Annual Report 2015
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From rough to
resplendent
With a warm, molten glow, the Golden Empress diamond has
travelled a long way from the Group’s Letšeng mine in Lesotho.
The journey from its recovery in December 2014 to its final
resplendent state in 2015 as a magnificent 132.55 carat fancy
intense yellow cushion cut diamond (together with eight
satellite diamonds) is as unique as the gem itself.
Achieving the maximum revenue for our diamonds is a strategic
imperative, and therefore, after careful analysis, using the Group’s
advanced mapping and analysis technology, a partnership
arrangement was undertaken with Safdico, a subsidiary of Graff
Diamonds, the world-renowned luxury jeweller.
The Golden Empress received a colour grading of fancy intense yellow by the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA) – further adding to its rarity – as only one in 10 000 diamonds are classified
as fancy coloured. Colour diamonds refract and reflect light differently to white diamonds, and
Safdico’s skilled artisans undertook to meticulously study and understand this remarkable and
rare diamond and ensure the jewel’s individual saturation, tone and hue were optimised.
The result was the masterpiece that is the Golden Empress; a 132.55 carat fancy intense yellow
cushion cut diamond. In addition, eight more polished yellow diamonds – the largest being a
21.34 carat fancy yellow pear-shaped diamond – stemmed from the rough diamond. The Golden
Empress, adorned by 30 other cushion-cut yellow diamonds, now forms the centrepiece of a
scintillating Graff signature necklace, taking its place as one of the world's most breathtaking and
unique polished diamonds.
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Contents
Strategic report: Business overview
About Gem Diamonds
Famous Letšeng diamonds
2015 highlights
Chairman’s statement
Our strategy
Key performance indicators
Principal risks and uncertainties
Viability statement
Market review 2015
Strategic report: Management review
Chief executive’s report
Group financial performance
Strategic report: Operating review
Letšeng
Ghaghoo
Mineral resource management
Sales, marketing and manufacturing
Sustainable development review
Sign off of our strategic report
Governance
Directorate
Chairman’s overview of corporate governance
UK corporate governance code compliance
Audit, Nominations, HSSE Committees
Annual Statement on Directors’ remuneration
Directors’ remuneration policy
The Annual Report on Remuneration
Directors’ Report
Financial statements
Directors’ responsibility statement
Independent Auditor’s Report
Annual financial statements
Abbreviations and definitions
Contact details and advisers
Gem Diamonds is a leading producer of
high-value diamonds with diamond mining
operations in Lesotho and Botswana, head offices
and technical offices in the United Kingdom
and South Africa; and sales, marketing and
manufacturing capabilities in Belgium.
Annual Report 2015
Annual Report 2015
The Annual Report has been
prepared in accordance with:
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Enhancing efficiencies.
Achieving excellence
Sustainable Development Report 2015
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■ applicable English
company law;
■ the regulations and best
practice as advised by the
Financial Reporting
Council and the
Department of Business,
Innovation and Skills; and
■ International Financial
Reporting Standards.
Sustainable Development
Report 2015
This document has been
compiled in accordance with
G4 Core Compliance and
Global Reporting Initiative
(GRI) , and Gem Diamonds
internal reporting guidelines,
with consideration of the
UN Global Compact. Refer
to legal compliance in the
document.
Indicates additional information
available on the Group’s website
www.gemdiamonds.com.
Refers the reader to further information
available in the Group’s 2015 Sustainable
Development Report which can be viewed
on the Group’s website.
Download this QR code on your smart device to gain
quick access to our website.
The Strategic report is set out on pages 2 to 55.
The Directors’ report is set out on pages 96 to 99.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
2
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
About Gem Diamonds
Gem Diamonds is a leading producer of high-value diamonds. The Group owns
the Letšeng mine in Lesotho and the Ghaghoo mine in Botswana. The Letšeng
mine is renowned for its regular production of large, top colour, exceptional
white diamonds, making it the highest average dollar per carat kimberlite
diamond mine in the world. Since Gem Diamonds acquired the mine in 2006,
Letšeng has produced four of the 20 largest white gem quality diamonds
ever recovered.
Letšeng Diamonds
Gem Diamonds Botswana
MINES
OwNERShIp
70%
Gem Diamonds Limited
30%
Government of the Kingdom
of Lesotho
AcquIRED
July 2006
DEScRIptION Of OpERAtION
the Group’s open pit mining operation in Lesotho focuses on:
■ Mining and processing ore efficiently and safely from its two
kimberlite pipes (Main and Satellite pipe)
■ Optimising expansion projects to reduce diamond damage,
diamond theft and to improve diamond liberation
■ Implementing life of mine (LoM) extensions
OwNERShIp
100%
Gem Diamonds Limited
AcquIRED
May 2007
DEScRIptION Of OpERAtION
Ghaghoo, the Group’s underground development in Botswana, is
focused on:
■ Developing the mine safely
■ Managing future production in line with the commodity cycle
tOtAL RESOuRcE
5.0 million carats
(as at 1 January 2015)
IN-SItu vALuE
uS$10.3 billion
(as at 1 January 2015)
tOtAL RESOuRcE
20.5 million carats
(as at 1 January 2014)
IN-SItu vALuE
uS$4.9 billion
(as at 1 January 2014)
tEchNIc AL AND ADMINIStRAtIvE SERvIcES
Africa
Gem Diamonds
Botswana
Ghaghoo Diamond
Mine (Botswana)
Gem Diamonds
Marketing
Botswana
(Botswana)
Letšeng
Diamonds
Letšeng Diamond
Mine (Lesotho)
Gem Diamonds
Technical Services
(rSA)
3
Gem Diamonds has an organic growth strategy based on enhancing the
operating efficiencies of the Letšeng mine and bringing the Ghaghoo mine into
full production. Our primary focus is to achieve operational excellence and
enhance current production through continued cost reduction initiatives.
Additional value is generated through the Group’s expanded sales, marketing
and manufacturing capabilities.
SALES AND MARKEtING
Gem Diamonds Marketing Services
OwNERShIp
EStABLIShED
October 2010
100%
Gem Diamonds Limited
MANufActuRING
Baobab technologies
OwNERShIp
100%
Gem Diamonds Limited
EStABLIShED
April 2012
Gem Diamonds Marketing Botswana
EStABLIShED
OwNERShIp
August 2015
100%
Gem Diamonds Limited
DEScRIptION Of OpERAtION
the Group’s high-tech diamond analysis and manufacturing operation
is tasked with:
■ Investing in state-of-the-art diamond analysis technology
■ understanding the value of exceptional rough diamonds through
mapping and analysis
■ Manufacturing selected diamonds for final polished sale
DEScRIptION Of OpERAtIONS
the Group’s diamond sorting, sales and marketing operations in Belgium
and Botswana focus on:
■ Maximising the revenue achieved on diamond sales
■ Developing the Gem Diamonds brand in the market
■ Enhancing customer relationships
Europe
Baobab
Technologies
(Belgium)
Gem Diamonds
Marketing Services
(Belgium)
Gem Diamonds
Limited
Company
headquarters
in the United
Kingdom
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 4
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Famous Letšeng diamonds
The Letšeng mine in Lesotho is renowned for its recovery of some of the world’s
most valuable diamonds, achieving the highest US dollar per carat of any
kimberlite diamond mine in the world. Letšeng regularly produces diamonds
of exceptional size and colour.
The 357 carat
“ Letšeng Dynasty”
The Letšeng Dynasty was
recovered in July 2015 and sold
for US$19.3 million in September
2015, achieving the highest
value ever for a single Letšeng
diamond. The name given was
to symbolise the succession of
diamonds from the same family.
This diamond is in the process of
being manufactured.
The 314 carat
“ Letšeng Destiny”
The Letšeng Destiny was
recovered in May 2015 and
sold into a partnership
arrangement in June 2015.
The name was given to signify
a hidden power believed to
control future events.
The Letšeng Destiny has
yielded a main polished fancy
shape diamond of over 100
carats D colour flawless and
12 smaller diamonds of D
colour, totalling a polished
weight of 164 carats.
The 299 carat yellow
diamond (unnamed)
This diamond was recovered in December
2014. In line with the Group’s strategic goal
to maximise the revenue achieved from
remarkable diamonds, a partnership
arrangement was undertaken with Safdico, a
subsidiary of Graff Diamonds in January 2015.
Unmasking its true radiance, the gem was cut
and polished by expert artisans with coloured
diamond expertise, which resulted in a
magnificent 132.55 carat fancy intense yellow
cushion shaped polished diamond, along with
eight other yellow diamonds, the largest being
a 21.34 carat fancy yellow pear shape. The
132.55 carat gem, aptly named The Golden
Empress, was set into a breathtaking Graff
signature necklace, adorned with 30 other
cushion cut yellow diamonds.
The 12 carat blue diamond (unnamed)
This rare 12.47 carat blue diamond was recovered at Letšeng in
September 2013. It was sold a month later on tender in Antwerp for a
record price of US$603 047 per carat (US$7.5 million), the highest US$ per
carat for any Letšeng rough diamond sold to date.
5
In 2015, a further two remarkably large white diamonds (314 carat and 357 carat)
were recovered, adding to the list of Letšeng’s very special diamonds.
The 550 carat “Letšeng Star”
The 550 carat Letšeng Star was recovered in August 2011 and was so named to signify the growing number of “stars” in Letšeng’s
constellation of large diamonds recovered. The Letšeng Star is also ranked in the top 20 largest
white rough diamonds on record and the second largest white diamond to be recovered at
Letšeng. This diamond yielded 12 pairs of pear shaped diamonds, as well as a main polished
stone of 33.11 carats, also a pear shape, to form a unique collection of over 165 carats of
D flawless and internally flawless polished gems stemming from this single rough diamond.
The 603 carat
“Lesotho Promise”
The 603 carat Lesotho Promise was recovered in
August 2006 and together with being ranked in the
top 20 of the world’s largest white diamonds on
record, is also the largest diamond to emerge from
the Letšeng mine to date. The Lesotho Promise was
sold for US$12.4 million in October 2006 and was
subsequently polished into 26 D flawless and
internally flawless diamonds, the largest
of which was a 76.4 carat pear shaped
diamond.
All 26 polished diamonds
were fashioned into a
single necklace by Graff.
The 478 carat “Leseli La Letšeng”
The “Leseli La Letšeng”, which translates to “Light of Letšeng”, reflecting
the diamond’s remarkable colour and clarity, was recovered in
September 2008 and is also ranked in the top 20 largest rough
white diamonds recorded. This diamond was the third significant
recovery from the Letšeng mine in as many years and was sold in
November 2008 for US$18.4 million (during the height of the global
financial crisis).
The fame of this diamond extends further
in that it revealed a 102.79 carat round
shaped, D colour internally flawless
diamond, making it the largest round
shaped polished diamond ever to be
graded D colour internally flawless by
the GIA. A further 10 exquisite polished
diamonds were also revealed.
The 493 carat “Letšeng Legacy”
The Letšeng Legacy is also ranked in the top 20 largest rough white
diamonds recorded and its name highlighted the growing
legacy that the Letšeng mine in Lesotho
was creating as a producer of significant
large white diamonds. This
diamond was recovered in
September 2007 and was
sold for US$10.4 million in
November 2007.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 6
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
2015 highlights
Financial highlights
US$ million
Revenue
Corporate expenses
Underlying EBITDA
Profit for the year (before exceptional items)
Profit for the year (after exceptional items)
Basic earnings per share (EPS) (before exceptional items) (cents)
Basic EPS (after exceptional items) (cents)
Cash and short-term deposits
Bank loans owing
Refer to Note 3, Operating profit, for definition of non-GAAP measures.
Operational highlights
Waste tonnes mined (millions)
19.1
19.9
24.0
17.4
13.7
25
20
15
10
5
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Production tonnes treated (millions)
6.8
6.6
6.2
6.5
7.0
8
6
4
2
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Carats produced (thousands)
200
200
150
150
100
100
50
50
0
0
200
112
114
119
95
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Capital expenditure (US$ million)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
52
47
49
25
29
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
FY
2015
249.5
11.7
103.5
67.4
77.6
30.2
37.6
85.7
30.4
FY
2014
%
change
270.8
12.4
106.0
60.4
57.9
25.8
24.0
110.7
37.1
ê 8
ê 6
ê 2
é 12
é 34
é 17
é 57
ê 23
ê 18
HSSE highlights
✩✩✩✩✩
5 star rating for Letšeng
management of hSSE
✩✩✩✩
4 star rating for Ghaghoo
management of hSSE
Zero
Lost time injury-free and
fatality-free year
Letšeng achieves full
ISO 14001 and
OHSAS 18001
certification
7
Letšeng
Ghaghoo
Group
■ Eleven +100 carats
■ 89 107 carats sold
■ Michael Lynch-Bell, an
experienced mining and
metals non-Executive
Director, appointed as
non-Executive Director
and Audit committee
chairman
■ Maiden dividend of
5 uS cents per share paid
to shareholders, amounting
to US$6.9 million
■ Refinanced uS$41 million
worth of facilities for
extended periods
■ The Diamond producers
Association was formed,
with Gem Diamonds as
a founding member
along with industry peers
– De Beers, Alrosa and
Rio Tinto
■ Corporate costs reduced by
24% since 2011
recovered during the year,
making this a new record
for the mine
during the year achieving
US$14.4 million and US$162
average US$ per carat
■ The largest diamond
■ Largest diamond recovered
during the year was
48 carats
■ Recovered two blue
diamonds of 2.19 and
1.49 carats, being the
largest blue diamonds
recovered to date
■ Achieved 418 consecutive
LtI and fatality-free days
■ The water fissure was
successfully sealed
■ Recovered grade
exceeded reserve grade
recovered during the year,
a 357 carat Type II
diamond, sold for
US$19.3 million, obtaining
the highest uS$ value
ever achieved for a single
Letšeng diamond
■ plant 2 phase 1 upgrade
completed in March, on
schedule and within budget
increasing capacity by
250 000 tonnes per annum
■ Optimised life of
mine plan approved and
implemented in May
significantly enhancing the
mine’s net present value
through optimised waste
stripping and higher-
grade, higher-value
Satellite pipe ore being
mined
■ coarse Recovery plant
construction completed
on schedule and within
budget. The unit recovered
a high-quality 52 carat
type II diamond on its
first day of operation
■ uS$65 226 per carat was
the highest US$ per carat
achieved during the year
from a 108 carat Type II
diamond
■ Achieved 430 consecutive
lost time injury (LtI) and
fatality-free days
■ Gem Diamonds shares
platform with Lesotho
prime Minister at
Commonwealth Conference
in Malta to promote
investment in Lesotho
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 8
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Chairman’s statement
A strong set of results
Strategic clarity
Investing in low-cost, high-return innovative
projects
Robust corporate governance
Dividend paying policy
roger Davis
Dear shareholder,
It is my pleasure to present the
Gem Diamonds’ 2015 Annual Report.
I believe this report offers a fair and
balanced account of the business, its
performance over the last year and its
prospects going forward.
Strategic focus
Although 2015 was a challenging year
for the diamond mining industry, it is
pleasing to report that the Group has
delivered a strong set of results, both
operationally and financially. Despite
continued downward pressure on both
rough and polished diamond prices
during the period, particularly in the
commercial diamonds, robust prices
were achieved for the Group’s high-end
Letšeng diamonds. These strong results
are the outcome of the strategic plan
adopted by the Board two years ago
whereby the focus was placed on
maximising revenue from core assets
through enhancing operational
efficiencies and investing in low-cost
and high-return innovative projects.
This strategic focus has positioned
Gem Diamonds well for sustainable
growth and, following another strong set
of results during 2015, notwithstanding
challenging market conditions, the
Group ended the year with net cash of
US$55.3 million. Moreover, the Group
achieved a remarkable milestone with
no lost time injuries recorded at any
Gem Diamonds’ operations during 2015.
This achievement is a hallmark of strong
operational management.
The Group continued to demonstrate
capital discipline and, at Letšeng, we
have successfully completed various low
capital incremental growth projects on
time and on budget. The addition of the
Plant 2 upgrade to the treatment plant
and the new Coarse Recovery Plant has
resulted in a rise in the recoveries of the
important +100 carat diamonds from an
average of six per year to 11 in 2015. In
addition, the revised optimised life of
mine plan for Letšeng which was
implemented during the year has
significantly enhanced the value of
the mine.
9
After eight years of service as Chief
Operating Officer and Executive Director,
Alan Ashworth has announced his
intention to retire in June 2016. The Board
would like to express its appreciation to
Alan for his significant contribution to the
Group over the years.
Outlook
Although 2016 has seen a positive start
with improved rough diamond prices
being reported across the industry,
significant global economic uncertainty
remains. Nevertheless, through
disciplined execution of its core strategy,
I believe that the Group is well positioned
to further maximise shareholder returns.
I would like to take this opportunity to
acknowledge the hard work of the
people who have made the successes
of the 2015 year possible. I would like
to give my heartfelt thanks to my fellow
Board members for their insightful
leadership and express my appreciation
to the Gem Diamonds management
team. I would also like to thank our host
governments of Lesotho and Botswana
and, of course, our shareholders for their
continued confidence and support.
Finally, I would like to thank all
Gem Diamonds employees for their
dedication and hard work throughout
the year.
Roger Davis
Non-Executive Chairman
14 March 2016
Striving for zero harm and
positive contributions
Gem Diamonds strives to mine its
diamonds in such a way that promotes
socially and environmentally desirable
outcomes. It is therefore pleasing to
report that in addition to having an
LTI-free year during 2015, no major or
significant environmental or stakeholder
incidents were recorded.
The Group is dedicated to creating and
maintaining stakeholder relationships
that forge shared value and leave a
positive legacy in its project affected
communities. Focused engagement at
all levels of the business ensures that
community projects are relevant and
feedback is incorporated into strategies
going forward. In addition, robust
international best practice guidelines are
implemented across the Group to ensure
optimal governance.
Ensuring high levels of
corporate governance
The Board is committed to the highest
standards of corporate governance
and believes that strong corporate
governance is key to the Group’s ability
to create sustainable returns for all
stakeholders. The Board therefore
continues to support the principles
encompassed in the revised UK
Corporate Governance Code.
During the year, the Board welcomed
Michael Lynch-Bell as an independent
non-Executive Director and the Audit
Committee Chairman. Mr Lynch-Bell was
previously a senior resources partner
at Ernst & Young (EY) for over 27 years.
His wealth of experience through his
non-executive directorships at three
other mining and mineral companies will
complement the skill set of the Board.
At Ghaghoo, it is pleasing that the
initial key objectives set out for the
development of Phase 1 of this asset
were achieved and are all the more
noteworthy due to the challenging
underground conditions encountered.
The depressed market has impacted
the prices achieved for our Ghaghoo
production. Consequently, in the current
climate, and after reviewing various
options, it was considered prudent to
downsize the operation for 2016 to
reduce cash consumed during its final
development. It is important to note
that Ghaghoo remains a key future
option for the Group and its expansion
opportunities, when diamond prices
improve, will further deliver on the
Board’s strategic plan.
Gem Diamonds continues to seek
opportunities to maximise revenue from
the sale of its rough diamonds through
a combination of channels, including
tenders, auctions, off-take arrangements
and partnerships. The Group’s multi-
channel marketing strategy is effectively
managed by the Gem Diamonds sales
and marketing team in Antwerp and
continues to develop relationships with
new and existing clients.
Dividend
A maiden dividend of US$6.9 million
(5 US cents per share) was paid to
shareholders in June 2015 in respect of
the 2014 year. This was a significant
milestone for the Company. Following
the positive results achieved in 2015
and in applying the dividend policy
implemented in the prior year, the Board
is pleased to recommend the payment of
an ordinary cash dividend of 5 US cents
per share (US$6.9 million) which will be
proposed at the 2016 Annual General
Meeting. In addition, a special dividend
of 3.5 US cents per share (US$4.8 million)
will also be proposed representing the
cash saving arising from the settlement
of a previous tax assessment. The Group
will continue to adopt a prudent capital
management strategy and stringent cost
controls at the operations in order to
remain in a position to recommend
dividend payments to shareholders.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 10
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Our strategy
Gem Diamonds’ strategy is based on three broad pillars – growth, value creation
and sustainability.
We believe this offers us the flexibility to generate maximum returns for our shareholders in a sustainable manner. Our focus is
primarily on extracting diamonds through mining. To complement our main focus of mining, we have expanded our attention further
along the diamond value chain through our strategic sales, marketing and manufacturing activities. Our overarching objective is to
deliver sustainable returns for our investors while optimising the benefit for our communities and minimising our impact
on the environment.
Strategy
Growth
Value creation
Sustainability
Organic growth
Optimising the Letšeng mine and
developing the Ghaghoo mine using
available capital to deliver increased
returns to shareholders.
External growth
Assessing external opportunities against
strict investment criteria.
Value accretive opportunities
Generating additional value through
sales and marketing capabilities,
incorporating manufacturing and
downstream initiatives.
Operational excellence
Focusing on cost reductions and
enhancing current production efficiency.
Optimising returns
Improving the quality of our assets
through life of mine extensions.
Strengthening the capital structure.
Optimising revenue achieved for
diamond production through reductions
in diamond damage and theft.
Stakeholders and communities
Building long term, transparent and
mutually beneficial relationships with all
stakeholder groups.
Health, safety and environment
Promoting a culture of zero harm and
responsible care as our workforce is our
most valued asset.
Delivering sustainable returns for our
investors while optimising the benefit for
our communities and minimising our
impact on the environment.
Value created
KPI
KPI
KPI
Revenue: US$249 million
Capital expenditure: US$49 million
Lost time injury frequency rate: 0.00
Underlying EBITDA: US$104 million
Production tonnes treated: 7.0 million
All injury frequency rate: 2.87
Return on average capital employed:
20%
Basic EPS (before exceptional item):
30.2 US cents
Free cash generated: US$14 million
Carats produced: 200 078
Zero fatalities
Waste tonnes mined: 24.0 million
Zero major or significant community
and environmental incidents
Zero major or significant incidents
of HSSE legal non-compliance
Corporate social investment (CSI)
spend: US$0.6 million
11
How we differentiate ourselves
Our assets
Letšeng, our core asset, produces the
highest US$ per carat diamonds in the
world. We implement innovative
solutions to further enhance this value.
The full development of Ghaghoo offers
an opportunity to further enhance the
Gem Diamonds investment proposition.
Strong balance sheet management
We focus on maximising revenue from
our core assets through enhancing
operational efficiencies and investing in
low capital, quick payback projects. This
cash generation and capital discipline
has positioned us well for sustainable
growth into the long term.
Shareholder return
We are committed to sustaining
shareholder value through the
implementation of appropriate dividend
policies and we aim to pay dividends
annually.
Corporate responsibility
Maintaining safe operations and
minimising social and environmental
impact safeguards our social licence
to operate and further promotes our
corporate brand.
Robust corporate governance
We are committed to the pursuit of best
practice in governance principles. We
hold to the fact that effective corporate
governance is essential to securing the
Group’s long-term success and viability.
Focused risk management is a core
element of our business. Our Board has
overall accountability for ensuring that
risk is effectively managed, reviewed and
continually assessed across the Group.
i n g
t u r
c
a
f
u
n
a
d m
Sales, marketin g a n
Analysing and mapping our
exceptional diamonds to understand
and achieve highest rough value
through multiple selling channels.
Manufacturing of select high-value
rough diamonds, unlocking
additional value through
polished sales.
Identifyin
g R
e
s
o
u
r
c
Identifying, evaluating and
developing diamond deposits
that are potentially valuable.
e
P
l
Increasing recoveries and
improve finished product
quality through initiatives
of reducing diamond
damage and theft and
increasing liberation of
diamonds
g
n
i
s
s
e
c
o
r
P
What we do
What we do
Mining in both open-pit
and underground mines
efficiently and productively
as safe as possible
Mining
Identifying the valuable,
economical and technically
feasible part of the
resource to be mined
i
a
n
n
n
g
a
n
d
d
e
v
elo
pin
g Reserves
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
12
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Key performance indicators
Key performance indicators are used to assess the performance of the Group
against its strategy. These indicators are monitored continuously to effectively
evaluate the performance of the Group over the short, medium and long term.
Growth
Revenue (US$ million)
Underlying EBITDA (US$ million)/
Underlying EBITDA margin (%)
Return on average capital employed
(ROACE) (%)
306
271
249
202
213
350
350
250
200
150
100
50
0
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
54%
167
33%
37%
39%
42%
106
104
67
79
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
26
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
19
20
13
9
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Definition
Revenue represents the value of goods
sold during the year (both rough and
polished) and measures the level of
operating activity and growth of the
business. Revenue for the year is as
reported in the consolidated income
statement and excludes revenue achieved
by Ghaghoo on the basis that the
mine had not reached full commercial
production by the end of the year.
Definition
Underlying EBITDA means earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation. It excludes share-based
payments, other income, foreign
exchange differences and exceptional
items.
Underlying EBITDA margin is calculated
as underlying EBITDA as a percentage of
revenue. Both these indicators provide a
measure of the operating profitability of
the business. Refer to Note 3, Operating
profit, in the financial statements for the
calculation of underlying EBITDA.
Definition
ROACE is a pre-tax measure of the
efficiency with which the Group
generates operating profits from its
capital. ROACE is calculated as underlying
EBITDA (as per Note 3, Operating
profit, in the financial statements) less
depreciation and amortisation (EBIT)
divided by average capital employed
(being total equity and non-current
liabilities per the consolidated statement
of financial position).
commentary
The Group is committed to maximising
the value achieved on rough and
polished diamond sales. In a year of
adverse global market conditions, Group
revenue decreased by 8% compared to
2014 driven by a lower volume of rough
carat sales of 6% and a lower overall
US$ per carat achieved of 9% from
Letšeng’s production. Ghaghoo held its
first sale during February 2015, and in
total completed three sales during the
year, generating US$14.4 million which
is not included in Group revenue. Total
sales for the year was US$263.9 million
including these sales.
commentary
Underlying EBITDA has remained in
line with that achieved in the prior
year, with underlying EBITDA margin
at 42% outperforming the prior year’s
margin. This reflects the continued
cost management and the focus on
operational efficiency during the year,
notwithstanding the lower revenue
achieved. Underlying EBITDA does not
include any results from Ghaghoo due
to the mine not having reached full
commercial production.
The weakening of the Lesotho loti
(pegged to the South African rand) and
the British pound has had a positive
impact on the translation of the local
costs into US dollars.
commentary
Pre-tax ROACE achieved 20%, in line with
the prior year, based on similar levels
of underlying EBITDA. Prior years’ ROACE
is as reported at that point in time and
includes all operations in existence in
those relevant years.
The key performance indicators exclude the impact of any discontinued or disposed operations in the prior years unless otherwise stated.
13
KPIs that are used as a measure in the incentive arrangements for the remuneration of executives are identified with this symbol:
Value creation
Basic earnings per share (EPS) (US cents)
Free cash generated (US$ million)
Capital expenditure (US$ million)
49
50
40
30
20
10
0
30
26
17
13
61
21
14
77
80
60
40
20
0
(20)
(40)
(60)
(51)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
52
47
49
25
29
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Definition
Basic EPS represents net profit attributable
to equity shareholders and is stated before
exceptional items and after taking into
account non-controlling interest. This is a
measure of net profitability of the Group
taking into account changes in the equity
structure. EPS is calculated as reported in
the consolidated income statement and
in accordance with Note 7, Earnings per
share, in the financial statements.
Definition
Free cash generated represents net cash
flows before financing activities and
investing activities in expansion projects.
This measures the cash-generating
capability of the Group to fund future
growth. Free cash generated is reflected
in the statement of cash flows and is
determined by cash flows from operating
activities less cash invested in Ghaghoo
and sustaining capital (pre-expansion
capital) of US$43.6 million and less
US$61.4 million of waste cash costs.
Definition
Capital expenditure represents the
amount invested in the Group’s organic
growth plans. Capital expenditure is
reflected in the statement of cash flows
as purchases of property, plant and
equipment and includes expansion and
sustaining capital and operating costs
incurred at Ghaghoo.
commentary
Basic EPS of 30.2 US cents per share
(up 17% from the prior year) is indicative
of the higher earnings achieved.
Basic EPS including exceptional items
was 37.6 US cents. There was no
significant change in the capital structure
of the Group.
commentary
Free cash generated provides flexibility to
apply such cash into development and
expansion initiatives and to implement
the Group strategy of providing returns to
shareholders through the ability to fund
future dividends.
In line with the Group’s strategy to
conserve cash, free cash was invested
into the completion of the Plant 2 Phase 1
expansion project at Letšeng and paying
a maiden dividend to shareholders.
The Group ended the year with
US$55.3 million cash net of drawn down
facilities.
commentary
The Group invested US$2.7 million
into expansion capital expenditure for
the completion of the Plant 2 Phase 1
upgrade and US$46.2 million into
sustaining capital expenditure. This
includes the remaining investment of
US$5.3 million into the new Coarse
Recovery Plant at Letšeng and
operational expenses net of revenue
earned at Ghaghoo of US$15.8 million
which were capitalised to the carrying
value of the asset during the year.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 14
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Key performance indicators continued
Value creation
Sustainability
Production tonnes treated (millions)
Carats produced (thousands)
Waste tonnes mined (millions)
Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)
All injury frequency rate (AIFR)
8
6
4
2
0
6.8
6.6
6.2
6.5
7.0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
200
200
150
150
100
100
50
50
0
0
200
112
114
119
95
24.0
19.1
19.9
17.4
13.7
25
20
15
10
5
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Definition
The production profile sets out the
tonnes treated by Letšeng and Ghaghoo.
Definition
The carats produced profile sets out
the carats produced by Letšeng and
Ghaghoo.
Definition
The waste tonnes mined profile sets out
the waste tonnes mined by Letšeng.
commentary
The current year production represents
6.7 million tonnes treated by Letšeng
and 0.3 million tonnes treated at
Ghaghoo.
Letšeng tonnes treated increased by 4%
following the Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade
which was completed at the end of
the first quarter of the year. The full
benefit of this upgrade is expected to
be seen in 2016 with treatment capacity
expected to increase by 250 000 tonnes
per annum.
commentary
Letšeng and Ghaghoo produced
108 579 (2014: 108 569) and 91 499
(2014: 10 167) carats respectively during
the year.
Whilst production at Letšeng remained
at similar levels as the prior year, a record
11 diamonds greater than 100 carats
were recovered.
Ghaghoo achieved a grade of
28.0 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht)
above the reserve grade of 27.8 cpht.
commentary
Waste moved for the year increased
by 21% in line with the optimised LoM
plan which was implemented in May
2015. This optimised LoM plan allows for
increased levels of higher value ore from
the Satellite pipe to be mined annually.
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.13
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
0.00
2015
4.54
4.45
3.01
2.87
2.49
Definition
Definition
The LTIFR provides a measure of the safety
The AIFR is another measure of the
performance of the Group, including
partners and contractors. The LTIFR is
measured on the reported LTI statistics
for all of Gem Diamonds’ companies and
subcontractors, expressed as a frequency
rate per 200 000 man hours. Prior year
rates include all operations in existence
at that period.
safety performance of the Group. The
AIFR is calculated based on all reported
injuries including minor injuries,
medical treatment cases, restricted
work injuries and lost time injuries of
all Gem Diamonds’ companies and
subcontractors, and is expressed as a
frequency rate per 200 000 man hours.
Prior year rates include all operations in
existence at that period.
commentary
2015 was an LTI-free year across the
Group demonstrating the Group’s
continued focus on behaviour-based
safety. As a result the LTIFR for the year
was 0.00.
commentary
The AIFR decreased to 2.87 in 2015
demonstrating the continued emphasis
on proactive safety management and
striving towards a goal of zero harm.
15
Zero
fatalities
Zero
major or significant
community incidents
Zero
major or significant
environmental or
community incidents
Zero
incidents of HSSE legal
non-compliance
Invested US$0.6 million in
corporate social investment
projects during the year to
build mutually beneficial and
transparent relationships
with our project affected
communities.
Waste tonnes mined (millions)
Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)
All injury frequency rate (AIFR)
Sustainability
24.0
19.1
19.9
17.4
13.7
25
20
15
10
5
0
Definition
The waste tonnes mined profile sets out
the waste tonnes mined by Letšeng.
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.13
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0
0.00
2015
Definition
The LTIFR provides a measure of the safety
performance of the Group, including
partners and contractors. The LTIFR is
measured on the reported LTI statistics
for all of Gem Diamonds’ companies and
subcontractors, expressed as a frequency
rate per 200 000 man hours. Prior year
rates include all operations in existence
at that period.
4.54
4.45
3.01
2.87
2.49
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Definition
The AIFR is another measure of the
safety performance of the Group. The
AIFR is calculated based on all reported
injuries including minor injuries,
medical treatment cases, restricted
work injuries and lost time injuries of
all Gem Diamonds’ companies and
subcontractors, and is expressed as a
frequency rate per 200 000 man hours.
Prior year rates include all operations in
existence at that period.
commentary
Waste moved for the year increased
by 21% in line with the optimised LoM
plan which was implemented in May
2015. This optimised LoM plan allows for
increased levels of higher value ore from
the Satellite pipe to be mined annually.
commentary
2015 was an LTI-free year across the
Group demonstrating the Group’s
continued focus on behaviour-based
safety. As a result the LTIFR for the year
was 0.00.
commentary
The AIFR decreased to 2.87 in 2015
demonstrating the continued emphasis
on proactive safety management and
striving towards a goal of zero harm.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
16
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Group is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties that could have
a material impact on its performance and long-term growth. The effective
identification, management and mitigation of these risks and uncertainties is a core
focus of the Group as they are key to achieving the Company’s strategic objectives.
