

unamgen Mineração e Metalurgia S/A 

Thracean Gold Mining SA

Sino Guizhou Jinfeng Mining limited

Sino Gold Jilin BMZ Mining limited

heihe Rockmining limited

Brazauro Resources Corporation (“Brazauro”)

Ownership 
interest

Status

Operations and  
development  
projects owned

90%

Consolidated

TJS Mine

Location

China

Turkey

100%

Consolidated

Kis¸ladag˘ Mine  
Efemçukuru Mine

Brazil

Greece

China

China

China

Brazil

100%

100%

82%

95%

95%

Consolidated

Vila Nova Iron Ore Mine

Consolidated

Perama hill Project

Consolidated

Jinfeng Mine

Consolidated

White Mountain Mine

Consolidated

Eastern Dragon Project

100%

Consolidated

Tocantinzinho Project

(ii)  Investments in associates (equity accounted investees)

Associates are those entities where Eldorado has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, 
over the financial and operating policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Company holds 
between 20 and 50 percent of the voting power of another entity. Joint ventures are those entities over whose 
activities the Company has joint control, established by contractual agreement and requiring unanimous 
consent for strategic financial and operating decisions. 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  65

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

Associates and jointly controlled entities are accounted for using the equity method (equity accounted investees) 
and are recognized initially at cost. The consolidated financial statements include Eldorado’s share of the income 
and expenses and equity movements of equity accounted investees, after adjustments to align the accounting 
policies with those of Eldorado, from the date that significant influence or joint control commences until the date 
that significant influence or joint control ceases. When the Company’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an 
equity accounted investee, the carrying amount of that interest (including any long-term investments) is reduced to 
nil and the recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Company has an obligation or 
has made payments on behalf of the investee.

At each balance sheet date, the investment in associates is assessed for indicators of impairment.

(iii)  Transactions with non-controlling interests

Eldorado treats transactions with non-controlling interests as transactions with third parties. For purchases 
from non-controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired 
of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to non-
controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

(iv)  Transactions eliminated on consolidation 

Intra-company and intercompany balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising 
from all such transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

3.2 Foreign currency translation

(i)  Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of Eldorado’s entities are measured using the currency of 
the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated 
financial statements are presented in uS dollars, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency, 
as well as the functional currency of all significant subsidiaries.

(ii)  Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing 
at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the 
reporting date are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. Foreign exchange 
gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation of monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognized in the income statement. 

3.3 Property, plant and equipment

(i)  Cost and valuation

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. 
When an asset is disposed of, it is derecognized and the difference between its carrying value and net sales 
proceeds is recognized as a gain or loss in the income statement.

(ii)  Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment include expenditures incurred on properties under development, significant 
payments related to the acquisition of land and mineral rights and property, plant and equipment that are 
recorded at cost on initial acquisition. Cost includes the purchase price and the directly attributable costs of 
acquisition or construction required to bring an asset to the location and condition necessary for the asset to 
be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

66  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(iii)  Depreciation

Mine development costs, property, plant and equipment and other mining assets whose estimated useful life 
is the same as the remaining life of the mine are depreciated, depleted and amortized over a mine’s estimated 
life using the units-of-production method calculated based on proven and probable reserves. Capitalized 
development costs related to a multi-pit operation are amortized on a pit-by-pit basis over the pit’s estimated 
life using the units-of-production method calculated based on proven and probable reserves related to each pit.
Property, plant and equipment and other assets whose estimated useful lives are less than the remaining life 
of the mine are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets.
Where components of an asset have a different useful life and cost that is significant to the total cost of the 
asset, depreciation is calculated on each separate component.
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at the end of each year and adjusted  
if appropriate.

(iv)  Subsequent costs

Expenditure on major maintenance or repairs includes the cost of replacement parts of assets and overhaul 
costs. Where an asset or part of an asset is replaced and it is probable that further future economic benefit 
will flow to the Company, the expenditure is capitalized. Similarly, overhaul costs associated with major 
maintenance are capitalized when it is probable that future economic benefit will flow to the Company and any 
remaining costs of previous overhauls relating to the same asset are derecognized. All other expenditures are 
expensed as incurred.

(v)  Deferred stripping costs

Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are considered production costs and are 
included in the cost of inventory produced during the period in which the stripping costs are incurred, unless 
the stripping activity can be shown to be a betterment of the mineral property, in which case the stripping 
costs are capitalized. Betterment occurs when stripping activity increases future output of the mine by 
providing access to additional reserves. Stripping costs incurred to prepare the ore body for extraction are 
capitalized as mine development costs (pre-stripping). Capitalized stripping costs are amortized on a unit-of-
production basis over the economically recoverable proven and probable reserves to which they relate.

(vi)  Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred except where they are directly attributable to the financing of 
construction or development of qualifying assets requiring a substantial period of time to prepare for their 
intended future use. Interest is capitalized up to the date when substantially all the activities necessary to 
prepare the asset for its intended use are complete. 
Investment income arising on the temporary investment of proceeds from borrowings is offset against 
borrowing costs being capitalized.

(vii)  Mine standby and restructuring costs

Mine standby costs and costs related to restructuring a mining operation are charged directly to expense 
in the period incurred. Mine standby costs include labour, maintenance and mine support costs during 
temporary shutdowns of a mine. Restructuring costs include severance payments to employees laid off as a 
result of outsourcing the mining function.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  67

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

3.4 Exploration and evaluation expenditures

Exploration expenditures reflect the costs related to the initial search for mineral deposits with economic 
potential or obtaining more information about existing mineral deposits. Exploration expenditures typically include 
costs associated with the acquisition of mineral licences, prospecting, sampling, mapping, diamond drilling 
and other work involved in searching for ore. All expenditures relating to exploration activities are expensed as 
incurred except for the costs associated with the acquisition of mineral licences which are capitalized.

Evaluation expenditures reflect costs incurred at development projects related to establishing the technical and 
commercial viability of developing mineral deposits identified through exploration or acquired through a business 
combination or asset acquisition.

Evaluation expenditures include the cost of:

i. 

establishing the volume and grade of deposits through drilling of core samples, trenching and sampling 
activities in an ore body that is classified as either a mineral resource or a proven and probable reserve;

ii.  determining the optimal methods of extraction and metallurgical and treatment processes; 

iii.  studies related to surveying, transportation and infrastructure requirements;

iv.  permitting activities, and; 

v.  economic evaluations to determine whether development of the mineralized material is commercially 

justified, including scoping, prefeasibility and final feasibility studies.

Evaluation expenditures and the subsequent mine development costs are capitalized if management determines 
that there is sufficient evidence to support the probability of generating positive economic returns in the future. 
A mineral resource is considered to have economic potential when it is expected that the technical feasibility and 
commercial viability of extraction of the mineral resource is demonstrable considering long-term metal prices. 
Therefore, prior to capitalizing such costs, management determines that the following conditions have been met:

 ● There is a probable future benefit that will contribute to future cash inflows;

 ● The Company can obtain the benefit and control access to it; and

 ● The transaction or event giving rise to the benefit has already occurred.

Expenditures incurred on extensions of mineral properties which are already being mined or developed that 
increase production volume or extend the life of those properties are also capitalized. Capitalized expenditures 
are assessed for potential impairment at the end of each reporting period.

3.5 Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of Eldorado’s share of the net 
assets of the acquired business at the date of acquisition. When the excess is negative (negative goodwill), it is 
recognized immediately in income. Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses is shown separately 
as goodwill in the financial statements. Goodwill on acquisition of associates is included in investments in 
significantly influenced companies and tested for impairment as part of the overall investment.

Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses and tested annually for impairment. Impairment 
losses on goodwill are not reversed. The impairment testing is performed annually or more frequently if events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that it may be impaired.

68  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to 
those cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business 
combination in which the goodwill arose. If the composition of one or more cash-generating units to which 
goodwill has been allocated changes due to a re-organization, the goodwill is re-allocated to the units affected.

The gain or loss on disposal of an entity includes the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Acquisitions prior to January 1, 2010

On transition to IFRS, Eldorado elected to restate only those business combinations that occurred on or after 
January 1, 2010. In respect of acquisitions prior to January 1, 2010, goodwill represents the amount recognized 
under Eldorado’s previous accounting framework, Canadian GAAP.

3.6 Impairment of non-financial assets

Other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment test is performed when the impairment indicators 
demonstrate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable and it is reviewed at least annually.

An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and value in use. For the 
purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable 
cash flows (cash generating units, or ‘CGus). These are typically the individual mines or development projects. 

Value in use is determined as the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from an asset or 
CGu based on the detailed mine and/or production plans. 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. 

Fair value less cost to sell is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset or CGu in an arm’s length 
transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties, less the costs of disposal. For mining assets, fair value 
less cost to sell is often estimated using a discounted cash flow approach because a fair value is not readily 
available from an active market or binding sale agreement. Estimated future cash flows are calculated using 
estimated future prices, mineral reserves and resources, and operating and capital costs. All assumptions used 
are those that an independent market participant would consider appropriate. Non-financial assets other than 
goodwill impaired in prior periods are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that an item is no longer impaired.

3.7 Financial assets

(i)  Classification

The Company classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss, 
loans and receivables, and available-for-sale. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial 
assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.

(a)  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset 
is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives 
are also categorized as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  69

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(b)  Loans and receivables

loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are 
not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for those with maturities 
of greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting period, which are classified as non-current 
assets. Eldorado’s loans and receivables comprise cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts 
receivable and other, and restricted assets and other in the balance sheet.

(c)  Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated in this 
category or not classified in any of the other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless 
the investment matures or management intends to dispose of it within 12 months of the end of the 
reporting period. Eldorado’s available-for-sale financial assets comprise marketable securities not held for 
the purpose of trading.

(ii)  Recognition and measurement

Financial assets are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs for all financial assets not carried 
at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially 
recognized at fair value, and transaction costs are expensed in the income statement. Financial assets 
are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been 
transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Available-for-
sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair 
value. loans and receivables are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the ‘financial assets at fair value through profit 
or loss’ category are presented in the income statement within ‘Gain or loss on marketable securities’ in 
the period in which they arise. Dividend income from ‘financial assets at fair value through profit or loss’ is 
recognized in the income statement as part of other income when Eldorado’s right to receive payments is 
established.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets are recognized in 
other comprehensive income and presented within equity.

When marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are sold or impaired, the accumulated fair value 
adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income are included in the income statement as ‘Gain or loss 
on marketable securities’.

(iii)  Impairment of financial assets

The Company assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a 
financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or group of financial assets is 
impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of 
one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event 
(or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets 
that can be reliably estimated.

70  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference 
between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the 
original effective interest rate. An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is 
calculated by reference to its fair value. In the case of equity instruments classified as available-for-sale, 
a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is also evidence that the 
assets are impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss 
– measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment 
loss on that financial asset that was previously recognized in profit or loss – is removed from equity and 
recognized in the income statement.

All impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. Any cumulative loss in respect of an available-for-sale 
financial asset recognized previously in equity is transferred to profit or loss.

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the 
impairment loss was recognized. Impairment losses recognized for equity securities are not reversed.

3.8 Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into. Subsequent to 
initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value, and changes in fair value thereafter are recognized 
in profit and loss. Fair values for derivative instruments are determined using valuation techniques, using 
assumptions based on market conditions existing at the balance sheet date. Derivatives are not accounted for 
using hedge accounting.

3.9 Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs incurred in bringing each product to its 
present location and conditions are accounted for as follows:

i. 

Product inventory consists of stockpiled ore, ore on leach pads, crushed ore, in-circuit material at properties 
with milling or processing operations, doré awaiting refinement and unsold bullion. Product inventory costs 
consist of direct production costs including mining, crushing and processing; site administration costs; and 
allocated indirect costs, including depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment. 

Inventory costs are charged to production costs on the basis of ounces of gold sold. The Company regularly 
evaluates and refines estimates used in determining the costs charged to production costs and costs 
absorbed into inventory carrying values based upon actual gold recoveries and operating plans. 

Inventories for which processing and sale is not expected to complete within one year are classified as  
non-current.