Central to Gem Diamonds’ approach to risk management is having the right Board and Senior Management team in place, with such
members combining extensive experience in diamond mining, corporate governance, assurance management and knowledge of the
local operating conditions in Lesotho and Botswana.
The Board is accountable for risk management, assisted primarily by the Audit and HSSE Committees, who together identify and assess
change in risk exposure, along with the potential financial and non-financial impacts and likelihood of occurrence.
The Company is continually strengthening its risk management processes to provide informed assurance to the Board in order to
assess current objectives. A review of the Group’s Internal Audit function resulted in a full-time internal auditor being appointed during
2014, reporting directly to the Audit Committee. The Group Internal Audit function carries out the risk-based audit plan approved by
the Audit Committee, to evaluate the effectiveness and contribute to the improvement of risk management controls and governance
processes.
Given the long-term nature of the Group’s mining operations, risks are unlikely to alter significantly on a yearly basis; however,
inevitably the level of risk and the Group’s risk appetite could change. The Board and its committees have identified the following key
risks. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a list of the most material risks facing the Group. The impact of these risks, individually or
collectively, could potentially affect the ability of the Group to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the medium to
long term. The risks are actively monitored and managed as detailed below in no order of priority.
The KPIs, which are grouped into the growth, value creation and sustainability of the Group’s strategy on pages 12 to 15, are linked to
the risks below.
Description and impact
Mitigation
2015 actions and outcomes
KPIs affected
Market risks
Rough diamond prices
■ Numerous factors
beyond the control of
the Group may affect
the price and
demand for
diamonds. These
factors include
international
economic and
political trends, global
diamond production
levels, synthetic
diamonds and
consumer trends.
■ The funding of
growth plans could
also be adversely
affected by cash
constraints resulting
from negative market
conditions.
■ Market conditions are
continually monitored
to identify trends that
pose a threat or create
opportunity for the
Group. The Group has
flexibility in its sales
processes and the
ability to reassess its
capital projects and
operational strategies in
light of current market
conditions to preserve
cash balances.
■ Strict treasury
management
procedures are in place
to monitor cash and
capital projects
expenditure.
■ The market for both rough and polished
■ Growth
diamonds was constrained during 2015, with
diamond indices showing a decrease in the
average diamond prices across all diamond
producers in excess of 19%.
■ Letšeng’s high-value diamond prices remained
resilient increasing by 3% compared to the
reserve price estimates set at 1 January 2015.
The diamond damage reduction and security
initiatives, through the completion of the
Coarse Recovery Plant during the year, further
contributed to this positive outcome.
■ During the year the price per carat achieved
for the Ghaghoo production decreased from
US$210 per carat in February to US$150 per
carat in December. Based on this decline and
the depressed state of the rough diamond
market for Ghaghoo’s production, various
options were reviewed with the aim of
minimising the cash to be consumed by this
asset. It was considered prudent to downsize
the production level in 2016.
■ The Group has maintained a robust balance
sheet with net cash of US$55.3 million at
31 December 2015, together with existing
undrawn facilities of US$51.1 million at the
date of this report.
17
Description and impact
Mitigation
2015 actions and outcomes
KPIs affected
Operational risks
Mineral resource risk
■ The Group’s mineral
resources influence
the operational mine
plans and the
generation of
sufficient margins.
Underperformance of
mineral resources
could affect the
Group’s ability to
operate profitably in
the medium to long
term.
A major production
interruption
■ The Group may
experience material
mine and/or plant
shutdowns or periods
of decreased
production due to a
number of events.
Any such event could
negatively influence
the Group’s
operations and
impact both
profitability and
cash flows.
■ Various bulk sampling
programmes, combined
with geological mapping
and modelling methods,
significantly improve the
Group’s understanding of
and confidence in the
mineral resources and
assist in optimising the
mining thereof.
■ The Group continually
reviews the likelihood and
consequence of different
possible events and
ensures that the
appropriate management
controls, processes and
business continuity plans
are in place to immediately
mitigate risk.
■ Growth;
■ Value
creation
■ Growth;
■ Value creation;
■ Sustainability
■ In order to better define the Letšeng orebody,
ahead-of-face drilling and discrete production
sampling programmes initiated in previous
years continued in 2015. In addition, micro
diamond sample analysis which aims to
predict grades at depth was also conducted
during the year. The outcomes of these
programmes will be used to update resource
models.
■ Development at Ghaghoo was limited to
mapping of the geology for the underground
tunnels. Increased production levels during
the ramp-up phase resulted in 91 499 carats
being recovered during the year, improving
the understanding of the VKSE phase of the
orebody. As mining continues, more data will
become available to further understand the
resource and develop the value in the reserve.
■ Letšeng sources its power through the Lesotho
Electricity Corporation, which in turn sources
its power from the South African electricity
provider, Eskom. Eskom has had challenges in
providing consistent power in South Africa and
neighbouring dependent states. In light of this,
improvements in power supply monitoring,
and the provision of additional backup power
supply were undertaken at Letšeng during the
previous year, to minimise the impact of
lengthy outages. During 2015, Eskom’s
downtime did not materialise to the extent
expected and as such Letšeng experienced less
than 88 hours of power outages, of which
64 hours were countered with backup power.
■ The fissure which caused water ingress at
Ghaghoo during 2014 was sealed in 2015
and improved methodologies have been
established to ensure sudden water ingresses
do not occur in future.
■ In November 2015, premature caving at the
end of tunnels 2 and 3 at the Ghaghoo mine
propagated through to the surface, resulting in
an influx of sand. There was no prolonged
production interruption and a buffer zone was
created to reduce the risk of sand dilution.
A revised draw control regime has also been
implemented to mitigate further risk.
■ Ghaghoo has a single access tunnel to the
underground workings which remains a risk;
however, frequent and precise monitoring of
the access tunnel condition is performed.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 18
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Principal risks and uncertainties continued
Description and impact
Mitigation
2015 actions and outcomes
KPIs affected
Operational risks (continued)
Diamond theft
■ Theft is an inherent risk
factor in the diamond
industry.
Diamond damage
■ Letšeng’s valuable
Type II diamonds are
highly susceptible to
damage during the
mining and recovery
process and to reduce
such damage creates
potential upside for
the Group.
Expansion
■ The Group’s growth
strategy is based on
delivery of expansion
projects, premised on
various studies, cost
trends and future
market assumptions.
In assessing the
viability, cost and
implementation of
these projects, risks
concerning cost
overruns and/or
delays may affect
the implementation
and execution thereof.
■ Security measures are
constantly reviewed in
order to minimise this
risk.
■ The new Coarse Recovery Plant incorporates
■ Growth
enhanced security features and was completed
during 2015. The full benefits of the security
features are being continually assessed.
■ Diamond damage is
■ Building on the success of the new crushers
continually monitored
and analysed. Studies are
conducted to identify
further modifications and
opportunities to reduce
such damage.
installed in 2013, the Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade
with the aim of reducing diamond damage, was
completed during the first quarter of 2015.
Following the completion of the upgrade, higher
production levels were achieved, particularly in
the last quarter of the year. During the year, a
record 11 diamonds greater than 100 carats
were recovered.
■ Growth;
■ Value
creation
■ Project governance
structures have been
applied to ensure the
projects are monitored
and risks managed at an
appropriate level.
■ Flexibility in the
execution of projects
allows the Group to react
quickly to changes in
market and operational
conditions.
■ At Letšeng, the new Coarse Recovery Plant
and Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade projects were
completed on schedule and within budget.
■ Growth;
■ Value
creation
■ Downsizing the production rate at Ghaghoo
during 2016, necessitated by the current
adverse pricing achieved for its production,
will reduce cash consumed in the current
market. Options are being assessed to expand
the operation in order to achieve acceptable
financial returns as and when the diamond
prices improve.
19
Description and impact
Mitigation
2015 actions and outcomes
KPIs affected
Operational risks (continued)
HSSE-related risks
■ The risk that a major
health, safety, social
or environmental
incident may occur
within the Group is
inherent in mining
operations.
Country and political
risks
■ The political
environments of the
various jurisdictions
that the Group
operates within may
adversely impact our
ability to operate
effectively and
profitably. Emerging
market economies are
generally subject to
greater risks, including
regulatory and political
risk, and can be
exposed to a rapidly
changing environment.
■ The Group has reviewed
and published policies in
this regard and
significant resources
have been allocated to
continuously improve,
review, and monitor
compliance throughout
the various operations
within the Group. This is
overseen by the HSSE
Committee on behalf of
the Board.
■ Further to this, the Group
engages independent
third parties to advise
and provide assurance
on current operational
compliance with HSSE
policies.
■ The Group actively
participates and invests
in corporate social
initiatives and the
involvement of members
of the project-affected
communities (PACs) who
sit on the respective
corporate social
investment (CSI)
committees is critical to
the success thereof.
■ Changes to the political
environment and
regulatory developments
are closely monitored.
Where necessary, the
Group engages in
dialogue with relevant
government
representatives in order
to build relationships
and to remain well
informed of all legal and
regulatory developments
impacting its operations.
■ Sustainability
■ The Group continues to strive towards its goal
of zero harm to its people and environment
by operating within its sustainable
development framework.
■ The Group recorded a fatality and LTI-free year.
■ Letšeng and Ghaghoo maintained their
five-star and four-star ratings respectively for
their external HSSE audits. In addition,
precautionary measures at Ghaghoo ensured
that no injuries occurred during the premature
caving event.
■ Letšeng received ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
certification during the year.
■ Corporate social investment into the Group’s
PACs continued throughout the year.
■ Growth;
■ Sustainability
■ The Group continually monitors political risk
procedures to mitigate the impact of any
unrest. There were no strikes or lockouts
during the year across the Group.
■ Numerous initiatives in promoting
relationships were undertaken during the year
and in November 2015 the Group, jointly with
the Lesotho Government, attended the
Commonwealth Conference in Malta to
promote investment in Lesotho.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 20
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Principal risks and uncertainties continued
Description and impact
Mitigation
2015 actions and outcomes
KPIs affected
Operational risks (continued)
Retention of key
personnel and skills
shortages
■ The success of the
Group’s objectives
and sustainable
growth depends on
its ability to attract
and retain key
suitably qualified and
experienced
personnel, especially
in an environment
and industry where
skills shortages are
prevalent and in
jurisdictions where
localisation policies
exist.
Currency
■ The Group receives its
revenue in US dollars,
while its cost base is
incurred in local
currencies of the
various countries
within which it
operates. The volatility
of these currencies
trading against the
US dollar impacts the
Group’s profitability.
■ The Group regularly
■ Intensified efforts contribute to the
development of identified key employees
through structured training and development
programmes.
■ Extensive engagements with respective
government departments are ongoing as
part of the effort to develop plans for local
employee upskilling.
■ Growth;
■ Value
creation;
■ Sustainability
reviews human resources
practices, which are
designed to identify areas
of skill shortages, and
actions such development
programmes to mitigate
such risks. In addition,
these programmes are
designed to attract,
incentivise and retain
individuals of the
appropriate calibre
through performance-
based bonus schemes
and long-term reward and
retention schemes.
Financial risks
■ The impact of the
■ Local currencies in the jurisdictions in which
exchange rates and
fluctuations are closely
monitored. It is the
Group’s policy to hedge a
portion of future
diamond sales when
weakness in local
currencies indicates it to
be appropriate. Such
contracts are generally
short term in nature.
the Group operates have weakened
significantly against the US dollar during
the year. This has positively impacted the
Group’s results.
■ A number of foreign exchange hedging
contracts were entered into during the year to
take advantage of the weakened currencies
where appropriate.
■ Growth;
■ Value
creation
21
at 31 December 2015 and available
standby facilities of US$51.1 million, the
Group would be able to withstand the
impact of these scenarios occurring
over the three-year period by making
adjustments to its operating plans within
the normal course of business.
Based on their robust assessment of the
principal risks, prospects and viability of
the Group, the Board confirms that they
have reasonable expectation that the
Group will be able to continue operation
and meet its liabilities as they fall due
over the three-year period ending
March 2019.
Viability statement
In accordance with the revised
UK Corporate Governance Code, the
Board has assessed the viability of the
Group far beyond the 12 months from
the approval of the financial statements.
The Board concluded that the most
relevant time period for this assessment
is a three-year period from the approval
of the financial statements, taking into
account the Group’s current position and
the potential impact of the principal risks
that could impact the viability of the
Group as outlined on pages 16 and 20.
This period also coincides with the
Group’s business and strategic planning
period, which is an annual review of the
three-year plan, led by the CEO and
involving all relevant functions including
operations, sales and marketing, financial,
treasury and risk. The Board actively
participates in the annual review process
by means of structured board meetings
and annual strategy sessions. A three-
year period gives management and the
Board sufficient and realistic visibility in
the context of the industry environment
of the Group.
at the Ghaghoo mine remains a key
objective, albeit at a slower rate in the
current challenging diamond market
conditions, in order to reduce cash
outflow.
For the purpose of assessing the Group’s
viability, the Board focused their attention
on the more critical principal risks.
Although the business and strategic plan
reflects the Board’s best estimate of the
future prospects of the Group, they have
also tested the potential impact on the
Group of a number of scenarios over and
above those included in the plan, by
quantifying their financial impact and
overlaying this on the detailed financial
forecasts in the plan.
The scenarios tested considered the
Group’s revenue, underlying EBITDA, cash
flows and other key financial ratios over
the three-year period and included:
■ a significant decrease in forecast rough
diamond prices; and
■ a significant appreciation of local
currencies to the US dollar.
The Group’s focus is on organic growth,
with particular emphasis on enhancing
efficiencies and optimising expansion
plans at its flagship Letšeng operation.
Similarly, the ramping up of production
The results of this stress testing showed
that, due to the stability and cash-
generating nature of the Group’s core
asset, Letšeng, along with the strong
net cash position of US$55.3 million as
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
22
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Market review 2015
Despite a challenging year for the diamond industry as a whole, prices for the
large, high-value rough production from Letšeng remained resilient during 2015,
achieving an average of US$2 299* per carat for the year.
The global economic backdrop in 2015
■ Continuing macro-economic uncertainty
■ Slow-down in the growth of the Chinese economy
■ Strengthening of the US dollar
■ Grim market conditions for all commodities
The global diamond market in 2015
2015 was characterised by continuing global macro-economic
volatility and uncertainty and the sentiment in the diamond
market as a whole remained cautious. These conditions,
together with continued liquidity constraints and high levels of
stock (particularly in the manufacturing sector), plagued the
diamond market throughout the year, placing downward
pressure on both rough and polished diamond prices. Although
these challenging market conditions continued impacting the
price achieved for the Ghaghoo production, the prices achieved
for the large high-value rough production from Letšeng
remained comparatively firm.
The significant drivers of the diamond market during
2015 included:
■ The continued US recovery
The economic recovery in the US continued in 2015 resulting in
a reported increase in personal disposable income. This positive
trend is closely linked to spending on luxury goods, and had a
positive impact on diamond sales in the US during the year.
On the flip side the strengthening of the US economy resulted in
a stronger US dollar which, due to diamond sales being US dollar
denominated, had a negative impact on sales in countries
whose currency was negatively impacted by the strengthening
US dollar.
■ Weakened demand from China
Retail demand for polished diamonds from China weakened as
its economic growth slowed during the year.
■ Funding constraints
The closure of the Antwerp Diamond Bank at the end of 2014
and tightening of lending criteria, particularly in India, resulted
in continued liquidity constraints being experienced by
diamantaires during 2015.
■ High levels of polished inventory
The decrease in demand for polished diamonds seen mainly
as a result of the slowdown in the Chinese economy resulted in
high levels of polished inventory in the manufacturing sector
of the diamond pipeline towards the end of 2015.
China real GDP annual growth rate (US$)
8%
7.4%
6.8%
6.7%
6.5%
6.2%
6
4
2
0
Forecast
adjustment
~4–5%
~4–5%
~4–5%
Latest
consensus
survey
2014
2015
2016F
2017F
2018F
Sources: EIU; Bain analysis
Gem Diamonds’ market position
■ The large, exceptional diamonds produced from the Letšeng
mine makes it the highest average dollar per carat kimberlite
diamond producer in the world.
■ Letšeng places the Group at the top end of the diamond
market in terms of value and price with its greater than
10.8 carat production accounting for approximately 80%
of its value.
■ The Ghaghoo mine in Botswana produces diamonds of a
more commercial quality and colour, diversifying the product
the Group offers to its customers.
Letšeng average price achieved:
uS$2 299* per carat
Ghaghoo average price achieved:
uS$162 per carat
Estimated global average
uS$103 per carat
* Includes carats extracted for polishing at rough valuation.
23
Medium to long-term outlook
Demand is expected to outstrip supply in the medium to long
term despite current market conditions. The medium to
long-term outlook for the diamond demand/supply
fundamentals are expected to remain favourable given rising
consumer demand in developed and developing markets
contrasted with a forecasted medium to long-term constrained
supply.
Global demand trends
Diamond demand is expected to continue to grow in real
value terms due to:
■ The continued recovery in the US, the major diamond
market.
■ The growing international trend to use diamonds across a
wide range of luxury goods, from jewellery, watches and
accessories to pens and digital devices.
■ The growing middle, upper class and continued
urbanisation in emerging markets – especially in India
and China.
■ The continued growth in the number of high-net-worth
individuals worldwide.
Middle class in China and India, millions of households
Global supply trends
Global diamond supply, in terms of volumes, is expected
to increase marginally in the next four to five years and
thereafter steadily decrease:
■ Rough diamond production has declined considerably
since peaking in 2005 and is yet to recover to the pre-
global financial crisis levels of approximately 168 million
carats per annum.
■ Annual global diamond production is currently in the
region of 127 million carats and with the introduction of
new mines is expected to peak near 150 million carats in
the next four to five years. Thereafter a steady decrease in
supply from 2021 reduces annual production to around
100 million carats by 20301.
■ The ageing and depletion of existing mines and the limited
additional supply from new mines.
■ The projected supply from new mines is expected to add
an additional 20 million carats a year until 2021 and
thereafter output from these mines is expected to
decrease to around five million carats by 20301. The
additional supply from these new mines is not expected to
compensate for the expected growth in demand during
the same period.
Forecast
290
356
CAGR
(2015–2030)
Rough diamond supply (millions of carats)
2008 – 2030, base scenario
(2015 – 2030)
2.5 – -1.5%
Forecast
CAGR
(2015 – 2019)
4.5 – 5.5%
(2019 – 2030)
-4.5 – -3.5%
New mines
Other mines
Smaller players
Rio Tinto
De Beers
ALROSA
2009
2011
2013
2015E 2017F 2019F 2021F 2023F 2025F 2027F
2029F 2030F
Note: Smaller players are Dominion Diamond, BHP Billiton for 2008 – 2012,
Petra Diamonds, Gem Diamonds and Catoca.
Sources: Company data; Kimberley Process; expert interviews; Bain analysis
1 Bain and Company: The Global Diamond Industry 2015.
180
150
120
90
60
30
0
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
10 9
2000
3%
5%
As % of total
households,
China
As % of total
households,
India
220
82
153
51
81
33
156
119
~6%
~8%
2010
2015E
2020F
2025F
2030F
China
India
19%
34%
45%
57%
67%
14%
19%
28%
38%
47%
Note: The middle class in India includes households with an annual disposable real income of
more than $10 000; the middle class in China (including Hong Kong) includes households with
an annual disposable real income exceeding $15 000.
Sources: Euromonitor; Bain analysis
Looking ahead
In the short term, the downward pressure on both rough and
polished prices in the diamond market remains a challenge,
particularly for the more commercial Ghaghoo operation. The
prices achieved for Letšeng’s large high-value production has
and is expected to remain resilient during a continued uncertain
and difficult short-term period facing the global diamond
market.
In the medium to long term, the Group expects robust diamond
prices for its diamonds from both Letšeng and Ghaghoo, with
favourable medium to long-term outlook.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
24
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
25
Strategic report: Management review
26 Chief executive’s report
30 Group financial performance
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 26
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Chief executive’s report
Positive results in a
tough market
Disciplined cost control
Continued focus on maximising revenue
Successful project delivery within budget
In a year characterised by adverse global
market conditions, Gem Diamonds’
strategy has allowed the Group to
successfully navigate this challenging
environment and to continue to
generate cash from its core asset,
Letšeng, resulting in sustainable returns
for our shareholders. The Group’s strong
financial position, as reflected in this
report, is the result of disciplined
execution of its strategy which has been
due to the excellent work by the whole
Gem Diamonds team.
While the global commodity market saw
a sharp downturn during 2015, the
revenue generated from the sale of
Letšeng diamonds remained robust at
an average of US$2 299* per carat. This is
a remarkable achievement, and clear
evidence of the resilience of Letšeng’s
unique, high-quality diamonds and the
success of our technical progress in
reducing diamond damage. In current
market conditions, a key focus for our
team has been on maximising
production whilst controlling costs and
we are proud to report Group underlying
EBITDA of US$104 million and EPS (before
exceptional items) of 30.2 US cents.
Prudent balance sheet
management
During the year, the Group upheld its
fiscal discipline and maintained its
healthy balance sheet. This was achieved
by adhering to a number of strategic
imperatives, including:
■ continuing investment in low capital
projects at Letšeng that deliver quick
paybacks with high returns;
■ achieving operational excellence and
driving costs down; and
■ maintaining low debt levels whilst
preserving the Group’s cash position.
Clifford Elphick
* Includes carats extracted for polishing at
rough valuation.
27
After paying a US$6.9 million (5 US cents
per share) maiden dividend during the
year, the Group ended 2015 with a net
cash position of US$55.3 million.
Maximising value through
innovation and
operational excellence at
Letšeng
Gem Diamonds’ focus at Letšeng is on
operational excellence and optimising
the value of the mine through:
■ the introduction of innovative
technology to reduce diamond
damage and improved recoveries
through incremental investment in
low capital projects; and
■ improving the production profile
through optimal life of mine planning.
In 2015, the Company continued to reap
the benefit of investments made in
previous years in this regard. The
introduction of optimised secondary
crushers at Letšeng during 2013 was an
important milestone toward reducing
diamond damage. In addition, a change
in mine blasting practices and patterns
has resulted in improved fragmentation
of the ore delivered to the treatment
plants, which further contributed to a
reduced damage trend in our valuable
Type II diamonds.
During the year, two additional low
capital investment projects were
completed. The Plant 2 upgrade was
completed at a total capital cost of
US$3.5 million and, following
commissioning, has increased Letšeng’s
production capacity by 250 000 tonnes
per annum and has also contributed to
reduced diamond damage. Furthermore,
the new Coarse Recovery Plant has
enhanced security, and through the use
of X-ray transmissive sorting technology,
has improved recovery of the high-value
Type II diamonds. This plant was
completed at a capital cost of
US$11.0 million.
Before these interventions, an average of
six diamonds greater than 100 carats
were recovered per year, whereas in 2015,
the Group recovered 11 diamonds
greater than 100 carats, the largest of
which was the 357 carat ‘Letšeng
Dynasty’. This exceptional diamond was
sold for US$19.3 million, achieving the
highest price for a single diamond from
our Letšeng mine – a truly noteworthy
achievement in a depressed market.
In early 2015, a revised optimal life of
mine plan for Letšeng was implemented
which significantly increases the net
present value of the mine by increasing
annual are tonnages from the higher-
value Satellite pipe and reducing and
smoothing the waste mining profile over
the next 20 years.
The Letšeng team deserves credit for the
successful implementation of these
initiatives and for their continued
commitment to achieving operational
excellence.
Developing the
Ghaghoo mine
I am pleased to report that the key
objectives set out by the Group for the
Phase 1 development at Ghaghoo mine
have been achieved. It is also pleasing
to note that the average grade recovered
during the year of 28.0 carats per
hundred tonnes (cpht) marginally
exceeded the reserve grade of 27.8 cpht.
We continued to experience difficult
underground conditions at Ghaghoo.
At the end of November 2015, caving at
the end of tunnels 2 and 3 propagated
through to surface. Although this was
anticipated to occur as the volume of ore
extracted underground increased, it
occurred some six months earlier than
expected. Due to the safety procedures
in place, no injuries were sustained nor
was there any damage to equipment.
Actions required to create a buffer zone
to limit sand dilution have been put in
place and underground mining has
resumed. This will result in the deferment
of extraction of approximately
300 000 tonnes of ore.
As part of the treatment plant
optimisation, a 100 tonne per hour surge
bin, positioned ahead of the Autogenous
Mill to enhance the mill’s performance,
was commissioned on 21 January 2016.
Following the commissioning of the
surge bin, the Phase 1 planned treatment
feed rate of 2 000 tonnes per day was
achieved, confirming the plant’s ability
to run at its nameplate capacity of
60 000 tonnes per month.
Another notable achievement this year
was establishing a sustainable solution
for the water fissure on Level 1 and the
intersection on the ramp to Level 2.
The fall in prices for the Ghaghoo
production during the year has
impacted the planned pace of the ramp
up at Ghaghoo. A sale of 49 120 carats in
December achieved US$7.4 million at an
average price of US$150 per carat, down
from US$210 and US$165 per carat in the
previous two sales held in February and
July respectively. Based on these prices
and the current depressed state of the
rough diamond market for Ghaghoo’s
production, various options were
reviewed and in the short term it was
considered prudent to downsize the
operation to minimise the cash to be
consumed by this asset. Consequently,
a modified target of approximately
300 000 tonnes of ore to be treated has
been set for 2016. With over 20 million
carats in the resource worth over
US$4 billion, Ghaghoo, located in a
world renowned diamond producing
country and 100% owned by the Group,
remains an important asset.
Opportunities are being assessed to
expand the operation to achieve healthy
margins and a strong return on capital as
and when diamond prices improve.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 28
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Chief executive’s report continued
Investing in value
accretive marketing and
downstream initiatives
Gem Diamonds remains committed to
unlocking the full value from our assets
by maximising the revenue achieved
from rough and polished diamond sales.
Gem Diamonds’ sales and marketing
team has been instrumental in
developing the Letšeng Diamond brand
and increasing and improving the
Group’s customer base. In a challenging
diamond market, the sales and marketing
team in Antwerp has demonstrated their
expertise in achieving top prices for
Letšeng’s diamonds. Over the past few
years, the number of registered
customers for the Letšeng tenders
has more than doubled and we
continue to welcome renowned
diamantaires in Antwerp.
The Group continued to invest in its
downstream activities by selecting
certain high-value rough diamonds for
cutting and polishing, through its own
facilities in Antwerp or partnering with
select clients. During the year the Group
achieved an average of 25% additional
value over the initial rough price for the
selected diamonds put through this
process, supporting the objectives of
this process.
Protecting our workforce
Gem Diamonds regards its employees as
a key asset and sets the health and safety
of its workforce as its highest priority.
It therefore gives me great pleasure to
report zero lost time injuries during the
2015 calendar year. This achievement is
indicative of the success of various
operational initiatives and focused
managerial effort in the creation of a
culture of responsible care. I would like
to congratulate our entire workforce
across all our operations for the
remarkable milestone as such an
achievement is simply not possible
without the concerted effort of each
and every employee.
Minimising environmental
impacts
The Group has continued its excellent
track record in relation to the sustainable
care of the environment and we can
report, for the seventh consecutive year,
that no major environmental incidents
have occurred across the Group.
Our environmental teams, with
the assistance of industry specialists
and academics, continue to monitor
the Group’s ongoing environmental
compliance and pursue best
practice guidelines.
Collaborating with our
project-affected
communities
Close collaboration with our project-
affected communities continued
throughout 2015 with a total investment
by the Group of US$0.6 million being
made into community and social
programmes.
In Lesotho, positive feedback has
been received from community
representatives as well as from a number
of Lesotho government ministers and
officials about our efforts in this area.
The social and community programme
in Lesotho was also showcased at the
Commonwealth Conference in Malta
in November 2015 to the acclaim and
appreciation of the prime minister and
the Lesotho delegation. The main areas
for community and social investment
in 2015 were a tertiary education
scholarship, youth development
programmes, a village health worker
training programme and a subsistence
farming project.
In Botswana, the Ghaghoo Community
Trust, a key initiative, received funding
from the Group during the year. The Trust,
which includes two voting community
representatives, met regularly throughout
the year and commissioned several
community-based initiatives. The
provision of maintenance of the
boreholes supplied to project-affected
communities around the Ghaghoo mine
continued. In addition, the Ghaghoo
mine has adopted schools in the vicinity
of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve,
and the mine’s relationship with these
local schools has been strengthened
through sponsorship of both academic
and sport-related projects. The
construction of facilities at the schools
and the introduction of educational mine
visits for scholars has proven to be
particularly effective.
Industry advocacy
We remain committed to supporting the
diamond industry. Gem Diamonds was
one of the founding members of the
Diamond Producers Association (DPA),
established during 2015. The objective of
the DPA is to promote the interests of
diamond producers and support the
29
development of the sector. This includes
maintaining and enhancing consumer
demand for and confidence in diamonds,
as well as sharing best practices in health
and safety and environmental
management with our diamond peers.
I remain confident that the strategic
direction of Gem Diamonds will continue
to keep the Company in a financially
strong position and generate cash to
fund dividends and achieve strong
returns for our shareholders.
Outlook
The emphasis for 2016 and beyond
remains on positioning the Group to
leverage its strengths and invest
responsibly in future value creation for
our shareholders. We are focused on
making the Ghaghoo mine a significant
contributor to the Group’s financial
success, as well as concentrating on the
continued development and further
financial strength of the Letšeng
operation.
It is also an appropriate time to
acknowledge once again the excellent
work of Gem Diamonds’ employees, the
careful guidance of the Board and the
unwavering support received from our
shareholders.
clifford Elphick
Chief Executive Officer
14 March 2016
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 30
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Group financial performance
Maximising production
whilst controlling costs
Underlying EBITDA of US$104 million
Basic EPS of 37.6 US cents
Cash on hand of US$86 million
Ordinary and special dividends proposed
Michael Michael
In a commodities market categorised by
challenging conditions, Gem Diamonds
has remained focused on its fundamental
goal of extracting the maximum value
from its resources for long-term
shareholder value creation.
In response to the operating
environment during the year, the Group
has focused on disciplined balance sheet
management and careful cost
containment resulting in a strong net
cash position of US$55.3 million with
US$16.1 million available facilities at
31 December 2015, increasing to
US$51.1 million in January 2016 following
the refinancing of one of the Group’s
existing revolving credit facilities.
Revenue
The Group is committed to maximising
the value achieved on rough and
polished diamond sales. The Group’s
revenue is primarily derived from its two
business activities, namely its mining
operations in Lesotho (Letšeng) and
Botswana (Ghaghoo), and its rough
diamond manufacturing operation
in Antwerp. Group revenue of
US$249.5 million in 2015 is 8% lower than
that achieved in 2014 notwithstanding a
9% decrease in Letšeng’s average US$ per
carat achieved and 6% lower volume
of rough carat sales. Revenue of
US$3.8 million was generated through
additional polished margin by the
manufacturing operation. In addition, the
Group’s revenue was positively impacted
by the movement in own manufactured
inventory, increasing Group revenue by
US$8.8 million.
Letšeng continued its solid operational
performance in line with its optimised life
of mine plan and despite 2015 being a
challenging year for the general diamond
industry, an average of US$2 2991 per
carat was achieved, evidence of the
resilience of its large, high-value
diamonds against the downward market
pressures and success of the technical
changes made in reducing diamond
damage.
Ghaghoo sold its first parcel of diamonds
in February 2015 for US$2.1 million,
achieving US$210 per carat. Two more
parcels were sold in July and December
31
for US$4.9 million and US$7.4 million, achieving US$165 and
US$150 per carat respectively, reaching total sales of US$14.4 million
for the full year. These sales are not reported in the Group revenue,
but have been set off against operating and development costs
capitalised to the carrying value of the asset, as the mine did not
reach full commercial production for accounting purposes by the
end of the year.
Royalties consist of an 8% levy paid to the Lesotho Revenue
Authority on the sale of diamonds in Lesotho and 10% paid to
the Department of Mines in Botswana. Diamond selling and
marketing-related expenses are incurred by the Group sales and
marketing operation in Belgium. During the year, royalties and
selling costs decreased by 11% to US$21.9 million, driven mainly
by lower sales.
Operations
While revenue is generated in US dollars, the majority of
operational expenses are incurred in the relevant local currency.
The Lesotho loti (LSL) (pegged to the South African rand),
Botswana pula (BWP) and British pound (GBP) were all weaker
against the US dollar during the year, which positively impacted
the Group’s US dollar reported costs.
Exchange rates
LSL per US$1.00
Average exchange rate for
the year
Year-end exchange rate
BWP per US$1.00
Average exchange rate for
the year
Year-end exchange rate
US$ per GBP1.00
Average exchange rate for
the year
Year-end exchange rate
2015
2014 % change
12.78
15.50
10.85
11.57
10.14
11.25
1.53
1.47
8.98
9.51
1.65
1.56
18
34
13
18
(7)
(6)
Letšeng mining operation
During the year, ore tonnes treated at Letšeng were 4%
higher than in 2014, at 6.7 million tonnes. The volume of the
higher-value, higher-grade Satellite pipe ore mined was
maintained at similar levels to that of 2014, of 1.9 million tonnes,
resulting in the Satellite to Main pipe mining ratio of 29:71 for
the year (2014: 31:69). Carats recovered during the year of
108 579 remained at similar levels to that of the prior year
(2014: 108 569). An increase in diamond inventory levels at the
end of the year, due to the timing of production cut-off for
tender purposes, influenced the lower number of carats sold
of 102 778 during the year.
Operational excellence through proactive cost management
and enhanced production efficiencies remained a key focus for
the year. Cost of sales for the year was US$110.6 million, down
13% from US$126.9 million in 2014, and includes waste stripping
costs amortised of US$47.2 million (2014: US$49.3 million).
2014*
270.8
(24.7)
(127.8)
(12.4)
106.0
(14.8)
0.1
(1.7)
5.6
0.2
2015
249.5
(21.9)
(112.4)
(11.7)
103.5
(10.4)
0.5
(1.7)
7.0
0.1
Financial highlights
US$ million
Revenue
Royalty and selling costs
Cost of sales
Corporate expenses
Underlying EBITDA
Depreciation and amortisation
Other income
Share-based payments
Foreign exchange gain
Net finance income
Profit before tax from
continuing operations
Income tax
Profit after tax from
continuing operations
Profit/(loss) from exceptional items
Profit after tax after
exceptional items
Non-controlling interests
Attributable profit
Basic EPS (US cents)
* Prior period figures have been restated for the reclassification impact of
77.6
(25.6)
52.0
37.6
99.0
(31.6)
67.4
10.2
57.9
(24.7)
33.2
24.0
95.4
(35.0)
60.4
(2.5)
accounting for the discontinued operation
2015
2014
n/a
n/a
162
89 107
2 540
108 963
2 299
102 778
Letšeng revenue1
Average price per carat (US$)
Carats sold
Ghaghoo revenue2
Average price per carat (US$)
Carats sold
Group revenue summary
(US$ million)
Sales – rough
Sales – polished margin
Sales – other
Impact of movement in own
manufactured inventory
8.8
249.5
Group revenue
1 Includes carats extracted for polishing at rough valuation.
2 Ghaghoo concluded its first sale in 2015 and therefore no figures are tabled
for 2014. As Ghaghoo did not commence with commercial production for
accounting purposes, the sales generated for the year were not included in
the Group revenue.
236.3
3.8
0.6
276.8
5.8
0.3
(12.1)
270.8
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 32
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Group financial performance continued
2.22
2014
2015
2.20
12.70
19.64
11.40
16.50
Letšeng costs
US$ (per unit)
Direct cash cost (before waste)
per tonne treated1
Operating cost per tonne treated2
Waste cash cost per waste
tonne mined
Local currency (per unit) LSL
Direct cash cost (before waste) per
tonne treated1
Operating cost per tonne treated2
Waste cash cost per waste tonne
mined
Other operating information
(US$ million)
51.5
Waste cost capitalised
Waste stripping costs amortised
49.3
1 Direct cash costs represent all operating cash costs, excluding royalty and
selling costs.
2 Operating costs include waste stripping cost amortised, inventory and ore
stockpile adjustments, and excludes depreciation.
145.64
210.84
137.75
213.08
28.08
61.4
47.2
24.07
Total direct cash costs (before waste) at Letšeng, in local
currency, were LSL972.8 million compared to LSL884.6 million
in 2014. This resulted in a unit cost per tonne treated of
LSL145.64 relative to the prior year of LSL137.75, representing an
effective increase of 6%. These costs include those associated
with Alluvial Ventures (the contractor operating a third plant at
Letšeng) which are based on a percentage of revenue. During
2015, the Alluvial Ventures costs increased following the higher
revenue achieved from their production compared to the prior
year. Cash costs excluding the impact of the Alluvial Ventures
costs were LSL123.91 compared to LSL123.41 in 2014, remaining
flat year on year. This is all the more noteworthy taking into
account general inflation increases of approximately 5%; above
inflationary power increases; additional costs relating to back-up
power facilities; and the negative impact of the strong US dollar
on foreign currency denominated purchases.
Operating costs per tonne treated of LSL210.84 were largely in
line with the prior year’s cost of LSL213.08 per tonne, reflecting
the similar mining profile within the Satellite and Main pipes
which has occurred over the last two years. The amortisation
charge attributable to the Satellite pipe ore accounted for 65%
of the total waste stripping amortisation charge in 2015
(2014: 64%).
Ghaghoo mining operation
Underground mining conditions at Ghaghoo continued to be
difficult and hindered the rate and progress of the ramp-up
during the year. The operation therefore did not reach
commercial production for accounting purposes and as a result
all costs, net of sales, have been capitalised to the carrying value
of the asset on the balance sheet. During the year, Ghaghoo
incurred development costs of US$9.0 million in order to access
both current and future ore producing tunnels and further
incurred US$30.2 million in operating costs, which include costs
associated with the sealing of the fissure encountered on Level 1
and the planned intersection on Level 2. These costs, net of sales,
increased the carrying value of the asset by US$24.8 million
during the year.
In line with the Group’s continued approach of cost optimisation
and cash preservation, it was considered prudent to restructure
Ghaghoo in the short term in order to meet these objectives
through downsizing the operation.
Diamond manufacturing operation
The Group continued generating additional margin on selected
high-value diamonds through its manufacturing facilities and
partnership arrangements. The diamond manufacturing
operation in Antwerp contributed US$3.8 million to Group
revenue (through additional polished margin generated) and
US$2.9 million to underlying EBITDA. During the year, 336 carats
valued at a rough market value of US$4.6 million were extracted
from the Letšeng exports for manufacturing. In total, polished
diamonds with an initial rough value of US$13.4 million were
sold during the year and US$6.2 million remained in inventory at
the end of the current year, compared to US$15.0 million at the
end of the prior year.
Corporate office
The cost-effective streamlining of corporate structures whilst
maintaining high levels of governance and assurance, continued
in 2015, reducing costs from US$12.4 million in 2014 to
US$11.7 million in 2015. Corporate expenses relate to central
costs incurred by the Group through its technical and
administrative offices in South Africa and the United Kingdom
and are incurred in South African rand and British pounds.
Notwithstanding local inflation costs, the overall US dollar
reported costs have been positively impacted by the weaker
local currencies. Corporate costs remain tightly controlled and
have reduced by 24% since 2011.
Corporate expenses (US$ million)
In line with the revised Letšeng life of mine plan, increased
volumes of waste of 24.0 million tonnes were mined during the
year, 21% more than 19.8 million tonnes mined in the prior year.
Local currency waste cash costs per waste tonne mined
increased by 17%. This increase was primarily driven by longer
haul distances as the waste was mined at deeper levels
within the waste cuts. The increase was further compounded by
the impact of the strong US dollar on the mining contractor cost
due to the additional earthmoving equipment required for the
increased volume.
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
15.3
14.2
13.8
12.4
11.7
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
33
The share-based payment charge for the year was
US$1.7 million. During the year, a new award was granted in
terms of the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), whereby 667 500
nil cost options were granted to certain key employees and
740 000 nil cost options were granted to Executive Directors.
The vesting of the options to key employees is subject to the
satisfaction of certain performance as well as service conditions
classified as non-market conditions. The vesting of the options to
Executive Directors is subject to the satisfaction of certain market
and non-market performance conditions over a three-year
period. The share-based payment charge associated with this
new award was US$0.6 million for the year.
Exceptional items
On 30 June 2015 the Group sold its manufacturing operation in
Mauritius as part of streamlining its manufacturing structure.
The trading results of the operation are classified as part
of discontinued operations and gave rise to a profit on disposal
of US$0.7 million.
In December 2015, the Company settled an interest-bearing
tax liability for an amount less than that previously provided,
resulting in the reversal of accrued expenses of US$8.1 million.
This reversal, together with an associated foreign exchange gain
of US$1.5 million was recognised as an exceptional item due to
its non-recurring nature.
Underlying EBITDA and attributable
profit
Based on the operating results, the Group generated an
underlying EBITDA of US$103.5 million. The profit attributable
to shareholders before exceptional items was US$41.8 million
(up 17% from US$35.7 million in 2014) equating to 30.2 US cents
per share (up 17% from 25.8 US cents in 2014) on a weighted
average number of shares in issue of 138 million. Attributable
profit after exceptional items was US$52.0 million or
37.6 US cents per share for the year.
The Group’s effective tax rate was 29.1%, above the UK statutory
tax rate of 20.25%. This tax rate is driven by tax of 25% on profits
generated by Letšeng, withholding tax of 10% on dividends
from Letšeng and deferred tax assets not recognised on losses
incurred in non-trading operations.
Financial position and funding overview
The Group maintained its solid cash position during the year
through its strong operational performance at Letšeng and
prudent cash management and ended the year with
US$85.7 million cash on hand, of which US$71.7 million was
attributable to Gem Diamonds and US$2.6 million was restricted
(2014: US$0.2 million). This restricted cash mainly relates to funds
reserved for a portion of the future repayment of the
US$25.0 million secured bank loan facility at Ghaghoo.
The Group generated cash flow from operating activities of
US$119.1 million before the investment in waste mining of
US$61.4 million and capital expenditure of US$18.7 million at
Letšeng and Ghaghoo. The capital expenditure mainly
comprised the investment in the Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade of
and the new Coarse Recovery Plant at Letšeng of US$2.7 million
and US$5.3 respectively; and US$6.8 million at Ghaghoo for
earthmoving equipment as part of its initial ramp-up
programme.
During the year, Letšeng declared dividends of US$39.2 million
of which US$24.7 million flowed to Gem Diamonds and
US$14.5 million was paid outside of the Group for withholding
taxes of US$2.7 million and payment to the Government of
Lesotho of US$11.8 million for its minority portion.
The Group is well funded and ended the year in a net cash
position of US$55.3 million. Furthermore, standby undrawn
facilities remain available. The LSL140.0 million (US$9.0 million)
facility at Letšeng will be fully repaid by June 2017 and has an
outstanding balance of US$5.4 million at year end. The
US$25.0 million facility for the completion of the Ghaghoo Phase
1 development was extended into a six-year, secured facility,
with repayments due to commence during 2016.
The US$20.0 million three-year unsecured facility at the
Company was successfully refinanced on 29 January 2016 for a
further three years at an increased value of US$35.0 million.
Dividend
Prudent investment and disciplined capital and cash
management have placed the Group in a well-funded position.
Based on this position and the results achieved, notwithstanding
a challenging environment, the Board is pleased to maintain its
dividend policy and recommends the payment of its second
ordinary dividend of 5 US cents per share. This dividend is
subject to shareholder approval at the scheduled AGM to be
held on 7 June 2016. The total dividend would be US$6.9 million,
equating to 18% of the Group’s 2015 net sustainable earnings.
Following the cash saving arising from the settlement of the tax
assessment referred to in the exceptional items, a special
dividend of 3.5 US cents amounting to US$4.8 million will also
be proposed at the AGM.
Outlook
Focus in 2016 will be on the restructuring of Ghaghoo with cost
optimisation and reduction in cash consumption a priority.
Expansion opportunities with respect to increasing production
once market conditions improve sufficiently will be reviewed.
At Letšeng, the full benefit of the Coarse Recovery Plant and the
Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade should further enhance the potential at
Letšeng which will in turn add to the delivery of returns to
shareholder over the short, medium and long term.
Michael Michael
Chief Financial Officer
14 March 2016
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 34
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
35
Strategic report: Operating review
36 Letšeng
40 Ghaghoo
42 Mineral resource management
46 Sales, marketing and manufacturing
49 Sustainable development review
55 Sign off of our strategic report
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 36
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Letšeng
Letšeng had another strong year, exceeding all prior year production
levels once again.
Letšeng Diamond Mine, Lesotho. Load and haul in the Satellite pit.
Highlights
■ The Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade and Coarse Recovery Plant projects successfully completed
■ Waste tonnes mined increased by 21% in line with the optimised mine plan
■ 11 diamonds larger than 100 carats recovered, setting a new record for the mine
■ Largest diamonds recovered were a 357 carat and a 314 carat diamond
■ 36 rough diamonds achieved a value greater than US$1.0 million each
■ LTI and fatality-free year
■ ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification
37
Operational performance
Letšeng had another strong year,
exceeding all prior year production
levels once again. 108 579 carats were
recovered compared to 108 569
recovered in 2014. Ore treated was
6.7 million tonnes compared to
6.4 million tonnes in 2014. The increase in
treated tonnes, particularly in the second
half of the year, reflects the benefits of
the Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade project
implemented at the beginning of the
year. Of the total ore treated, 71% was
sourced from the Main pipe and 29%
from the Satellite pipe. Waste tonnes
mined increased by 21% in line with the
optimised LoM plan, which allows for
increased levels of higher-grade ore
from the higher-value Satellite pipe to
be mined.
Optimised mine plan
A new optimised life-of-mine plan was
published in May 2015, and can be
accessed on the Gem Diamonds’
The plan makes provision for
website.
increased levels of higher-grade ore from
the higher-value Satellite pipe to be
mined annually. In accordance with this
plan, Satellite ore production will ramp
up to 2.0 million tonnes per annum in
2020 and remain at that level to the end
of the LoM which extends to 2038.
A key feature of the optimised LoM plan
is the use of steeper pit slope angles.
Significant improvements to side wall
control and blasting of the pit slopes has
allowed the mine to safely increase the
pit slope angles. This will result in lower
stripping ratios, thereby significantly
reducing the total cost of mining over
the LoM and increasing open pit ore
tonnage.
During the second half of 2015, a third
300 tonne excavator and five additional
100 tonne dump trucks were acquired,
equipping the mine to achieve the
waste stripping target in the optimised
LoM plan.
Furthermore, the optimised plan made
provision for the increased treatment
capacity of 250 000 tonnes per annum
following the recent Plant 2 Phase 1
upgrade.
Letšeng operational performance
Ore tonnes treated
Waste tonnes mined
Carats recovered
Year
ended
31 December
2015
Year
ended
31 December
2014
6 679 581
24 010 847
108 579
6 421 704
19 884 725
108 569
% change
4.0
20.8
–
The expansion of the open pits has
necessitated the relocation and
construction of an expanded mining
support services complex. The first phase
of this project has been approved and
will establish the infrastructure where
daily service maintenance on the
100 tonne haul trucks can be carried out.
The first phase service station will be
completed by the end of the second
quarter of 2016 at a cost of less than
US$1.0 million.
will be introduced during the second
quarter of 2016.
Skills
Skills attraction and retention remains
a principal risk and focus at Letšeng.
Localisation demands, challenges in
obtaining work permits for skilled
expatriates and increasing demand for
skilled personnel from other companies
in Lesotho have exacerbated the risk.
Initial high-level studies suggest there is
a case for an underground mine in both
the Satellite and Main pipes. Further
studies will be undertaken to determine
the optimal timing of when underground
construction needs to commence.
Extensive engagement with Lesotho
government officials on this matter and
initiatives to mitigate the skills risk by
enhancing remuneration practices and
conducting development programmes
for local employees are ongoing.
Significant
improvements to side
wall control and
blasting of the pit
slopes has allowed
the mine to safely
increase the pit slope
angles.
Reducing diamond
damage remains a priority
Reducing diamond damage remains an
area of key focus for Letšeng. A number
of innovative work streams in mining and
processing are under way to reduce
diamond damage and are starting to
yield positive results. This is evident in
the increase in the number of larger
diamonds that were recovered in 2015,
with 11 diamonds greater than 100 carats
having been recovered. This is a new
record for the mine.
The Plant 2 Phase 1 upgrade was
completed in the first quarter of the year.
The project was completed at a cost of
US$3.5 million, on schedule and within
budget. The expected increase in the
annual plant capacity as a result of the
upgrade has been successfully realised.
The new Coarse Recovery Plant was
finalised in the second quarter of the
year at a total amount of US$11.0 million,
being below the original budget.
The plant is operating and has met most
expectations. Some minor refinements
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
38
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Operating review – Letšeng continued
frequency of recoveries of large diamonds
Number of diamonds
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
>100 carats
60 – 100 carats
30 – 60 carats
20 – 30 carats
Total diamonds
>20 carats
7
18
96
6
11
79
7
11
66
6
22
66
3
17
77
108
111
101
121
121
6
17
60
82
9
21
74
11
15
65
123
126
229
207
185
215
218
165
227
217
Letšeng +100 carat diamonds
h
t
n
o
m
r
e
p
s
t
a
r
a
c
0
0
1
+
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
y
l
l
a
u
n
n
a
s
t
a
r
a
c
0
0
1
+
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1
1
0
2
n
a
J
1
1
0
2
r
a
M
1
1
0
2
y
a
M
1
1
0
2
l
u
J
1
1
0
2
t
p
e
S
1
1
0
2
v
o
N
2
1
0
2
n
a
J
2
1
0
2
r
a
M
2
1
0
2
y
a
M
2
1
0
2
l
u
J
2
1
0
2
t
p
e
S
2
1
0
2
v
o
N
3
1
0
2
n
a
J
3
1
0
2
r
a
M
3
1
0
2
y
a
M
3
1
0
2
l
u
J
3
1
0
2
t
p
e
S
3
1
0
2
v
o
N
4
1
0
2
n
a
J
4
1
0
2
r
a
M
4
1
0
2
y
a
M
4
1
0
2
l
u
J
4
1
0
2
t
p
e
S
4
1
0
2
v
o
N
5
1
0
2
n
a
J
5
1
0
2
r
a
M
5
1
0
2
y
a
M
5
1
0
2
l
u
J
5
1
0
2
t
p
e
S
5
1
0
2
v
o
N
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
■ +100cts per month
Annual frequency of +100cts
Letšeng implemented various behaviour-
based safety initiatives to keep the focus on
continuing to work safely and by the end of
the year achieved a fatality and lost time
injury (LTI) free calendar year and a total of
430 LTI-free days. No major or significant
environmental or stakeholder incidents were
recorded during 2015.
HSSE
Letšeng was awarded, for the third
consecutive year, the highest possible
rating for Health, Safety, Security and
Environment (HSSE) management
according to the IRCA global system.
In addition, Letšeng also obtained
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification
for its environmental, occupational health
and safety management systems. These
achievements reflect Letšeng’s
comprehensive commitment to
effectively manage the risks relating to
the health and safety of its employees, its
project-affected communities (PACs) and
its impact on the natural environment in
which it operates.
Letšeng implemented various behaviour-
based safety initiatives to keep the focus
on continuing to work safely and by the
end of the year achieved a fatality and
lost time injury (LTI) free calendar year
and a total of 430 LTI-free days. No major
or significant environmental or
stakeholder incidents were recorded
during 2015.
Letšeng continues to work closely with all
stakeholders to address socio-economic
challenges within its PACs. In line with its
corporate social investment plan, Letšeng
invested approximately US$0.3 million
during 2015 towards community
investment projects. The corporate
investment plan is based on a
comprehensive needs analysis that was
conducted in consultation with various
stakeholders including PACs and
community and government leadership
forums. The majority of Letšeng’s
corporate social investment went
towards education and health facilities.
Letšeng’s investment towards education
included projects such as tertiary
education scholarships and youth
development programmes.
39
Letšeng launched a village health worker
training programme that supports the
health workers from isolated villages with
training as well as equipping them with
medical kits. These village health workers
are often the only medical assistance that
members of the villages have access to
and therefore the impact they have on
community members is significant. In
addition, the Butha-Buthe subsistence
farming project commenced, aimed at
empowering subsistence farmers in the
neighbouring region to not only farm
and provide food for their families but
also to sell surplus produce to generate
income for the household.
At the end of 2015, 97% of Letšeng’s
workforce comprised Lesotho citizens.
Focus in 2016
■ Continue the ramp up
of the waste stripping, in
line with the optimised
mine plan.
■ Intensified focus on costs.
■ Enhance efficiencies
through continuous
improvement programmes.
■ Construction of the first
phase of the mining
equipment support
services complex.
■ Progress the under ground
mine studies.
■ Progress innovation
work-streams to further
reduce diamond damage.
Graining and evaluating diamonds in the new Coarse Recovery Plant. Diamond – 108 carat Type II D colour.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 40
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Ghaghoo
During the year, Ghaghoo treated 326 922 tonnes and recovered 91 499 carats,
achieving a recovered grade of 28.0 cpht.
C O P Y T O B E S U P P L I E D
Ghaghoo Diamond Mine, Botswana. The process plant at night.
Highlights
■ Phase 1 objectives achieved
■ Water fissure sealed
■ 91 499 carats recovered
■ LTI and fatality-free year
■ Recovered grade of 28.0 cpht, above
reserve estimates
■ Largest diamond of 48 carats recovered
It is encouraging that a number
of fancy coloured diamonds,
including blues, pinks, orange,
lilacs and yellows, although
predominantly in the smaller
sieve sizes, were also recovered.
41
Year
ended
31 December
2015
326 922
1 751
91 499
28.0
healthcare projects. Ghaghoo works
closely with a number of other schools
and during the year the operation
assisted these schools by sponsoring
various prize giving ceremonies,
donating sporting equipment and
establishing a vegetable garden. This
vegetable garden allows the school to
provide the scholars with practical
experience that forms part of their
curriculum on agriculture as well as
producing fresh produce which forms
part of the school feeding programme.
In an ongoing attempt to partner with
schools, Ghaghoo introduced an
educational tour initiative during which
students are hosted and given an
opportunity to see how a working mine
operates, as part of their curriculum in
their final year of primary school.
Focus in 2016
■ Cost optimisation and
restructuring the
operation.
■ Sampling of the VK-Main
phase of the orebody.
■ Continuation of Level 2
development.
■ Assessing options to
expand the operation.
Operational performance
The Ghaghoo Phase 1 project
commenced early in 2011. The objectives
of this phase were to obtain a
representative production sample in the
VKSE phase of the orebody in order to
test the autogenous milling (AG)
technology and firm up the grade and
diamond price estimates. These
objectives, to a large extent, have now
been met.
During the year, Ghaghoo treated
326 922 tonnes and recovered
91 499 carats, achieving a recovered
grade of 28.0 cpht. The AG technology
proved successful and recovered grades
were 1% above the reserve estimate of
27.8 cpht. This was further enhanced
after installing a surge bin ahead of the
AG mill in early 2016 to improve the
AG mill performance. The majority of the
ore treated during the year was sourced
from Level 1. A total of 1 751 metres of
tunnelling was completed.
During the year, 30 diamonds larger than
10.8 carats were recovered, including a
48 carat diamond, the largest diamond
recovered at Ghaghoo to date. It is
encouraging that a number of fancy
coloured diamonds, including blues,
pinks, orange, lilacs and yellows, although
predominantly in the smaller sieve sizes,
were also recovered, confirming the
presence of fancy diamonds in the
orebody.
Downsizing the operation
Diamond prices achieved from three
sales held in 2015 were lower than the
reserve estimate due to the current
depressed state of the rough diamond
market and the overall finer size of the
recovered diamonds. Based on this fall in
prices, various options were reviewed
with the aim of minimising operating
losses during 2016. Ghaghoo remains an
important future option for the Group.
However, in the short term, it is
considered prudent to downsize current
production to achieve a modified target
Ghaghoo operational performance
Ore tonnes treated
Tunnelling metres developed
Carats recovered
Grade recovered (cpht)
of approximately 300 000 tonnes for
2016. Options are being assessed to
expand the operation in order to achieve
acceptable financial returns, as and when
diamond prices improve.
HSSE
Ghaghoo was awarded, for the third
consecutive year, a four star rating for
Health, Safety, Security and Environment
(HSSE) management based on the IRCA
Global system. Ghaghoo’s HSSE
Management system matured in 2015
with various initiatives being launched
on site to safeguard the health and safety
of employees and surrounding
community members as well as
protecting the pristine natural
environment that Ghaghoo operates in.
Ghaghoo focused on continuing to work
safely and by the end of the year
achieved a fatality and lost time injury
(LTI) free calendar year and a total of
418 LTI-free days.
No major or significant environmental
or stakeholder incidents occurred at
Ghaghoo during 2015.
Ghaghoo continues to expand the reach
of its corporate social investment
programme and during 2015 invested
approximately US$0.1 million towards
community investment projects. The
majority of this investment went towards
infrastructure development, including
assisting the Kaudwane Primary School,
which was adopted in 2014, with the
upgrading of its school buildings.
Ghaghoo also made significant
investments towards education and
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 42
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Mineral resource
management
I N M O R E G H A G H O O P I C S
M I N E P I C
P L A N T P I C
A D D
Unlocking value through integrated mineral resource management
Decline access to Ghaghoo underground.
Letšeng Satellite and Main pits.
Highlights
■ Letšeng mineral resources re-estimated
■ Letšeng US$ per carat slightly overperformed the 2015 expected values
■ Ghaghoo’s recovered grade exceeds expected reserve
■ Mineral resource development at Letšeng continues
43
Gem Diamonds adopts an integrated approach to mineral resource management (MRM) thus ensuring optimal extraction of the
mineral resource. This entails understanding the in-situ resources, the modifying factors that govern the resource to reserve conversion
process and the continued improvement and optimisation of processes across the MRM pipeline.
1 Resource
exploration and
development
2 Resource
estimation and
modelling
3 Resource
6 Extraction
7 treatment
5 Reserve
8 product
4 Mine design and
planning
9 Sales and
Marketing
2015 Reserve performance
Letšeng
■ Letšeng’s recovered grade was slightly below the expected
grade at less than 1% variance. This close correlation supports
the 2015 reserve grade estimates.
■ Letšeng US$ per carat reserve revenues slightly overperformed
the 2015 expected values. This close correlation is encouraging
after several initiatives targeting diamond damage reduction
and security improvements were put in place. In addition, this
emphasises the resilience of Letšeng-type goods compared
to the overall market declines experienced in 2015 of
approximately 19% at the end of the year as reported in
WWW’s large fine goods index.
Ghaghoo
■ Ghaghoo’s recovered grade was 0.7% above the expected
grade from the VKSE ore mined. This is encouraging as it gives
the Group confidence in the modelled reserve grades and the
expected benefits from the autogenous milling process.
■ The US$ per carat reserve revenues underperformed against
the 2015 expected values by 23%. This underperformance is
attributed to a combination of the downward movement of
diamond prices and size frequency deficiencies in the larger
diamond categories.
2015 Letšeng Reserve
performance1
Actual
Expected
Grade
(carat per
hundred tonnes)
1.61
1.62
ê 0.6%
US$
per carat
2 299
2 219
é 3.6%
1 Includes Plant 1, Plant 2 and Plant 3 mining contractor.
The expected 2015 reserve performance measurement indicators detailed
above are based on 2015 reserve estimates as per the 2015 reserve statement
summarised later in this section.
2015 Ghaghoo Reserve
performance2
Grade
(carat per
hundred tonnes)
Actual
Expected
28.0
27.8
é 0.7%
US$
per carat
162
210
ê 23%
2 The expected 2015 reserve grade is based on the 2014 reserve statement
while the expected revenue is based on an internal 2015 reserve estimate.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 44
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Mineral resource management
historical performance trends
Letšeng ore provenance
100
50
0
2012
■ Main pipe ■ Satellite pipe
2013
2014
2015
The increased levels of higher-grade ore from the higher-value Satellite pipe mined annually are in line with the new optimised LoM
plan. In accordance with this plan, Satellite ore will ramp up to 2.0 million tonnes per annum in 2020 and remain at that level to the
end of the LoM.
Grade performance
t
h
p
c
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
2012
2013
2014
2015
Actual grade
Expected grade
Diamond price performance
1.2
1.1
x
e
d
n
I
1.0
0.9
0.8
5 000
3 750
2 500
1 250
0
t
a
r
a
c
r
e
p
$
S
U
2012
2013
2014
2015
Actual diamond price
Expected diamond price
WWW rough diamond index
These historical performance graphs highlight that although short-term variability exists within the resource, particularly with respect
to diamond value, the long-term trends in both pipes are reasonably predictable.
45
Mineral resources
development
Letšeng
■ Drilling and sampling – In order to
help determine the location, size and
shapes of the basalt mega-xenoliths in
both Letšeng pipes, the ahead of face
drilling programme continued in 2015.
This assists in guiding mine planning
to ensure that rafts are not blasted
together with clean ore, minimising
dilution and diamond damage. A total
of 48 holes or 3 179 metres were
drilled. The data gathered from this
programme will also be used to
improve the 2016 geological model.
A total of 768 396 tonnes of discrete
samples were collected in 2015,
consisting of the following amounts of
the various rock types: 432 125 tonnes
of KMain from the Main pipe, 297 553
tonnes of SVK and 38 718 tonnes of
NVK from the Satellite pipe. This
additional sampling information will be
incorporated in the 2016 resource
estimates.
■ Microdiamonds – Five microdiamond
samples were collected in 2015 from
both the Main pipe and the Satellite
pipe. This project aims to confirm
whether microdiamonds can be used
at Letšeng to predict grades at depth
for the different kimberlite phases.
Analysis of the results by an industry
expert confirmed that microdiamonds
can be used at Letšeng to predict
grade at depth. Further samples will be
processed in 2016 to establish grade
correlation at depth in the resource.
Ghaghoo
■ Resource mapping was completed
on Level 1 during 2015. This mapping
confirmed the homogenous nature of
the VKSE ore phase.
Mineral resource and
reserve statement
Letšeng’s mineral resources were
re-estimated in 2015 with an effective
statement date of 1 January 2015.
The updated 2015 statement reflects
slight changes to resources and reserves
due to mining depletion and updates
to orebody volumetric and estimation
models.
The Ghaghoo resource and reserve
statement was not updated as
insufficient information was obtained
during the commissioning and ramp-up
phase in order to make reliable changes
to the 2015 statement. The Ghaghoo
statement will be updated during the
course of 2016.
The resources are stated inclusive of
reserves and are stated as gross resources
and reserves.
Auditing and compliance
Gem Diamonds’ resource and reserve
estimates were prepared in compliance
with the South African Mineral Resource
Committee (SAMREC) code under the
supervision of the Group MRM Executive,
Mr Andrew Allan, Pr Sci Nat (400127/11).
Venmyn Deloitte independently
reviewed and approved the resources
and reserves.
Letšeng summary resource statement as at 1 January 2015
Resource
Probable reserves
Indicated resources
Inferred resources
Total resources
Ore
(mT)
Grade
(cts/100T)
Carats
(m)
Ore
(mT)
Grade
(cts/100T)
Carats
(m)
Ore
(mT)
Grade
(cts/100T)
Carats
(m)
$/ct
Ore
(mT)
Grade
(cts/100T)
Carats
(m)
$/ct
$/ct
$/ct
Letšeng
% change from 2014
137.2
4%
1.75
2%
2.40
2 048
179.2
1.75
3.14
2 094
105.9
6%
0%
(4)%
2%
(3)%
0%
(1)%
1.71
3%
1.81
2 063
285.1
1.74
4.95
2 083
2%
1%
(3)%
2%
(1)%
0%
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
46
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Sales, marketing and manufacturing
Gem Diamonds continues to invest in its sales, marketing and manufacturing
operations to pursue innovative ways of maximising revenue through a
combination of marketing channels, including tenders, strategic partnerships,
off-take arrangements and additional initiatives further down the diamond
pipeline.
124 carat Letšeng rough diamond manufactured at Baobab Technologies.
Highlights
■ US$2 299* average US$ per carat achieved for Letšeng’s high-value production
■ Largest diamond recovered for the year sold for US$19.3 million, being the highest total amount
paid for a single Letšeng diamond to date
■ Polished sales through the manufacturing division contributed additional revenue of US$2.0 million
■ US$162 average US$ per carat achieved for Ghaghoo production amidst depressed market
* Includes carats extracted for polishing at rough valuation.
47
Focus in 2016
■ To maintain and enhance
our reputation for holding
premier tenders for large,
high-value diamonds.
■ To further understand
Ghaghoo’s market
and maximise the revenue
for these diamonds
through flexible
marketing strategies.
■ Further strengthen
relationships with clients
and enhance partnerships
in both the rough and
polished markets.
■ Develop and retain skilled
employees.
During the year, the
Group continued to
build its premium
customer base.
Ghaghoo diamonds.
Sales and marketing
Opportunities
■ Maximising revenue
through the Group’s
flexible sales and
marketing channels to
capitalise on the ever
moving rough and
polished markets.
■ Enhancing the Group’s
sales and marketing
reputation through its
respected and transparent
tender process as well as
marketing and client
relationship management.
Challenges
■ Understanding and
adapting to the uncertain
and cautious rough and
polished diamond market
currently being
experienced.
■ Staying abreast of the
short and medium-term
market trends to ensure
an optimal marketing
channel is selected to
maximise revenue for
the Group.
The Group’s rough diamond production
is marketed and sold by Gem Diamonds
Marketing Services (Belgium) and Gem
Diamonds Marketing Botswana
(Botswana). Letšeng’s diamonds are
viewed and sold in Antwerp while
Ghaghoo’s diamonds are viewed in both
Gaborone and Antwerp and, subject to
prevailing market conditions, are sold
either through an open tender or direct
sale to maximise revenue.
Following viewings by customers in
either Antwerp or Gaborone, Gem
Diamonds’ electronic tender platform
allows customers the flexibility to
participate in each tender from anywhere
in the world. The tender process is
managed in an extremely transparent
and efficient manner. This, combined
with professionalism and focused
customer care, has led to a branded
Gem Diamonds experience, which has
contributed to securing customer loyalty,
as well as assisting in achieving highest
market-driven prices for the Group’s
rough diamond production.