Net realizable value is the estimated selling price, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.

ii.  Materials and supplies inventory consists of consumables used in operations, such as fuel, chemicals, 

reagents and spare parts, which are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value and, 
where appropriate, less a provision for obsolescence. Costs include acquisition, freight and other directly 
attributable costs.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  71

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

3.10 Trade receivables

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for bullion, doré or iron ore sold in the ordinary course of business. 

Trade receivables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the 
effective interest method, less a provision for impairment where necessary.

3.11 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly 
liquid investments with maturities at the date of acquisition of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank 
overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the balance sheet.

3.12 Share capital

Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares 
and share options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. Common shares held by the 
Company are classified as treasury stock and recorded as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

3.13 Trade payables

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of 
business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or 
less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business, if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade payables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the 
effective interest method.

3.14 Debt and borrowings

Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently 
carried at amortized cost, calculated using the effective interest rate method. Any difference between the 
proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the income statement over the 
period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate method.

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the loan to the extent 
that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the 
draw-down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be 
drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the 
facility to which it relates.

3.15 Current and deferred income tax

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognized in the income 
statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognized either in other comprehensive income or 
directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in other comprehensive income or in equity, respectively.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or 
substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total 
annual earnings. The tax rate used is the rate that is substantively enacted.

72  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between 
the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. 
however, deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a 
transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor 
taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax 
asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available 
against which the temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date 
and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

3.16 Employee benefits

(i)  Defined benefit plans

Certain employees have entitlements under Company pension plans that are defined benefit pension plans. 
For defined benefit plans, the level of benefit provided is based on the length of service and earnings of the 
person entitled.

The cost of the defined benefit plan is determined using the projected unit credit method. The related 
pension liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheet is the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets.

The Company obtains actuarial valuations for defined benefit plans for each balance sheet date. Actuarial 
assumptions used in the determination of defined benefit pension plan liabilities are based on best 
estimates, including discount rates, rate of salary escalation and expected retirement dates of employees. 
The expected long-term rate of return on assets is estimated based on the fair value of plan assets, asset 
allocation and expected long-term rates of return.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in full in the period in which they occur in other comprehensive 
income without recycling to the statement of income in subsequent periods. Current service cost, the vested 
element of any past service cost, the expected return on plan assets and the interest arising on the pension 
liability are included in the same line items in the statement of income as the related compensation cost.

Past service costs are recognized immediately to the extent the benefits are vested, and otherwise are 
amortized on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested.

(ii)  Termination benefits

Eldorado recognizes termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the 
employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal, or 
providing benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary termination. Benefits falling due more 
than twelve months after the end of the reporting period are discounted to their present value.

(iii)  Short-term benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the 
related service is provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash 
bonus or profit-sharing plans if Eldorado has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a 
result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  73

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

3.17 Share-based payment transactions

The Company applies the fair value method of accounting for all stock option awards and equity settled restricted 
share units. under this method the Company recognizes a compensation expense for all stock options awarded to 
employees, based on the fair value of the options on the date of grant which is determined by using the Black-
Scholes option pricing model. For equity settled restricted share units, compensation expense is recognized based 
on the quoted market value of the shares. The fair value of the options and restricted share units are expensed 
over the vesting period of the awards with a corresponding increase in equity. No expense is recognized for awards 
that do not ultimately vest. Deferred share units are liability awards recorded at the quoted market price at the 
grant date. The corresponding liability is marked to market at each reporting date.

3.18 Provisions

A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, Eldorado has a present legal or constructive obligation that can 
be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. 

Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

(i)  Rehabilitation and restoration

Provision is made for mine rehabilitation and restoration when an obligation is incurred. The provision is 
recognized as a liability with a corresponding asset recognized in relation to the mine site. At each reporting 
date the rehabilitation liability is re-measured in line with changes in discount rates, and the timing or amount 
of the costs to be incurred. The rehabilitation liability is classified as an ‘Asset retirement obligation’ on the 
balance sheet.

The provision recognized represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future costs 
required. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the amount of restoration and 
rehabilitation provisions. Those estimates and assumptions deal with uncertainties such as: requirements 
of the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, the magnitude of necessary remediation activities and the 
timing, extent and costs of required restoration and rehabilitation activity.

These uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently provided. 
The provision recognized is periodically reviewed and updated based on the facts and circumstances 
available at the time. Changes to the estimated future costs for operating sites are recognized in the balance 
sheet by adjusting both the restoration and rehabilitation asset and provision. Such changes give rise to a 
change in future depreciation and financial charges.

3.19 Revenue recognition

Revenue from the sale of bullion, doré and iron ore is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement 
exists, the bullion, doré and iron ore has been shipped, title has passed to the purchaser, the price is fixed or 
determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. 

74  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

3. Significant accounting policies continued

3.20 Finance income and expenses

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including available-for-sale financial assets), gains 
on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets and changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value 
through profit or loss. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. 

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings, unwinding of the discount on provisions, changes in 
the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and impairment losses recognized on financial 
assets. All borrowing costs are recognized in profit or loss using the effective interest method, except for those 
amounts capitalized as part of the cost of qualifying property, plant and equipment.

3.21 Earnings per share

Eldorado presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its common shares. Basic EPS is 
calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted 
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting 
the profit or loss attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential common shares, which comprise warrants and share options 
granted to employees.

4. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of 
assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed at each period end. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include assumptions and estimates relating to 
determining defined proven and probable reserves, value beyond proven and probable reserves, fair values for 
purposes of purchase price allocations for business acquisitions, asset impairment analysis, determination of 
recoverable metal on leach pads, reclamation obligations, share-based payments and warrants, pension benefits, 
valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, the provision for income tax liabilities, deferred income 
taxes and assessing and evaluating contingencies. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

5. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and on hand

Short-term bank deposits

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

387,761

6,002

393,763

312,844

1,500

314,344

January 1,  
2010
$

264,669

700

265,369

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  75

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

6. Restricted cash

Restricted cash represents short-term interest-bearing money market securities and funds held on deposit as 
collateral for the following loans:

Eastern Dragon CMB standby letter of credit loan (Note 15(e))

unamgen hSBC letter of credit

Eastern Dragon CCB loan (Note 15(g))

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

52,390

3,000

–

55,390

52,425

–

–

52,425

January 1,  
2010
$

–

–

50,000

50,000

7. Marketable securities

All marketable securities owned by the Company are categorized as available-for-sale.

The fair value of all equity securities is based on the balance sheet date bid prices in an active market.

8. Accounts receivable and other

Trade receivables

Value added and other taxes recoverable

Other receivables and advances

Prepaid expenses and deposits

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

January 1,  
2010
$

7,037

7,679

5,528

22,065

42,309

7,233

4,196

8,990

22,018

42,437

–

5,956

9,123

11,355

26,434

76  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

9. Inventories

Current

Ore stockpiles

In-process inventory including doré

Materials and supplies

Non-current

Ore stockpiles

In-process inventory

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31,  
2010
$

January 1, 
 2010
$

47,544

50,583

65,930

164,057

19,112

7,799

26,911

39,483

62,366

45,414

37,503

56,098

35,596

147,263

129,197

15,659

13,968

29,627

15,987

15,547

31,534

Non-current inventories represent material not scheduled for processing within the next twelve months at the  
TJS mine.

The cost of materials and supplies consumed during the year and included in production costs amounted to 
$143,985 (2010 – $114,778).

10. Investments in significantly influenced companies

Serabi Mining Plc (“Serabi”) 

Kopy Goldfields (“Kopy”) 

Glory Resources (“Glory”)

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

January 1,  
2010
$

3,646

3,959

11,203

18,808

6,202

–

–

6,202

–

–

–

–

(a) Serabi 
During 2011, the Company acquired an additional 2,340,000 units of Serabi for $1,318 pursuant to the Serabi 
initial public offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Each unit consisted of one ordinary share and one half of 
one share purchase warrant. As at December 31, 2011, the Company holds 16,840,000 ordinary shares and 
2,420,000 purchase warrants of Serabi. This represents an approximately 26.3% interest in Serabi or 29% if the 
Company exercises all of its share purchase warrants.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  77

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

10. Investments in significantly influenced companies continued

The investment in Serabi is being accounted for under the equity method as follows:

Balance at January 1, 

Purchases during the year

Equity loss for the year

Balance at December 31,

2011
$

6,202

1,318

   (3,874)

3,646

2010
$

–

6,727

   (525)

6,202

Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the Company’s investment in Serabi at December 31, 2011 was 
$1,490. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the Company acquired an additional 4,500,000 units of Serabi for 
$696 to maintain its 26.3% interest in the Company. Each unit consisted of one ordinary share and one sixth of 
one share purchase warrant. 

Serabi is a gold mining company that is focused on the Tapajós region of Northern Brazil.

(b) Kopy 
In September 2011, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with Kopy and acquired 1,700,000 ordinary 
shares for $2,470. The Company acquired an additional 1,000,000 ordinary shares of Kopy for $1,803 in October 
2011 for a total investment of 2,700,000 ordinary shares. This represents a 28.9% interest in Kopy.

The investment in Kopy is being accounted for under the equity method as follows:

Balance at January 1, 

Purchases during the year

Equity loss for the period

Balance at December 31,

2011
$

–

4,273

   (314)

3,959

Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the Company’s investment in Kopy at December 31, 2011 was 
$2,297. 

Kopy is focused on gold exploration and development in the lena Goldfields area of the Irkutsk region of Russia.

78  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

10. Investments in significantly influenced companies continued

(c) Glory
In November 2011, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with Glory and acquired 44,595,920 ordinary 
shares for $11,240. This represents a 19.9% interest in Glory and, under the agreement, gives the Company the 
ability to appoint one board member in Glory. 

The investment in Glory is being accounted for under the equity method as follows:

Balance at January 1, 

Purchases during the year

Equity loss for the period

Balance at December 31,

2011
$

–

11,240

   (37)

11,203

Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the Company’s investment in Glory at December 31, 2011 
was $9,142. 

Glory currently holds mineral interests in the Sapes gold project in Thrace, Greece.

11. Restricted assets and other

Restricted non-current asset – SERP (Note 17)

Restricted credit card deposits

Restricted non-current marketable securities

Non-current accounts receivable

Prepaid loan costs (Note 15(i))

Environmental guarantee deposits

Deposit on land acquisition at Jinfeng

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

January 1,  
2010
$

14,456

648

–

15,104

369

2,849

12,304

7,804

38,430

7,872

656

–

8,528

352

–

10,448

–

19,328

7,066

618

156

7,840

2,477

–

3,442

–

13,759

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  79

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

12. Property, plant and equipment

Land and 
buildings
$

Plant and 
equipment
$

Capital works  
in progress
$

Mineral properties  
and leases
$

Total
$

Cost

Balance at January 1, 2010

259,068

 612,347 

 95,810 

 1,723,178 

2,690,403

Acquisition of Brazauro

Additions

Finalization of purchase price  
allocation for Sino

Other movements

Disposals and writedown 
of mineral interests

–

 118 

 –

 108,282 

108,400

25,585

 120,713 

 44,475 

 71,083 

261,856

–

–

–

 268 

(724)

(4,549)

–

–

–

(58,523)

(58,523)

 261 

529

(25,596)

(30,869)

Balance at December 31, 2010

 283,929 

 728,897 

 140,285 

 1,818,685 

 2,971,796 

Balance at January 1, 2011

 283,929 

 728,897 

 140,285 

 1,818,685 

 2,971,796 

Additions/transfers

Other movements

Disposals

 58,067 

 185,012 

(81,593)

 118,299 

 279,785 

–

(345)

(6,303)

(1,418)

–

–

 - 

(3,430)

(6,303)

(5,193)

Balance at December 31, 2011

 341,651 

 906,188 

 58,692 

 1,933,554 

 3,240,085 

Depreciation and impairment losses

Balance at January 1, 2010

Depreciation for the year

Disposals

(35,558)

(120,662)

(22,412)

(56,411)

 273 

 1,501 

Balance at December 31, 2010

(57,697)

(175,572)

Balance at January 1, 2011

Depreciation for the year

Disposals

(57,697)

(31,712)

(175,572)

(63,869)

 1,847 

 1,179 

Balance at December 31, 2011

(87,562)

(238,262)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(6,616)

(162,836)

(32,124)

(110,947)

 - 

 1,774 

(38,740)

(272,009)

(38,740)

(272,009)

(27,611)

(123,192)

 - 

 3,026 

(66,351)

(392,175)

Carrying amounts

At January 1, 2010

 223,510 

 491,685 

 95,810 

 1,716,562 

 2,527,567 

At December 31, 2010

 226,232 

 553,325 

 140,285 

 1,779,945 

 2,699,787 

Balance at December 31, 2011

 254,089 

 667,926 

 58,692 

 1,867,203 

 2,847,910 

The amount of capitalized interest during the year ended December 31, 2011 included in property, plant and 
equipment was $3,651 ($2010 – $2,897). 