Rough diamonds which have been
manufactured by Baobab into polished
diamonds are sold by Gem Diamonds
Marketing Services through direct selling
channels to prominent high-end
customers.
Operational performance
During the year, the Group continued to
build its premium customer base.
Currently, the Group has 339 approved
and registered customers, up from 105 in
2010. Eight tenders were held during the
year, all of which were well attended,
with an average of 130 customers
attending each tender. The Group
continually engages with its customers
to better understand their challenges
and needs and where possible
accommodates these in its marketing
strategy (ie the implemented change
from 10 to eight Letšeng tenders
per annum).
The multiple strategic marketing
channels adopted in the sale of Letšeng’s
high-quality diamonds in 2015
contributed in achieving an average price
of US$2 299* per carat in a difficult and
challenging diamond market.
An average price of US$162 per carat was
achieved for Ghaghoo’s production. The
downward pressure on prices for the
more commercial Ghaghoo production
seen in 2015, materially influenced the
sales and marketing strategy for these
goods. The Ghaghoo production was
initially sold on tender at the start of the
year but thereafter, as market prices for
these types of goods fell, sales were
concluded through direct sales, with the
aim at all times of maximising the price.
* Includes carats extracted for polishing at rough
valuation.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 48
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Sales, marketing and manufacturing continued
Rough diamond analysis
and manufacturing
Opportunities
■ Use of rapidly developing
technology to improve
large high-value rough
diamond analysis and
manufacturing
capabilities.
■ Increasing revenue
through additional analysis
and manufacturing of
high-value diamonds.
Challenges
■ Availability and retention
of required skill sets.
■ Staying relevant on rapidly
developing technological
enhancements in the
diamond analysis and
manufacturing sector.
Baobab Technologies’ advanced mapping
and analysis of Letšeng’s large
exceptional rough diamonds supports
the Group in analysing and assessing the
estimated true value of Letšeng’s rough
diamonds that are presented for sale on
tender or sold through other sales
channels. This ensures that robust reserve
prices are set for the Group’s high-value
diamonds at each tender and informs
strategic selling, partnering or
manufacturing decisions.
To access the highest value for Letšeng’s
top-quality diamonds, the Group,
through Baobab, selectively
manufactures some of these high-value
rough diamonds and additionally places
other exceptional diamonds into
strategic partnership arrangements with
select clients. Baobab also performs
analysis, cutting and polishing of large
high-value diamonds for third-party
customers.
The 108.51 carat diamond which achieved the highest US$ per carat during the year of US$65 226.
Operational performance
During 2015, Baobab Technologies
received 218 carats of rough diamonds
for manufacturing, with a rough market
value of US$1.7 million from Letšeng and
continued to cut and polish third-party
goods.
Some of the diamonds manufactured
during the year were a 61.30 carat
diamond, which resulted in four
exceptional polished diamonds with a
total weight of 21.89 carats (including a
15.12 carat D Flawless, Emerald cut) and a
45.25 carat diamond, which resulted in
five exceptional polished diamonds with
a total weight of 16.11 carats (including a
10.26 D Flawless, Round cut). Currently in
production is a 124 carat Type IIa,
D colour diamond. The manufactured
diamonds which were sold during the
year contributed additional revenue of
US$2.1 million to the Group.
Focus in 2016
■ Continuing to analyse
Letšeng’s large, high-value
diamonds to ensure a
deep understanding of
product value on each
Letšeng tender.
■ Obtaining the best
possible polished results
for all diamonds
manufactured.
■ Retention of key staff.
49
Sustainable
development
review
Letšeng Diamond Mine, Lesotho. Footbridge built at Lichecheng village to enable movement during the wet season.
Highlight
■ Gem Diamonds has produced its eighth Sustainable Development Report, a stand-alone report
that can be viewed on the Gem Diamonds website.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 50
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Sustainable development review
The sustainable development review
provides a summary of the information
contained in the 2015 Sustainable
Development Report. This review
highlights the progress made
and challenges faced during 2015 in
pursuing the Group’s sustainable
development goals.
Embedding sustainability
into the business
Gem Diamonds seeks to create and
deliver maximum value to all of its
stakeholders by mining and marketing its
products responsibly. The Group strives
to embed sustainability into every aspect
of the business, believing that it is both
a moral obligation and a business
imperative, which serves to secure its
social licence to operate.
Gem Diamonds strives to minimise any
negative impact it may have on
economic, social and environmental
systems and follows a management
approach based on a strict code of
morals and ethics. This philosophy
benefits current and future generations
in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The Group strives for excellence in all
areas, including matters of compliance
with host country legislation regarded as
the absolute minimum at the operations.
All operations have developed
comprehensive HSSE legal registers and
compliance is monitored through both
internal and external audits. The Group
seeks to achieve full compliance with
relevant international best practice
standards, including compliance with the
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards.
Letšeng achieved ISO 14001 and
OHSAS 18 001 certification for their
environmental management and
occupational health and safety
management respectively. In addition, all
operations are required to work towards
achieving full compliance with the
International Finance Corporation
Environmental, Health and Safety
Guidelines, as well as the World Bank
Equator Principles. The operations
continue to monitor and manage legal
compliance and none of the Group’s
subsidiaries incurred fines or non-
monetary sanctions for non-compliance
with laws or regulations during 2015.
The governance of
sustainability
Gem Diamonds adheres to best
practice guidelines in the governance
of sustainability. The Group’s HSSE
Committee provides assurance to the
Board that all HSSE matters are
appropriately managed. The Committee
is supported by the Group Chief
Operating Officer and the Group HSSE
Superintendent.
Each of Gem Diamonds’ operations has
a Corporate Social Responsibility
Investment (CSRI) Committee and a Safety,
Health and Environment (SHE) Committee,
which oversee matters at an operational
level. Additionally, Ghaghoo has a CSRI
Trust. These structures exist to ensure that
best practice in sustainability governance
is applied throughout the Group.
Being an employer of
choice
Gem Diamonds believes that its strength
lies in the high quality of its people. The
Group seeks to protect, develop and
retain its exceptional people.
Safety
Gem Diamonds regards its people as
being its greatest resource, and their
health and safety is a high priority. The
Group’s commitment to zero harm
means not only preventing injury, but
also creating a safety culture that
exemplifies care and collaboration.
Gem Diamonds’ approach to integrated
management considers the possible risks
its operations pose to both the health
and safety of employees and the natural
and social environment in which it
operates. Gem Diamonds strives to
understand the sensitive link between
these systems in order to manage and
minimise its impact. As part of this
approach, the Group regularly consults
with employees to gain insights into the
risks they face and to implement systems
to address these risks.
Gem Diamonds’ health and safety
management systems are based on
the principles of OHSAS 18001 and
relevant international best practice
standards. These systems are
independently audited on an annual
basis to ensure continuous improvement.
Gem Diamonds reported a fatality-free
and LTI-free year in 2015. The Group-wide
reported LTIFR for 2015 was 0.00, a
significant improvement from 0.20 in
2014. The 2015 Group-wide AIFR was
2.87, well under the Group’s ceiling value
of 3.80.
The Group believes that concentrated
efforts on the proactive management
of safety will continue to assist in its
pursuit of zero harm. The number of
proactive safety management actions
implemented throughout the Group in
2015 amounted to 78 998. This is an
increase compared to the 62 357
proactive safety actions implemented
in 2014.
Employee health and well-being
Gem Diamonds regards its people as
being the lifeblood of the organisation
and investment in their health and
well-being is an investment in the
ongoing success of the Group. The
Group’s health and safety management
efforts, therefore, extend beyond
occupational concerns.
During 2015, the Group assisted
employees with health management
through treatment, education and
seminars, as well as counselling where
necessary. The operations conducted
environmental and serious-disease
management programmes that
addressed the total well-being of its
employees. The Group’s health
management programmes are in various
stages of maturity at the operations and
are continually being improved.
Gem Diamonds’ goal remains to achieve
zero harm in a sustainable manner, and
the Group continues to refine and
improve its health management systems
through ongoing identification and
implementation of appropriate
improvement measures.
51
in any situation where they are
needed and they have been able
to assist many travellers and locals
in need.
.
Case study
Improving access to
healthcare
Making basic healthcare available
to all is a major need within
Lesotho. In order to assist in
meeting this need, a Community
Health Workers Training initiative
was undertaken. This involved the
training of 260 Community Health
Workers, equipping them with
medical kits and the necessary
skills to attend to primary
healthcare problems. This project
was initiated after extensive
consultation with the PACs, as well
as with the Lesotho Ministry of
Health, ensuring that these efforts
were directed in the best possible
manner to address the real needs
of stakeholders.
The Letšeng on-site clinic has also
been involved in community
outreach. The remote location of
the mine means that the mine is
often the nearest, and best-
equipped, medical centre for
travellers and community
members moving within the
region. The medical team
acknowledges its duty to assist
Attracting, retaining and
developing employees
Gem Diamonds understands that its
workforce plays a key role in achieving
operational excellence. The Group,
therefore, aims to engage, develop and
retain top quality employees. At year end,
the Group had 589 own employees and
1 359 contractor employees, compared
with 501 own employees and 1 481
contractor employees in 2014. The
average number of own employees was
560 (compared with 449 in 2014), while
the average number of contractor
employees for 2015 was 1 369, compared
with 1 389 in 2014.
The Group-wide absentee rate increased
to two days per person in 2015 from
0.90 days in 2014. Skills shortages in the
natural resources sector highlight the
importance of retaining high-calibre
staff. The Group-wide staff turnover
has improved from the 2014 value of
5% to 4% in 2015. The staff turnover
rate at Letšeng decreased to 1.8% from
6% in 2015. The staff turnover rate at
Ghaghoo for 2015 was 11%. Last year’s
numbers for staff turnover at Ghaghoo
were included in the Group-wide figures
due to the short-term nature of
contractor work and, therefore, no
comparative figure is provided.
Gem Diamonds invests in developing
employees’ skills by providing training
opportunities throughout the Group,
aiding employees’ growth personally and
professionally. Group-wide hours per
capita for vocational training in 2015
increased by 31% from 2014. Letšeng
recorded a 15% increase in hours per
capita for vocational training while
Ghaghoo recorded a 95% increase.
Performing annual career reviews at all
operations remains a goal across the
Group. There was an increase in the
percentage of career reviews performed
during the year from 14% to 23% due to
increased awareness of career and
performance reviews.
Gem Diamonds is an equal opportunity
employer and has a zero-tolerance
approach to discrimination on any
basis as outlined in the Group’s Code of
Ethics. As in previous years, zero cases
of discrimination were recorded in 2015.
Although the mining industry is a
historically male-dominated industry,
Gem Diamonds continues to strive to
improve the gender balance throughout
the Group. In 2015, 10% of the workforce
consisted of female employees
compared with 18% in 2014, due to the
increase in the underlying workforce, the
majority of which were male. A total of
11% of the Company and its subsidiaries’
Board members were female (2014: 7%),
and 12% of the Group’s Senior
Management were female (2014: 12%)
resulting from the decrease in total Board
members throughout the Group.
Localisation of its workforce is a priority
for the Group. In 2015, 97% of the
Letšeng workforce comprised Basotho
nationals compared with 92% in 2014.
At Ghaghoo, 98% of the workforce was
made up of Batswana nationals in 2015
compared with 93% in 2014.
Gem Diamonds’ human resource strategy
is to engage, develop and retain top
quality employees. The development
and retention of a skilled and
operationally intelligent workforce is
regarded as a key element in achieving
operational excellence.
Labour relations at all operations
remained stable in 2015. None of
Gem Diamonds’ operations and/or
facilities are unionised, although freedom
of association remains a core right for
each employee. Ghaghoo has been in
discussions with unions following an
increasing number of employee
memberships and the Group anticipates
Ghaghoo to become unionised in 2016.
No strikes or lockouts occurred during
the year at any operation.
Gem Diamonds continues to remunerate
its employees at or above market-related
rates. The lowest-graded employees are
compensated in excess of the host
country’s minimum legislated wage. In
addition to basic remuneration, Gem
Diamonds offers relevant benefits and
incentives to employees. In 2015, a total
of US$38.9 million was spent on
employee and contractor wages, benefits
and incentives (2014: US$33.8 million).
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 52
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Sustainable development review continued
Optimising positive social
outcomes
Knowing full well that mineral resources
are finite and that the Group operates in
the areas that host its operations for a
limited time, Gem Diamonds strives to
achieve optimal benefits for those who
are impacted by its operations. This can
only be achieved through open,
transparent and ongoing engagement
with all relevant stakeholders and by
ensuring that integrity as a responsible
business is upheld in every arena of
operation.
Gem Diamonds is pleased to report that
2015 marked the seventh consecutive
year of achieving zero recorded major
stakeholder incidents. The Group seeks to
maintain open, transparent, respectful
and mutually beneficial relations with its
neighbours and all other stakeholders.
Engaging with and investing
in communities
Gem Diamonds is committed to the
development, implementation and
maintenance of internationally
recognised standards of Corporate
Social Investment (CSI) practices.
Gem Diamonds’ operations have
developed culturally sensitive CSI
strategies which address socio-economic
risks and the needs identified in the
Social and Environmental Impact
Assessment and Needs Analysis. The
Group’s CSI strategy focuses primarily
on infrastructural development,
education, health, small and medium
enterprises and regional environmental
projects. In 2015, Group-wide CSI
expenditure amounted to US$0.6 million
(2014: US$0.6 million). Education formed
the main drive of CSI initiatives during
the year.
Letšeng continued the successful
implementation of its 2014 – 2016
CSI programme. Based on a needs
analysis, this CSI strategy has, and
continues to, outline various projects that
will benefit Letšeng’s project-affected
communities. The majority of Letšeng’s
CSI expenditure went towards
infrastructure development, small and
medium enterprise development and
education. During the year, Letšeng
invested US$0.3 million towards
community investment projects.
During the year, Ghaghoo commissioned
a comprehensive needs analysis that will
inform the development of a three-year
CSI plan. The needs analysis will help in
assessing the specific needs of the PACs
as well as focus the efforts of the CSI plan
in the most effective and sustainable way.
Ghaghoo invested US$0.1 million
towards CSI projects.
and the consequent value distributed,
plays a significant role in its broader
social licence through the creation and
maintenance of a positive public
perception. The Group aims to supply
clients with rough and polished
diamonds while meeting its
responsibilities as an ethical and
accountable organisation.
In addition, the Company invested
US$0.2 million in various education and
animal welfare initiatives, including the
Sentebale Foundation, the Kick 4 Life
programme, the Adopt a School initiative,
Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW),
the Maria Kloppers Orphanage and was a
sponsor of the Kalahari Cycle Challenge.
The Group complies strictly with the
provisions of the Kimberley Process and
all rough diamond exports are certified
in terms of the Kimberley Process
certification scheme. The Kimberley
Process certification scheme aims to
eliminate the global trade of conflict
diamonds.
Both Ghaghoo and Letšeng afforded
employment opportunities to unskilled
and appropriately skilled labour from
their respective project-affected
communities. This resulted in capital
injection into these largely unemployed
communities through temporary and
permanent employment.
Respecting human rights
Gem Diamonds is continuously refining
its policies and procedures relating to
maintaining the rights of employees
and project-affected communities.
Subsidiaries adhere to the host country’s
legislation as a minimum standard, and
applicable international best practice has
been incorporated into all human
rights-related policies and procedures.
This ensures that the Group practices its
core values of respecting humanity and
prioritising ethical care.
The Group conducts training in human
rights policies and practices based on
the human rights risk profile for each
operation. During 2015, Gem Diamonds
conducted 152 hours of human rights
training, extended to all employees
across the Group, up from 122 hours
of training in 2014.
No resettlement of communities took
place during 2015, and it is not
anticipated to be necessary at any future
time for any of the current operations.
Being a responsible corporate
citizen
Gem Diamonds understands that the
manner in which diamonds are mined,
This commitment to upholding the
highest ethical standards ensures
compliance with relevant government
regulations and voluntary codes
concerning labelling and product and
service information. In order to ensure
that the Group’s diamonds reach the
market through the correct channels,
strict controls are applied concerning
potential consumers. Gem Diamonds’
clients are subject to a strict screening
process, and trade is by invitation only.
During the screening process, potential
clients are assessed to confirm and
validate their good standing and
compliance with internal and external
anti-money laundering protocols.
Gem Diamonds develops and maintains
trust relationships with clients and other
stakeholders. Gem Diamonds maintains
the highest level of transparency and
integrity during the marketing and sales
process. Diamond viewing opportunities
are made available to clients prior to the
conclusion of a tender. No warranties
in respect of the diamonds are issued.
Client confidentiality is protected in all
instances. All tenders are governed
by conditions agreed to by all clients.
A complete list of the winning bids is
electronically circulated to all tender
participants on the close of the tender,
ensuring a transparent tender process.
Prevention of diamond theft is a major
focus for the Group. Risk profile
assessments are an ongoing practice at
all operations and recognised specialists
53
and insurers are engaged on a regular
basis to assess the status of the Group’s
security management systems and
solutions, and to ensure that the
diamonds remain secure.
Ensuring long-term
environmental well-being
As a responsible mining company,
Gem Diamonds aims to minimise
its impact through the creation of an
environmentally responsible corporate
culture.
The minimisation, mitigation and
management of environmental impacts
related to mining activities are all key
elements of Gem Diamonds’ duty of
care – a responsibility that Gem
Diamonds takes seriously. Any mining
activity undertaken is subjected to an
extensive Social and Environmental
Impact Assessment (SEIA). The SEIA
process takes account of relevant
international best practice standards and
guidelines such as the International
Case study
Access to clean drinking
water
Supplying water to local
communities is one of the vital
initiatives that Ghaghoo undertook
in the very early stages of its
development and still continues
today. Due to the arid climate, this
effort has made a life-saving
difference to those affected. To
date, Ghaghoo has provided clean
water to four communities.
Boreholes were sunk in Molapo,
Metsiamanong, Mothomelo and
Gope. The Gope community
receives treated water directly from
the mining site in addition to the
borehole water. While the borehole
water for the Metsiamanong and
Mothomelo communities is of a
high quality, the borehole water at
Molapo is too salty for human
consumption. The community was
Finance Corporation environmental,
health and safety guidelines for mining
and the Equator Principles. The ultimate
goal of undertaking SEIAs at the
operations is to identify, minimise,
mitigate and manage any potential
impacts on the environment as a result
of mining.
Gem Diamonds continues to invest in
environmental protection initiatives.
During 2015, the Group invested a total
of US$1.5 million (2014: US$1.0 million)
in environmental training, specialist
consultation, research and development,
green purchases and other
environmental protection measures.
Environmental impacts, which result from
mining activities, are managed through
an extensive and dynamic management
system that is updated regularly to
ensure that the most appropriate
management approach is employed.
Environmental performance of the
operations is monitored throughout their
life cycles and informs the management
approach, facilitates compliance with
regulations and informs stakeholders as
to the Group’s endeavours to protect
natural heritage.
therefore provided with an on-site
water treatment plant. Ghaghoo
has taken responsibility for
maintaining the plant and ensuring
that water is in constant supply.
Ghaghoo continues to work with
surrounding communities to
overcome challenges associated
with the sustainable supply of
water, such as the presence of
wild animals and the fluctuating
groundwater levels.
For the seventh consecutive year, in 2015,
zero major environmental incidents were
recorded. This was also the sixth year in a
row that no fines for environmental
transgressions or non-compliance were
recorded. During 2015, zero significant
environmental incidents (2014: zero)
were reported for the operations. There
were 289 minor environmental incidents
reported during 2015, compared to
267 incidents reported during 2014. This
increase can be attributed to increased
mining activities at Ghaghoo and
awareness campaigns around the
importance of reporting minor
environmental incidents.
The continuous development and review
of comprehensive rehabilitation plans
remained a focus during 2015. The Group
leases 6 174 ha of land of which 8.65 ha
was newly disturbed by mining activities
during the year, bringing the total
disturbed land leased by Gem Diamonds
to 558 ha. The Group continued with the
annual review and improvement of
comprehensive rehabilitation plans for its
mining operations. Letšeng continued
with extensive rehabilitation trials, which
were initiated in 2012, to determine the
feasibility and success of its planned
rehabilitation strategies.
Water quality is constantly monitored
at the Group’s operations, and any
inconsistencies are addressed. At Letšeng,
seepage occurred from the Patiseng
Tailings Storage Facility and the Qaqa
waste rock dump. The seepage flows into
the Patiseng and Qaqa river systems
respectively. In the Patiseng tributary,
a return water system has been
constructed to capture the seepage
below the Patiseng Tailings Storage
Facility. The Group is currently
investigating innovative solutions to
reduce the nitrate level in the water
entering the Qaqa water catchment.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 54
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Sustainable development review continued
Waste generated by the Group’s
operations includes domestic and
general waste from on-site
accommodation and office facilities,
restricted amounts of hazardous waste
such as used oils and lubricants, sewage
effluent, medical waste and a significant
amount of mineral waste. Each of the
Group’s operations have implemented
waste management plans to minimise
the volume of waste generated, avoid
environmental pollution and at the
very least comply with host country
legislation. During the year, Ghaghoo
implemented a waste separation at
source initiative and assisted the
Lephehpe neighbouring community
with waste management. Letšeng is
currently undertaking assessments to
identify possible waste reduction and
recycling initiatives.
All on-site mineral waste structures are
designed, maintained and managed in
compliance with host country legislation
and according to international best
practice standards. Volumes of mineral
waste generated increased at Letšeng
during 2015, in line with the mine plan.
Volumes of mineral waste increased at
Ghaghoo during 2015 due to increased
mining activity.
In 2015, total energy consumption was
1 119 586 gigajoules* (GJ) as compared
with 1 004 429 used in 2014. Letšeng
had a 10% increase in total energy
consumption during 2015. This can be
attributed to a 14% increase in diesel
consumption and a 4% decrease in
electricity consumption from 2014.
At Ghaghoo, the implementation of
energy-efficient initiatives has remained a
priority since the inception of the project.
Solar geysers were installed for
all ablution facilities and microchipped
LED lighting is used where possible. In
addition, the processing plant, which
became operational in the second half
of 2014, incorporates several energy-
efficient technologies to ensure reduced
energy consumption over the life of the
mine. As a result of the use of these
energy-efficient technologies, the mine
recorded a decrease in energy
consumption of 9% during 2015. The
mine is currently exploring additional
alternative energy sources. Solar power
options are under investigation, and early
meetings have been held with
authorities. Three suppliers are currently
conducting feasibility studies on-site.
To better understand the Group’s total
water footprint, Gem Diamonds
undertook a water footprint study during
2015. A water footprint measures the
total water consumed to produce the
goods and services businesses supply.
It is a combination of the water that goes
into the mining process as well as the
water used throughout the supply chain.
The survey showed that the Group’s total
water use in 2015 was 10 186 138 m3, of
which only 2 599 63 6 m3 was
consumptive.
Gem Diamonds undertakes an annual
carbon footprint assessment in order to
understand the impact of the Group’s
activities on global greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions. The annual assessment
assists the Group in identifying emission
reduction opportunities. The total carbon
footprint reported for the Group during
2015 was 146 499 tonnes CO2e. This
includes direct GHG emissions (Scope 1),
indirect GHG emissions (Scope 2), as well
as material Scope 3 emissions.
* During 2015, the historically accepted measures used to calculate Group-wide energy usage were revised. As a result, prior year energy consumption
comparatives have been restated to reflect the updated calculations.
55
Sign off of our strategic report
Our Strategic Report, as set out on pages 2 to 55, has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors on 14 March 2016.
Roger Davis
Non-Executive Chairman
14 March 2016
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 56
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
57
Governance
58 Directorate
60 Chairman’s overview of corporate governance
62 UK corporate governance code compliance
70 Audit Committee
74 Nominations Committee
75 HSSE Committee
77 Annual Statement on Directors’ remuneration
78 Directors’ remuneration policy
86 The Annual Report on Remuneration
96 Directors’ Report
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Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Directorate
Non-Executive Directors
ROGER DAvIS (59)
Non-Executive chairman
MA (Oxon)
roger spent eight years at Barclays, latterly as the
Chief Executive Officer of the UK banking operation
and as a member of the Board of Barclays Plc. Under
his leadership, the UK business was significantly
restructured. Prior to that, he spent 10 years in
investment banking in London and held various
positions in China and India for Flemings and BZW.
roger started his career with a 12-year service in the
British Army. roger is currently the non-Executive
Chairman of Sainsbury’s Bank Plc and of GrC Limited,
and is also a non-Executive Director at Experian Plc.
Appointed
roger was appointed as Chairman of the Board in
February 2007.
Key skills and experience
Commercial and capital markets; public company board
governance.
Board committee membership
Audit, remuneration and Nominations Committees.
MIKE SALAMON (60)
Senior Independent Director
BSc (Mining Engineering) (University of Witwatersrand);
MBA (London Business School)
Mike is a mining engineer with an MBA and has over
30 years’ experience in the mining sector. He was a
founding Director of Billiton and was instrumental in
Billiton’s IPO on the London Stock Exchange in 1997 and
the subsequent merger with BHP in 2001. Mike retired
from his position of Executive Director at BHP Billiton
in 2006. Thereafter Mike was appointed Executive
Chairman of New World resources and led its IPO on
the London Stock Exchange in 2008. He retired from
this position in 2012 and is a non-Executive Director of
Ferrexpo Plc.
Appointed
Mike was appointed to the Board in February 2008.
Key skills and experience
Operational mining, projects, health and safety,
sustainability, corporate social responsibility and capital
markets.
Board committee membership
Nominations, HSSE and remuneration Committees.
GAvIN BEEvERS (66)
Non-Executive Director
BSc Hons (Mechanical Engineering) (Lanchester
Polytechnic)
Gavin was the Director of Operations at De Beers from
April 2000 until his retirement in 2004. He had joined De
Beers in 1979 and was based in Botswana for 11 years.
Thereafter he was appointed Assistant General Manager
at De Beers Marine in Cape Town until 1994, whereafter
he returned to Botswana as General Manager at the
Orapa and Lethlakane Mines. From January 1996
to March 2000, Gavin held the position of Deputy
Managing Director of Debswana Diamond Company.
Appointed
Gavin was appointed to the Board in February 2007.
Key skills and experience
Operational mining, health and safety, sustainability,
corporate social responsibility.
Board committee membership
Audit and HSSE Committees.
MIchAEL LYNch-BELL (62)
Non-Executive Director
BA Hons Economics and Accountancy (University of
Sheffield); FCA of the ICAEW
Michael spent a 38-year career with Ernst & Young (EY)
having led its Global Oil and Gas, UK IPO and Global
Oil and Gas and Mining transaction advisory practices.
He was a member of the assurance practice from 1974
to 1996 when he transferred to the Transaction Advisory
Practice. He was also UK Alumni sponsor and a member
of the firm’s EMEIA and Global Advisory Councils. He
retired from EY as a partner in 2012 and continued as a
consultant to the firm until November 2013. Michael is
currently a non-Executive Director at Kaz Minerals Plc,
Lenta Limited and Transocean Partners LLC. Michael
is also currently honorary treasurer and board trustee of
ActionAid International, a Human rights campaigning
NGO.
Appointed
Michael was appointed to the Board in December 2015.
Key skills and experience
Finance and capital markets; oil and gas; mining and
metals.
Board committee membership
Audit and remuneration Committees.
59
Executive Directors
cLIffORD ELphIcK (55)
chief Executive Officer
BCom (University of Cape Town); BCompt Hons (University
of South Africa)
Clifford joined Anglo American Corporation in 1986
and was seconded to E. Oppenheimer and Son as Harry
Oppenheimer’s personal assistant in 1988. In 1990, he
was appointed Managing Director of E. Oppenheimer
and Son, a position he held until leaving in December
2004. During that time, Clifford was also a Director of
Central Holdings, Anglo American and DB Investments.
Following the privatisation of De Beers in 2000, Clifford
served on the De Beers Executive Committee. Clifford is
also the non-Executive Chairman of Zanaga Iron Ore Co.
Limited and Jumelles Holdings Limited.
Appointed
Clifford formed Gem Diamonds in July 2005.
Key skills and experience
Diamond and mining industries; commercial and capital
markets.
Board committee membership
Nominations Committee.
ALAN AShwORth (61)
chief Operating Officer
BSc (Mining Engineering) (Nottingham University); South
African Mine Managers Certificate of Competency
Alan has 40 years’ experience in the mining industry.
During his career he has worked in various countries,
including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Guinea,
Ghana, russia, Indonesia and Australia. He spent 28 years
within the De Beers group, including four years as the
General Manager of the Namdeb Diamond Corporation
and four years as the Group Manager, Operations and
Head of Operations for De Beers Consolidated Mines.
From January 2006 until August 2007, he was the
Managing Director of Gold Fields’ Ghana operations in
West Africa.
Appointed
Alan joined Gem Diamonds in November 2007 and was
appointed to the Board in April 2008.
Key skills and experience
Operational diamond industry, mineral resource
management, mining (surface and underground), health
and safety, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
MIchAEL MIchAEL (45)
chief financial Officer
BCom Hons (Rand Afrikaans University); CA(SA)
Michael Michael has over 20 years’ experience in
financial management. He joined rSM Betty & Dickson
(audit firm) in Johannesburg South Africa in January
1993 and became audit partner at the firm in March
2000. From August 2006 to February 2008 Michael was
seconded to Gem Diamonds Limited to assist with the
financial aspects of the Main London Listing including
the financial reporting, management accounting and
tax relating to the Initial Public Offering. In March 2008
Michael joined Gem Diamonds on a full-time basis as
the Group Financial Manager. On 2 April 2013 he was
promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer.
Appointed
Michael joined Gem Diamonds in March 2008 and was
appointed to the Board in April 2013.
Key skills and experience
Finance and capital markets; diamond industry.
GLENN tuRNER (55)
chief Legal and commercial Officer and company
Secretary
BA LLB (University of Cape Town); LL.M (Cambridge)
Glenn was called to the Johannesburg Bar in 1987 where
he spent 14 years practicing as an advocate specialising
in general commercial and competition law, and took
silk in 2002. Glenn was appointed De Beers’ first General
Counsel in 2002 and was also a member of the Executive
Committee. Glenn was responsible for a number of key
initiatives during his tenure, including overseeing De
Beers’ re-entry into the USA.
Appointed
Glenn joined Gem Diamonds in May 2006 and was
appointed to the Board in April 2008. Glenn was
appointed as the Company Secretary in January 2015.
Key skills and experience
Diamond industry; legal.
Board committee membership
HSSE Committee.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
60
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Chairman’s overview of corporate governance
Corporate governance is embedded in the way we organise our business, with
local boards and audit committees taking responsibility for our operations in
local jurisdictions.
One of the key responsibilities of the
Board is to maintain a high standard of
corporate governance. This is a vital
element in ensuring our future as a
successful and sustainable group.
The Board provides leadership to the
Group within a framework of controls
which enables risk to be assessed and
managed and to ensure the necessary
financial and human resources are in
place in order for the Group to meet
its objectives and increase
shareholder value.
During the year we have continued to
be mindful of our duties as Directors to
manage the Group for the long-term
benefit of all its stakeholders.
In accordance with provision C2.2 of the
UK Corporate Governance Code (the
Code) we are required to provide a
viability statement. In order for us to do
this, the Audit Committee was engaged
to assess the Group’s current position and
prospects, the strategy, the Board’s risk
appetite and the Board’s associated
principal risks. We then carried out an
overall integration of the enterprise risk
management into future cash flows and
conducted stress testing scenarios to
support the viability statement. You will
find full details and our viability
statement in our Strategy Report on
pages 2 to 55.
Corporate governance is embedded in
the way we organise our business, with
local boards and audit committees taking
responsibility for our operations in local
jurisdictions. This helps us to do the right
thing for our shareholders, customers,
employees, suppliers, local communities
and the environment.
As the Chairman, I am ultimately
accountable for the application of the
various provisions of the Code. It is my
duty to delegate specific tasks to
individuals whose responsibility it is to
ensure adoption and implementation at
the highest standard.
These individuals include the Chairmen
of the various committees and the
Company Secretary, Glenn Turner.
Mr Turner is assisted by Susan Wallace,
a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered
Secretaries and Administrators, who
specialises in all company secretarial and
corporate governance matters.
The Board is kept informed on legal,
regulatory and governance matters
through regular communication from the
Company Secretary and by presentations
from internal and external advisers.
During 2015, we undertook a Board
evaluation process to review the Board’s
approach to strategy and the
effectiveness of the committees and risk
management. The evaluation was carried
out by way of a questionnaire
administered by Bruce Wallace
Associates. A detailed description of the
evaluation process is set out on page 66.
Key focus areas that had been identified
in the 2015 Board evaluation were the
Board’s commitment to applying best
practice with regard to internal and
external communication, decision-
making, succession planning and risk
management.
In the following pages, you will find
overviews of our primary four
committees, together with detailed
information regarding their overall
operation within the governance
framework.
All four committees operate within
clearly defined terms of reference. This
year we reviewed and updated the terms
of reference for our Remuneration,
Nomination and Audit Committee, taking
into account the new provisions
introduced in the Code and current
best practice.
A key concern for good corporate
governance is to eradicate bribery, fraud
and corruption. I am confident that we
have a stringent process in place
throughout the Group. The ongoing
monitoring and review of this process is
led by our internal audit function and is
conducted on an annual basis.
Our whistleblowing hotline, used to
report suspected fraud, corruption and
irregularities, is being used more
frequently and every case is recorded.
I am pleased to confirm that following
investigation, none of the cases reported
were significant and they were resolved
without serious consequences.