80  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

13. Goodwill

Cost

Balance at January 1,

Adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocation

Balance at December 31,

2011
$

 365,928 

 – 

 365,928 

2010
$

 324,935 

 40,993 

 365,928 

The preliminary purchase price allocation for the Sino Gold acquisition was finalized as at December 31, 2010. 
Changes from that originally reported include a reduction of $58,523 to mining interest, an increase of $40,993 
to goodwill, a reduction of $1,464 to accounts payable and accrued liabilities, a reduction of $16,474 to future 
income taxes and an increase in the purchase price of $408.

There has been no goodwill impairment recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Impairment tests for goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to Eldorado’s cash-generating units (CGus). As of December 31, 2011, all goodwill for the 
Company relates to our China operating segment.

The recoverable amount of a CGu is determined based on the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value-
in-use. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management 
covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using the estimated growth 
rates stated below. 

Goodwill is allocated to the Jinfeng, White Mountain, Eastern Dragon and Tanjianshan CGus in the amounts of 
$138,529, $50,276, $174,885 and $2,238, respectively.  Recoverability of goodwill is determined using fair 
value less costs to sell calculations.

The key assumptions used for fair value less cost to sell calculations are as follows:

Gold price ($/oz)

Discount rate

2011

2010

$1,300 – $1,700

$1,050 – $1,400

7% – 9%

7% – 9%

These assumptions have been used for the analysis of each CGu.

The discount rates used are pre-tax and reflect specific risks relating to the relevant CGus.

The values assigned to the key assumptions represent management’s assessment of future trends in the 
gold mining industry and in the global economic environment. The assumptions used are management’s best 
estimates and are based on both current and historical information from external and internal sources.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  81

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

14. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Trade payables

hST and other taxes

Accrued expenses

15. Debt

Current

Jinfeng construction loan (a)

White Mountain fixed asset project loan (c)

White Mountain working capital project loan (c)

White Mountain working capital loan (d)

Eastern Dragon CMB standby letter of credit loan (e) 

Eastern Dragon hSBC revolving loan facility (f)

Eastern Dragon CCB loan (g)

Non-current

Jinfeng construction loan (a)

White Mountain fixed asset project loan (c)

Jinfeng working capital loan (b)

Total debt

(a) Jinfeng construction loan

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

67,056

40,256

61,055

168,367

55,786

26,627

63,282

145,695

January 1,  
2010
$

27,786

28,630

96,620

153,036

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

January 1,  
2010
$

19,929

–

–

–

50,786

10,316

–

81,031

–

–

–

–

81,031

21,139

9,749

6,176

7,549

48,317

5,593

–

98,523

52,951

15,189

–

68,140

166,663

–

3,633

5,991

–

–

–

46,875

56,499

97,867

24,214

12,452

134,533

191,032

In 2009, Guizhou Jinfeng Mining ltd. (“Jinfeng”), our 82% owned subsidiary entered into a RMB 680.0 million 
($107,921) construction loan facility (“the construction loan”) with China Construction Bank (“CCB”). The 
construction loan has a term of 6 years commencing on February 27, 2009 and is subject to a floating interest 
rate adjusted annually at 95% of the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China for similar 
loans. The effective interest as at December 31, 2011 is 6.27%. The construction loan is secured as following:

i.  Sino Gold corporate guarantee; 

ii.  pledge all shares held by Sino Gold in Jinfeng;

iii.  mortgage on all fixed assets of Jinfeng with a value above $100; 

iv.  mortgage on Jinfeng mining licence and exploration license; and 

v.  mortgage on land use right. 

82  eldoradogold.com

 
 
NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

15. Debt continued

While the construction loan is outstanding, Jinfeng is required to obtain written consent from CCB before 
transferring funds to Sino Gold or any of its subsidiaries and must have a leverage ratio of 64% or lower in order 
to distribute dividends to its shareholders.

Principal repayment of this loan is as follows: for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 – quarterly payments of RMB 
35.0 million ($5,555); for the year 2014 – quarterly payments of RMB 32.5 million ($5,158); and for the year 2015 
a final payment of RMB 130.0 million ($20,632). Any pre-payments are applied to reduce future payments starting 
from the final payment. 

During 2010, Jinfeng pre-paid RMB 180.0 million ($28,567) on the outstanding balance of this loan and during 
2011 it made scheduled quarterly payments of RMB 35.0 million ($5,555) each. Additionally, during 2011 
Jinfeng pre-paid RMB 230.0 million ($36,503) on the outstanding balance of this loan, leaving a balance owing 
of RMB 130.0 million ($20,632) at December 31, 2011.

Net deferred financing costs in the amount of $703 have been included as an offset in the balance of the loan in 
the financial statements and are being amortized using the effective interest method.

(b) Jinfeng working capital loan

In 2009, Jinfeng entered into a RMB 85.0 million ($12,452) working capital loan (“the working capital loan”)  
with CCB. 

The working capital loan has a term of 3 years and is due on August 17, 2012. This loan is subject to a floating 
interest rate adjusted annually at 95% of the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China for 
similar loans. 

While the working capital loan is outstanding, Jinfeng is required to obtain written consent from CCB before 
transferring funds to Sino Gold or any of its subsidiaries and is required to have a leverage ratio of 64% or lower 
in order to distribute dividends to its shareholders.

During 2010, Jinfeng pre-paid the full amount of this loan.

(c) White Mountain project loan

In 2008, Sino Gold Jilin BMZ Mining limited (“White Mountain”), our 95% owned subsidiary, entered into a project 
loan (“project loan”) with CCB. The project loan has two components:

i. 

A fixed asset loan of RMB 190.1 million ($30,170) with final payment due on September 2013 (fully paid); and

ii.  A working capital project loan of RMB 40.9 million ($6,176) due on November 2010 (fully repaid).

The interest rate on the project loan was the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China, 
adjusted annually for the fixed asset loan and twice a year for the working capital loan. 

The project loan was secured by a Sino Gold corporate guarantee and White Mountain’s fixed assets with a value 
above $100. The security was released in October, 2011.

During 2011, White Mountain completed its scheduled payment of RMB 14.5 million ($2,301) and made additional 
prepayments of RMB 150.8 million ($23,933). As at December 31, 2011 this loan has been repaid in full.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  83

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

15. Debt continued

(d) White Mountain working capital loan

In 2010, White Mountain entered into a RMB 50.0 million ($7,549) working capital loan with China Merchants 
Bank (“CMB”). 

The working capital loan had a term of one year and was due on September 1, 2011. This loan was subject to a 
floating interest rate adjusted annually to the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China for 
similar loans. 

This loan was secured by a letter of guarantee issued by Eldorado.

In January 2011, White Mountain pre-paid the full amount of this loan.

(e) Eastern Dragon CMB standby letter of credit loan

In January 2010, Rock Mining Industry Development Company limited (“Eastern Dragon”), our 95% owned 
subsidiary, entered into a RMB 320.0 million ($50,786) standby letter of credit loan with CMB. This loan has a one 
year term and is subject to a floating interest rate adjusted quarterly at 90% of the prevailing lending rate stipulated 
by the People’s Bank of China for working capital loans. This loan is collateralized by way of a restricted cash 
deposit of $52,200 as funding of the irrevocable letter of credit issued by Sino Gold to CMB. The interest rate on 
this loan as at December 31, 2011 was 5.90%. This loan is subject to an annual management fee of 10% of the 
interest accrued on the drawn down and outstanding amount. This management fee is paid in advance quarterly.

On February 5, 2010, Eastern Dragon made a drawdown on this loan which was used to repay its letter of credit 
loan with CCB. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, this loan was extended for a second year term to January 
2013 and the annual management fee of 10% of the interest accrued on the outstanding amount paid quarterly 
was removed. In addition, the floating interest rate is now adjusted monthly at the prevailing lending rate. The 
collateral by way of a restricted cash deposit has been increased to $56,500. 

This loan is to be repaid when Eastern Dragon obtains the required project approval that will allow it to complete 
the first drawdown on its project-financing loan. 

(f) Eastern Dragon HSBC revolving loan facility

In May 2010, Eastern Dragon entered into a RMB 80.0 million ($12,697) revolving facility (“the Facility”) with 
hSBC Bank (China). The Facility can be drawn down in minimum tranches of RMB 1.0 million ($159) or its 
multiples. Each drawdown bears interest fixed at the prevailing lending rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of 
China on the date of drawdown. The Facility has a term of up to one year. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the 
Facility was reviewed by the bank and was extended to November 30, 2012. The interest rate on this loan as at 
December 31, 2011 was 6.71%.

In December 2011, Eastern Dragon repaid RMB12.5 million ($1,984) on the Facility. As at December 31, 2011, 
RMB 65.0 million ($10,316) was outstanding.

The Facility is secured by a letter of guarantee issued by Eldorado. Eldorado must maintain at all times a security 
coverage ratio of 110% of the amounts drawn down. As at December 31, 2011, the security coverage is $11,348.

This Facility is to be repaid in full when Eastern Dragon obtains the required project approval that will allow it to 
complete the second drawdown on the project-financing loan.

84  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

15. Debt continued

(g) Eastern Dragon CCB loan 

In 2008, Eastern Dragon entered into a RMB 320.0 million ($46,875) standby letter of credit loan (“lC loan”) with 
CCB. The interest rate on this loan as at December 31, 2009 was 5.40%. The lC loan was collateralized by way 
of irrevocable letter of credit drawn on CCB. The letter of credit was collateralized by Sino Gold’s funds held by 
Bank of China Sydney Branch as restricted cash.

During 2010, the lC loan was repaid and the restricted cash was released.

(h) Eastern Dragon CMB project-financing loan 

In 2009, Eastern Dragon entered into a RMB 450.0 million ($71,418) project-financing loan (“project-financing 
loan”) with CMB. The project-financing loan has three components:

i) 

A 5 year term, RMB 320.0 million ($50,786) long term loan (“the long term loan”) to replace the lC loan 
with CCB; 

ii)  A 4 year term RMB 100.0 million ($15,871) fixed asset loan (“the fixed asset loan”); and 

iii)  A one year term RMB 30.0 million ($4,761) working capital loan (“the working capital loan”).

The project-financing loan is subject to a floating interest rate adjusted quarterly to 90% of the prevailing lending 
rate stipulated by the People’s Bank of China for similar loans. 

The project-financing loan will be secured by an irrevocable letter of Guarantee issued by Sino Gold. under the 
terms of the agreement, the following conditions are required to be met before the first drawdown:

1.  Obtain project approval from the heilongjiang Provincial Development and Reform Commission;

2.  Sino Gold to open an offshore banking business bank account with CMB and deposit $40,000; 

3.  The aggregate of the amount deposited in the offshore account, Eastern Dragon registered capital and 
shareholder loan is at least $84,660 (this threshold has been reached as at December 31, 2009). 

In addition, before the drawdown on the fixed asset loan, Eastern Dragon should obtain the gold operation permit.

The working capital loan can be drawn down once the following conditions are satisfied:

i)    The project obtains the mining licence;

ii)   The project has been developed and in production;

iii)  The gold operation permit has been granted; and

iv)   The safety production permit and environmental protection permit have been granted.

The project-financing loan requires Eastern Dragon to maintain a liability to asset ratio of 70% or lower, excluding 
shareholder loan and total banking debt cannot exceed RMB 550.0 million ($87,289) and it is subject to an 
annual management fee of 10% of the annual interest on the drawn down amount.

No amounts were drawn down under the project-financing loan as at December 31, 2011.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  85

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

15. Debt continued

(i) HSBC revolving credit facility

In October 2011, the Company entered into a $280.0 million revolving credit facility with hSBC (“the credit 
facility”) and a syndicate of four other banks. The credit facility matures on October 12, 2015 and is secured by 
the shares of SG Resources and Tuprag, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.