We value this system, which gives staff
the opportunity to voice their concerns
in a way that draws attention to the
matter, without fearing reprisals for
speaking out.
61
Directors with a range of skill sets,
capabilities and experience gained from
different geographic and cultural
backgrounds, enhance the Board by
bringing a wide spectrum of experience
and expertise to the business. More
information about our Board diversity
policy can be found under the UK
Corporate Governance Code Compliance
Report on page 67.
Looking ahead, we continue to recognise
that corporate governance is vital to our
success and we endeavour to maintain
the highest standards.
Roger Davis
Non-Executive Chairman
Board composition is very important,
with three critical dimensions:
■ the balance of skills and experience;
■ maintaining a strong level of
independence and objectivity; and
■ ensuring that all members have
sufficient knowledge of the Group
and the context in which we operate.
As we act in shareholders’ interests, it is
appropriate that shareholders have the
opportunity to vote on the re-election of
every Director on an annual basis. We are
delighted to welcome Michael Lynch-Bell
to the Board. His wealth of knowledge
and expertise in finance, internal audit
and risk management provides additional
support and insight for the Board.
We continue to assess the composition
of the Board with the aim to obtain an
effective balance and diversity of skills
and experience to meet the Group’s
needs.
At present, our Board comprises four
Executive Directors and four non-
Executive Directors representing different
nationalities and disciplines (the detail of
which you will find in the biography for
each individual on pages 58 to 59). We
acknowledge the importance of diversity,
including gender, to the effective
functioning of our Board. We continue to
be supportive of diversity in the
Boardroom.
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Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
UK corporate governance code compliance
The Board sets standards of conduct, which provide an ethical framework for the
Group’s business functions.
This report combines the Directors’
Report, the Strategic Report and the
Group’s compliance with the principles
and provisions of the Code. It includes
details of the key policies, processes and
structures that apply to the Company.
It incorporates sections on the role and
work of the Audit, Nominations, HSSE
and Remuneration Committee in line
with the Disclosure and Transparency
Rules (DTR).
The Board continues to review and assess
all policies and practices throughout the
organisation in light of the changes
made to the Code in 2014 which became
applicable for financial years beginning
on or after 1 October 2014. The Board
also keeps apprised of all revisions and
market practice recommendations issued
by institutional investor bodies such as
The National Association of Pension
Funds, and the Association of British
Insurers. The Company has remained
below the FTSE 350 for the past three
consecutive financial years and, therefore,
is subject to the provisions applicable to
the smaller company regime. The
Company considers that it is compliant
with all provisions of the Code.
Board of Directors
the role of the Board
The Board is responsible for the overall
conduct of the Group’s business
as follows:
■ setting the Group’s strategy and for
the management, direction and
performance of the business;
■ monitoring and understanding the risk
environment in which the Group
operates;
■ providing accountability to
shareholders for the proper conduct
of the business;
■ safeguarding the long-term success
of the Group and taking into
consideration the interests of all
stakeholders; and
■ ensuring the effectiveness of and
reporting on the structure of
corporate governance.
The Board has an agenda for each Board
meeting, which includes discussion and
decision-making surrounding:
■ verbal reports given by the Chairman
of each committee on the committee’s
activities;
■ overall Group strategy, new business,
and long-term plans incorporating
viability assessment;
■ operational reviews;
■ major capital projects;
■ annual business plans and operating
plans;
■ the Group’s financial structure,
including tax and treasury;
■ annual and half-year financial results
and shareholder communications;
■ system of internal control and risk
management; and
■ administrative matters including
corporate governance issues.
The Board sets standards of conduct,
which provide an ethical framework for
the Group’s business functions. While the
Board focuses on strategic issues, such as
financial performance, risk management,
and other critical business concerns, it
also has a formal schedule of reserved
matters. These which are documented
in a comprehensive list of authorisation
levels and prior approval requirements
for key corporate decisions and actions,
are reviewed annually and by the Board.
Such matters reserved for the Board
include, but are not limited to, approval
of business plans, major capital
expenditure, major acquisitions and
disposals and bank borrowings. The
matters reserved were last reviewed in
March 2016.
While all Directors have equal
responsibility in terms of the law for
managing the Group’s affairs, it is the
role of the executive management to
run the business within the parameters
established by the Board and to produce
clear, accurate and timely reports to
enable the Board to monitor and assess
management’s performance. The
executive management draws on the
expertise and experience of the
non-Executive Directors.
All Directors are free to express their
views and may ask that these be
recorded in the minutes where
appropriate.
63
Held
appointment
during 2015
Committee
chairmen
and number of
members
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Nominations (3)
HSSE (3)
Remuneration (3)*
Audit (2)
including supporting information in
order to make a decision. The decision of
each Board member is communicated
and recorded at the following Board
meeting.
The terms of reference for each
committee require members to be
renominated every three years (subject
to annual re-election).
Board composition during 2015
Name
Title
Executive Board members (4)
CT Elphick
AR Ashworth
M Michael
GE Turner
Non-Executive Board members (4)
RW Davis
GA Beevers
M Salamon
DJ Elzas (resigned 2 June 2015)
RJ Williams (resigned 2 June 2015)
MD Lynch-Bell* (appointed 15 December 2015)
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Legal and Commercial Officer
Chairman
Senior Independent Director
* MD Lynch-Bell was appointed to the Remuneration Committee on 14 March 2016.
The non-Executive Directors possess a
range of experience and competencies
and bring independent judgement to
bear on issues of strategy, performance,
and resources that are vital to the success
of the Group.
All of the non-Executive Directors are
regarded as independent by the Board as
defined in the Code, as was the Chairman
on his appointment.
Board and committee meetings
Five scheduled Board meetings were
held during 2015, all in the United
Kingdom. Attendance by Directors at
Board and committee meetings is
shown below.
There are six formally constituted
committees of the Board, each of which
has specific terms of reference. Those for
the Audit, Remuneration, Nominations
and HSSE Committee can be viewed
on the Group’s website together with
the matters reserved for the Board on
the Gem Diamonds website.
remaining two committees (Standing
and Share Scheme) facilitate the
administration of the Board’s delegated
authority.
The
In the event that Board approval is
required between Board meetings for
such matters as capital expenditure,
Board members are emailed the details,
Attendance at Board and committee meetings during 2015
Director
Board
Audit
Remuneration Nominations
HSSE
Number of meetings held
RW Davis
CT Elphick
GA Beevers (appointed to Audit Committee
in June 2015)
DJ Elzas (resigned 2 June 2015)
M Salamon
RJ Williams (resigned 2 June 2015)
AR Ashworth
M Michael
GE Turner
MD Lynch-Bell (appointed 15 December 2015)
5/5
5/5
5/5
1/1
5/5
1/1
5/5
5/5
5/5
–
4/4
–
3/4
1/1
–
1/1
–
–
–
–
4/4
–
–
1/1
4/4
1/1
–
–
–
–
4/4
4/4
–
–
4/4
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
4/4
–
4/4
–
–
–
4/4
–
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64
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
UK corporate governance code compliance continued
Non-Executive Directors’ meetings
Before each scheduled Board meeting, the non-Executive Directors meet independently of the Executive Directors, in accordance with
a practice adopted by many listed companies. During the year, four such meetings were held.
chairman and chief Executive Officer
A clear separation is maintained between the responsibilities of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. This separation was
established during 2007 with the appointment of Roger Davis as Chairman.
The Chairman is responsible for creating the conditions for the effective working of the Board. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible
for the leadership, operations and management of the Group within the strategy and business plan agreed by the Board. Their
individual responsibilities, together with the responsibilities of the Senior Independent Director (SID) and non-Executive Directors
are detailed below.
Roles of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
chairman, Roger Davis
chief Executive Officer, clifford Elphick
The effective operation and leadership of the Board and setting
the highest standards of corporate governance.
Developing a business strategy for the Group to be approved by
the Board on an annual basis.
Providing strategic guidance to the executive team.
Setting the agenda, style and tone of Board discussions.
Producing the business plans for the Group to be approved by
the Board on an annual basis.
Overseeing the management of the executive resource and
succession planning processes and presenting the output from
these to the Board and Nominations Committee annually.
Through the Nominations Committee, ensuring that the Board
comprises individuals with appropriate skill sets, experience
and knowledge.
Ensuring that effective business and financial controls and risk
management processes are in place across the Group, as well as
compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Ensuring that the Company maintains effective communication
with shareholders and that the Board understands their views
and concerns.
Working with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure that the
Board receives accurate and timely information on the
performance of the Group.
Making recommendations to the Board on the appropriate
delegation of authority within the Group.
Keeping the Board informed about the performance of the
Group and bringing to the Board’s attention all matters that
materially affect, or are capable of materially affecting, the
performance of the Group and the achievement of its strategy.
Leading the evaluation of the performance of the Board, its
committees and individual Directors.
Developing, for the Board’s approval, appropriate values and
standards to guide all activities undertaken by the Group.
Encouraging a culture of openness and discussion to foster a
high-performing collegial team of Directors.
Providing clear and visible leadership in responsible business
conduct.
Ensuring that relevant stakeholder and shareholder views, as
well as strategic issues, are regularly reviewed, clearly understood
and underpin the work of the Board.
Facilitating the relationship between the Board and the Chief
Executive Officer.
Ensuring that adequate time is available for discussion on all
agenda items.
65
Roles of the Senior Independent Director and non-Executive Directors
Senior Independent Director based in the uK,
Mike Salamon
Acting as a sounding board for the Chairman.
Serving as an intermediary for other Directors if necessary.
Non-Executive Directors
Scrutinising the performance of management in meeting
agreed goals and objectives and monitoring the reporting
of performance.
Reviewing the integrity of financial information and determining
whether internal controls and systems of risk management
are robust.
Being available to shareholders if concerns they have raised
with the executive team and/or the Chairman have not
been satisfactorily resolved.
Determining the Company’s policy for executive remuneration,
as well as the remuneration packages for the Chairman and
Executive Directors through the Remuneration Committee.
Providing a wide range of skills and independence, including
independent judgement on issues of strategy, performance and
risk management.
Board skills, balance and
independence
As a mining company, the efficiency of
the day-to-day operations, in both the
medium and long term, is essential to
the Group’s progress in producing
shareholder value.
Knowledge of the diamond industry is
crucial in order to foster new business
opportunities and to enhance the
Group’s operations in cutting and
polishing and sales and marketing
strategies.
Financial resources and capability are also
necessary to ensure fulfilment of the
Group’s strategy. The biographies, which
can be found on pages 58 and 59,
provide more information on each
Director’s competencies. All Directors
allocate sufficient time to the Group to
fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
The Company complies with the
requirement of the Code that there
should be a balance of Executive and
non-Executive Directors so that no
individual or group can dominate the
Board’s decision-making.
Non-Executive Directors should be
independent in character and
judgement. All four non-Executive
Directors are considered by the Board to
be independent of management and the
Group. In applying the independence
test, the Board considers relationships
with management, major shareholders,
subsidiary and associated companies and
other parties with whom the Company
transacts business against predetermined
materiality thresholds.
The letters of appointment for the non-
Executive Directors and the contracts of
the Executive Directors are available for
inspection at the place of business of the
Company in London.
The Board annually reviews the
composition and chairmanship of its
primary committees, namely the Audit,
Remuneration, Nominations and HSSE
Committees.
Appointments and re-elections
to the Board (see also Board
diversity on page 67)
The Code requires there to be a formal,
rigorous and transparent procedure for
the appointment of new Directors, which
should be made on merit, against
objective criteria and with due regard to
the benefits of diversity on the Board.
Since 2007, recruitment to the Board has
been on the basis of recommendation;
thus no outside consultants have been
engaged. The Board currently comprises
a broad and highly relevant skill set and
the Nominations Committee will
continue to make appointments based
on merit while taking into account
diversity and the specialist skill set which
is required by the business.
The Nominations Committee’s section of
this report is set out on page 74.
It is required that all Directors retire at
the Annual General Meeting and, if
appropriate, offer themselves for
re-election in accordance with Code
provision B.7.1. This practice will continue
for future re-elections. The Nominations
Committee has considered and
concluded that the Board has
demonstrated commitment to its role.
The committee is also satisfied that the
collective skills, experience, background
and knowledge of the Company’s
Directors enables the Board and its
committees to conduct their respective
duties and responsibilities effectively.
continuing Board development,
independent professional advice
and the company Secretary
All Directors are aware that they may take
independent professional advice, at the
expense of the Company, in the conduct
of their duties, subject to prior
consultation with the Chairman.
Furthermore, all Directors have access to
management and the advice and
services of the Company Secretary. The
Company Secretary is accountable to the
Board for ensuring that all governance
matters are complied with and assisting
with professional development as
required.
Board-approved arrangements ensure
that new Directors receive a full, formal
and tailored induction upon joining the
Board. In addition, ongoing support and
resources are provided to Directors,
enabling them to extend and refresh
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UK corporate governance code compliance continued
their skills, knowledge and familiarity
with the Group. Professional
development and training is provided
through three measures:
■ delivering regular updates on changes
(actual or proposed) in laws and
regulations affecting the Company
or its business;
■ making arrangements, including site
visits, to ensure Directors are familiar
with the Group’s operations,
particularly its commitment to and
application of the Group’s corporate
social responsibility policies; and
■ creating opportunities for professional
and skills training, such as committee
chairmanship and formal professional
seminars, designed by appropriate
advisers.
Board evaluation
Aim
The Board understands the importance
of ensuring that excellent standards of
behaviour and governance are
maintained, not only by the Directors,
but integrated through all levels of
the Group.
One of the overarching objectives of
the 2015 Board evaluation was to carry
out a comprehensive review on the
effectiveness of the Board, not only as
a unit, but also to assess and evaluate
the contributions made by individual
Directors.
The Board evaluation exercise looked
at the composition of the Board and
committees of the Board, conduct and
decision-making; how strategy is
approached and addressed; risk
management, management information
and reporting; training, development and
succession planning; and internal and
external communication.
It also looked at specific issues raised in
the 2014 evaluation, such as Board
composition, risk management and
communications.
Approach
In line with best practice on Board
evaluation, as set out in provision B.6.2
of the Code, the Board appointed
Bruce Wallace Associates to undertake an
externally facilitated independent review
of Board effectiveness during December
2015 and January 2016. The scope of the
2015 evaluation review was agreed with
the Chairman and Company Secretary
and implemented by means of a
questionnaire. The questionnaire was
sent to each Director and their responses
were collated by Bruce Wallace
Associates who then presented their
analysis, findings and recommendations
in a report to the Board.
Analysis
The report from Bruce Wallace
Associates to the Board noted that
considerable progress had been made
addressing recommendations in the
2014 Board evaluation, in particular
Board composition and external
communications were identified in
the 2015 Board evaluation as the two
main areas where the Board had
performed well.
The Nomination Committee spent a
substantial amount of time recruiting
a non-Executive Director that not only
would strengthen the Board but
someone with financial expertise to
chair the Audit Committee thereby
supporting the Board’s ongoing
commitment to good governance.
In addition, an effective stakeholder’s
plan was also put in place with regular
roadshows being planned.
While extensive work has been done to
ensure all risks are identified, evaluated
and reported, the Board agreed that a
clearer understanding of the correlation
between identified and potential risks
associated with the Group’s strategy
is needed.
Next step
The findings and recommendations
have been discussed with the Board
by the Chairman. The Board agreed
that continued focus on developing
succession plans was key. The Board also
confirmed that internal communications
and risk management would be further
considered for improvements.
conflicts of interest
The UK Companies Act requires that
Directors avoid any situation where they
may have a direct or indirect interest that
conflicts, or may conflict, with the Group’s
interests, unless approved by the non-
interested Directors. In accordance with
this Act, the Directors are allowed to
authorise conflicts and potential conflicts
where appropriate. The Company
operates a procedure to ensure the
disclosure of conflicts and, if appropriate,
for the consideration and authorisation of
them by non-conflicted Directors. The
Board maintains a register of ‘conflicts of
interests’ that it reviews annually (most
recently in March 2016). The Company
voluntarily complies with this
requirement.
Dealings in shares
The Company has a policy based on
the Model Code, published in the FCA’s
UK Listing Rules, which covers dealings
in securities and applies to all Directors,
persons discharging managerial
responsibilities and employee insiders.
This policy was last reviewed in
November 2012 and was circulated to
all insiders in January 2014. The insider
list is reviewed and updated routinely.
A review and update will be carried out
in 2016 to reflect the changes being
introduced by the Market Abuse
Regulations in July 2016.
Directors’ remuneration
While the Board is ultimately responsible
for Directors’ remuneration, the
Remuneration Committee, consisting
of Independent non-Executive Directors,
is responsible for determining the
remuneration and conditions of
employment of Executive Directors, as
well as the Chairman. The details of all
Directors’ remuneration are covered in
the Directors’ Remuneration Report and
the Annual Report on Remuneration on
pages 77 to 95.
Bribery Act
The Company engaged KPMG to carry
out a review of the Group’s operations
in South Africa, Belgium and the UK in
2014. In addition, implementation
reviews were conducted at Letšeng and
Ghaghoo in early 2015 by the Group
Internal Audit function. A gap analysis
and comparison between the Group
policy and the anti-bribery and
corruption legislation has been
performed and all recommendations will
be rolled out into the operations during
2016 and form part of the Group’s
amended anti-bribery and corruption
policy going forward.
67
The Group’s terms of business require all
customers and third parties with whom
business is transacted to adopt the same
zero tolerance approach to bribery and
corruption as implemented by the Board.
Board diversity
The Board continues to support diversity
and strives to improve the gender
balance within the Group with an
increasing number of suitably qualified
females being employed at senior levels
throughout the organisation.
More information on gender-based
employment is contained in the
Sustainable Development Review on
page 51.
communication of business
development during the year
Detailed information on the Group’s
business developments and projects can
be found on the Company’s website
in the investors section, where all
published information and shareholder
communication is available. This includes
trading updates; year-end and half-year
results; resource and reserve statements
and all other announcements.
Accountability and audit
Financial reporting
The Board is conscious of its responsibility
to present a fair, balanced and
understandable assessment of the
Group’s position and prospects and is
satisfied that the Strategic Report on
pages 2 to 55 has met this obligation.
The Responsibility Statement of the
Directors in respect of the Annual Report
and Financial Statements is set out on
page 102.
Information and financial reporting
systems
The Board is supplied in a timely
manner with information in a form and
of a quality appropriate to enable it to
discharge its duties. Financial reporting
to the Board is continuously modified
and enhanced to cater for changing
circumstances. The Group’s comprehensive
planning and financial reporting
procedures include detailed operational
business plans for the year ahead and a
three-year rolling plan. The Board reviews
and approves the Group’s annual
business plan.
These are prepared in cooperation with
all Group functions on the basis of
specified economic assumptions.
Performance is monitored and relevant
action taken throughout the year
through monthly reporting of key
performance indicators and updated
forecasts for the year, together with
information on key risk areas.
In addition, routine management reports
on an operational and consolidated basis,
including updated forecasts for the year,
are prepared and presented to the Board.
These reports form the cornerstone of
the Group’s system of internal control.
Detailed consolidated management
accounts, as well as an executive
summary, are circulated prior to each
scheduled Board meeting. Between
Board meetings, summary update reports
covering matters such as operational
performance, sales figures, cash flow and
progress on strategic issues are circulated
to Board members and Senior Executives.
Internal control
The Board of Directors has responsibility
for the Group’s overall approach to risk
management and internal control,
which are embedded in all key
operations. In accordance with the
Guidance on Risk Management, Internal
Control and Related Financial and
Business Reporting Guidance published
by the Financial Reporting Council in
September 2014 (the Risk Guidance),
the Board has defined the processes
adopted for its ongoing monitoring and
assessment and relies on reviews
undertaken by the Audit Committee
throughout the year, as well as the
approval of the Annual Report and
Financial Statements. In addition, regular
management reporting and a balanced
assessment of key risks and controls, is
an important component of Board
assurance.
The Audit Committee reviewed the
effectiveness of the system of internal
control by considering regular reports
from management on the operation of
the risk assessment process throughout
the Group.
These included:
■ key risks identified;
■ mitigating actions and controls;
■ management representations and
assertions; and
■ reports covering the independent
assessment of internal control systems
from internal audit, together with
other assurance providers such as
health, safety, social and environmental
reports.
The principal aim of the system of
internal control is the management of
business risks that significantly threaten
the fulfilment of the Group’s business and
strategic objectives, with a view to
enhance the value of shareholders’
investments and safeguarding assets.
The internal control systems have been
designed to manage, rather than
eliminate, the risk of failure, to achieve
business objectives and to provide
reasonable but not absolute assurance
that the Group’s business objectives will
be achieved within the risk tolerance
levels identified by the Board. The
Directors confirm that they have
reviewed the effectiveness of the system
of internal control. For the review, the
Audit Committee considered reports
dealing with internal audit plans and
outcomes, as well as risk logs and sign-off
from external audit and management
representations. These did not reveal any
significant findings or weaknesses.
Internal audit
The Group internal audit function, as an
independent assurance provider, is an
important element of the overall process
by which the Audit Committee and the
Board obtain the assurance it requires
that risks are being effectively managed
and controlled.
Group internal audit, reporting directly to
the Audit Committee, is responsible for
coordinating the Group’s risk-based
approach to internal audit and to
evaluate the effectiveness and contribute
to the improvement of risk management,
controls and governance systems.
A risk-based internal audit plan for 2015
was approved by the Audit Committee.
Reports on the outcomes of the
risk-based audits, the findings together
with progress on implementing the
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68
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actions arising from the findings were
presented to management and the Audit
Committee for consideration and
approval.
The risk-based audit plan covers all
operating units, focusing in particular on
the principal risks. It involves discussions
with management on the risks identified
in the local and Group risk registers,
emerging risks, operational changes,
capital projects and related internal
controls identified in the risk self-
assessment process. Findings and agreed
actions are reported to management and
the Audit Committee.
Internal audit services are provided by
means of a co-sourced agreement with
KPMG managed through the Group
internal audit function. The objective of
the co-sourced agreement is that KPMG
will perform certain internal audits on
behalf of the Group internal audit as and
when required.
Risk assessment and
management
The Board, through the Audit Committee,
considers effective risk management as
an essential element of professional
management and has implemented
robust risk assessment and internal
control systems across the Group.
In accordance with the Risk Guidance,
a process has been established for
continually identifying, evaluating and
managing the Group’s principal risks. The
Group’s risk management policy aims to
cover and review all important risks faced
by the Group, including, but not limited
to, operational, financial, commercial,
legal, regulatory and compliance risks,
which could undermine the Group’s
ability to achieve its strategic and
business objectives.
These risks are monitored continually
and formally reviewed annually. A more
comprehensive report of the Group’s
principal risks and the means by which
these are managed and/or mitigated
can be found on pages 16 to 20 of the
Strategic Report.
The Company has a value-driven approach
in order to meet its objective of ensuring
it operates in a stable environment.
Through monitoring the locations in
which we operate, enhancing the Group’s
assets and protecting employees and the
surrounding ecosystem, the Group is able
to uphold its processes in turn creating
greater shareholder value and enhancing
the Group’s moral reputation.
All of the Group’s operations perform
comprehensive annual self-assessment
risk reviews and maintain their risk
registers. Objectives in the business plan
are aligned with risks and a summary of
the key risks, related internal controls,
accountabilities and further mitigating
actions are tabled and approved by the
Audit Committee. The Committee at times
delegates its authority to the Board for
completeness. The Audit Committee and
the Board, where appropriate, are kept
informed on progress against the plans
and any significant changes in order to
review the risk profile. This enables the
suitable management and non-Executive
Directors to holistically review the risk,
mitigate and implement controls as
necessary.
Investment appraisal
Capital expenditure is managed by a
budgetary process and authorisation
levels. For expenditure beyond specified
levels, detailed written proposals are
submitted to the Board. There is an
approval procedure for investment,
which includes a detailed calculation of
return based on current assumptions that
are consistent with those included in
management reports.
Reviews are carried out after the project
is completed and, for some projects,
during the development period of the
investment to monitor progress against
the approved plan. All major overruns are
subject to a post-investment review.
Commercial, legal and financial due
diligence is carried out, using external
consultants as appropriate, is undertaken
in respect of acquisitions and disposals.
External audit
A principle of the Code is that the Board
should establish formal and transparent
arrangements for considering how it
should apply the financial reporting and
internal control principles and for
maintaining an appropriate relationship
with the Group’s external auditors, EY.
These responsibilities are delegated to
and discharged by the Audit Committee,
whose role is defined on pages 70 to 73.
whistleblowing programme
The Company has formal means of
reporting suspected fraud, corruption
and irregularities via independently
operated and confidential toll-free phone
hotlines in each country in which the
Group operates. Employees can report
any breach of the Group’s business
principles, including, but not limited to,
bribery, breaches of ethics and fraud.
All incidents reported are fully
investigated, and the results are reported
to the boards of local operations and
the Group’s Audit Committee. To raise
awareness of the hotline throughout
the Company, literature is issued to
employees detailing the whistleblowing
tool and relevant contact details. Group
internal audit periodically reviews the
design and effectiveness of the hotline
and reports the results to the Audit
Committee.
The process was reviewed in 2012, and
each operation reissued literature to all
employees.
The Board is satisfied that the
whistleblowing programme is being
utilised in the correct manner by
concerned individuals and that all
queries raised during the year have been
properly investigated and reported.
69
Dialogue with shareholders
Communication with industry analysts,
institutional investors and shareholders is
of great importance to the Board. Having
an understanding of the views of our
stakeholders and shareholders has
proven to be highly beneficial to the
Group. The responsibility of investor
relations is that of the Chief Legal and
Commercial Officer, Glenn Turner, who is
based at the Company’s London office.
Presentations are given by the Executive
Directors after the Group’s announcement
of the year-end and half-year results. Any
concerns raised by shareholders in
relation to the Group and its affairs are
communicated to the Board as a whole,
and a summary of shareholders’ views are
tabled at each Board meeting.
Glenn Turner keeps in contact with the
Company’s institutional and other
shareholders, as well as industry experts
on a regular basis. It is his task to ensure
there is a continuous flow of reliable
information between the Company and
its investors.
The shareholder base comprises
138.30 million issued ordinary shares of
US$0.01 each. There are 253 institutional
shareholders that hold 127.5 million
shares (92%) and 352 private shareholders
who hold 10.8 million shares (8%).
The Company’s Senior Independent
Director, Mike Salamon, is available to
shareholders if contact through normal
channels fails to resolve their concerns, or
if such contact would be inappropriate.
constructive use of the Annual
General Meeting (AGM)
The Code strongly encourages boards to
use the AGM to communicate with all
investors. All Directors attend the AGM,
and shareholders are invited to ask
questions during the meeting and to
meet Directors after the formal
proceedings have closed. Shareholders
attending the Company’s next scheduled
meeting will be advised as to the level of
proxy votes received, as well as the
percentages for and against in respect
of each resolution.
The Executive Directors conduct
quarterly roadshows to engage with a
number of the Group’s larger investors
creating a suitable platform for them to
express any concerns.
If the Board considers that a significant
proportion of votes have been cast
against any resolution, the Directors will
explain how they intend to engage with
shareholders to assess their concerns.
The results of the resolutions will be
announced through the Regulatory
News Service and on the Company’s
website.
All shareholders can access the Group’s
annual and half-year reports; trading
updates; and other published information
about the Group through the Company’s
website.
Care is taken to ensure that any price-
sensitive information is released to all
shareholders, institutional and private, at
the same time, and in accordance with
both the DTR and the Group policy. This
policy was reviewed by the Board in
November 2014 and is in the process of
being updated to reflect the changes
being introduced by the Market Abuse
Regulations in July 2016.
Details of the resolutions to be proposed
at the AGM can be found in the notice of
the AGM. In accordance with the Code,
the notice of the AGM and relevant
papers will be sent to shareholders a
minimum of 20 business days before the
meeting. The 2016 AGM will be held on
Tuesday, 7 June 2016.
Shareholders
Majority interest in shares
On 11 March 2016, the Company was notified of the following major interests (at or above 3%) in the issued ordinary shares of the
Company in accordance with the DTR 5:
Shareholders
Graff Diamonds International
Lansdowne Partners
Gem Diamonds Holdings Limited
Majedie Asset Management
BlackRock
FMR LLC
Lazard Asset Management
GLG Partners
Norges Bank Investment Management
Miton Asset Management
Number of
ordinary
shares
20 906 699
20 721 413
9 325 000
7 304 263
6 189 766
5 786 072
5 573 653
4 851 414
4 379 676
4 283 515
%
shareholding
15.11
14.98
6.74
5.28
4.47
4.18
4.03
3.51
3.17
3.10
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Gem Diamonds
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Audit Committee
“The primary role of the Audit Committee is to act on behalf of shareholders to
rely on the financial reporting of the Company by establishing that effective
measures and internal controls for the oversight of the financial reporting and
audit process are in place and proficiently applied throughout the financial
reporting period”. – Roger Davis, Chairman
Composition, meetings
and attendance in 2015
In accordance with provision C.3.1 of
the Code, all members of the Audit
Committee should be non-Executive
Directors, independent in character and
judgement, and free from relationships or
circumstances which are likely to affect,
or could appear to affect, their judgement.
In June 2015 two of the Company’s
non-Executive Directors, Dave Elzas and
Richard Williams MBE MC, stepped down.
Roger Davis agreed to act as Chairman
until a replacement for Mr Elzas was
sourced, and Gavin Beevers was
appointed a member of the Committee
to ensure that, in the interim, Audit
Committee meetings were in line with
the terms of reference. Michael Lynch-
Bell’s appointment as a non-Executive
Director and Chairman of the Audit
Committee has further strengthened the
skill set to uphold shareholders’ interests.
The Audit Committee terms of reference
were updated in 2015 in line with the
new provisions introduced by the Code
applicable to the smaller company
regime.
Four meetings of the Audit Committee
were held in 2015. The Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the
Group’s internal auditor, and a
representative of the Company’s
external auditors attend each meeting
by invitation. Other Directors of the
Company and Senior Executives may
also attend by invitation to speak, but
not vote, at a meeting.
Committee members
Member throughout 2015
MD Lynch-Bell – Chairman
RW Davis (stepped down as Chairman on
15 December 2015)
GA Beevers
DJ Elzas
RJ Williams
Appointed on 15 December 2015
✓
Appointed on 2 June 2015
Resigned on 2 June 2015
Resigned on 2 June 2015
the role and focus of the Audit committee
The Audit Committee’s primary role is to ensure:
■ the integrity of financial reporting and the audit process; and
■ that an appropriate risk management and internal financial control system is maintained.
Number of meetings
attended/held 2015
–
4/4
3/4
1/1
1/1
By fulfilling this role, the Audit Committee assists the Board in discharging its responsibilities of financial reporting, external and
internal audits and controls.
71
Activities of the Audit committee during 2015
Internal controls and risk
External auditors
Financial reporting
■ Received reports from the external
auditors and the Group’s internal auditor
on their assessment of the control
environment.
■ Assessed the effectiveness of the Group’s
■ Reviewed reports on audit findings.
■ Considered the independence of the
auditors and their effectiveness, taking
into account:
— non-audit work undertaken by the
internal control environment and
approved the statement on the process
by which the committee and the Board
review the effectiveness of internal
control.
■ Received reports of the internal control
environment in place at its subsidiaries
which were considered to be effective.
These included:
— procedures for identifying business and
operational risks and control of their
impact on the Group;
— budgeting and forecasting systems,
financial reporting systems and
controls;
external auditors and compliance with
the Group’s policy; and
— the committee’s own assessment.
■ Agreed on the audit approach and scope
of the audit work to be undertaken by the
external auditors and the fees for the
same.
■ Considered key focus areas for the 2015
audit, including going-concern
assessment, impairment reviews,
significant judgements applied
(specifically in terms of ‘production start
date’ of when a mine moves into its
production phase) and revenue
recognition.
— procedures for detecting fraud and
■ Recommended to the Board the
■ Reviewed the annual financial (2014) and
half-year (2015) statements and the
significant financial reporting judgements
and the Auditors’ Report thereon.
■ Reviewed the trading announcements
published in January, May, July and
November.
■ Reviewed the liquidity risk and the basis
for preparing the Group accounts on a
going-concern basis and reviewed the
related disclosures in the Annual Report.
■ Reviewed disclosures in the Annual
Report in relation to internal controls, risk
management, principal risks and
uncertainties and the work of the
Committee.
■ Reviewed management’s considerations
on impairment.
■ Reviewed the appropriateness of the
Group’s accounting policies.
reappointment of the external auditors
following an evaluation of their
effectiveness and confirmation of auditor
objectivity and independence.
serious breaches of business conduct
including whistleblowing;
— procedures for ensuring compliance
with relevant regulators and
eliminating bribery;
— operational effectiveness of the Audit
Committee structures; and
— overseeing the adequacy of the
internal controls and allocation of
responsibilities for monitoring internal
financial controls.
■ Reviewed feedback from the reports
submitted by managers across the Group,
prior to approval of the half-year and
annual financial statements and before
the audit.
■ The management reports cover areas
involving significant judgement,
estimation or uncertainty, including
assessment of fair values, impairment
reviews of goodwill, quality of earnings,
taxation, treasury, reserves and resources,
legal matters and the appropriateness of
preparing the financial statements on a
going-concern basis.
■ Reviewed and assessed the systems and
processes in place required to formulate
the viability statement and support its
conclusions.
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Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Audit Committee continued
Internal controls and risk
External auditors
Financial reporting
■ Assisted the Board in assuring the
integrity of the financial statements which
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have certified as
representing a true and fair view of
the Group.
■ Evaluated the effectiveness of the Group’s
internal control over financial reporting
based on the established framework and
criteria. No material weaknesses in the
Group’s internal controls over financial
reporting were identified by
management.
■ Adhered to the Financial Reporting
Council’s consultation of audit firm
tendering, and their rotation of audit
partners. As such, audit partner rotation
is due and the external auditor’s
engagement partner, appointed in 2011,
will step down and be replaced by
another audit partner after the 2015
Annual Report who will head up the
Group’s Audit Engagement Team,
responsible for carrying out the audit
of the consolidated financial statements
of the Group going forward.
■ Compiled a comprehensive timetable and
plan in relation to the tendering of auditor
firm which must be in effect for the 2017
financial year.
■ Managed the relationship with the
external auditors covering terms of
engagement, remuneration and
effectiveness.
■ Ensured that there is a system of control in
place for identifying and managing risk in
the Group. The Board, through the Audit
Committee, reviewed the systems that
have been established for this purpose,
including whether the processes
continued to meet evolving external
governance requirements.
■ The Board conducted reviews of the
effectiveness of the Group’s systems of risk
management and internal controls in
accordance with the Code and the Risk
Guidance. These covered financial,
operational and compliance controls and
risk assessment. Management presented
an assessment of the material business
risks facing the Group. The reviews were
overseen by the Audit Committee, with
findings and recommendations reported
to the Board where appropriate. In
addition, the Board received an
assessment of the effectiveness of internal
controls over key risks identified through
the work of the Board committees.
The Board was satisfied that the
effectiveness of the internal controls was
properly reviewed.
■ Examined the effectiveness of the Group’s
risk management system, including its risk
management process and profile, and the
Group’s internal control systems.
■ Evaluated the performance of the
committee and its terms of reference.
■ Reviewed matters reported to the external
whistleblowing hotline and reports on the
findings of the investigations. There were
no matters reported which were
considered significant.
■ Considered and approved the structure,
scope of cover and renewal terms of the
Group’s insurance programme.
■ Reviewed foreign exchange management,
including investment hedging and related
foreign exchange exposure.
■ Reviewed litigation matters affecting all
Group companies, monitored their status
and progress and, where appropriate,
made recommendations regarding future
action.
■ Received routine reports on cash
management (including the negotiation
of committed facilities) to ensure
adequate resources were available for
future trading and capital expenditure,
and to underpin the going concern and
viability assumptions.
73
Meetings with auditors and
management
Following each Audit Committee meeting,
separate meetings were held with the
following:
■ external auditors;
■ the Group internal auditor; and
■ Executive Management.
Matters discussed during these meetings
include, but are not limited to, the
transparency of the auditors’ interactions
with management, confirmation that
there has been no restriction of scope
placed on them by management,
independence of their audit and how
they have exercised professional
scepticism. In particular, the primary
areas of judgement considered by the
committee in relation to the 2015
accounts, and how these were addressed,
were:
■ Assessing assets for impairment:
The judgements in relation to
asset impairment largely relate
to the assessment of whether
impairment indicators exist and
key assumptions used. In assessing
the Ghaghoo development asset for
impairment, the achievement of the
long-term business plan and macro-
economic assumptions underlying the
valuation process and going concern
assumptions are primarily judgements.
The committee addresses these
matters through receiving reports
from management outlining the basis
for the assumptions used, of which the
business plan is the most significant,
which is approved by the Board.
In addition, this area is a primary
source of audit focus and accordingly
EY provides detailed reporting to
the Committee.
■ Critical accounting estimates and
judgements applied, specifically to
Ghaghoo’s production start date:
The judgement in relation to
‘production start date’ is to determine
when a mine moves from its
construction phase into its production
phase. The criteria used to assess the
start date are determined by the nature
of each mine’s construction. Relevant
criteria are considered to assess when
the mine is substantially complete and
ready for its intended use and moves
into the production phase at which
point the capitalisation of certain mine
construction costs cease and
depreciation of the mine asset
commences. The committee addresses
such issues through reports submitted
by management. This creates a
platform for open discussion where
management can communicate the
reasoning behind their views of this is
an additional primary focus for EY who
provide regular verbal and written
reports to the Committee.
■ Revenue recognition:
The judgement applied to revenue
recognition is based on the timing of
risks and rewards of ownership transfer
on rough diamond sales and in
particular on the uplift element of
rough diamonds sold into partnership
arrangements. The committee addresses
such comments through a range of
reporting from management. This is
an area of higher audit risk and
accordingly the committee receives
detailed verbal and written reports
from EY regarding this matter.
EY further provides the Group with a
detailed audit plan identifying its
assessment of the key risks. These risks
are continuously tracked and the
Committee challenges the work
performed by the auditors to test
management’s assumptions and
estimates. The Committee assesses the
effectiveness of the audit process in
addressing those matters through the
reporting received from EY.
Auditors’ independence and
non-audit work
The Audit Committee has a formal policy
governing the conduct of non-audit
work carried out by the external auditors.
This ensures that the Company complies
with the requirements of the Code and
the Ethical Standards for Auditors
published by the Auditing Practices
Board.
The external auditors are permitted to
provide non-audit services that do not
conflict with auditor independence. The
Audit Committee regularly reviews the
non-audit fees paid.
The fees for such work amounted to
US$0.2 million in total. This was against
external audit fees of US$0.7 million
representing approximately 29% of
external audit fees.
When commissioning non-audit services,
the Company is very conscious of there
being no conflict which could
compromise the auditors’ independence.
Recommendation of auditor
The Audit Committee’s assessment of
the external auditor’s performance and
its independence underpins its
recommendation to the Board to
propose to shareholders the
reappointment of EY (appointed as the
Company’s auditor in 2006) until the
conclusion of the Company’s AGM in
2016. This assessment reviews the EY
policies for independence and five-year
rotation policy. In accordance with this
policy a new audit partner will be
appointed in 2016. Resolutions allowing
the Board to reappoint and determine
the external auditor’s remuneration will
be proposed at the Company’s AGM on
Tuesday, 7 June 2016.
During the year the Committee reviewed
the Group’s position on its audit services
contract and examined options
regarding the timing of tendering for
the Group’s external audit, taking into
account the UK Corporate Governance
Code and the reforms of the audit market
by the Competition and Markets
Authority (CMA) and the European Union.
The Committee intends that the audit
contract will be put out to tender in 2016,
and it is expected that the new audit
services contract would be effective for
the 2017 financial year end.
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74
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Nominations Committee
“The Nominations Committee continued its work of ensuring that the Board and
Committee’s composition is correct and that there is the appropriate balance of
skills, knowledge, experience and independence to ensure their continued
effectiveness in supporting our strategy”. – Roger Davis, Chairman
Committee members
RW Davis – Chairman
M Salamon
CT Elphick
Composition, meetings
and attendance in 2015
The Nominations Committee comprises
two non-Executive Directors and one
Executive Director. The Committee’s
terms of reference provide for a formal
and transparent procedure for the
Committee to follow in executing its
responsibilities. The terms of reference
of the Nominations Committee were
updated in September of 2015 to reflect
the changes made to the Code in
September 2014, and to further reflect
current best practice. The Committee
has the responsibility of identifying,
evaluating and recommending
candidates for Board vacancies and to
make recommendations on Board
composition, balance and diversity.
Four meetings were held in 2015. In
December 2015, Michael Lynch-Bell was
appointed as a non-Executive Director to
redress the balance of the Board following
the stepping down of Mr Elzas and
Mr Williams at the June AGM in 2015.
All recommendations for Board
appointments are made on merit and
against objective criteria.
the role and focus of the
Nominations committee
The key objective of the Nominations
Committee is to ensure that the Board of
the Company comprises individuals with
the requisite skills, knowledge and
experience. The importance of the high
calibre of Board members is required to
perform the complex Board responsibilities
in order to support the Group’s strategic
objectives.
Member throughout 2015
Number of meetings
attended/held 2015
✓
✓
✓
4/4
4/4
4/4
Responsibilities include:
■ Lead the process to identify and
make recommendations to the
structure, size and composition of the
Board. The Committee is accountable
for the diversity and balance of skills,
knowledge and experience as well as
the independence of non-Executive
Directors.
■ To make recommendations to the
Board regarding the composition of
the Nominations Committee and the
composition and chairmanship of the
Audit, Remuneration and HSSE
Committees.
■ Identify and make recommendations
to the Board regarding candidates for
appointment as Directors, which
includes considering succession
planning and the future leadership
needs of the Group.
■ Overseeing the performance
evaluation of the Board, Board
Committees and individual Directors.
The Board acknowledges that diversity
extends beyond the boardroom and
supports management in its efforts to
build diversity throughout the Group. It
endorses the Group’s policy to attract
and develop a highly qualified and
diverse workforce, to ensure that all
appointments are based on merit and
recruitment activities are fair, non-
discriminatory and that due diligence
is performed. The policy acknowledges
the contribution of diversity, including
gender, to the effective functioning of
the Board. When recruiting additional
Directors and/or filling vacancies which
arise when Directors do not seek
re-election, the Nominations Committee
will seek to appoint new Directors who fit
the skills criteria and gender balance that
are in line with the Board’s aspirations.
The Committee recognises that to
further enhance the effectiveness of the
Board there must be combined qualities,
capabilities and skill set gained from
different geographical and cultural
backgrounds. It is also recognised that
there is a shortage of suitable appropriate
Directors currently in the market. The
Nominations Committee continues to
encourage and support a diversity of
business skills and experience. Details,
including the proportion of women in
Senior Management, can be found in the
“Attracting, retaining and developing
employees” section of the Sustainable
Development Review on page 51.
Activities of the Nominations
committee during 2015
The Nominations Committee in 2015
deliberated upon:
■ succession planning for all Directors
and Senior Executives;
■ the composition of the committees;
and
■ the Committee’s effectiveness.
In the year ahead, the Committee will
continue to assess the Board’s
composition, evaluate the composition
of various committees and monitor
developments in corporate governance
to ensure the Group remains at the
forefront of good governance practices.
75
HSSE Committee
“The safety and well-being of our employees and contractors continues to be
our first priority. We strive to identify and mitigate potentially hazardous tasks
and conditions so that safe working procedures are implemented and
embedded throughout the organisation. Putting health and safety first, being
environmentally responsible, legally compliant and adding value to our
stakeholders and the communities in which we operate, ensures our social
licence to operate”. – Gavin Beevers, Chairman
Member throughout 2015
Number of meetings
attended/held 2015
✓
✓
✓
4/4
4/4
4/4
Activities of the hSSE committee
during 2015
In 2015, members of the HSSE
Committee visited the Group’s operations
to obtain first-hand knowledge of current
practices. The HSSE management teams
at the operations continually assist the
Committee to ensure the policies and
procedures remain current and effective.
■ assessing the effectiveness of
management’s approach to managing
risks, particularly with respect to the
importance of HSSE;
■ reviewing significant incidents and
considering causative factors,
consequences and the impact on
employees, the environment, third
parties and reputational risk;
■ recommending to the Board the
Group’s key performance indicators
and monitoring the performance
against approved targets;
■ reviewing the Group’s external
reporting and public disclosures on
HSSE matters;
■ reviewing and reporting to the Board,
developments, trends and sustainability
matters which are relevant to the
Group’s operations, its assets or
employees;
■ reviewing significant external HSSE
incidents and assessing the effectiveness
of internal prevention and preparedness
to avoid similar incidents at the Group’s
operations.
Committee members
GA Beevers – Chairman
M Salamon
GE Turner
The role and focus of the
Health, Safety, Social and
Environment (HSSE)
Committee
The role and responsibility of
the Committee is to provide the Board
assurance that the approved HSSE
policies and guidelines have been
implemented throughout the Group.
The Committee is accountable for
ensuring the management of health,
safety, social and environmental matters.
The Committee is also responsible for
maintaining relevant policies to reflect
and comply with all relevant in-country
legislation.
The Committee reviews the policies
regularly to ensure the Group continues
to uphold the highest standard and best
practice internationally.
The Committee achieves this by
regularly:
■ monitoring HSSE policies and
guidelines, and ensuring they take
account of minimum requirements
and international best practice;
■ gaining insight of and providing
assurance to the Board on the Group’s
compliance with applicable legal and
regulatory matters;
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Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
HSSE Committee continued
Health
Safety
Social
Environment
Governance
■ Reviewed on the key
indicators and trends.
■ Reviewed changes
to local and
international best
practice guidelines
on safety, health
and environmental
governance.
■ Considered
amending to the
Global Reporting
Initiative reporting
standard and agreed
the indicators to be
disclosed in the
2015 Sustainable
Development Report.
■ Reviewed key natural
systems-related risks
and associated
mitigation plans.
■ Reviewed key
environmental
indicators and
updated trends.
■ Recognised the
importance of
safeguarding the
quality and quantity
of water at the
Group’s operations
and initiated a
Group-wide water
footprint programme
to assess the impact
of the operations on
water sources in the
surrounding areas.
■ Identified material
environmental risks
and ensured that the
risks were adequately
addressed with
effective mitigation
measures as per the
Group’s policies and
guidelines.
■ Reviewed project-
■ Reviewed the
■ Identified and
addressed material
social governance
risks and resolved in
line with the Group’s
approved policies
and guidelines.
■ Received reports from
and interviewed
accountable managers
on the introduction
of community
development
initiatives.
■ Reviewed project-
affected community
socio-economic
indicators and trends.
■ Monitored the
implementation at
operational level of
corporate social
investment plans
at the mines in
Botswana and
Lesotho.
affected communities
and employee health
indicators and trends.
implementation
of the strategic plan
to improve safety.
■ Monitored the
effectiveness of
on-site clinics at
Letšeng and
Ghaghoo.
■ Reviewed the
effectiveness of
health risk mitigation
strategies at the
mine sites.
■ Monitored the
introduction of
Behaviour Based
Safety programmes
at the mine sites.
■ Examined reports on
investigation into the
root cause of all
serious safety
incidents to avoid
similar future
incidents.
■ Reviewed reports on
key safety indicators
and trends.
■ Recognised the risk
associated with water
and slimes storage
facilities and
mitigated the risk at
operational level
through the sourcing
of specialist research
recommendations.
■ Recognised the
concerns associated
with the use of
contractors and
ensured that the
correct measures
were embedded and
at operational level to
mitigate this risk. A
contractor safety
system was put in
place making it
compulsory to follow
the approved systems
and practices as
required by the
Group.
Annual Statement on Directors’ remuneration
77
Company’s remuneration practices. The
appropriateness of claw back will be
considered by the Committee in time
for the next policy vote.
We continue to value feedback from our
shareholders and hope to receive your
support at the AGM.
Mike Salamon
Chairman of the remuneration
Committee
14 March 2016
“Our remuneration
policy is designed to
support our business
strategy, to achieve
sustainable growth and
maximise long-term
sustainable shareholder
returns.” – Mike Salamon, Chairman
Dear shareholder,
On behalf of the Board I am pleased to
present the Remuneration Committee’s
Directors’ Remuneration Report for 2015.
In line with last year, this report is
split into three sections: the Annual
Statement, the Directors’ remuneration
policy and the Annual Report on
Remuneration. The Directors’
remuneration policy detailed on pages
77 to 95 remains consistent with that
approved by shareholders at the 2014
AGM, and is reproduced in full for both
ease of reference and in order to provide
context to the decisions taken by the
Committee during the year.
Although 2015 was a challenging year
for the diamond mining industry, it is
pleasing to report that the Group has had
a strong year. The Letšeng mine achieved
strong operational results and their low
capital projects have seen the important
+100 carat diamond recoveries rise from
an average of six per year to 11 in 2015.
In this context, the Committee’s key
decisions during the year related to the
following areas:
Long-term incentives
Executive Directors were each granted an
award under the Employee Share Option
Plan (ESOP) during the year which vest
based on performance over the three
financial years to 31 December 2017.
These awards will vest to the extent that
challenging relative Total Shareholder
Return (TSR), production and profit
targets are achieved over the period.
Annual bonus outcomes for the
financial year
For 2015, achievement against annual
bonus targets was strong, both in terms
of performance against the scorecard
objectives of growth, operating
performance and HSSE, and achievement
of personal objectives. The Executive
Directors will receive between 74.4% and
77.4% of the maximum bonus. This
outcome reflects both the continued
strong financial and operational
performance of the Group and the
exceptional individual contributions
made by each of the Executive Directors
over the last year.
Salary increase for 2016
The Executive Directors’ salaries were
reviewed in March 2016, and all received
an inflationary increase of 3.0%, in line
with the general practice of applying
inflation as a base for salary increase
across the Group.
Areas for future consideration
The Committee will continue to monitor
market trends throughout 2016 and
consider the implications for the
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Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Directors’ remuneration policy
The Company’s
remuneration policy is
designed to provide a
level of remuneration
which attracts, retains
and motivates
executives of a suitable
calibre to carry out the
Company’s business
strategy and maximise
long-term shareholder
wealth.
The report has been prepared in
accordance with the principles of the
Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 8 of
The Large and Medium-sized Companies
and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
(Amendment) Regulations 2013. The
Regulations require our auditors to
report to shareholders on the audited
information within this report and to
state whether, in their opinion, the
relevant sections have been prepared in
accordance with the Act. The auditors’
opinion is set out on pages 103 to 109
and we have clearly marked the audited
sections of the report.
The Company’s
remuneration policy
The Company’s remuneration policy
is designed to provide a level of
remuneration which attracts, retains and
motivates executives of a suitable calibre
to carry out the Company’s business
strategy and maximise long-term
shareholder wealth. It is intended that, as
far as possible, remuneration policies and
practices will conform to best practice in
the markets in which the Company
operates and will be aligned with
shareholder interests and promote
effective management of business risk.
The Committee takes into account the
UK Listing Rules, the principles and
provisions of the Code and the guidance
provided by institutional investor
representative bodies in determining
executive remuneration arrangements.
In deciding on the appropriate structure
and quantum of remuneration, the
Committee reviews remuneration
practices at comparator companies,
comprising mining companies and
UK-listed companies of a similar size and
complexity, to ensure remuneration
policies reflect, as appropriate, prevailing
industry and market conditions.
Furthermore, remuneration policies have
taken, and will continue to take, account
of pay and employment conditions
elsewhere in the Group.
The Committee’s policy is to weight
remuneration towards variable pay.
The aim is to provide base salaries and
benefits that are fair, and variable pay
incentives linked to the achievement of
realistic performance targets relative to
the Company’s strategy and corporate
objectives.
The Company’s remuneration policy was
approved by shareholders at the 2014
AGM on 10 June 2014, and became
effective from this date.
The report is as originally disclosed in the
2013 Directors’ Remuneration Report
save a number of non-significant
changes as follows:
■ references to financial years have been
updated where appropriate;
■ new non-Executive Director
appointment expiry dates have been
updated;
■ further details have been provided
in relation to the rationale for the
selection of performance measures
in the annual bonus and ESOP; and
■ pay-for-performance scenario charts
have been updated to reflect 2016
salaries and benefits.
79
policy table for Executive Directors
Element
Salary
Purpose and link to
strategy
Operation
Opportunity
Performance measures
■ To offer a market
■ Base salaries are
■ No prescribed
N/A
competitive base salary
to recruit and retain
individuals of the
necessary calibre to
execute the Company’s
business strategy.
Benefits
■ To provide competitive
benefits taking into
account market value
of role and benefits
offered to the wider
UK management
population, in line with
the Company’s strategy
to keep remuneration
simple and consistent.
reviewed annually, with
changes effective from
1 April.
■ Salaries are typically set
after considering the
salary levels in
companies of a similar
size, complexity and
risk profile, the
responsibilities of
each individual role,
progression within the
role, and individual
performance.
■ In setting salaries for
Executive Directors, the
Committee takes note
of the overall approach
to salary reviews for the
wider workforce.
■ Executive Directors
receive a cash
allowance in lieu of
non-cash benefits.
maximum annual
increase.
■ It is expected that
salary increases for
Executive Directors
will ordinarily be (in
percentage of salary
terms) in line with
those of the wider
workforce in countries
of a similar inflationary
environment.
■ In certain
circumstances (for
example where there
is a change in
responsibility, role size
or complexity, or
progression in the role),
the Committee has
discretion to award a
higher increase to
ensure salary levels
remain competitive.
■ Benefit value may vary
by role; the value of
benefits received
during 2015 ranged
between 5.5% and 6%
of base salary for the
Chief Executive Officer
and other Executive
Directors respectively.
■ It is not anticipated
that the cost of
benefits will exceed
this level over the term
of this policy, though
the Committee retains
discretion to approve
a higher cost in
exceptional
circumstances (for
example relocation or
increase in insurance
premiums).
N/A
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 80
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Directors’ remuneration policy continued
Element
Pension
Purpose and link to
strategy
Operation
Opportunity
Performance measures
■ To provide retirement
■ No formal pension
■ Executive Directors
N/A
benefits that are
appropriately
competitive.
provision is made by
the Company.
Annual
bonus
■ To drive and reward
performance against
personal objectives
and selected financial
and operational KPIs
which are directly
linked to business
strategy.
■ The executive incentive
scheme is reviewed
annually by the
Committee at the start
of the year to ensure
the opportunity and
performance measures
are appropriate and
continue to support
business strategy.
■ The Committee has
discretion to adjust the
formulaic outcome of
the bonus to more
accurately reflect
business and personal
performance during
the year.
■ The annual bonus is
paid entirely in cash.
receive a cash
allowance in lieu of
pension which is
currently equivalent to
14.5% and 13.0% of
base salary for the Chief
Executive Officer and
other Executive
Directors, respectively.
■ It is not anticipated
that the cash allowance
in lieu of pension will
exceed this level over
the term of this policy,
though the Committee
retains discretion to
approve a higher cost if
deemed appropriate.
■ Maximum opportunity
of up to 100% of base
salary.
■ For threshold level
and target level
performance, the
bonus earned is 50%
and up to 68% of
maximum opportunity,
respectively.
■ Performance is
determined by the
Committee on an
annual basis by
reference to a
scorecard of Group
targets as detailed in
the Group’s business
plan and encapsulated
in specific KPIs as well
as a discretionary
assessment of personal
performance.
■ Group scorecard
targets may include
growth which is judged
by the Committee on
a discretionary basis,
HSSE and operating
performance, and will
typically be weighted
at least 70% in any one
year.
■ Details of the measures
and weightings for
the current year are
provided in the Annual
Report on
Remuneration.
Element
Employee
Share Option
Plan (ESOP)
Purpose and link to
strategy
■ To balance the delivery
of absolute and relative
returns to shareholders
in the long term,
support alignment
with shareholders, and
attract, retain and
motivate executives of
the appropriate calibre.
81
Operation
Opportunity
Performance measures
■ Maximum opportunity
is up to 125% of salary
in performance shares
and 250% in
performance options
(subject to overall
maximum with fair
value equivalent to
125% of salary in
performance shares).
■ For threshold
performance, 20%
of the maximum
award vests.
■ Awards vest based
on continued
employment and
the Company’s
performance over a
three-year period. It
is the Committee’s
current intention that
the performance
measures be based on
relative TSR, profit and
production, but may
for future awards
include additional
measures such as HSSE
or strategic objectives,
as determined by the
Committee.
■ Vesting is ultimately
also subject to the
Committee’s
assessment of the
Company’s underlying
performance.
■ Executive Directors are
granted awards of
performance shares
and/or options as
determined by the
Committee, which vest
after a minimum of
three years based on
performance.
■ Awards are normally
made annually after
the announcement of
the full-year results but
may be made at other
times deemed
appropriate by the
Committee.
■ The Committee may
vary the ratio of
performance shares
and options from year
to year, but it is the
current intention of the
Committee that only
awards of performance
shares are made over
the term of this policy.
■ The Committee will
consider the impact of
any external factors
when determining the
final vesting outcome
of awards under the
ESOP.
■ Any such discretion
would be disclosed
and explained in the
following year’s Annual
Report on
Remuneration.
■ For performance
shares, any dividends
paid would accrue over
the vesting period and
would be paid only on
those awards that vest.
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Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Directors’ remuneration policy continued
Notes to policy table
payments from existing
arrangements
Executive Directors will be eligible to
receive remuneration or other payments
in respect of any award granted or
payment agreed prior to the approval
and implementation of the policy, or
prior to the individual becoming a
Director. Such payments include awards
made to Executive Directors under the
ESOP prior to the revisions implemented
and approved in 2014. Details of any such
awards or payments are disclosed in the
Annual Report on Remuneration.
Selection of performance
measures (annual bonus and
ESOp)
The performance measures used in the
Company’s executive incentive scheme
have been selected to ensure incentives
reinforce the Company strategy and align
executive interests closely with those of
shareholders. The Committee considers
that the financial and operational
measures used in the annual bonus,
support the strategic objectives of value
creation, growth and sustainability, and
are well accepted measures for the
mining sector. The use of profit and
production is consistent with the
Company’s key performance indicators,
and the use of relative TSR is strongly
aligned with shareholders and ensures
that executives are rewarded only if they
exceed the returns which a shareholder
could achieve elsewhere in the sector.
Performance targets are set to be
stretching and achievable, taking into
account the Company’s strategic
priorities and the economic environment
in which the Company operates. Targets
are set taking into account a range of
reference points including the Group’s
business plan. The Committee believes
that the performance targets set are
adequately stretching and that the
maximum outcomes are achievable
only for exceptional performance.
Remuneration policy for other
employees
The approach to salary reviews is
consistent across the Group, with
consideration given to the level of
responsibility, experience, individual
performance, market levels and the
Company’s ability to pay.
Below board level Senior Management
participate in an annual bonus scheme
on a similar basis as the Executive
Directors, although the more senior the
individual, the higher the weighting on
Group performance measures. A number
of Senior Management also receive ESOP
awards. Performance conditions and
award sizes vary to be appropriate to the
organisational level.
pay for performance: scenario
analysis
The following graphs provide an estimate
of the potential future remuneration for
the Executive Directors and the potential
split between the different elements of
pay under three performance scenarios:
‘fixed’, ‘at target’ and ‘maximum’. Potential
remuneration is based on the policy that
will be in force in 2016, applied to the
salaries effective 1 April 2016. For the
annual bonus, the amounts illustrated
are those potentially receivable in
respect of performance for 2015 (ie a
maximum of 100% of salary). ESOP
values are based on the proposed
number of shares to be awarded in 2016
and the average share price from
1 October 2015 to 31 December 2015
of 105 pence. Note that the projected
values exclude the impact of any share
price movements.
The ‘fixed’ scenario includes base salary,
pension and benefits only.
The ‘at target’ scenario includes fixed
remuneration as above, plus a target
payout of 68% maximum annual bonus,
and 20% vesting for the ESOP Award.
The ‘maximum’ scenario includes fixed
remuneration, plus full payout/vesting
of all incentives.
Chief Executive Officer (£000)
Chief Financial Officer (£000)
1 500
1 200
900
600
300
0
2
7
2
1
£
%
8
2
%
3
3
%
9
3
m
u
m
x
a
M
i
9
2
9
£
%
9
%
3
3
%
8
5
t
e
g
r
a
t
t
A
2
6
5
£
%
0
0
1
d
e
x
F
i
1 000
800
600
400
200
0
5
5
8
£
%
1
3
%
1
3
%
8
3
m
u
m
x
a
M
i
4
1
6
£
%
9
%
3
3
%
8
5
t
e
g
r
a
t
t
A
8
6
3
£
%
0
0
1
d
e
x
F
i
Chief Operating Officer (£000)
Chief Legal and Commercial Officer (£000)
1 000
800
600
400
200
0
8
3
9
£
%
8
2
%
3
3
%
9
3
m
u
m
x
a
M
i
4
8
6
£
%
9
%
3
3
%
8
5
t
e
g
r
a
t
t
A
3
1
4
£
%
0
0
1
d
e
x
F
i
1 000
800
600
400
200
0
6
6
8
£
%
0
3
%
2
3
%
8
3
m
u
m
x
a
M
i
2
2
6
£
%
9
%
3
3
%
8
5
t
e
g
r
a
t
t
A
3
7
3
£
%
0
0
1
d
e
x
F
i
■ Salary, pension and benefits ■ Annual bonus ■ Long-term incentives
83
Approach to remuneration on
executive recruitment
In recruiting new Executive Directors,
the Committee will typically follow the
existing remuneration policy as set out in
the policy table, but retains the discretion
to offer remuneration that is outside of
the policy if necessary in exceptional
circumstances to enable the recruitment
of an individual of the appropriate calibre.
The Committee will pay no more than is
appropriate while seeking to secure the
necessary world-class Executive Directors
required to deliver the Company’s
strategy and create value for
shareholders.
On appointment of an external Executive
Director, any arrangement specifically
established to recruit an individual would
be capped at the limits described in the
policy table. The Committee does not
envisage a payment such as a ‘golden
hello’ would be offered, although the
Committee may consider it appropriate
to compensate for incentive
arrangements the Director forfeits on
leaving their current employer. Any such
buy-out compensation would be on a
comparable basis taking into account
factors including the performance
conditions attached to these awards, the
likelihood of conditions being met, and
the remaining vesting period of these
awards. The Committee would use the
remuneration components under the
regular policy to make such buy-out
awards but may also exercise its
discretion under Listing Rule 9.4.2 if an
alternative incentive structure was
required.
In the case of internal promotions, any
commitments made prior to promotion
and the approval of the remuneration
policy will be honoured.
Service contracts
The Company’s policy is to limit
termination payments on termination
to pre-established contractual
arrangements. In the event that the
employment of an Executive Director is
terminated, any compensation payable
will be determined in accordance with
the terms of the service contract
between the Company and the
employee, as well as the rules of any
incentive plans. Details of the Executive
Directors’ service contracts are
summarised in the table below.
Directors
CT Elphick
M Michael
GE Turner
AR Ashworth
Contract date
Unexpired term
Notice period
Contractual termination payment1
13 February 2007
22 April 2013
1 July 2008
1 March 2008
Rolling contract
Rolling contract
Rolling contract
Rolling contract
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
Pay salary on summary termination.
Benefits are payable only at the
Committee’s discretion.
1 There are no special provisions in the contracts extending the notice period on a change of control or other corporate events.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 84
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Directors’ remuneration policy continued
payments for loss of office under all service contracts
If an Executive Director’s contract is terminated, payments equal to salary in lieu of notice can be made monthly during the notice
period. Benefits are payable only at the Committee’s discretion. Payment in lieu of unused annual leave entitlement can be made at
the effective salary rate at the point of termination.
The table below provides details of exit payments under different leaver scenarios.
Incentive plan
Scenario
Time of payment/vesting
Calculation of payment/vesting
Annual bonus
■ Death, disability, ill health,
redundancy, retirement, or
any other reasons the
Committee may determine
(normally not including
resignation or where there
are concerns as to
performance).
■ Normal payment date,
although the Committee
has discretion to accelerate
(eg in relation to death).
■ Performance against targets will
be assessed by the Committee
at the end of the year and any
resulting bonus is pro rated for
proportion of the year worked.
■ Change of control (whether
■ On change of control.
■ Performance against targets will
or not employment is
terminated as a result).
be assessed by the Committee up
to the date of change of control
and any resulting bonus is pro
rated for time.
■ All other reasons.
■ Ineligible.
■ N/A
ESOP
■ Death, disability, ill health,
redundancy, retirement, or
any other reasons the
Committee may determine
(normally not including
resignation or where there
are concerns as to
performance).
■ Normal vesting date,
although the Committee
has discretion to accelerate.
■ Unvested awards will be pro rated
for time unless the Committee
decides otherwise, and based on
performance.
■ Change of control (whether
■ On change of control.
or not employment is
terminated as a result).
■ Unvested awards will be pro rated
for time unless the Committee
decides otherwise, and based on
performance up to the date of
change of control. Executive
Directors can elect to exchange
ESOP awards for those of the
acquiring company, if offered.
■ All other reasons.
■ Awards lapse.
■ N/A
85
Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors do not receive benefits from the Company and they are not eligible to participate in any bonus or share
incentive scheme.
Details of the policy on non-Executive Director fees are set out in the table below.
Purpose and link to strategy
Operation
Opportunity
To attract and retain a high-
calibre Chairman and non-
Executive Directors with
experience relevant to the
Company.
■ No prescribed maximum annual increase.
■ It is expected that fee increases will typically
be in line with market levels of fee inflation.
■ In certain circumstances (for example where
there is a change in time commitment
required or a material misalignment with
market), the Committee has the discretion to
make adjustments to fee levels to ensure
they remain competitive.
■ Fees are reviewed annually, with any
changes effective from 1 April.
■ Fees are typically set after considering
current market levels and taking into
account time commitment and
responsibilities involved.
■ All non-Executive Directors, including
the Chairman, are each paid an
all-inclusive fee. No additional fees are
paid for chairmanship of Committees.
■ All fees are payable in cash in arrears.
■ The non-Executive Directors do not
participate in any of the Group’s
incentive plans. No other benefits
or remuneration are provided to
non-Executive Directors.
On appointment, a new non-Executive Director’s fees would be determined on the same basis as that disclosed above.
Non-Executive Directors’ appointment terms
Non-Executive Directors do not have service contracts. Summary details of terms and notice periods for non-Executive Directors are
included below.