The credit facility contains covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability of the Company to incur 
additional indebtedness exceeding $200.0 million, make distributions in certain circumstances, sell material 
assets and carry on a business other than one related to the mining business. Significant financial covenants 
include a maximum debt to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) of 3.5:1 and 
a minimum EBITDA to interest ratio of 3:1. The Company is in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 
2011. 

loan interest is variable, set at the lesser of lIBOR plus an interest rate margin or Prime rate plus interest rate 
margin dependent on a leverage ratio pricing grid. The Company’s current leverage ratio is less than 1:1. At this 
ratio, interest charges and fees are as follows: lIBOR plus margin of 1.75% and undrawn standby fee of 0.40%. 
Fees of $2,999 were paid on the establishment of the credit facility. This amount was deferred as a pre-payment 
for liquidity services and will be amortized over the term of the credit facility. As at December 31, 2011, the 
prepaid loan cost on the balance sheet was $2,849 (Note 11).

(j) Entrusted loan

In November 2010, Eastern Dragon, hSBC Bank (China) and QDMl, entered into a RMB 12.0 million ($1,904) 
entrusted loan agreement, which was subsequently increased to RMB 180.0 million ($28,567) in June 2011.

under the terms of the entrusted loan, QDMl with its own funds entrusts hSBC Bank (China) to provide a loan 
facility in the name of QDMl to Eastern Dragon.

The entrusted loan can be drawn down in tranches. Each drawdown bears interest fixed at the prevailing lending rate 
stipulated by the People’s Bank of China on the date of drawdown. Each draw down has a term of three months and 
can be rolled forward at the discretion of QDMl. The interest rate on this loan as at December 31, 2011 was 4.59%.

As at December 31, 2011, RMB 119.0 million ($18,886) had been drawn under the entrusted loan. 

Subsequent to December 31, 2011, RMB15.0 million ($2,381) was drawn down under this loan. 

The entrusted loan has been recorded on a net settlement basis.

86  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

16. Asset retirement obligations

At January 1, 2010 

Accretion during the year

Revisions to estimate of obligation

At December 31, 2010

Estimated undiscounted amount

At January 1, 2011

Accretion during the year

Revisions to estimate of obligation

At December 31, 2011

Estimated undiscounted amount

Brazil
$

 1,062 

 95 

 1,684 

 2,841 

 3,805 

 2,841 

 135 

 269 

 3,245 

 4,281 

China
$

 20,555 

 2,268 

 (5,720)

 17,103 

 22,658 

 17,103 

 855 

 1,991 

 19,949 

 25,788 

Turkey
$

 5,378 

 364 

 7,542 

 13,284 

 39,533 

 13,284 

 556 

 6,179 

 20,019 

 51,640 

Total
$

 26,995 

 2,727 

 3,506 

 33,228 

 65,996 

 33,228 

 1,546 

 8,439 

 43,213 

 81,709 

The Company’s asset retirement obligations relate to the restoration and rehabilitation of the Company’s mining 
operations and projects under development. The expected timing of the cash flows in respect of the provision is 
based on the closure of the various mining operations. 

The provision is calculated as the present value of estimated future net cash outflows based on the following 
key assumptions:

At January 1, 2010

Inflation rate

Discount rate

At December 31, 2010

Inflation rate

Discount rate

At December 31, 2011

Inflation rate

Discount rate

Brazil
%

 2.5 

 4.4 

 5.0 

 3.3 

 3.5 

 3.1 

China
%

 2.5 to 3.3 

 4.4 to 7.0 

 4.0 

 2.0 to 3.3 

 3.5 

 3.1 

Turkey
%

 2.5 

 4.6 

 5.0 

 4.1 to 4.3 

 3.5 

 3.1 

The discount rate is a risk-free rate determined based on uS Treasury bond rates. uS Treasury bond rates have been 
used for all of the mine sites as the liabilities are denominated in uS dollars as the majority of the expenditures are 
expected to be incurred in uS dollars. The inflation rates used in determining the present value of the future net cash 
outflows are based on worldwide inflation rates.

Environmental guarantee deposits exist with respect to the environmental rehabilitation of the mines in China 
(Note 11).

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  87

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

17. Defined benefit plans

Balance sheet obligations for:

Pension plan

Non-registered supplementary pension plan

Income statement charge for:

Pension plan

Non-registered supplementary pension plan

Actuarial losses recognized in the statement of other  
comprehensive income in the period (before tax)

Cumulative actuarial losses recognized in the statement  
of other comprehensive income (before tax)

December 31,  
2011
$

December 31,  
2010
$

 388 

 19,581 

 19,969 

 329 

 11,690 

 12,019 

Year ended  
December 31, 2011 
$

Year ended 
December 31, 2010
$

 118 

 1,970 

 2,088 

 6,661 

 9,296 

 132 

 1,205 

 1,337 

 2,635 

 2,635 

The Company operates defined benefit pension plans in Canada with two components: a registered pension plan 
(“the Pension Plan”) and a non-registered supplementary pension plan (“the SERP”). These plans, which are only 
available to certain qualifying employees, provide benefits based on an employee’s years of service and final 
average earnings at retirement. There are no indexation features. Annual contributions related to these plans are 
actuarially determined and made at or in excess of minimum requirements prescribed by legislation.

Eldorado’s plans are actuarially evaluated for funding purposes on a three-year cycle. The Pension Plan and the 
SERP were last actuarially evaluated on January 1, 2011 and January 1, 2009 respectively for funding purposes 
and the next required valuation will be as of January 1, 2014 for the Pension Plan and January 1, 2012 for 
the SERP. The measurement date used to determine all of the accrued benefit obligation and plan assets for 
accounting information was December 31, 2011 and 2010.

The SERP is designed to provide supplementary pension benefits to qualifying employees affected by the maximum 
pension limits under the Income Tax Act and the Company is not required to pre-fund any benefit obligation under 
the SERP.

Total cash payments

Cash contributed to the Pension Plan and the SERP was $7,549 (2010 – nil). Cash payments totalling $174 were 
made directly to beneficiaries during the year (2010 – $167). The Company expects to contribute $128 to the 
Pension Plan and $169 to the SERP in 2012. 

The estimated future pension payments for the next five years and five years thereafter are as follows:

Estimated future pension payments

2012
$

169

2013
$

228

2014
$

1,280

2015
$

1,280

2016
$

1,488

2017 and later
$

1,490

88  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

17. Defined benefit plans continued

The amounts recognized in the balance sheet are determined as follows:

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Liability on balance sheet

December 31, 2011

December 31, 2010

Pension Plan
$

2,101

 (1,713)

SERP
$

19,581

–

388 

19,581

Pension Plan
$

1,609

 (1,280) 

329

SERP
$

11,690

–

11,690

The Company has $14,456 (2010 – $7,872) in an investment account to fund its SERP obligation. This amount is 
included in restricted assets and other (Note 11).

The movement in the defined benefit obligation over the year is as follows:

Pension Plan
$

2011

SERP
$

Total
$

Pension Plan
$

Balance at January 1,

1,609

11,690

13,299

Current service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial losses

Benefit payments

Exchange variance

120

92 

265

–

15

1,292

678

6,396

(174)

(301)

1,412

770

6,661

(174)

(286)

1,268

127

81

64

–

69

2010

SERP
$

7,685

705

500

2,571

(167)

396

Total
$

8,953

832

581

2,635

(167)

465

Balance at December 31,

2,101

19,581

21,682

1,609

11,690

13,299

The movement in the fair value of plan assets over the year is as follows:

At January 1, 

Expected return on plan assets

Actuarial gains and losses

Contributions by employer

Exchange variance

At December 31,

2011

2010

Pension Plan
$

SERP
$

1,280

94

58

322

(41)

1,713

–

–

–

–

–

–

Pension Plan
$

1,137

76

–

–

67

1,280

SERP
$

–

–

–

–

–

–

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  89

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

17. Defined benefit plans continued

The amounts recognized in the income statement are as follows:

Current service cost 

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Defined benefit plans expense

2011

Pension Plan
$

120

92

(94)

118

The actual return on plan assets was $152 (2010 – $76).

The principal actuarial assumptions used were as follows:

Expected return on plan assets 

Discount rate – beginning of year

Discount rate – end of year

Rate of salary escalation

Average remaining service period of active
employees expected to receive benefits

2011

Pension Plan
%

6.5

5.5

4.5

3.0

SERP
$

1,292

678

–

1,970

SERP
%

6.5

5.5

4.5

3.0

2010

Pension Plan
$

127

81

(76)

132

2010

Pension Plan
%

6.5

6.0

5.5

4.5

SERP
$

705

500

–

1,205

SERP
%

6.5

6.0

5.5

4.5

6.7 years

6.7 years

5 years

5 years

The assumptions for the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the purposes of the actuarial 
valuation are based on the asset mix of the portfolio, historical data from similar plans and the review of 
projected returns by asset class.

Plan Assets

The assets of the Pension Plan and the amounts deposited in the SERP account are managed by a major 
investment management company and are invested only in conformity with the investment requirements of 
applicable pension laws.

The following table summarizes the defined benefit plans’ weighted average asset allocation percentages by 
asset category at December 31:

December 31, 2011

December, 2010

Pension Plan

SERP

Pension Plan

2%

98%

–

100%

2%

43%

55%

100%

4%

96%

–

100%

SERP

4%

51%

45%

100%

Cash and equivalents

Fixed income

Equity

Total

90  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

17. Defined benefit plans continued

The sensitivity of the overall pension liability to changes in the weighted principal assumptions is:

Discount rate

Change in assumption

Impact on overall liability

Increase by 0.5%

Decrease by 0.5%

Decrease by 6.2%

Increase by 6.9%

Salary escalation rate

Increase/decrease by 0.5%

Increase/decrease by 0.2%

18. Income tax expense and deferred taxes

Total income tax expense consists of:

Current tax expense

Deferred tax expense (recovery)

December 31,
2011
$

 163,783 

 1,804 

 165,587 

Total income tax expense attributable to geographical jurisdiction is as follows:

Turkey

China

Greece

Brazil

Canada

Other jurisdictions

2011
$

 94,781 

 70,131 

 260 

 125 

 172 

 118 

December 31,
2010
$

 95,022 

 (8,083)

 86,939 

2010
$

 47,780 

 38,876 

–

 – 

 283 

 – 

 165,587 

 86,939 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  91

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

18. Income tax expense and deferred taxes continued

Factors affecting income tax expense for the year:

Profit before income tax

Canadian statutory tax rate

Tax on profit at Canadian statutory tax rate

2011
$

 512,810 

26.50%

 135,895 

Items that cause an increase (decrease) in income tax expense:

Foreign income subject to different income tax rates than Canada

 (23,973)

Derecognition (initial recognition) of deferred tax assets

Non-tax affected operating losses and capital gains

Non-deductible expenses and other items

Foreign exchange and other translation adjustments

Amounts under (over) provided in prior years

Withholding tax on foreign income

Income tax expense

 (7,634)

 16,593 

 9,302 

 18,699 

 5,800 

 10,905 

 165,587 

2010
$

 325,397 

28.50%

 92,738 

 (23,463)

 – 

 9,488 

 8,118 

 (2,702)

 (518)

 3,278 

 86,939 

The Canadian income tax rate declined during the year due to changes in the law that reduced corporate income 
tax rates in Canada.