Directors
RW Davis
GA Beevers
M Salamon
MD Lynch-Bell
Contract date
Unexpired term
Notice period
Contractual termination payment
1 February 2007
1 February 2007
3 February 2008
15 December 2015
Rolling appointment
Rolling appointment
Rolling appointment
Rolling appointment
Three months
Three months
Three months
Three months
No provision for payment of
compensation.
Considerations of
conditions elsewhere
in the Group
The Committee considers the
remuneration and employment
conditions elsewhere in the Group when
determining remuneration for Executive
Directors. Although the Committee does
not currently consult specifically with
employees on the executive
remuneration policy, it receives regular
updates from the Chief Financial Officer
on the pay conditions for employees
around the Group, and takes these into
account when determining Executive
Director remuneration.
Considerations of
shareholder views
The Committee always welcomes
feedback from shareholders on the
Company’s remuneration policy and
commits to undergoing shareholder
consultation in advance of any significant
changes to policy. The Committee
most recently consulted with major
shareholders regarding changes to the
Company’s remuneration policy. Details
on the votes received on the Directors’
Remuneration Report at the prior AGM
is provided in the Annual Report on
Remuneration.
External directorships
Executive Directors are permitted to
accept external directorships with prior
approval of the Chairman. Approval will
only be given where the appointment
does not present a conflict of interest
with the Group’s activities and the
experience gained will be beneficial to
the development of the individual. Where
fees are payable in respect of such
appointments, these would be retained
by the Executive Director. Refer to
page 95 for further details.
Mike Salamon
Chairman of the remuneration
Committee
14 March 2016
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 86
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
The Annual Report on Remuneration
■ determining the Executive Directors’
annual bonus and ESOP opportunities
and performance targets for 2015 in
line with the Company’s strategic plan
and remuneration policy;
■ considering recent developments
in remuneration market trends and
best practice;
■ conducting a detailed review of the
ESOP, taking into account Company
strategy and market practice;
■ reviewing and approving the base
salary and benefits of the Chairman,
Executive Directors and Company
Secretary; and
■ reviewing operating unit incentive
plans.
Advisers to the committee
Kepler was appointed by the Committee
in February 2010 and provided
independent remuneration advice to
the Committee and attended Committee
meetings during 2015. Kepler provides
remuneration advice to a large portfolio
of clients including many in the FTSE350
and FTSE Small Cap; this gives the
Committee comfort that the advice
provided is appropriate and relevant.
Kepler is a signatory to, and abides
by, the Remuneration Consultants
Group Code of Conduct. Further
details can be found at
www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com.
Neither Kepler nor Kepler’s parent
company, Mercer, provides
non-remuneration services to the Group
or is in any other way connected to the
Group, and Kepler is therefore considered
to be independent. The fees payable in
relation to work for the Committee in
2015 were £44 571 (US$68 112)
excluding VAT.
Remuneration Committee
composition of the Remuneration committee
The Committee comprises the following members:
Committee members
RJ Williams – Chairman (1/4)
M Salamon – Chairman (3/4)
RW Davis
DJ Elzas
MD Lynch-Bell
Following the recent appointment of
Michael Lynch-Bell to the Board as a
non-Executive Director, he has also been
appointed to the Remuneration
Committee.
The Chief Executive Officer and the
Chief Financial Officer attend Committee
meetings by invitation and assist the
Committee in its deliberations except
when issues relating to their own
remuneration are discussed.
Representatives of Kepler, a brand of
Mercer (Kepler) also attend the meetings
by invitation.
Role of the Remuneration
committee
The Committee is a formal Committee
of the Board. Its terms of reference are
available on the Company’s website
and conform to the UK Corporate
Governance Code.
The Committee’s main responsibilities
are to:
■ consider and agree on the Company’s
remuneration policy for approval by
shareholders at the AGM;
■ determine individual remuneration
packages for the Chairman, the
Executive Directors and the
Company Secretary;
■ monitor and recommend the level
and structure of remuneration for
Senior Management;
■ approve the design of performance-
related pay schemes operated by the
Group and approve total annual
payments;
■ review the design of all share-based
incentive plans and approve the
awards to be made;
Member
throughout 2015
Resigned in June
✓
✓
Resigned in June
Joined the
Committee on
14 March 2016
Number of
meetings attended/
held 2015
1/1
4/4
4/4
1/1
–
■ determine the basis for calculating
bonuses payable to the Executive
Directors and Senior Management;
■ make recommendations to the
Board on the fees offered to the
non-Executive Directors; and
■ consider major changes in employee
remuneration in the Group and
select and appoint consultants to
advise the Committee.
The Committee’s policy is to encourage
an open and transparent dialogue with
shareholders on remuneration matters
and would seek to consult with major
shareholders prior to implementing
any significant changes to the
remuneration policy.
Activities of the Remuneration
committee in 2015
The activities of the Committee are
governed by its terms of reference which
reflect best practice. A review of the
Committee’s terms of reference and the
Committee’s effectiveness was carried
out in March 2015. In September 2015
the Committee approved and adopted
the changes to the terms of reference for
the Remuneration Committee which had
been amended in accordance with
changes to the UK Corporate Governance
Code in September 2014.
During the year, activities undertaken by
the Committee included:
■ approving the Directors’ Remuneration
Report for 2014;
■ reviewing and approving the Executive
Directors’ performance against 2014
annual bonus targets, and determining
bonuses payable;
87
voting outcome for 2014
The table below shows the results of the advisory vote on the 2014 Annual Report on Remuneration at the 2 June 2015 AGM.
Annual Report on Directors’
Remuneration
Audited
For
Against
Total
votes cast
Abstentions
Total number of votes
108 269 838
8 302 136
116 578 927
6 953
Percentage of votes
cast
92.9%
7.1%
100%
<0.1%
The current remuneration policy was approved by shareholders with a 95.4% vote for at the 2014 AGM.
Total single figure of remuneration for Directors
The table below sets out the total single figure remuneration received by each Director for 2015 and the prior year. Although the
Group’s reporting currency is US dollars, these figures are stated in sterling as the Directors’ emoluments are paid in this currency.
Cash payments
in lieu of
other non-cash
benefits2
Cash payments in
lieu of pension2
Salary and fees1
Bonuses3
ESOP4
Total
2015
£
2014
£
2015
£
2014
£
2015
£
2014
£
2015
£
2014
£
2015
£
2014
£
2015
£
2014
£
CT Elphick
451 264
438 121
24 819
24 097
65 433
63 527
338 203
367 190
AR Ashworth
334 151
324 419
20 049
19 465
43 440
42 175
250 432
271 896
–
–
284 740
234 220
17 085
14 053
37 016
30 449
232 200
198 815
69 679
302 304
293 498
18 138
17 610
39 300
38 155
226 564
245 982
–
–
–
–
–
879 719
892 935
648 072
657 955
640 720
477 537
586 305
595 245
1 372 459 1 290 258
80 091
75 225 185 189
174 306 1 047 399 1 083 883
69 679
– 2 754 817 2 623 672
107 500
100 000
54 375
22 292
54 375
22 292
2 538
52 500
52 500
52 500
52 500
–
263 372
310 000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
107 500
100 000
54 375
22 292
54 375
22 292
2 538
52 500
52 500
52 500
52 500
–
–
263 372
310 000
1 635 831 1 600 258
80 091
75 225 185 189
174 306 1 047 399 1 083 883
69 679
– 3 018 189 2 933 672
Audited
1 Salary and fees: amount earned for the year.
2 Benefits and pension: cash payments in lieu.
3 Bonuses: awarded for performance for the year.
4 ESOP: value at vesting of awards vesting on performance over the three-year period ended 31 December 2014 (ie March 2012 ESOP) and 31 December 2015 (ie September 2012 ESOP).
The September 2012 ESOP relates only to M Michael, who was granted this award before he became a Director. The vesting amount is calculated using the closing share price on the
date of vesting (ie 1 January 2016) of 125.25 pence.
* Resigned in June 2015.
Pensions and other benefits
No formal pension provision is made by the Company. Instead, Executive Directors received a cash allowance in lieu of pension which
was equivalent to 14.5% and 13.0% of base salary for the Chief Executive Officer and other Executive Directors, respectively. Executive
Directors received a cash allowance in lieu of other non-cash benefits, the value of which ranged between 5.5% and 6.0% of base
salary during 2015.
M Michael
GE Turner
Total of
Executive
Directors
RW Davis
GA Beevers
DJ Elzas*
M Salamon
RJ Williams*
MD Lynch-Bell
Total of
non-Executive
Directors
Total of all
Directors
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
88
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
The Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Annual bonus
Executive Directors participate in a
discretionary annual bonus arrangement
designed to focus participants on the
following business critical factors:
(i) growth strategy implementation;
(ii) funding; (iii) financial and operational
performance; (iv) health, safety, social,
environment, sustainability, image and
relationships; and (v) sales, marketing
and manufacturing, all of which are
underpinned by specific key
performance indicators and included
in the business plan approved by the
Board. The maximum bonus payable to
Executive Directors is 100% of base salary
with 80% linked to a business scorecard
and 20% linked to a discretionary
assessment of personal performance.
Business scorecard for 2015
The following key metrics were considered under business performance in 2015:
Performance measure
Growth
Operating performance
HSSE performance
Weighting %
of maximum
30
50
20
The Committee and Board have given careful consideration to the retrospective disclosure of targets and have disclosed targets and
actual outturn in respect of 2015 in full in the table below.
Performance
measure
Growth
Operating
performance
Underlying EBITDA
(US$ million)
EPS (US cents)
Waste tonnes mined
(millions)
Ore tonnes treated
(millions)
Carats recovered
HSSE
performance
Fatalities
All injury frequency
rate
Major environmental
or community
incidents
HSSE legal
compliance
Weighting
(% of max)
Threshold
target
Stretch
target
Actual
performance
Payout
(% of max)
30
10
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
Judged by Committee on a
discretionary basis
85.6
18.9
20.0
6.9
128.3
28.4
21.0
7.6
103.5
30.2
24.0
7.0
232 057
313 959
200 079
0
4.56
0
0
3.80
0
Zero fatalities occurred
during the year.
2.75
No major environmental
or community incidents
arose during the year.
Judged by Committee on a discretionary basis
20
7
10
10
6
0
5
5
5
5
Growth
The growth component of the bonus is assessed at the discretion of the Committee. In terms of performance against the Group’s
growth targets, the Committee considered the excellent progress made in the year at Letšeng, with the completion of the Coarse
Recovery Plant and the Plant 2 expansion project, together with the implementation of the optimised life of mine plan. Furthermore
the robust cash position and funding facilities available has positioned the Company to continue to pay a further dividend in 2016.
The Committee has also considered the Executive Directors’ efforts in assessing possible strategic activities. The slower than anticipated
progress at Ghaghoo during the year was also taken into account and has restricted the awarding of the maximum score for this
component. The Committee has therefore concluded that the growth component of the bonus warranted a payout of 20% (relative
to the maximum of 30%).
HSSE legal compliance
Letšeng and Ghaghoo, respectively acquired a 5-star and 4-star IRCA rating with no major findings. In addition, Letšeng achieved
accreditation for ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
89
Business scorecard for 2014
The business performance targets in respective of 2014 were disclosed only partially in last year’s report for reasons of commercial
sensitivity. The targets and actual outturn in respect of 2014 are disclosed in full in the table below.
Performance
measure
Growth
Operating
performance
Underlying EBITDA
(US$ million)
EPS (US cents)
Waste tonnes mined
(millions)
Ore tonnes treated
(millions)
Carats recovered
HSSE
performance
Fatalities
All injury frequency
rate
Major environmental
or community
incidents
HSSE legal
compliance
Weighting
(% of max)
Threshold
target
Stretch
target
Actual
performance
Payout
(% of max)
30
10
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
Judged by Committee on a discretionary basis
46.0
5.8
16.5
5.7
69.1
8.8
17.3
6.3
104.2
24.0
19.9
6.5
145 509
196 865
118 736
0
0
5.04
0
4.20
0
One fatality occurred
during the Ghaghoo
underground
development
3.01
No major environmental
or community incidents
arose during the year.
Judged by Committee on a discretionary basis
24
10
10
10
10
0
0
5
5
5
personal performance
The personal performance assessment was based on individual disciplines and was designed to collectively achieve the strategic
targets of the Group and deliver sustainable returns to shareholders. Individual targets comprised contributions to the Group’s overall
performance and the delivery of strategic projects and initiatives as set out by the Board, including but not limited to operational
performance; strengthening of key stakeholders relationships; bank financing and treasury management and HSSE objectives.
In assessing personal performance the Committee took into account the successful completion of the low capital projects
implemented at Letšeng within budget and on schedule; the strong operational performance at Letšeng with production and
financial targets met; on-time risk avoidance through the successful review and mitigation of any tax and legal exposures; the robust
cash position with the timeous refinancing of facilities; the strengthening of key relationships with stakeholders in order to mitigate
political in-country instability; and the achievement of HSSE objectives with zero fatalities, a reduced LTIFR, and zero major or
significant environmental incidents or negative CSR exposures. Although various corporate activity opportunities were explored by the
Executive Directors, the current business and economic environment did not lend itself to suitable prospects. The Committee agreed
that each Executive Director successfully carried out their duties and collectively achieved the Group’s objectives.
Actual bonuses awarded for 2015
Based on business and personal performance, actual bonuses for 2015 were as follows:
CT Elphick
AR Ashworth
M Michael
GE Turner
Audited
% of salary
74.4
74.4
77.4
74.4
Bonus
£
338 203
250 432
232 200
226 564
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 90
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
The Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)
M Michael received an award of 24 000 performance shares and 48 000 performance options under the ESOP in September 2012,
before he became an Executive Director. The terms of this award differ from the ESOP performance conditions for Executive Directors,
and awards were granted only to Senior Managers below the Board. The scheme provides that a third of the award granted in 2012
will vest in 2014, 2015 and 2016 based on performance in each of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial years. The extent to which the
award vests depends on the achievement of Group and individual targets (weighted 70% and 30% of the total, respectively) in each
of the three one-year performance periods. Any award that vests is banked, and may be exercised only at the end of the three-year
performance period. As soon as reasonably practicable following the end of the performance periods, the achievement of the targets
for each of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial years are calculated.
Based on performance in 2013, 2014 and 2015, 77% of M Michael’s September 2012 award vested on 1 January 2016. The table below
sets out the awards held by M Michael under the September 2012 ESOP.
Executive Director
M Michael
Awards
Awards held
Vesting %
Date from
which
awards are
exercisable
Performance shares
Performance options
24 000
48 000
77
77
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
Exercise
price
$0.01
177.6p
No other Executive Director had ESOP awards due to vest based on performance to 31 December 2015 (as no awards were made to
them during 2013).
ESOp awards granted in 2015
On 1 April 2015 performance shares with a face value of between 71% and 80% of salary were awarded to the Executive Directors, as
summarised in the table below.
Executive Director
CT Elphick
AR Ashworth
M Michael
GE Turner
Date of grant
1 April 2015
1 April 2015
1 April 2015
1 April 2015
Awards
made during
the year
230 000
170 000
170 000
170 000
Share price
on date
of award
£
1.41
1.41
1.41
1.41
Face value
on date
of award
£
324 300
239 700
239 700
239 700
Face value
as % of
salary1
71
71
80
79
1 The face values of awards as a percentage of salary have been updated since the 2014 Annual Report on Remuneration based on the actual share price on the
date of award.
The performance conditions that apply to these awards remain the same as those for the 2014 awards, and are summarised in the
table below:
ESOP scorecard
Performance measure
TSR ranking vs FTSE350 Miners
Profit
Production
Vesting (% of award)
Weighting
(% of max)
25
37.5
37.5
Threshold
Median
Stretch
75th percentile
Super-stretch
85th percentile
80% of business plan
120% of business plan
132% of business plan
90% of business plan
110% of business plan
121% of business plan
20%
80%
100%
For achievement in between these points, the award will vest on a straight-line basis. For achievement of less than threshold, vesting
will be nil.
The performance period is from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. As in 2014, TSR ranking will be measured over three years. Profit
and production will be measured on an annual basis, with final vesting based on the average achievement of targets over the three
years. The precise profit and production performance ranges will be disclosed after the performance period has ended as these targets
relate to the Company’s business plan and medium and long-term strategy and are therefore considered commercially sensitive.
The Committee is satisfied that the performance targets set for the 2015 awards (as described above) are sufficiently stretching and full
vesting is achievable only for exceptional performance.
91
Implementation of remuneration policy for 2016
The Committee approved the following salary increases from 1 April 2016:
Executive Director
CT Elphick
AR Ashworth
M Michael
GE Turner
Audited
2015 salary
£
2016 salary
£
% increase
454 574
336 602
300 000
304 521
468 211
346 700
309 000
313 657
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
pension and benefits
In line with the UK Pensions Regulator
requirements, Executive Directors will be
automatically enrolled to a pension
scheme. The Executive Directors have
chosen to opt out of the pension scheme
and will continue to receive cash
supplements in lieu of pension and
benefits in line with the current policy.
Annual bonus
In 2016, the annual bonus will have the
same maximum opportunity and will
operate on broadly the same basis as for
2015. The measures have been selected
to reflect a range of financial and
operational goals that support the key
strategic objectives of the Group. The
performance measures and weightings
will be similar to those in 2015 but may
vary at the Committee’s discretion. The
Chief Operating Officer, Alan Ashworth,
announced his intention to retire at the
end of June 2016. In light of his
retirement, he is not eligible to
participate in the 2016 annual bonus.
The Committee has considered the
development of a bonus plan based on
specific targets to the date of his
retirement.
During the year, the Remuneration
Committee considered the pre-vesting
performance adjustments (malus) and
post-vesting clawback provisions for
Executive Directors’ incentive plans and
agreed that no changes would be
effected at this time in relation to either
the annual bonus or the ESOP. The
Committee will keep the appropriateness
of malus and clawback provisions under
review.
ESOp
In advance of each ESOP cycle, the
Committee reviews the performance
measures and corresponding targets to
ensure they are appropriately stretching
over the performance period. For 2016
the ESOP will continue to operate on the
same basis as in 2015. The Chief Executive
Officer will receive an award of 230 000
performance shares (equivalent to 53%
of salary) and the other Executive
Directors will each receive an award of
170 000 performance shares (equivalent
to between 59% and 60% of salary). No
awards were made to the Chief
Operating Officer due to his planned
retirement in 2016.
Vesting will be based on the TSR versus the
constituents of the FTSE 350 Mining Index
(25% of the award), profit (37.5%) and
production (37.5%) objectives measured
over the three-year performance period
ending on 31 December 2018. The relative
TSR targets remain unchanged from
2015 and the profit and production
targets will be disclosed after the
performance period has ended as these
targets relate to the Company’s business
plan and medium and long-term strategy
and are therefore considered commercially
sensitive.
Chairman and non-
Executive Director fees
Chairman and non-Executive Director
fees were reviewed in March 2015 when
it was agreed that the Chairman’s fee
would be increased by 10% from
£100 000 to £110 000 and the non-
Executive Directors’ fees by 4.8% from
£52 500 to £55 000 to bring the fees
more in line with market fee levels for
companies of similar size and sector. The
fees were reviewed again in March 2016
where it was agreed that no changes
would be made at this time.
The percentage increase in Chief Executive Officer remuneration (salary, benefits and
annual bonus) compared with employee pay 2015
CT Elphick
Other employees
2015
£
451 264
90 252
338 203
879 719
2014
£
438 121
87 642
367 190
892 953
% change
2015
£
2014
£
% change
3.0
3.0
(7.9)
(1.5)
12 908 516
1 368 646
11 968 035
1 110 625
2 363 700
2 752 383
16 640 862
15 831 043
7.9
23.2
(14.1)
5.1
Base salaries
Benefits
Annual bonuses
Total
Audited
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 92
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
The Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the percentage change in total employee pay expenditure and shareholder distributions (that is dividends and
share buy-backs) from the financial year ended 31 December 2014 to the financial year ended 31 December 2015.
Distribution to shareholders
Employee remuneration1
Audited
1 Includes salary, pension and benefits, bonus, accounting charge for the ESOP, and employer national insurance contribution.
11 755 200
23 727 685
6 913 491
25 193 146
2015
US$
2014
US$
% change
70.0
(3.7)
Pay for performance
The graph below shows the Company’s TSR performance compared with the performance of the FTSE 250 (excluding investment
trusts) and the FTSE350 Mining Index over the seven-year period to 31 December 2015. The former has been selected to reflect broad
market movements and the latter has been selected because the Group believes it is affected by similar commercial and economic
factors to the comparator group.
Gem Diamond vs FTSE 350 Mining Index and FTSE SmallCap IT Index
£350
£300
£250
£200
£150
£100
£50
£0
Dec 2008
Dec 2009
Dec 2010
Dec 2011
Dec 2012
Dec 2013
Dec 2014
Dec 2015
Gem Diamonds
FTSE 250 xIT
FTSE 350 Mining Index
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Chief Executive
Officer single
figure of
remuneration (£)
Annual bonus
outcome (% of
maximum)
ESOP vesting
outcome (% of
maximum)
Audited
640 150
726 050
797 755
564 419
776 406
892 935
879 719
54
Nil
67
Nil
75
Nil
13
Nil
61
Nil
83
Nil
74
N/A
Dilution
ESOP awards may be satisfied with newly issued shares subject to aggregate dilution limits. The issue of shares to satisfy awards under
the Company’s share schemes will not exceed 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital in any rolling 10-year period. As of
31 December 2015, a total of 2 767 323 shares (2% of issued share capital) have been or may be issued pursuant to all current awards
outstanding over the last 10 years.
Details of outstanding awards of performance shares to Directors
Perform-
ance
shares1
as at
1 January
2015
Directors
Granted
in the
year
Vested
in the
year
Lapsed
in the
year2
Exercised
in the
year
Exercise
price
US$
Market
value at
date of
grant
US$
CT Elphick
45 000
206 000
–
–
–
230 000
total
251 000
230 000
AR Ashworth
34 000
153 000
–
–
–
170 000
total
187 000
170 000
M Michael
20 000
24 0003
112 000
–
–
–
–
170 000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(45 000)
–
–
(45 000)
(34 000)
–
–
(34 000)
(20 000)
(18 544)
(5 456)
–
–
–
–
total
156 000
170 000
(18 544)
(25 456)
GE Turner
30 000
138 000
–
–
–
170 000
–
–
–
(30 000)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Earliest
normal
exercise
date
20 March
2015
10 June
2017
1 April
2018
Date of
grant
20 March
2012
10 June
2014
1 April
2015
20 March
2012
20 March
2015
10 June
2014
1 April
2015
10 June
2017
1 April
2018
Expiry
date
20 March
2022
10 June
2024
1 April
2025
20 March
2022
10 June
2024
1 April
2025
0.01
214 200
0.01
556 200
0.01
453 100
0.01
161 840
0.01
413 100
0.01
334 900
0.01
95 200
20 March
2012
20 March
2015
20 March
2022
0.01
68 400
11 September
20123
1 January
2016
31 December
2023
0.01
302 400
0.01
334 900
0.01
90 015
0.01
221 987
0.01
334 900
10 June
2014
1 April
2015
10 June
2017
1 April
2018
10 June
2024
1 April
2025
20 March
2012
20 March
2015
20 March
2022
10 June
2014
1 April
2015
10 June
2017
1 April
2018
10 June
2024
1 April
2025
93
Performance
shares
outstanding
at
31 December
2015
–
206 000
230 000
436 000
–
153 000
170 000
323 000
–
–
112 000
170 000
282 000
–
138 000
170 000
–
168 000
170 000
total
Audited
1 Conditional right to acquire shares.
2 2012 awards were granted on 20 March 2012. The vesting criteria run on a calendar year basis. Based on performance to 31 December 2014, it was determined
that none would vest on 20 March 2015.
3 These awards were granted to M Michael before he became a Director. Further details are provided on page 87.
(30 000)
308 000
–
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 94
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
The Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Details of outstanding awards of performance options to Directors
Perform-
ance
options1
as at
1 January
2015
90 000
90 000
68 000
68 000
40 000
48 0003
88 000
Directors
CT Elphick
Total
AR Ashworth
Total
M Michael
Total
Granted
in the year
Vested
in the year
Lapsed
in the year2
Exercised
in the year
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(37 088)
(37 088)
(90 000)
(90 000)
(68 000)
(68 000)
(40 000)
(10 912)
(50 912)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Exercise
price GB
pence
300.05
Date of
grant
Earliest
normal
exercise date
Expiry date
20 March 2012
20 March 2015
20 March 2022
300.05
20 March 2012
20 March 2015
20 March 2022
300.05
177.60
20 March 2012
11 September 2012
20 March 2015
1 January 2016
20 March 2022
31 December 2023
Perform-
ance
options
outstanding
at
31 December
2015
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
300.05
60 000
60 000
(60 000)
(60 000)
GE Turner
Total
Audited
1 Option is a right to acquire shares granted under the plan including, unless indicated otherwise, a nil-cost option. The market price of an ordinary share at the
year end was 131.50 pence. The highest and lowest closing prices in the year were 180.09 pence and 97.75 pence respectively. Details of the vesting conditions,
which are subject to audit, for awards made under the ESOP are included in Note 25 of the financial statements and a full set of the rules will be available for
inspection at the AGM.
2 2012 awards were granted on 20 March 2012. The vesting criteria run on a calendar year basis. Based on performance to 31 December 2014, it was determined
that none would vest on 20 March 2015.
3 These awards were granted to M Michael before he became a Director. Further details are provided on page 87.
20 March 2022
20 March 2012
20 March 2015
–
–
Directors’ shareholdings and interests in shares
Details of interests in the share capital of the Company of those Directors in office as at 31 December 2015 are given below. It is
confirmed that there were no changes to the Directors’ holdings between 31 December 2015 and up to the date of this report.
No Director held an interest in the shares of any subsidiary company.
In addition to these interests in shares, the Executive Directors, along with other employees, also have conditional rights to acquire
shares under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan disclosed in Note 25 to the financial statements.
Executive Directors
Performance shares held
Performance options held
Shares
owned
outright as at
31 December
2015
Subject to
performance
conditions
Vested but
not exercised
Subject to
performance
conditions
Vested but
not exercised
Total
shareholding
CT Elphick
AR Ashworth
M Michael
GE Turner
Audited
1 CT Elphick is interested in these ordinary shares by virtue of his interest as a potential beneficiary in a discretionary trust which has an indirect interest in those
ordinary shares.
9 325 0001
21 900
10 000
400 000
9 761 000
344 900
292 000
708 000
436 000
323 000
282 000
308 000
Nil
Nil
18 544
Nil
Nil
Nil
37 088
Nil
–
–
–
–
95
Number
of shares as at
31 December
2015 held in
own right
1 267 752
159 964
316 944
Non-Executive Directors
RW Davis
GA Beevers
M Salamon
Audited
Directors’ external appointments
Apart from private Group interests listed in the prospectus dated 1 April 2009, no Executive Director holds any significant executive
directorship or appointments outside the Group with the exception of Clifford Elphick, who was appointed non-Executive Chairman of
Jumelles Holdings Limited in 2009 and Zanaga Iron Ore Co Limited, which listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange in
November 2010. Total fees paid to Clifford Elphick by Zanaga are £83 000. Any fees paid to Clifford Elphick in fulfilling these external
roles are retained by him.
By order of the Board
Mike Salamon
Chairman of the remuneration Committee
14 March 2016
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 96
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Directors’ Report
Under the requirements of the Companies Act, 2006, the Directors have
prepared a Strategic Report and a Directors’ Report to inform shareholders of the
Company and help them assess the extent to which the Directors performed
their duty to promote the success of the Company.
The Directors take pleasure in submitting
the financial statements of the Group for
the year ended 31 December 2015.
As a British Virgin Islands (BVI) registered
company, Gem Diamonds Limited is not
obliged to comply with the Companies
Act, 2006. However, the Directors have
elected to conform to the requirements
of the Companies Act, 2006.
This requires that the Directors present a
Strategic Report and a Directors’ Report
to inform shareholders of the Company
and help them assess the extent to which
the Directors performed their duty to
promote the success of the Company.
For the purposes of compliance with DTR
4.1.5R(2) and DTR 4.1.8R, the required
content of the Management Report can
be found in the Strategic Report and the
Directors’ Report, including the sections
of the Annual Report and Accounts
incorporated by reference.
The Strategic Report has been prepared
to provide the Company’s shareholders
with a fair review of the business of the
Company and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties facing it.
It may not be relied upon by anyone,
including the Company’s shareholders,
for any other purpose.
The Strategic Report and other sections
of this report contain forward-looking
statements. By their nature, forward-
looking statements involve a number
of risks, uncertainties and future
assumptions because they relate to
events and/or depend on circumstances
that may or may not occur in the future
which could cause actual results and
outcomes to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by the forward-
looking statements. No assurance can be
given that the forward-looking statements
in the Strategic Report will be realised.
Statements about the Directors’
expectations, beliefs, hopes, plans,
intentions and strategies are inherently
subject to change and are based on
expectations and assumptions about
future events, circumstances and other
factors which are, in some cases, outside
the Company’s control. The information
contained in the Strategic Report has
been prepared on the basis of the
knowledge and information available to
Directors at the date of its preparation
and the Company does not undertake
any obligation to update or revise the
Strategic Report during the financial year
ahead. It is believed that the expectations
set out in the forward-looking statements
are reasonable, but they may be affected
by a wide range of variables which could
cause actual results or trends to differ
materially. In particular, the forward-
looking statements should be read in
context with actual historic information
provided. The Company’s shareholders
are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on the forward-looking
statements. Shareholders should note
that the Strategic Report has not been
audited, but the Auditor’s Report does
include a statement that the Strategic
Report is consistent with the financial
statements herein.
Related-party transaction
Other than those disclosed in Note 23 of
the financial statements, the Company
did not have any transactions with, nor
made loans to related parties during the
period in which any Director is or was
interested.
Exploration and resource
development
Resource development activities were
concentrated at Letšeng with the
ahead of face drilling programme
and microdiamond analysis continuing
in 2015.
The drilling programme was largely
aimed at assisting in guiding mine
planning. The sampling information
from the drilling will be incorporated
in the 2016 resource estimates. The
microdiamond analysis aims to confirm
whether microdiamonds can be used at
Letšeng to predict grades at depth.
Further details can be found in the
Mineral Resource Management section
on pages 42 to 45.
Resource development at Ghaghoo was
limited to resource mapping on Level 1
which confirmed the homogenous
nature of the VKSE ore phase.
Results and dividends
The Group’s attributable profit after
taxation (before exceptional items)
amounted to US$41.8 million (2014:
US$33.2 million). Post exceptional items,
the Group’s attributable profit was
US$52.0 million.
The Group’s detailed financial results are
set out in the Financial Statements
section on pages 102 to 162.
The current focus of the Group is on
internal growth through enhancing
operational efficiencies and investing
in low-cost, high-return projects. Based
on positive earnings generated and
disciplined cash management, the Board
recommends that a dividend be declared
for the 2015 financial year. As was set out
in last year’s Annual Report, the Board has
adopted a policy that determines the
appropriate dividend each year, based
on consideration of the Company’s cash
resources; the level of free cash flow and
earnings generated during the year; and
expected funding commitments for
capital projects relating to the Group’s
growth strategy, and aims to pay a total
dividend at an approximately consistent
proportion of sustaining net earnings.
Dividends are expected to be declared
by the Board annually with the full-year
results. An ordinary dividend representing
a total amount of US$6.9 million or
5 US cents per share will be proposed
at the 2016 AGM. In addition, a special
dividend of US$4.8 million or 3.5 US cents
per share will also be proposed.
97
Corporate social
responsibility and
sustainability
A review of health, safety, corporate
social responsibility, environmental
performance and community
participation is presented in the
Sustainable Development Review on
pages 49 to 54.
Greenhouse gas emissions
The total carbon footprint for the Group
in 2015 was 146 499 tCO2e (2014:
138 046 tCO2e), a 6% increase from the
2014 total carbon emissions. This figure
includes all Scope 1 direct emissions
(mobile and stationary combustion and
waste-related emissions), Scope 2
indirect GHG emissions (electricity
consumption) and material Scope 3
emissions (employee and contractor
transport-related emissions).
Scope 2 emissions made up 47% of the
Group’s carbon footprint emissions in
2015, followed by Scope 1 emissions
(44%) and Scope 3 emissions
contributing the least to the total carbon
footprint at 9%. The total carbon footprint
increased by 3% in 2014 compared to the
2013 carbon footprint and by 6% in 2015
compared to 2014. This can be attributed
to increased waste stripping at Letšeng,
increased activities at Ghaghoo and the
increased reliance on fossil fuel for
powering vehicles and generating
electricity for the camp and mining
infrastructure through generators.
Ghaghoo is not connected to the
national electricity grid and therefore
electricity generation takes place on-site.
In response to the increased reliance on
non-renewable resources to power the
operation and the impact it has on
Group-wide emissions, Ghaghoo is
exploring renewable energy sources.
The Group tracks the tonnes CO2 emitted
per carat recovered and per employee. In
2015, the Group emitted 0.66 tonnes CO2
per recovered carat; a decrease from
1.27 tonnes CO2 per recovered carat in
2014. In terms of tonnes CO2 per
employee the Group recorded
240 tonnes CO2 per employee in 2015
compared to 273 tonnes CO2 per
employee in 2014. The decreases in the
intensity analysis above for both tonnes
CO2 per carat and per employee can be
attributed to energy-efficiency initiatives
at the operation as well as an increase in
diamonds produced and employee
headcount at Ghaghoo.