The change for the year in the Company’s net deferred tax position was as follows:

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

Balance at January 1,

Deferred income tax (expense) recovery in the income statement

Deferred income tax charged to other comprehensive income

Adjustments to acquisitions

Other

Net balance at December 31,

2011
$

(330,512)

(1,804)

(12)

–

8

2010
$

(355,425)

8,083

40

16,474

316

(332,320)

(330,512)

92  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

18. Income tax expense and deferred taxes continued

The composition of the Company’s net deferred income tax asset and liability and deferred tax expense (recovery) 
is as follows:

Type of temporary difference

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Expense (recovery)  
on the income statement

Property, plant and equipment

loss carryforwards

liabilities

Other items

Balance at December 31, 

2011 
$

1,838

11,142

11,534

1,536

26,050

2010
$

3,286

6,581

7,678

–

2011
$

2010 
$

346,687

338,876

–

6,365

5,318

–

494

8,687

17,545

358,370

348,057

2011
$

9,259

(4,561)

2,015

(4,909)

1,804

Unrecognized deferred tax assets

Tax losses

Other deductible temporary differences

Total unrecognized deferred tax assets

Unrecognized tax losses

2011
$

61,287

9,639

70,926

2010 
$

(9,463)

833

(1,257)

1,804

(8,083)

2010
$

61,599

19,218

80,817

At December 31, 2011 the Company had losses with a tax benefit of $61,287 (2010 – $61,599) that are not 
recognized as deferred tax assets. The Company recognizes the benefit of tax losses only to the extent of anticipated 
future taxable income that can be reduced by the tax losses. The gross amount of the tax losses for which a tax 
benefit has not been recorded expire as follows:

Expiry date

2012

2013

2014

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

No Expiry

 Canada
$ 

 – 

 5,989 

 6,030 

 7,938 

 14,868 

 10,725 

 25,965 

 23,455 

 7,480 

 46,445 

 –

 148,895 

 Brazil 
$

 –

 – 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 9,397 

 9,397 

 Greece
$ 

 1,611 

 1,652 

–

–

–

–

–

– 

 – 

–

–

 3,263 

 Australia 
$

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

 –

 28,346 

 28,346 

 Total
$ 

 1,611 

 7,641 

 6,030 

 7,938 

 14,868 

 10,725 

 25,965 

 23,455 

 7,480 

 46,445 

 37,743 

 189,901 

Capital losses with no expiry

 96,868 

 – 

–

 –

 96,868 

Tax effect of total losses not recognized

 49,342 

 2,174 

 653 

 8,504 

 60,673 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  93

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

18. Income tax expense and deferred taxes continued

Deductible temporary differences

At December 31, 2011 the Company had deductible temporary differences for which deferred tax assets of 
$9,639 (2010 – $19,218) have not been recognized because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be 
available against which the Company can utilize the benefits. The vast majority of the temporary benefits have no 
expiry date.

Temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries

The Company has not recognized deferred tax liabilities in respect of unremitted earnings that are considered 
indefinitely reinvested in foreign subsidiaries. At December 31, 2011, these earnings amount to $1,028,127 
(2010 – $649,791). Substantially all of these earnings would be subject to withholding taxes if they were remitted 
by the foreign subsidiaries. 

Tax Credits

The Company has $18,600 (2010 – nil) of tax credits that have not been recognized.

Other factors affecting taxation

During the year the Company recognized deferred income tax assets in respect of its Vila Nova iron ore 
operations.  This operation has operated profitably throughout the year and is expected to in the future.  Prior 
to this year the Company had significant tax losses in Brazil for which no deferred tax asset had been recorded.  
Since it is probable that the Vila Nova iron ore operation will be able to use a portion of those losses and the 
losses do not expire, the Company has recorded a deferred income tax asset at December 31, 2011 of $4,259 
in respect of those losses and certain other temporary differences.

During the year the Turkish lira has weakened substantially.  This has caused a deferred income tax expense 
during the year of $18,470 due to the reduction in the value of the future tax deductions associated with the 
Turkish operations.  The Company expects that in the future significant foreign exchange movements in either 
the Turkish lira or Chinese Renminbi in relation to the u.S. dollar will cause significant volatility in the deferred 
income tax expense or recovery. 

94  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

19. Share capital

Eldorado’s authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of voting common shares without par value 
and an unlimited number of non-voting common shares without par value. At December 31, 2011 there were no 
non-voting common shares outstanding (December 31, 2010 – none).

Voting common shares

At January 1, 2010

Shares issued upon exercise of share options, for cash

Estimated fair value of share options exercised

Shares issued for acquisition of subsidiary

Shares issued for cash upon exercise of warrants

At December 31, 2010

Shares issued upon exercise of share options, for cash

Estimated fair value of share options exercised

Shares issued for cash upon exercise of warrants

Number of
Shares

537,136,235

5,056,216

–

5,993,898

843

548,187,192

3,399,096

–

96,629

Total
$

2,671,634

35,895

12,020

95,118

12

2,814,679

30,115

9,410

1,485

At December 31, 2011

551,682,917

2,855,689

20. Share-based payments

(a) Share option plans

The Company has two share option plans (“Plans”) approved by the shareholders under which share purchase 
options (“Options”) can be granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants.

The Company’s Employee Plan (“Employee Plan”), as amended from time to time, was established in 1994. 
Subject to a 10-year maximum, Employee Plan Options generally have a five-year term. Employee Plan Options 
vest at the discretion of the Board of Directors at the time an option is granted, typically in three separate 
tranches over two years. As at December 31, 2011, a total of 9,710,429 options (2010 – 5,424,669) were 
available to grant to employees, consultants or advisors under the Employee Plan.

The Company’s Directors and Officers Plan (“D&O Plan”) was established in 2003 and amended in 2005. Subject 
to a 10-year maximum, D&O Plan Options generally have a five-year term. D&O Plan Options vest at the discretion 
of the Board of Directors at the time an option is granted, typically in three separate tranches over two years. As 
at December 31, 2011, a total of 9,687,704 Options (2010 – 4,990,394) were available to grant to directors and 
officers under the D&O Plan.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  95

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

20. Share-based payments continued

Movements in the number of share options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are 
as follows:

2011

Weighted average 
exercise price CDN$

9.49

16.53

8.70

14.96

12.60

Number of
options

8,720,524

3,869,691

(3,399,096)

(575,006)

8,616,113

2010

Weighted average 
exercise price CDN$

6.11

13.30

7.37

11.76

9.49

Number of
options

8,928,901

5,448,842

(5,056,216)

(601,003)

8,720,524

At January 1,

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

At December 31,

At December 31, 2011, 4,992,624 share purchase options (December 31, 2010 – 5,423,758) with a weighted 
average exercise price of CDN$10.57 (December 31, 2010 – CDN$7.32) had vested and were exercisable. 
Options outstanding are as follows:

Total options outstanding

Exercisable options

December 31, 2011

Range of  
exercise price 
CDN$

Shares

$4.00 to $4.99

1,218,686

$5.00 to $5.99

$6.00 to $6.99

$7.00 to $7.99

$9.00 to $9.99

 $11.00 to $11.99

 $12.00 to $12.99

82,500

471,000

284,333

302,900

10,000

183,500

$13.00 to $13.99

2,616,916

$15.00 to $15.99

453,646

$16.00 to $16.99

2,919,026

$18.00 to $18.99

 $19.00 to $20.02

24,000

49,606

8,616,113

Weighted average
remaining 
contractual life
(years)

Weighted average
exercise price
CDN$

1.8

0.6

1.1

0.5

2.3

2.2

3.1

3.1

4.3

4.1

3.9

4.4

3.1

4.88

5.31

6.42

7.24

9.64

11.40

12.60

13.23

15.54

16.66

18.81

19.35

12.60

Weighted average
exercise price
CDN$

4.88

5.31

6.42

7.24

9.64

11.40

12.44

13.23

15.44

16.66

18.81

19.46

10.57

Shares

1,218,686

82,500

471,000

284,333

302,900

10,000

116,833

1,381,091

231,215

858,329

16,000

19,737

4,992,624

96  eldoradogold.com

 
 
NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

20. Share-based payments continued

The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2011 
and 2010 were:

Risk-free interest rate (range)

Expected volatility (range)

Expected life (range)

Expected dividends

Forfeiture rate

2011

2010

1.60% – 2.05%  

1.69% – 1.99%

29% – 61%  

38% – 73%

0.8 – 2.8 years  

0.8 - 2.8 years

CDN $0.10

4%

Nil

4%

The weighted average fair value per stock option was CDN$3.75 (2010 – CDN$4.12). Volatility was determined 
based on the historical volatility over the estimated lives of the options.

(b) Restricted share unit plan

In March 2011, the Company commenced a Restricted Share unit (‘‘RSu’’) plan whereby restricted share units may 
be granted to senior management of the Company. Once vested, an RSu is exercisable into one common share 
entitling the holder to receive the common share for no additional consideration. A portion of the RSus granted have 
a vesting schedule where half vest immediately and the remaining half vest on the first anniversary of the grant. The 
remaining portion of the RSus granted vest over two years with one third of the RSus vesting immediately.

The current maximum number of common shares authorized for issue under the RSu plan is 1,500,000. A total 
of 416,454 restricted share units with a weighted average grant-date fair value of CDN$15.69 per unit were 
granted during the year ended December 31, 2011 and 168,027 were exercisable at December 31, 2011.

Fair value of each RSu issued is determined as the closing share price at grant date.

A summary of the status of the restricted share unit plan and changes during the year ended December 31, 2011 
is as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2010

RSus Granted

Redeemed 

Forfeited

Balance at December 31, 2011

Total RSUs

–

416,454

(146,059)

(16,808)

253,587

As at December 31, 2011, 253,587 common shares purchased by the Company remain held in trust in 
connection with this plan. At the end of the period, 21,968 restricted share units are fully vested and exercisable. 
These shares purchased and held in trust have been included in treasury stock in the balance sheet.

Restricted share units expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $5,166.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  97

 
 
 
NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

20. Share-based payments continued

(c) Deferred share units plan 

In July 15, 2010 the Company adopted the Independent Directors Deferred Share unit (“DSu”) Plan under which 
DSus will be granted by the Board from time to time to independent directors (“participants”). The performance 
period of each DSu commences on the Grant Date and expires on the Termination Date of the participant. The 
Termination Date is when the participant ceases to be a Director of the Company. On redemption each unit 
entitles the participant to receive a cash payment equal to the market value of the Company’s shares on the date 
of redemption. At December 31, 2011, 65,982 DSus were outstanding (2010 – 29,970) with a value of $910 
(2010 – $573), which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

21. Supplementary cash flow information

Changes in non-cash working capital

Accounts receivable and other

Inventories

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Total

Supplementary cash flow information

Income taxes paid

Interest paid

Non-cash investing and financing activities

December 31, 
2011
$

December 31, 
2010
$

(7,902)

(13,299)

31,149

9,948

134,594

7,856

(14,307)

(12,452)

(32,750)

(59,509)

93,056

10,415

Shares, options and warrants issued on acquisition of subsidiaries

–

95,683

22. Financial risk management

22.1 Financial risk factors 

Eldorado’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value 
interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. Eldorado’s overall risk management program 
focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on 
Eldorado’s financial performance.  

(a) Market risk

(i) Foreign exchange risk
The Company operates principally in Canada, Turkey, China, Brazil and Greece, and is therefore exposed to 
foreign exchange risk arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange risk arises 
when future commercial transactions or recognized assets or liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not 
the entity’s functional currency. 

Eldorado’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and debt are 
denominated in several currencies, and are therefore subject to fluctuation against the uS dollar. 

98  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

22. Financial risk management continued

The table below summarizes Eldorado’s exposure to the various currencies denominated in the foreign currency, 
as listed below:

Cash and cash equivalents

 20,837 

 1,308 

 61 

 65,989 

 855,214 

 7,097 

Canadian 
dollar

Australian 
dollars

Euro

Turkish    
lira

Chinese 
renminbi

Brazilian  
real

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable and other

 2,686 

 2,353 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 (12,424)

 –

– 

 (12)

–

 –

– 

–

–

 499 

 8,560 

 90,695 

 25,189 

 (38)

 (59,520)

 (672,734)

 (12,740)

 – 

–

 (510,568)

–

– 

 13,452 

 1,296 

 522 

 15,029 

 (237,393)

 19,546 

Debt

Net balance

Equivalent in uS dollars

 $13,227 

 $1,318 

 $675 

 $7,956 

 $(37,676)

 $10,433 

Based on the balances as at December 31, 2011, a 1% increase/decrease in the uS dollar exchange rate 
against all of the other currencies on that date would have resulted in a decrease/increase of approximately 
$41 in profit before taxes. There would be no effect in other comprehensive income.

Cash flows from operations are exposed to foreign exchange risk, as commodity sales are set in uS dollars and a 
certain amount of operating expenses are in the currency of the country in which mining operations take place. 

(ii) Metal price risk and other price risk
Eldorado is subject to price risk for fluctuations in the market price of gold and iron ore. Gold and iron ore prices 
are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control, including central bank sales, producer hedging 
activities, the relative exchange rate of the uS dollar with other major currencies, global and regional demand and 
political and economic conditions. 

Worldwide gold and iron ore production levels also affect their prices, and the price of these metals is occasionally 
subject to rapid short-term changes due to speculative activities. The Company has elected not to actively manage 
its exposure to metal price risk at this time. From time to time, Eldorado may use commodity price contracts to 
manage its exposure to fluctuations in the price of gold and iron ore.

Other price risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices. 

Eldorado’s other price risk includes equity price risk, whereby the Company’s investments in marketable 
securities are subject to market price fluctuation.

(iii) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due 
to changes in market interest rates. Current financial assets and financial liabilities are generally not exposed 
to interest rate risk because of their short-term nature. Eldorado’s debt is exposed to interest rate risk as it is 
subject to floating interest rates. As at December 31, 2011 the average interest rate in Eldorado’s debt was 
6.09% (2010 – 5.94%). A 10% increase or decrease in the interest rate on debt held at December 31, 2011 
would result in a $125 increase or decrease (2010 – $670) in the Company’s profit before tax. 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  99

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

22. Financial risk management continued

(b) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the 
other party to incur a financial loss. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk 
consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and accounts receivable. Eldorado deposits its cash and 
cash equivalents, including restricted cash, with high credit quality financial institutions as determined by rating 
agencies. As at December 31, 2011, approximately 37% (2010 – 44%) of Eldorado’s cash and cash equivalents, 
including restricted cash, are held with one financial institution. The Company considers this to be its only 
significant credit risk exposure.

Eldorado sells its gold bullion exclusively to large international financial institutions or on the Istanbul and 
Shanghai Gold Exchanges and its doré exclusively to refineries. Payment is normally in advance or within one 
week of receipt of shipment. The historical level of customer defaults is negligible which reduces the credit risk 
associated with trade receivables at December 31, 2011. 

(c) Liquidity risk

liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments associated 
with financial instruments. The Company manages liquidity by maintaining adequate cash and cash equivalent 
balances and by using its lines of credit as required. Management monitors and reviews both actual and 
forecasted cash flows, and also matches the maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities. Contractual 
maturities relating to debt are included in Note 15.

22.2 Capital risk management

Eldorado’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence 
and to sustain future development of our mining projects. Capital consists of all of the components of equity; 
share capital from ordinary shares, contributed surplus, accumulated other comprehensive income, retained 
earnings and non-controlling interests.

Consistent with others in the industry, Eldorado monitors capital on the basis of the debt to capital ratio and debt 
to EBITDA. The debt to capital is calculated as debt, including current and non-current debt, divided by capital. 
Debt to EBITDA is calculated as debt, including current and non-current debt, divided by earnings before interest 
costs, taxes and depreciation. This policy includes a target debt to capital ratio of less than 30% and a debt to 
EBITDA target ratio below 3.5.

As at December 31, 2011, our debt to capital ratio was 2.4% (2010 – 5.6%) and our debt to EBITDA ratio was 
0.12 (2010 – 0.36).

These policy targets are managed through the repayments and issuances of debt as well as the continuing 
management of operations and capital expenditures.

100  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

22. Financial risk management continued

22.3 Fair value estimation

Fair values are determined directly by reference to published price quotations in an active market, when available, 
or by using a valuation technique that uses inputs observed from relevant markets. 

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 ● level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for 

identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 ● level 2 – Inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, but do not qualify as level 1 inputs (i.e.,quoted 

prices for similar assets or liabilities).

 ● level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value 

measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2011 include:

Balance at 
December 31,  
2011
$

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets
$

Significant  
Other Observable 
Inputs
$

Significant 
Unobservable  
inputs
$

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Assets

Held-for-trading

Restricted asset (SERP)

14,456 

14,456 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

Marketable securities

Total assets

2,640 

17,096 

2,640 

17,096 

 – 

–

 –

 –

 –

–

No liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2011.

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the balance 
sheet date. A market is regarded as active if quoted prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange, 
dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service, or regulatory agency, and those prices represent actual and 
regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. The quoted market price used for financial 
assets held by the group is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1. Instruments included 
in level 1 comprise primarily publicly-traded equity investments classified as held-for-trading securities or 
available-for-sale securities. 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  101

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

23. Commitments

The Company’s contractual obligations, not recorded on the balance sheet, at December 31, 2011, include:

Operating leases and capital expenditures

Purchase obligations

Totals

2012
$

10,337

81,785

92,122

2013
$

3,560

5,133

8,693

2014
$

3,491

1,056

4,547

2015 and later
$

1,930

562

2,492

Purchase obligations in 2012 relate primarily to mine expansion projects at Kis¸ladag˘, mine development projects at 
Tocantinzinho and Eastern Dragon as well as operating and maintenance supply contracts at our operating mines.

24. Contingencies

The Company is involved in legal proceedings from time to time, arising in the ordinary course of its business. 
As at December 31, 2011, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not, in the opinion of 
management, materially affect Eldorado’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

25. Related party transactions

Key management includes directors (executive and non-executive), officers and senior management. The 
compensation paid or payable to key management for employee services is shown below:

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits

Termination benefits 

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

2011
$

18,897

732

95

17,104

36,828

2010
$

7,966

–

87

25,556

33,609

102  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

26. Financial instruments by category

Fair value

The following table provides the carrying value and the fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2011 
and December 31, 2010:

December 31, 2011

December 31, 2010

Carrying amount
%

Fair value
$

Carrying amount 
$

Fair value
$

Financial Assets

Held-for-trading

Restricted assets and other (SERP)

 14,456 

 14,456 

 7,872 

 7,872 

Available-for-sale 

Marketable securities

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Accounts receivable and other

Restricted assets and other

Financial Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Debt

27. Production costs

labour

Fuel

Reagents

Electricity

Mining contractors

Operating and maintenance supplies and services

Finance and administrative costs

Inventory change

Royalties, production taxes and selling expenses

Total production costs

 2,640 

 2,640 

 8,027 

 8,027 

 393,763 

 393,763 

 314,344 

 314,344 

 55,390 

 34,630 

 23,974 

 55,390 

 34,630 

 23,974 

 52,425 

 38,241 

 11,456 

 52,425 

 38,241 

 11,456 

 168,367 

 81,031 

 168,367 

 81,031 

 145,695 

 166,663 

 145,695 

 166,663 

2011
$

 59,079 

 30,580 

 39,873 

 31,753 

 31,677 

 73,532 

 19,210 

 13,185 

 47,595 

2010
$

 47,302 

 22,143 

 29,910 

 25,146 

 42,415 

 62,725 

 23,579 

(2,375)

 27,129 

 346,484 

 277,974 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  103

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

28. Interest and financing costs

Interest expense

Financing fees

Interest on capital leases

Total interest and financing costs

29. Earnings per share

2011
$

 4,208 

 1,123 

– 

 5,331 

2010
$

 7,730 

 357 

 2 

 8,089 

The weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share reconciles to the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share as follows:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation

  of basic earnings per share

Diluted impact of stock options

December 31,
2011
(in thousands)

December 31,
2010
(in thousands)

 549,791 

 1,834 

 542,861 

 2,989 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation

  of diluted earnings per share

 551,625 

 545,850 

The earnings used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011 were 
$318,662 (2010 – $221,001).

30. Segment information

Identification of reportable segments

The Company has identified its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used 
by the chief executive officer and the executive management (the chief operating decision makers or CODM) in 
assessing performance and in determining the allocation of resources.

The CODM considers the business from both a geographic and product perspective and assesses the 
performance of the operating segments based on measures of profit and loss as well as assets and liabilities. 
These measures include operating profit, expenditures on exploration, property, plant and equipment and non-
current assets, as well as total debt. During the year ended December 31, 2011, Eldorado had five reporting 
segments based on the geographical location of mining and exploration and development activities. 

30.1 Geographical segments 

Geographically, the operating segments are identified by country and by operating mine or mine under 
construction. The Brazil reporting segment includes the Vila Nova mine, development activities of Tocantinzinho 
and exploration activities in Brazil. The Turkey reporting segment includes the Kis¸ladag˘ and the Efemçukuru mines 
and exploration activities in Turkey. The China reporting segment includes the TJS, Jinfeng and White Mountain 
mines, the Eastern Dragon development project and exploration activities in China. 

104  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

30. Segment information continued

The Greece reporting segment includes the development activities of the Perama hill development project. The Other 
reporting segment includes operations of Eldorado’s corporate office and exploration activities in other countries. 
Financial information about each of these operating segments is reported to the CODM on at least a monthly basis. 

Turkey

China

Brazil

Greece

Other

Total

2011

Information about profit and loss

Metal sales from external customers

 455,311 

 586,759 

 56,863 

Production costs

Depreciation

Operating profit

 117,189 

 198,995 

 30,300 

 11,342 

 104,154 

 4,689 

 326,780 

 283,610 

 21,874 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 – 

– 

 1,098,933 

 346,484 

 2,229 

 122,414 

(2,229)

 630,035 

Other material items of income and expense

Exploration costs

Income tax expense

 10,515 

 94,781 

 8,741 

 5,639 

 –

 5,878 

 30,773 

 70,131 

 125 

 260 

 290 

 165,587 

Information about assets and liabilities

Property, plant and equipment

 591,896 

 1,903,793 

 185,667 

 163,239 

 3,315 

 2,847,910 

Goodwill

Non-current assets

 – 

 365,928 

 –

 – 

 – 

 365,928 

 591,896 

 2,269,721 

 185,667 

 163,239 

 3,315 

 3,213,838 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

  during the year

Total debt

 166,601 

 82,249 

 17,532 

 2,902 

 2,062 

 271,346 

 – 

 81,031 

 – 

 – 

 –

 81,031 

Turkey

China

Brazil

Greece

Other

Total

2010

Information about profit and loss

Metal sales from external customers

 339,151 

 443,699 

 8,325 

Production costs

Depreciation

Operating profit

 96,658 

 177,045 

 14,419 

 90,304 

 228,074 

 176,350 

 4,271 

 1,031 

 3,023 

Other material items of income and expense

Exploration costs

Income tax expense

 13,181 

 3,464 

 3,063 

 47,780 

 38,876 

 – 

– 

 – 

– 

– 

 –

– 

 – 

– 

 791,175 

 277,974 

 1,403 

 107,157 

(1,403)

 406,044 

 2,793 

 22,501 

 283 

 86,939 

Information about assets and liabilities

Property, plant and equipment

 431,392 

 1,924,959 

 179,612 

 160,335 

 3,489 

 2,699,787 

Goodwill

Non-current assets

 – 

 365,928 

 – 

 – 

– 

 365,928 

 431,392 

 2,290,887 

 179,612 

 160,335 

 3,489 

 3,065,715 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

  during the year

Total debt

 141,001 

 101,089 

 9,560 

 2,368 

 2,421 

 256,439 

 –

 166,663 

 – 

 – 

– 

 166,663 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  105

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

30. Segment information continued

The Turkey and China segments derive their revenues from sales of gold. The Brazil segment derives its revenue 
from sales of iron ore.

The measure of non-current assets does not include non-current inventories, investments in significantly 
influenced companies, deferred tax assets, and other items in restricted assets and other, including post-
employment benefit assets.

The measure of total debt represents the current and long-term portions of debt.

30.2 Economic dependence 

At December 31, 2011, each of our Chinese mines had one major customer, to whom each sells its entire 
production, as follows: 

TJS Mine 

Jinfeng Mine 

henan Zhongyuan Gold Smelter Factory Co. ltd. of Zhongjin Gold holding Co. ltd.

China National Gold Group Corporation

White Mountain Mine 

Refinery of Shandong humon Smelting Co. ltd.

30.3 Seasonality/cyclicality of operations

Management does not consider operations to be of a significant seasonal or cyclical nature.

31. Events occurring after the reporting date

On December 18, 2011, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with European 
Goldfields limited (“European Goldfields”) pursuant to which Eldorado agreed to acquire all of the issued and 
outstanding common shares of European Goldfields by way of a plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) under 
the Yukon Business Corporations Act.

under the Arrangement, shareholders of European Goldfields will receive 0.85 Eldorado shares and 
CDN$0.0001 in cash per European Goldfields share (the “Exchange Ratio”). Each outstanding option of 
European Goldfields shall be exchanged for options of Eldorado that will entitle the holder to receive, upon 
the exercise thereof, Eldorado shares based upon the Exchange Ratio and otherwise on the same terms 
and conditions as in the original European Goldfields option. The total transaction value is estimated to be 
approximately CDN$2.4 billion based on the Eldorado share price on February 23, 2012.

The transaction was to be carried out by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement and required shareholders’ 
approval. The shareholders of both Eldorado and European Goldfields approved the transaction on February 21, 
2012 and court approval was obtained on February 22, 2012.

106  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

32. Explanation of transition to IFRS

The accounting policies set out in Note 3 have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the 
year ended December 31, 2011, the comparative information presented in these financial statements for the 
year ended December 31, 2010 and in the preparation of an opening IFRS balance sheet at January 1, 2010 
(Eldorado’s date of transition).

In preparing its opening IFRS balance sheet, Eldorado has adjusted certain amounts reported previously in 
financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. An explanation of how the transition from 
Canadian GAAP to IFRS has affected Eldorado’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows is set 
out in the following tables and the notes that accompany the tables.

1. Initial elections upon adoption

Set out below are the applicable IFRS 1 exemptions applied by Eldorado in the conversion from Canadian GAAP 
to IFRS:

1.1 IFRS exemption options:

Exemption for business combinations
IFRS 1 provides the option to apply IFRS 3, ‘Business combinations’, prospectively from the transition date or 
from a specific date prior to the transition date. This provides relief from full retrospective application that would 
require restatement of all business combinations prior to the transition date. The Company elected to apply IFRS 
3 prospectively to business combinations occurring after its transition date. Business combinations occurring 
prior to the transition date have not been restated.

Exemption for share-based payment transactions
An IFRS 1 exemption allows the Company to not apply IFRS 2, ‘Share-based payment’, to equity instruments 
granted after November 7, 2002 that vested before the date of transition to IFRS. The Company has elected to 
take the exemption and, as a result, was only required to recalculate the impact on any share based payments 
that have not vested at the date of transition.

Exemption for employee benefits
IFRS 1 provides relief from applying IAS 19, ‘Employee benefits’, for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses. 
In line with the exemption, the Company elected to recognize all cumulative actuarial gains and losses that 
existed at its transition date in opening retained earnings for all its employee benefit plans.

Exemption for borrowing costs
IFRS 1 allows a first time adopter to apply the transitional provisions set out in IAS 23, 'Borrowing Costs'. Taking 
this exemption allows the Company to apply IAS 23 prospectively from the date of transition.

The Company has not elected to adopt the remaining voluntary exemptions or they do not apply to the Company.

2. Reconciliations of Canadian GAAP to IFRS

IFRS 1 requires an entity to reconcile equity and comprehensive income from that previously reported under 
Canadian GAAP to that under IFRS. The following tables represent the reconciliation from Canadian GAAP to IFRS 
for the opening balance sheet (January 1, 2010) and at December 31, 2010. The Company’s first-time adoption 
did not have an impact on cash flows. As there were no material adjustments to cash-flows, no reconciliation has 
been provided.

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  107

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

32. Explanation of transition to IFRS continued

2.1 Opening balance sheet (January 1, 2010)

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable and other

Inventories

long term inventories

Restricted assets and other

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Liabilities & Equity

Current liabilities

Note

Canadian
GAAP

January 1, 2010

Effect of
transition
to IFRS

265,369

50,000

13,951

26,434

129,197

484,951

31,534

13,872

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 (113)

IFRS

265,369

50,000

13,951

26,434

129,197

484,951

31,534

 13,759

(a); (c); (f)

2,580,816

(53,249)

2,527,567

324,935

3,436,108

–

324,935

(53,362)

3,382,746

Accounts payables and accrued liabilities

(bii); (e)

Current debt

Deferred income taxes

Debt

Asset retirement obligations

Pension fund obligation

Deferred income taxes

(aii)

(c)

(b)

(a); (c); (e); (f)

Non-controlling interests

 (d)

Equity

Share capital

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Deficit

Total equity attributable to shareholders  
of the Company

157,250

56,499

4,264

218,013

134,533

26,566

–

390,242

769,354

26,144

2,671,634

17,865

2,227

(51,116)

(4,214)

–

(4,264)

(8,478)

–

429

7,811

(34,817)

(35,055)

(26,144)

153,036

56,499

–

209,535

134,533

26,995

7,811

355,425

734,299

–

–

–

–

2,671,634

17,865

2,227

(18,307)

(69,423)

2,640,610

(18,307)

2,622,303

Attributable to non-controlling interests

(d)

–

26,144

26,144

2,666,754

3,436,108

7,837

2,648,447

(53,362)

3,382,746

108  eldoradogold.com

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

32. Explanation of transition to IFRS continued

2.2 Balance sheet (December 31, 2010)

Note

Canadian
GAAP

December 31, 2010

Effect of 
transition
to IFRS

(aii)

314,344

52,425

8,027

42,437

147,263

606

565,102

29,627

6,202

19,328

–

–

–

–

–

(606)

(606)

–

–

–

IFRS

314,344

52,425

8,027

42,437

147,263

–

564,496

29,627

6,202

19,328

(ai); (c)

2,793,722

(93,935)

2,699,787

365,928

3,779,909

–

365,928

(94,541)

3,685,368

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Marketable securities

Accounts receivable and other

Inventories

Deferred income taxes

long term inventories

Investment in significantly influenced company

Restricted assets and other

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Liabilities & Equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payables and accrued liabilities

(bii); (e)

152,781

Current debt

Deferred income taxes

Debt

Asset retirement obligations

Pension fund obligation

Deferred income taxes

Non-controlling interests

Equity

Share capital

Contributed surplus

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Retained earnings (deficit)

Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

Attributable to non-controlling interests

(aii)

(c)

(b)

(a); (c); (e)

(d)

(bi)

(d)

98,523

2,915

254,219

68,140

24,275

–

430,020

776,654

36,021

2,814,679

22,967

998

128,590

2,967,234

–

3,003,255

3,779,909

(7,086)

–

(2,915)

(10,001)

–

8,953

12,019

(99,508)

(88,537)

(36,021)

–

–

(2,635)

(3,369)

(6,004)

36,021

30,017

145,695

98,523

–

244,218

68,140

33,228

12,019

330,512

688,117

–

2,814,679

22,967

 (1,637)

125,221

2,961,230

36,021

2,997,251

(94,541)

3,685,368

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  109

NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

32. Explanation of transition to IFRS continued

2.3 Reconciliation of Total Comprehensive Income

Reconciliations between the Canadian GAAP and IFRS total comprehensive income for the year ended  
December 31, 2010 are provided below:

Comprehensive Income under Canadian GAAP

Profit adjustments 

Reduction in pension expense

Increase in depreciation of asset retirement obligation (net of tax)

Decrease in severance provision expense (net of tax)

Revision to asset retirement obligation liability (net of tax)

Foreign exchange (loss) gain on reversal of deferred income tax

Tax adjustment to reflect foreign exchange difference

Other comprehensive income adjustments

Recognition of actuarial gains/losses in other comprehensive income

Total IFRS adjustments to comprehensive income

Comprehensive Income under IFRS

Explanatory Notes

Note

(b)

(c)

(e)

(c)

(a)

(aii)

(bi)

Year ended 
December 31,  
2010

222,291

1,037

(274)

300

(866)

12,223

2,518

(2,635)

12,303

234,594

a) (i)  under IFRS, deferred income taxes are not recognized on an asset acquisition providing certain conditions 

are met, whereas they are under Canadian GAAP. During 2008, Eldorado completed the acquisition 
of Frontier Pacific Corporation (“Frontier”) and accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition. 
Accordingly, a deferred tax liability was recognized under Canadian GAAP. The reversal of the deferred income 
tax liability recognized on the acquisition of Frontier results in an adjustment to decrease property, plant and 
equipment by $51,440, decrease deferred income tax liabilities by $37,582 and increase deficit by $13,858 
at January 1, 2010.

 Further, in 2010 Eldorado completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares 
of Brazauro that it had not already owned. This transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition and 
a deferred income tax liability was recorded under Canadian GAAP. The reversal of the deferred income 
tax liability recognized under Canadian GAAP resulted in an adjustment to decrease property, plant and 
equipment by $47,682 and decrease deferred income tax liabilities by $49,441 as of December 31, 
2010 and a foreign exchange gain of $1,759 being recognized in the income statement for the year ended 
December 31, 2010.

 The reversal of these deferred income tax liabilities resulted in a reduced foreign exchange movement under 
IFRS compared to Canadian GAAP during the year ended December 31, 2010, resulting in an adjustment to 
further decrease deferred income tax liabilities by $1,685 and an increase in foreign exchange gain for the 
same amount.

110  eldoradogold.com

   
   
NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

32. Explanation of transition to IFRS continued

(ii) under Canadian GAAP, no future tax assets or liabilities are recognized for temporary differences associated 
with the cost of non-monetary assets and liabilities of subsidiaries where the tax basis is measured in a 
currency different from the functional currency. IFRS requires that deferred taxes be recognized in respect 
of these foreign exchange differences by translating the tax bases of the assets and liabilities at the year 
end rate and comparing them to the accounting carrying value calculated at historical rates. upon adoption 
of IFRS, this resulted in an adjustment to decrease property, plant and equipment by $1,864, decrease 
deferred income tax liability by $1,620 and increase the deficit by $244.

  Further to the adjustment at January 1, 2010, for the year ended December 31, 2010 this resulted in an 
adjustment to decrease the deferred income tax liability by $11,297, increase foreign exchange gain by 
$8,779 and decrease deferred income tax expense by $2,518.

  As required under IFRS, all deferred taxes are reclassified and presented as non-current in the balance sheet.

b) (i) under Canadian GAAP, Eldorado applied the corridor method of accounting for actuarial gains and losses.

under this method, gains and losses are recognized only if they exceed specified thresholds. under IFRS the 
Company has not used the corridor method, resulting in the carrying value of the net liability for pension fund 
obligations and deficit increasing by $2,020 to recognize cumulative net actuarial losses as at January 1, 
2010 in accordance with the IFRS exemption. 

 For the year ended December 31, 2010, actuarial losses of $2,635 were recognized within other 
comprehensive income. 

(ii)  under IFRS, Eldorado expenses the cost of past service benefits awarded to employees under post 

employment benefit plans over the year in which the benefits are vested. under Canadian GAAP, Eldorado 
expensed past service costs over the weighted average service life of active employees remaining in the 
plan. This adjustment increased benefit fund obligations and deficit by $2,665 as at January 1, 2010.

 For the year ended to December 31, 2010 this resulted in an adjustment to decrease the pension expense 
by $1,440, decrease the foreign exchange gain by $403 and decrease the pension liability by $1,037.

 As required under IFRS, the pension liability is presented as a separate line item. Accordingly, these 
amounts have been reclassified in the financial statements.

c) 

 IFRS requires that asset retirement obligations are discounted using a current discount rate specific to the 
related future liability or a risk-free interest rate if risks are incorporated into the related cash flows. under 
Canadian GAAP, a credit adjusted risk-free rate was used. As a result, the asset retirement obligation recorded 
at January 1, 2010 has been re-measured using the risk-free discount rate in effect at that date, given 
that risks have been incorporated into the related cash flows, and an adjustment has been recorded to the 
corresponding asset. This resulted in an increase in property, plant and equipment of $370, an increase in 
asset retirement obligation of $429, a decrease in the deferred income tax liability of $11 and an increase in 
deficit of $48 at January 1, 2010. As a result of this, the annual accretion of the liability increased under IFRS.

 In addition to the adjustment at January 1, 2010, the Company revised the asset retirement obligation 
estimates at December 31, 2010, resulting in an adjustment to the asset retirement obligations and 
property, plant and equipment. under IFRS, the asset retirement obligation recorded at December 31, 2010 
has been re-measured using the discount rate in effect at that date, and an adjustment has been recorded 
to the corresponding asset. This item resulted in an increase in property, plant and equipment of $6,996, an 
increase in asset retirement obligation of $8,524, a decrease in the deferred income tax liability of $388, an 
increase in asset retirement obligation costs of $1,163 all as at December 31, 2010, and for the year ended 
December 31, 2010 an increase in depreciation of $365 and a decrease in deferred income tax expense of 
$297 related to the asset retirement obligation costs and $91 related to the depreciation. 

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  111

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO ThE CONSOlIDATED FINANCIAl STATEMENTS
December 31, 2011 and 2010 (expressed in thousands of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

d) 

e) 

 under IFRS, the non-controlling interests’ share of the net assets of subsidiaries is included in equity and 
their share of the comprehensive income of subsidiaries is allocated directly to equity. under Canadian 
GAAP, non-controlling interests were presented as a separate item between liabilities and equity in the 
statement of financial position and the non-controlling interests’ share of income and other comprehensive 
income were deducted in calculating net income and comprehensive income of the entity. 

 Non-controlling interest of $26,144 at January 1, 2010 has been reclassified to equity. Similar adjustments 
were made at December 31, 2010 of $36,021.

 IFRS requires provisions to be recorded at fair value rather than carrying value, therefore the severance 
provision at January 1, 2010 in Turkey was reduced by $975, creating a deferred tax liability of $195 on 
transition. The offsetting entry for these adjustments was recorded against retained earnings. During 
the 2010 year the provision was decreased by $375 and the deferred tax liability increased by $75. The 
decrease has been accrued over the year on a straight-line method, with the offsetting entry recorded in the 
income statement.

f) 

 As part of the IFRS transition and the evaluation of components of property, plant and equipment, the 
Company recorded at January 1, 2010 a decrease of $315 to property, plant and equipment, a decrease of 
$63 to the deferred tax liability and an increase of deficit of $252.

112  eldoradogold.com

 
Directors

Senior Management

Dale l. Churcher
VP, Engineering

Doug M. Jones
Senior VP, China 

Peter D. lewis
VP, Exploration

Eduardo E. Moura
VP, Corporate Development

Paul J. Skayman
Senior VP, Operations

Nancy E. Woo
VP, Investor Relations

Brazil Operations
lincoln Silva
General Manager and Director
unamgen Mineração e Metalurgia S/A

Turkey Operations
David A. Bickford
Chairman of the Board of Directors and 
General Manager
Tüprag Metal Madencilik Sanayi ve 
Ticaret Anonim S¸ irketi

China Operations
Richard (Shilin) li
Managing Director, China

Greece Operations
George Markopoulos 
General Manager and Director
Thracean Gold Mining SA

Offices

Canada
Eldorado Gold Corporation
head Office
1188 Bentall 5
550 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 2B5
Tel: 604-687-4018
Fax: 604-687-4026
Toll-Free: 1-888-353-8166

Robert R. Gilmore 1,2
Denver, CO, uSA
Non-executive Chairman of the Board
(Independent Director)

Timothy C. Baker 4
Toronto, ON, Canada
(Independent Director)

K. Ross Cory 1,3
Vancouver, BC, Canada
(Independent Director)

Geoffrey A. handley 2,4
Bronte, NSW, Australia
(Independent Director)

Wayne D. lenton 2,4
Tucson, AZ, uSA
(Independent Director)

Michael A. Price 1,4
london, uK
(Independent Director)

Jonathan A. Rubenstein 2,3
Vancouver, BC, Canada
(Independent Director)

Donald M. Shumka 1,3
Vancouver, BC, Canada
(Independent Director)

Paul N. Wright
Vancouver, BC, Canada
President & Chief Executive Officer
Eldorado Gold Corporation

Committees of the Board of Directors
1 Audit Committee
2 Compensation Committee
3  Corporate Governance and Nominating 
Committee
4 Environmental, Health & Safety Committee

Officers

Paul N. Wright
President & Chief Executive Officer

Fabiana E. Chubbs
Chief Financial Officer

Norman S. Pitcher
Chief Operating Officer

Dawn l. Moss
VP, Administration and Corporate 
Secretary

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Brazil
unamgen Mineração  
e Metalurgia S/A
Avenida Olegário Maciel, 
1846 - Santo Agostinho
Belo horizonte, MG, Brazil
CEP 30180-112 
Tel: 55-31-2101-3750
Fax: 55-31-2101-3758

China
Eldorado Gold Corporation
Room 1001, West Tower, 
lG Twin Towers
B-12 Jianguomenwai Avenue,  
Chaoyang District,
Beijing, China 100022
Tel: 86-10-5828-7966 
Fax: 86-10-5828-7967

Turkey
Tüprag Metal Madencilik Sanayi ve 
Ticaret A.S.
Iran Caddesi
Turan Emeksiz Sok. No. 1
06700 Gaziosmanpasa /  
Ankara Turkey 
Tel: 90-312-468-4536 
Fax: 90-312-468-2646 

Greece
Thracean Gold Mining SA 
27, Omirou Street 
Athens, Greece, 10672 
Tel: 30-210-363-3930 
Fax: 30-210-363-3383 

Legal Counsel

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin llP
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Dorsey & Whitney llP
Denver, CO, uSA

Auditors

KPMG llP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Eldorado Gold 2011 Annual Report  113

ShAREhOlDER INFORMATION

Transfer Agents

Valiant Trust Company
600-750 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 0A2 
Shareholder Inquiries line (Toll-Free): 1-866-313-1872 
Email: inquiries@valianttrust.com

In Australia:
link Market Services limited
Postal Address: locked Bag A14
Sydney South NSW 1235
Phone: 1-800-218-694 
International: +61-2-8280-7601
Fax: +61-2-9287-0303
Email: registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au

Stock Exchanges

The Toronto Stock Exchange
Stock Symbol: ElD

The New york Stock Exchange
Stock Symbol: EGO

Australian Securities Exchange
Stock Symbol: EAu

Sources of Shareholder Information

This Annual Report is one of several sources of information for shareholders of Eldorado Gold Corporation.

Other sources include:

 ● The audited comparative financial statements published annually.

 ● The comparative interim financial statements published quarterly.

 ● The Management Proxy Circular describing the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 ● The Annual Information Form, Form 40-F and other corporate and continuous disclosure documents available 

on the Company’s website, CDS SEDAR website (www.sedar.com), the uS Securities and Exchange Commission 
EDGAR website (www.edgar-online.com) and the Australian Securities Exchange website (www.asx.com.au).

Section 303A.11 of the NySE listed Company Manual permits foreign private issuers to follow home country 
practices in lieu of certain provisions of the NySE listed Company Manual. A foreign private issuer that follows 
home country practices in lieu of certain provision of the NySE listed Company Manual must disclose any 
significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies. 
A description of the significant ways in which the Company’s governance practices differ from those followed by 
domestic companies pursuant to the NySE listed Company Manual is available on the Company’s website at 
www.eldoradogold.com.

Website: www.eldoradogold.com 

Investor Relations Email: info@eldoradogold.com

114  eldoradogold.com

Cautionary Notes

Cautionary Note about Forward-Looking Statements and Information

Certain statements and information in this Annual Report, including all statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements 
and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable US and Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information 
include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to financial disclosure, estimates of future production, cash costs, and future 
growth, the future price of gold, estimation of mineral reserves and resources and estimates of exploration and development capital expenditures, 
permitting and our goals and strategies. Often, these statements include words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, 
“budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes” or variations of such words and 
phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. 

With respect to forward-looking statements and information included in this Annual Report, we have made numerous assumptions including among 
other things, assumptions about the price of gold and other commodities; exchange rates; anticipated costs and expenditures; estimated production, 
mineral reserves and metallurgical recoveries; the impact of the integration of acquired businesses on our operation, financial position, reserves 
and resources and gold production; and the ability to achieve our goals. Even though our management believes that the assumptions made and 
the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or 
information will prove to be accurate. By their nature, forward-looking statements and information are based on assumptions and involve known and 
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially 
different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such risks, 
uncertainties and other factors include, among other things, the following: gold price volatility; risks of not meeting production and cost targets; 
discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; mining operational and 
development risk; litigation risks; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; risks of sovereign investment 
and operating in foreign countries; currency fluctuations; speculative nature of gold exploration; global and local economic climate; prices for energy 
inputs labour, material costs and other supplies remaining consistent with expectations; dilution; share price volatility; the impact of the European 
Goldfields acquisition, including the expanded portfolio of projects on our operations, capital requirements and financial condition; risks related to 
the integration of acquired businesses, including the risk that the integration of European Goldfields may take longer than expected, the anticipated 
benefits may be less than estimated and the cost higher than anticipated; ability to complete acquisitions; competition; ability to obtain financing; 
environmental risks; share price volatility; community and non-governmental actions; and regulatory risks.

See our Annual Information Form and our quarterly and annual MD&A for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors 
relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although we have attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, 
events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that 
cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of the factors are beyond 
our control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to 
reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date of this Annual Report except 
as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements and information made in this document are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Cautionary Note about Production Outlook, Guidance and Estimates

Readers are cautioned that production outlook, guidance and estimates are subject to a variety of factors that are likely to cause actual results 
to vary from our estimates, and such variations may be material. Forward-looking information generally involves risks and uncertainties as 
described above that are, in many instances, beyond our control, including: (i) global economic conditions; (ii) pricing and cost factors; (iii) 
unanticipated events or changes in current development plans, execution of development plans, future operating results, financial conditions or 
business over time; and (iv) unfavourable regulatory developments that could cause actual events and results to vary significantly from those 
included in or contemplated by such statements. The production outlook, guidance and estimates reflect certain assumptions by us, which 
assumptions may differ with respect to future events, economic, competitive and regulatory conditions, financial market conditions and future 
business decisions, including, without limitation, a continuation of existing business operations on substantially the same basis as currently 
exists, all of which assumptions are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that 
the outlook, guidance and estimates are indicative of our future performance or that actual results would not differ materially from those in the 
outlook, guidance and estimates.

Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources

The terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource”, “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource” used herein are 
Canadian mining terms used in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) under 
the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral 
Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as may be amended from time to time. These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States 
Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Industry Guide 7. In the United States, a mineral reserve is defined as a part of a mineral deposit 
that could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the mineral reserve determination is made.

While the terms “mineral resource”, “measured mineral resource,” “indicated mineral resource”, and “inferred mineral resource” are recognized 
and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under standards in the United States and normally are not permitted to be 
used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. As such, information contained herein concerning descriptions of mineralization 
and resources under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies in SEC filings. With 
respect to “indicated mineral resource” and “inferred mineral resource”, there is a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and a great 
uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an “indicated mineral resource” or “inferred 
mineral resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Accordingly, information herein containing descriptions of our mineral deposits 
may not be comparable to similar information made public by US companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under US 
federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Working together successfully to reduce costs 
– please consider signing up for e-delivery

Eldorado Gold’s international success in exploring, developing, financing and operating mines is supported 
by loyal existing shareholders and has attracted the interest of new investors. 

With your support, we have: 

 ● acquired or built seven mines and are operating them profitably,

 ● started paying dividends and increased them significantly in 2011, and

 ● successfully increased margins. 

We believe that Eldorado is well positioned to grow in value as we create and pursue new opportunities in 
gold and other resources.

It is very important for us to sustain good relationships with our investors and the communities we operate 
in. To focus on what we do best and to communicate with you in a more direct and timely manner, we are 
asking for your support.

We currently spend a substantial amount of resources to disseminate required shareholder information 
in hard copy. To help us save money, time and trees, and reduce greenhouse gases, please consider 
receiving the annual shareholder information in electronic format. Based on our previous mailings, this 
would save us more than $500,000 per year, which we would rather invest into the business to continue 
to grow your company. 

If you are a beneficial shareholder, please go to www.investordelivery.com to sign up for e-delivery. You 
will be asked to include the 12-digit control number located on the enclosed Voting Instruction Form.

If you or other household members have several accounts at the same investment dealer, please ask 
them to remove any duplicate mailings or to consolidate your account.

Thank you.

Kis¸ladag˘

TSX: ELD 

  NYSE: EGO 

  ASX:EAU

Eldorado Gold Corporation 
1188 Bentall 5, 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 2B5
www.eldoradogold.com  email: info@eldoradogold.com  
Telephone: 604.687.4018  Fax: 604.687.4026