The 2014 Group carbon footprint was
calculated with boundaries clearly
defined as per guidance from the
GHG protocol corporate accounting and
reporting standard. Where international
averages have been used to determine
activity data, the most up to date,
industry standard/or accepted values
were used.
The operations continue to implement
the recommendations from the GHG
reduction strategy which was formulated
in 2014.
Water footprint
In 2015, the World Economic Forum
identified the impact of water crises as
a primary global risk. The Alliance for
Water Stewardship has defined water
stewardship as “the use of fresh water
that is socially equitable, environmentally
sustainable and economically beneficial,
achieved through a stakeholder-inclusive
process that involves site and catchment-
based actions”. Good water stewards
understand their own water usage, the
catchment context and their shared risk
in terms of water governance, water
balance and water quality, who then
engage in meaningful individual and
collective actions that benefit people
and nature.
A Water Footprint (WF) can be defined
as the measure of freshwater usage to
produce a certain product. During 2015
Gem Diamonds undertook a Group-wide
Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) to
better understand its water consumption
whilst producing diamonds.
The total gross water usage, during
2015, for the Group was 10 186 138 m3,
of which only 2 599 639 m3 (26%) was
consumptive use. Water sources
include municipal supplies, groundwater,
surface water and direct rainfall. The total
amount of water recycled by the Group
in 2015 amounted to 4 553 761 m3 (45%).
The total 2015 WF for the Group was
13 m3 per carat and 0.37 m3 per tonne of
ore treated. The stress WF of the Group
was calculated to be 4.08 m3 per carat
and 0.31 m3 per tonne of ore treated. The
WF of the Group is sustainable and is not
contributing to scarcity in any of its
catchments in which it operates.
Political donations
The Group made no political donations
in 2015.
The Group’s CSI expenditure supports
initiatives that benefit the project-
affected communities in the areas of
health, education, infrastructure
development, development of small
to medium enterprises, regional
environmental initiatives and general
donations to relevant causes in project-
affected communities. In both 2015
and 2014, the Group contributed
US$0.6 million to social initiatives.
Employee policies and
involvement
This report is to be read with the
information on employment matters
contained in the Sustainable Development
Review on pages 49 to 54 together with
the full 2015 Sustainable Development
Report which is available on the
Company’s website.
The Group’s employment practices have
been developed to ensure that the
Group attracts and retains the required
calibre of management and staff by
creating an environment which
incentivises enhanced performance. The
health, safety and effective performance
of employees, together with the
maintenance of positive employee
relations is of key importance across the
Group’s operations.
Employees are kept informed about the
performance and objectives of the Group
through direct involvement and access
to the Company’s website, published
information, the circulation of press
cuttings and Group announcements, as
well as continuous communication
between employees and management.
It is the Group’s policy to communicate
openly with employees and encourage
dialogue between employees and
management. Over the course of 2016,
an internal info portal will be designed
and launched to further support this.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 98
Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Directors’ Report continued
The Company always seeks to have
a direct relationship between its
employees and business function
management founded on quality,
leadership, effective communication and
trust. The Group is committed to the
principle and achievement of equal
opportunities in employment,
irrespective of gender, religion, race or
marital status. Full consideration is given
to applications from people with
disabilities who apply for positions which
they can adequately fill, having regard for
their particular abilities and aptitude.
Where existing employees become
disabled, it is the Group’s policy, where
practicable, to provide continuing
employment under normal terms and
conditions and to provide training, career
development and promotion to disabled
employees wherever possible.
The Group sets guidelines and
frameworks in respect of Company policy
on remuneration benefit, performance
management, career development,
succession planning, recruitment, expatriate
employment and for the alignment of
human resources management and
policy with international best practice.
Each operating unit manages its human
resources requirements locally, within the
Group’s guidelines and framework.
Corporate governance
The UK Financial Conduct Authority’s
Disclosure and Transparency Rules
(DTR 7.2) require that certain information
be included in a corporate governance
statement set out in the Directors’ Report.
The Group has an existing practice of
issuing a separate Corporate Governance
Code Compliance Report as part of its
Annual Report. The information required
by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules
and the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s
Listing Rules (LR 9.8.6) is located on pages
62 to 69 of this Annual Report.
Going concern
The Company’s business activities,
together with the factors likely to affect
its future development, performance
and position are set out in the Strategic
Report on pages 2 to 55. The financial
position of the Company, its cash flows
and liquidity position are described in the
Strategic Report on pages 30 to 33. In
addition, Note 24 to the financial
statements includes the Company’s
objectives, policies and processes for
managing its capital; its financial risk
management objectives; details of its
financial instruments; and its exposures
to credit and liquidity risk.
After making enquiries which review
forecasts and budgets, timing of cash
flows, borrowing facilities and sensitivity
analyses and considering the
uncertainties described in this report
either directly or by cross-reference, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation
that the Group has adequate financial
resources to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future.
For this reason, they continue to adopt
the going-concern basis in preparing
the Annual Report and accounts of
the Company.
Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of
the 2014 revision of the UK Corporate
Governance Code, the Directors have
assessed the prospect of the Company
over a longer period of 12 months as
required by the ‘Going Concern’ provision.
The viability statement can be found in
the Strategic Report on page 21.
Directors
The Directors, as at the date of this report,
are listed on pages 58 and 59 together
with their biographical details. Details of
the Directors’ interests in shares and share
options of the Company can be found in
the Annual Report on Remuneration on
pages 94 and 95.
Directors who held office during
the year and date of appointment/
resignation
Executive Directors
CT Elphick
AR Ashworth
GE Turner
M Michael
20 January 2006
22 April 2008
22 April 2008
22 April 2013
Non-Executive Directors
GA Beevers
RW Davis
M Salamon
MD Lynch-Bell
RJ Williams (Resigned)
DJ Elzas (Resigned)
1 February 2007
1 February 2007
3 February 2008
Appointed
15 December 2015
2 June 2015
2 June 2015
Re-election of Directors
The Articles of Association (81) provides
that a third of Directors retires annually
by rotation and, if eligible, offer
themselves for re-election. However, in
accordance with the Code, at each AGM
all the Directors retire and, subject to
being eligible, offer themselves for
re-election. Each Director has been the
subject of a recent Board evaluation.
Protection available to Directors
By law, Directors are ultimately
responsible for most aspects of the
Group’s business dealings. Consequently,
they face potentially significant personal
liability under criminal or civil law, or the
UK Listing, Prospectus and Disclosure and
Transparency Rules and face a range of
penalties including private or public
censure, fines and/or imprisonment. In
line with normal market practice, the
Group believes that it is in its best interests
to protect the individuals prepared to
serve on its Board from the consequences
of innocent error or omission, as this
enables the Group to attract prudent
individuals to act as Directors.
Therefore, the Group has, and continues
to maintain, at its expense, a Director
and Officer’s liability insurance policy
to provide indemnity, in certain
circumstances, for the benefit of Directors
and other Group personnel. The
insurance policy does not provide cover
where the Director or Group personnel
member has acted fraudulently or
dishonestly.
In accordance with the Company’s
Articles of Association, the Company has
and continues to maintain indemnities
granted by the Company to the Directors
of the Company and the Company’s
associated companies to the extent
permitted by and consistent with BVI law
and the UK Companies Act, 2006 and
rules made by the UKLA.
Annual General Meeting
Details of the resolutions which will be
put to the AGM are given in the Notice of
the AGM, which is a separate document
from the Annual Report.
99
Electronic copies of
documents
Copies of the 2015 Annual Report,
HSSE policies and other corporate
publications, reports, press releases
and announcements are available on
the Company’s website.
Disclosure of information
and auditor re-election
The lead audit partner is based in
London, UK.
As required under section 418 of the
Companies Act, 2006, to which the
Directors have voluntarily elected to
conform, each Director confirms that to
the best of his knowledge and belief,
there is no information relevant to the
preparation of the Auditor’s Report of
which the Company’s auditors are
unaware of and that each Director has
taken all reasonable steps as a Director to
make himself aware of any relevant audit
information and to establish that the
Company’s auditors are aware of that
information.
A resolution to reappoint EY as the
Company’s auditors and to authorise
the Board to determine the auditors’
remuneration will be proposed at the
2016 AGM.
The Strategic Report, the Directors’
Report and the Directors’ Remuneration
Report were approved by the Board on
14 March 2016.
By order of the Board
Glenn turner
Company Secretary
14 March 2016
Share capital and voting
rights
Details of the authorised and issued share
capital of the Company, including the
rights pertaining to each share class, are
set out in Note 15 to the financial
statements.
As at 14 March 2016, there were
138.30 million fully paid ordinary shares
of £0.01 each in issue and listed on the
Official List maintained by the FCA in its
capacity as the UK Listing Authority.
The Company has one class of ordinary
shares. Shareholders have the right to
receive notice of and attend, speak and
vote at any general meeting of the
Company. Each shareholder who is
present in person (or, being a
corporation, by representative) or by
proxy at a general meeting on a show of
hands has one vote and, on a poll, every
such holder present in person (or, being
a corporation, by representative) or by
proxy shall have one vote in respect of
every ordinary share held by them. To be
valid, the appointment of a proxy to vote
at a general meeting must be received
not less than 48 hours before the time
appointed for holding the meeting. In
addition, the holders of ordinary shares
have the right to participate in dividends
and other distributions according to their
respective rights and interests in the
profit of the Company.
There are no shareholders who carry any
special rights with regard to the control
of the Company. The Company is not
aware of any agreements between
holders of securities which may result in
restrictions on transfers or voting rights,
save as mentioned below.
There are no restrictions on the transfer
of ordinary shares other than:
■ as set out in the Company’s Articles
of Association;
■ certain restrictions may from time
to time be imposed by laws and
regulations; and
■ pursuant to the Company’s share
dealing code whereby the Directors
and employees of the Company
require approval to deal in the
Company’s ordinary shares.
At the AGM held in 2015, shareholders
authorised the Company to make on-
market purchases of up to 13 826 980
of its ordinary shares, representing
approximately 10% of the Company
issued share capital at that time. During
2015, the Company did not make any
on-market or off-market purchases of its
shares or shares under any buy-back
programme. Shareholders will be asked
at the 2016 AGM to renew this authority.
The Directors have no present intention
to exercise this authority, if granted.
Details of deadlines for exercising voting
rights and proxy appointments will be set
out in the 2016 Notice of AGM.
Major interests in shares
Details of the major interests (at or above
3%) in the issued ordinary shares of the
Company are set out in the UK Corporate
Governance Code Compliance Report on
page 69.
Directors’ interests
No Director had, at any time during the
year, a material interest in any contract of
significance in relation to the Company’s
business. The interest of Directors in the
shares of the Company is included in the
Annual Report on Remuneration on
pages 94 and 95.
Creditors’ payment
practice
In view of the international nature of
the Group’s operations, there is no
specific Group-wide policy in respect
of payments to suppliers. Individual
operating companies are responsible
for agreeing terms and conditions for
their business transactions and ensuring
that suppliers are aware of the terms
of payment. It is Group practice that
payments are made in accordance with
those terms, provided that all trading
terms and conditions have been met
by the supplier. Trade creditors at
31 December 2015 represented 53 days
of the Company’s annual purchases.
Subsequent events
Refer to Note 28 of the financial
statements for details of events
subsequent to the reporting date.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements
100 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
101
Financial statements
102 Responsibility Statement of the Directors in respect
of the Annual Report and Financial Statements
103 Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of Gem Diamonds Limited
110 Consolidated Income Statement
111 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
112 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
113 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
114 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
115 Notes to the Annual Financial Statements
163 Abbreviations and definitions
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Annual Report 2015
Responsibility Statement of the Directors in Respect
of the Annual Report and Financial Statements
information, and additional disclosures
have been provided when compliance
with the specific requirements in IFRS
have been insufficient to enable users
to understand the financial impact of
particular transactions, other events and
conditions on the Group’s financial
position and financial performance.
Where necessary, the Directors have
made judgements and estimates that
are reasonable and prudent.
The Directors of the Company have
elected to comply with the Companies
Act 2006, in particular the requirements
of Schedule 8 to The Large and Medium-
sized Companies and Groups (Accounts
and Reports) Regulations 2008 of the
United Kingdom pertaining to Directors’
remuneration which would otherwise
only apply to companies incorporated in
the UK.
Michael Michael
Chief Financial Officer
14 March 2016
The Directors are responsible for
preparing the Annual Report and the
Group financial statements in accordance
with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS). Having taken advice
from the Audit Committee, the Board
considers the report and accounts taken
as a whole, are fair, balanced and
understandable and that they provide
the information necessary for
shareholders to assess the Company’s
performance, business model and
strategy.
The Strategic Report and Directors’
Report include a fair review of the
development and performance of the
business and the position of the
Company and the undertakings included
in the consolidation taken as a whole,
together with a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties that
they face.
Preparation of the
financial statements
The Directors must not approve the
financial statements unless they are
satisfied that they give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the Group,
and of their profit or loss for that period.
In preparing the Group financial
statements, the Directors are required to:
■ select suitable accounting policies and
then apply them consistently; make
judgements and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent;
■ state whether they have been
prepared in accordance with IFRS;
■ state whether applicable IFRS have
been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in
the Group financial statements; and
■ prepare the financial statements on
the going-concern basis unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the
Group will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping
adequate accounting records that are
sufficient to show and explain the
Group’s transactions and disclose, with
reasonable accuracy at any time, the
financial position of the Group. They are
also responsible for safeguarding the
assets of the Group and hence for taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors confirm that the financial
statements, prepared in accordance with
IFRS, give a true and fair view of the
assets, liabilities, financial position and
profit of the Company and the
undertakings included in the
consolidation taken as a whole. In
addition, suitable accounting policies
have been selected and applied
consistently.
Information, including accounting
policies, has been presented in a manner
that provides relevant, reliable,
comparable and understandable
103
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of Gem Diamonds Limited
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated
4 March 2016.
Our opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
■ the financial statements of Gem Diamonds Limited (the Group) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as
at 31 December 2015 and of its profit for the year then ended; and
■ the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Opinion on other matters requested by the Group
In our opinion:
■ the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement set out on page 62 with respect to internal control and risk
management systems in relation to financial reporting processes and about share capital structures is consistent with the
financial statements;
■ the information given in the Directors’ Report and the Strategic Report is consistent with the Group financial statements; and
■ the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the basis of preparation
as described therein.
What we have audited
We have audited the financial statements of Gem Diamonds Limited which comprise:
Consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2015
Consolidated income statement for the year then ended
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended
Related notes 1 to 28 to the financial statements
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS).
Overview of our audit approach
Risks of material
misstatement
■ Revenue recognition
■ Key judgements relating to the production start date of the Ghaghoo mine
■ Assessing the Ghaghoo development asset for impairment
Audit scope
■ We performed an audit of the complete financial information of four components and audit procedures on
specific balances for a further five components
■ The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted for 99% of pre-tax profit, 100%
of revenue and 97% of total assets
Materiality
■ Overall Group materiality of US$5.4 million which represents 5% of pre-tax profit
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Annual Report 2015
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of Gem Diamonds Limited continued
Our assessment of risk of material misstatement
We identified the risks of material misstatement described below as those that had the greatest effect on our overall audit strategy, the
allocation of resources in the audit and the direction of the efforts of the audit team. In addressing these risks, we have performed the
procedures below which were designed in the context of the financial statements as a whole and, consequently, we do not express
any opinion on these individual areas.
Risk
Our response to the risk
What we concluded to the Audit
Committee
Revenue recognition
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 73); and Note 1.2.23; and Note 2 of the Annual Financial Statements
Following our audit procedures on the
underlying fact patterns and the analysis
supporting management’s conclusions,
we agreed with the revenue recognition
policy applied to the joint operation
arrangements.
We concluded that revenue recognised
in the year is correct on the basis of our
procedures performed both at group and
by component audit teams.
The Group recognised revenue of
US$249.5 million in the year (2014:
US$270.8 million). Diamonds are sold
through the following revenue streams:
■ Rough diamonds sold on tender;
■ Selected diamonds sold through
partnership arrangements;
■ Diamonds sold through joint operation
arrangements; and
■ Diamonds extracted for purposes of
own manufacturing and sold thereafter
in polished form.
We focused on this area due to the
inherent risk related to the recognition
and measurement of revenue, particularly
on partnership arrangements and
diamonds extracted for purposes of
own manufacturing.
For partnership arrangements, revenue is
earned on the sale of the rough diamond,
with an additional uplift recognised on
the polished stone. Judgement is
involved in determining when the risks
and rewards of ownership transfer on
rough diamond sales and also on the
polished stone margin component.
During the year, the Group entered into
joint operation arrangements and
therefore management undertook a
review of this new revenue recognition
practice and has updated its revenue
policy as set out in Note 1.2.23.
For diamonds extracted for purposes of
own manufacturing, there is a risk related
to the completeness of sales recognised
through the extraction process in light of
the polishing losses that result from the
manufacturing process.
The component audit teams based in
Belgium, Botswana and Lesotho, with
close oversight from the primary audit
team performed procedures as follows:
■ We considered all diamond revenue
streams as significant, and therefore,
identified and observed controls
around the revenue process in
understanding management’s
internal processes and the control
environment.
■ We verified management’s recognition
of revenue, covering all revenue
streams of the Group. This involved
agreeing revenue transactions to
underlying agreements, invoices and
supporting calculations.
■ For partnership arrangements and joint
operation arrangements, we assessed
and challenged as to when the risks
and rewards transferred. We verified
this to supporting agreements and
documents.
■ We performed cut-off testing at year
end by selecting transactions close to
the period end, and we reconciled
inventory movements related to
diamonds extracted for purposes of
own manufacturing in validating the
completeness of revenue.
The primary audit team:
■ Evaluated the revenue recognition
policy established for joint operation
arrangements with respect to
appropriateness and compliance
with IFRS.
■ We performed full and specific scope
audit procedures over revenue in three
locations, which covered 100% of the
risk amount.
105
Risk
Our response to the risk
What we concluded to the Audit
Committee
Key judgements relating to the production start date of the Ghaghoo mine
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 73) and Note 1.2.26 and Note 8 of the Annual Financial Statements
We focused on this area due to the
judgements applied by management in
determining whether the Ghaghoo mine
had reached production or continued to
be in development stage during the year.
Management determined that the
Ghaghoo mine had not reached
operations as intended by management
in 2015 and was still in the development
stage based on an assessment of key
judgements and activity to date,
including:
■ the level of capital expenditure
compared to the construction costs
estimates;
■ completion of a reasonable period of
testing of the mine plant and
equipment;
■ the ability to produce inventory in
saleable form; and
■ the ability to sustain ongoing
production of inventory.
The primary audit team performed audit
procedures related to this risk as follows:
■ We challenged management’s
assessment that the development
phase continued throughout 2015,
including our assessment of the key
judgements applied through
comparison to our findings from other
areas of our audit and the underlying
fact patterns.
■ We assessed whether the production
start date policy is appropriate and in
accordance with IFRS and industry
practice, including the adequacy of
disclosures in the financial statements.
■ We also audited costs capitalised to the
Ghaghoo mining project in accordance
with IAS 16 by agreeing amounts to
underlying documentation and
validating that the capitalisation
criteria was met.
Based on our evaluation of the
development progress at the Ghaghoo
mine and management’s technical
analysis, we agreed that the mine has yet
to reach the production start date for
accounting purposes.
Through the audit testing performed
by the component audit team, we
concluded that the amount capitalised in
the year to the Ghaghoo mine asset is
appropriate.
Assessing the Ghaghoo development asset for impairment
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 73) and Note 1.2.26 and Note 8 of the Annual Financial Statements
We focused on this area due to the size of
the Ghaghoo development asset of
US$139.0 million (2014: US$112.2 million)
and because of the judgements and
estimates involved related to the
expected future performance of the
mine.
In light of the low prices achieved to
date and the increasing asset value,
management considers these factors
to have triggered an impairment test.
Following the audit procedures
performed, it is evident that
management’s valuation model is highly
sensitive to slight changes in the pricing
and discount rate assumptions.
We concluded that the result of the
impairment test for the Ghaghoo
development asset is complete and
accurate and that the carrying value
presented at 31 December 2015 is
materially correct.
The primary audit team performed audit
procedures on the Ghaghoo mine
valuation model as follows:
■ We tested the methodology applied in
the value-in-use calculation as
compared to the requirements of
IAS 36, Impairment of Assets, and the
mathematical accuracy of
management’s model.
■ We obtained an understanding of and
assessed the basis for key underlying
assumptions in the mine’s business
plan. We challenged management’s
cash flows forecasting by considering
evidence available to support
assumptions for reasonableness.
■ We used EY internal valuations
specialists to evaluate management’s
price and discount rate assumptions
and performed sensitivity testing on
these key assumptions.
■ We discussed with management,
including operations personnel, and
understood the future mine plan for
the Ghaghoo asset in order to verify
the reasonableness of assumptions in
the valuation model.
■ We considered the adequacy of the
Group’s disclosures in respect to the
Ghaghoo impairment test within
the critical accounting estimates and
judgements within Note 1.
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Annual Report 2015
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of Gem Diamonds Limited continued
In the prior year, our Auditor’s Report
included a risk of material misstatement
in relation to impairment of property,
plant and equipment and goodwill.
In the current year, we have continued to
audit the Group’s goodwill impairment
test, and in light of the significant
calculated headroom of US$342 million,
we did not consider this to be a risk of
material misstatement for our 2015 audit.
With respect to the risk of impairment of
property, plant and equipment, we have
focused our work in the current year on
the risk of impairment on the Ghaghoo
development asset.
The scope of our audit
tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our
evaluation of materiality and our
allocation of performance materiality
determine our audit scope for each entity
within the Group. Taken together, this
enables us to form an opinion on the
consolidated financial statements. We
take into account size, risk profile, the
organisation of the Group and
effectiveness of Group-wide controls,
changes in the business environment
and other factors when assessing the
level of work to be performed at
each entity.
In assessing the risk of material
misstatement to the Group financial
statements, and to ensure we had
adequate quantitative coverage of
significant accounts in the financial
statements, of the 19 reporting
components of the Group, we selected
15 components covering entities within
Belgium, Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius,
South Africa, United Arab Emirates and
the United Kingdom, which represent the
principal business units within the Group.
Of the 15 components selected, we
performed an audit of the complete
financial information of four components
(‘full scope components’) which were
selected based on their size or risk
characteristics. For five components
(‘specific scope components’), we
performed audit procedures on specific
accounts within that component that we
considered had the potential for the
greatest impact on the significant
accounts in the financial statements
either because of the size of these
accounts or their risk profile.
The reporting components where we
performed audit procedures accounted
for 99% (2014: 99%) of the Group’s
pre-tax profit, 100% (2014: 100%) of the
Group’s revenue and 97% (2014: 98%) of
the Group’s total assets. For the current
year, the full scope components
contributed 98% (2014: 98%) of the
Group’s pre-tax profit, 98% (2014: 98%)
of the Group’s revenue and 95%
(2014: 71%) of the Group’s total assets.
The specific scope components
contributed 1% (2014: 1%) of the Group’s
pre-tax profit, 2% (2014: 2%) of the
Group’s revenue and 2% (2014: 27%) of
the Group’s total assets. The audit scope
of these components may not have
included testing of all significant
accounts of the component but will have
contributed to the coverage of significant
accounts tested for the Group.
Of the remaining six components that
together represent 1% of the Group’s
pre-tax profit, we performed other
procedures, including analytical reviews,
testing of consolidation journals and
intercompany eliminations, and assessing
entity level controls to respond to any
potential risks of material misstatement
to the Group financial statements.
The adjacent charts illustrate the
coverage obtained from the work
performed by our audit teams.
Pre-tax profit
■ Full scope components
■ Specific scope components
■ Other procedures
98%
1%
1%
Total assets
■ Full scope components
■ Specific scope components
■ Other procedures
95%
2%
3%
Revenue
■ Full scope components
■ Specific scope components
98%
2%
107
Changes from the prior
year
Our scope allocation in the current year is
broadly consistent with 2014 in terms of
overall coverage of the Group; however,
we did make some changes in the
identity of components subject to full
and specific scope audit procedures.
Changes in our scope since the 2014
audit included moving the Ghaghoo
mine in Botswana from a specific scope
to a full audit scope component due to
the risks of material misstatement we
identified for the location. We also
brought the Mauritius operations into
scope as a specific scope component
in light of the Group’s disposal of this
business during the year.
Involvement with
component teams
In establishing our overall approach to
the Group audit, we determined the type
of work that needed to be undertaken at
each of the components by us, as the
primary audit engagement team, or by
component auditors from other EY global
network firms operating under our
instruction. For the four full scope
components, audit procedures were
performed on two of these directly by
the primary audit team and by our
component audit teams in Botswana
and Lesotho. For the five specific scope
components, audit procedures were
performed on two of these directly by
the primary audit team. Of the three
specific scope components where the
work was performed by component
auditors, we determined the appropriate
level of involvement to enable us to
determine that sufficient audit evidence
had been obtained as a basis for our
opinion on the Group as a whole.
The Group audit team continued to
follow a programme of planned visits
that has been designed to ensure that
the Senior Statutory Auditor visits each of
the full scope locations at least once a
year. During the current year’s audit cycle,
visits were undertaken by the primary
audit team to the component teams
in Belgium, Botswana, Lesotho and
South Africa. The Global Team Planning
Event was held in South Africa with
representatives of the components from
Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa all
attending. The primary audit team also
held a separate Team Planning Event with
the component audit team in Belgium.
Dependent on the timing of our visits,
these involved discussion of the audit
approach with the component team
and any issues arising from their work,
consideration of the approach to revenue
recognition, and meeting with local
management. The primary team
interacted regularly with the component
teams where appropriate during various
stages of the audit, reviewed key working
papers, attended audit closing meetings,
including discussions of fraud and error,
and were responsible for the scope and
direction of the audit process. This,
together with the additional procedures
performed at Group level, gave us
appropriate evidence for our opinion
on the Group financial statements.
Our application of
materiality
We apply the concept of materiality in
planning and performing the audit, in
evaluating the effect of identified
misstatements on the audit and in
forming our audit opinion.
Materiality
US$5.4 million
Performance
materiality
Reporting
threshold
US$2.7 million
US$0.2 million
Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or
misstatement that, individually or in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to
influence the economic decisions of the
users of the financial statements. Materiality
provides a basis for determining the nature
and extent of our audit procedures.
We determined materiality for the
Group to be US$5.4 million (2014:
US$4.7 million), which is 5% (2014: 5%) of
pre-tax profit. We consider pre-tax profit
provides us with the most relevant
performance measure to the
stakeholders of the entity given the
production stage of the Group’s Letšeng
mine. Our planning materiality has
increased by 15% compared to 2014
given the higher pre-tax profit
recognised by the Group in 2015.
During the course of our audit, we
reassessed initial materiality and changed
our final materiality to reflect the actual
reported performance of the Group in
the year.
performance materiality
The application of materiality at the
individual account or balance level. It is set
at an amount to reduce to an appropriately
low level the probability that the aggregate
of uncorrected and undetected
misstatements exceeds materiality.
On the basis of our risk assessments,
together with our assessment of the
Group’s overall control environment,
our judgement was that performance
materiality was 50% (2014: 50%) of
our planning materiality, namely
US$2.7 million (2014: US$2.3 million).
We have set performance materiality
at this percentage due to our past
experience of the audit.
Audit work at component locations for
the purpose of obtaining audit coverage
over significant financial statement
accounts is undertaken based on a
percentage of total performance
materiality. The performance materiality
set for each component is based on the
relative scale and risk of the component
to the Group as a whole and our
assessment of the risk of misstatement
at that component. In the current year,
the range of performance materiality
allocated to components was
US$0.4 million to US$1.4 million
(2014: US$0.4 million to US$1.6 million).
Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified
misstatements are considered as being
clearly trivial.
We have agreed with the Audit
Committee that we would report to
them all uncorrected audit differences
in excess of US$0.2 million (2014:
US$0.2 million), which is set at 5%
of planning materiality, as well as
differences below that threshold that,
in our view, warranted reporting on
qualitative grounds.
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Annual Report 2015
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of Gem Diamonds Limited continued
■ report whether the information given
in the Directors’ Report and the
Strategic Report is consistent with
the Group financial statements;
■ report whether the section of the
Directors’ Remuneration Report that
is described as audited has been
properly prepared in accordance with
the basis of preparation described
therein.
Our audit work has been undertaken so
that we might state to the Company’s
members those matters we are required
to state to them in an auditor’s report
and for no other purpose. To the fullest
extent permitted by law, we do not
accept or assume responsibility to
anyone other than the Company and the
Company’s members as a body, for our
audit work, for this report, or for the
opinions we have formed.
We evaluate any uncorrected
misstatements against both the
quantitative measures of materiality
discussed above and in light of other
relevant qualitative considerations in
forming our opinion.
Scope of the audit of the
financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence
about the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements sufficient to give
reasonable assurance that the financial
statements are free from material
misstatement, whether caused by fraud
or error. This includes an assessment of:
whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the Group’s circumstances
and have been consistently applied and
adequately disclosed; the reasonableness
of significant accounting estimates made
by the directors; and the overall
presentation of the financial statements.
In addition, we read all the financial and
non-financial information in the Annual
Report to identify material
inconsistencies with the audited financial
statements and to identify any
information that is apparently materially
incorrect based on, or materially
inconsistent with, the knowledge
acquired by us in the course of
performing the audit. If we become
aware of any apparent material
misstatements or inconsistencies we
consider the implications for our report.
Respective responsibilities
of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’
Responsibilities Statement set out on
page 102, the directors are responsible
for the preparation of the financial
statements and for being satisfied that
they give a true and fair view. Our
responsibility is to audit and express an
opinion on the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and
International Standards on Auditing (UK
and Ireland). Those standards require us
to comply with the Auditing Practices
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.
In addition, the Company has also
instructed us to:
■ report as to whether the information
given in the Corporate Governance
Statement with respect to internal
control and risk management systems
in relation to financial reporting
processes and about share capital
structures is consistent with the
financial statements;
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
ISAs (UK and
Ireland)
reporting
We are required to report to you if, in our opinion, financial and non-financial information in
the Annual Report is:
■ materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
■ apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge
We have no
exceptions to
report.
of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or
■ otherwise misleading.
In particular, we are required to report whether we have identified any inconsistencies
between our knowledge acquired in the course of performing the audit and the directors’
statement that they consider the Annual Report and accounts taken as a whole is fair, balanced
and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the
entity’s performance, business model and strategy; and whether the Annual Report
appropriately addresses those matters that we communicated to the Audit Committee that
we consider should have been disclosed.
The Company has instructed us to report, whether in our opinion:
■ adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have
not been received from branches not visited by us; or
■ the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
■ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
■ a Corporate Governance statement has not been prepared by the Company.
We are required to review:
■ the directors’ statement in relation to going concern and longer-term viability, set out on
page 98. This statement is specified for review by the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct
Authority for premium listed UK incorporated companies.
■ the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with
the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
We have no
exceptions to
report.
We have no
exceptions to
report.
Engagement
letter
requirements
Listing Rules
review
requirements
109
Statement on the directors’ assessment of the principal risks that would threaten the
solvency or liquidity of the entity
ISAs (UK and
Ireland)
reporting
We are required to give a statement as to whether we have anything material to add or to
draw attention to in relation to:
■ the directors’ confirmation in the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust
assessment of the principal risks facing the entity, including those that would threaten
its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;
■ the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are
We have
nothing
material to add
or to draw
attention to
being managed or mitigated;
■ the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether they considered it
appropriate to adopt the going-concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their
identification of any material uncertainties to the entity’s ability to continue to do so over
a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements; and
■ the directors’ explanation in the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects
of the entity, over what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be
appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the
entity will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the
period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any
necessary qualifications or assumptions.
Mirco Bardella
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP
London
14 March 2016
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 110 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2015
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Other operating income
Royalties and selling costs
Corporate expenses
Share-based payments
Foreign exchange gain
Operating profit
Net finance income
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before tax for the year from continuing
operations
Income tax expense
Profit for the year from continuing operations
DISCONTINUED OPERATION
Profit/(loss) after tax for the year from discontinued
operation
Profit for the year
Attributable to:
Equity holders of parent
Non-controlling interests
Earnings per share (cents)
− Basic earnings for the year attributable to ordinary equity
holders of the parent
− Diluted earnings for the year attributable to ordinary
equity holders of the parent
2015
US$’000
Before
exceptional
items
2015
US$’000
Exceptional
Items
Notes
2
3
25
3
3
4
5
6
7
249 475
(122 483)
126 992
458
(21 929)
(11 941)
(1 738)
6 997
98 839
120
1 505
(1 385)
98 959
(31 553)
67 406
–
67 406
41 759
25 647
30.2
29.9
–
–
–
8 126
–
–
–
1 472
9 598
–
–
–
9 598
–
9 598
668
10 266
10 266
–
7.4
7.3
2015
US$’000
Total
249 475
(122 483)
126 992
8 584
(21 929)
(11 941)
(1 738)
8 469
108 437
120
1 505
(1 385)
108 557
(31 553)
77 004
668
77 672
52 025
25 647
37.6
37.2
2014*
US$’000
Total
270 838
(142 360)
128 478
134
(24 692)
(12 628)
(1 740)
5 616
95 168
219
3 430
(3 211)
95 387
(35 005)
60 382
(2 435)
57 947
33 217
24 730
24.0
23.9
* The prior year figures have been restated for the reclassification impact of accounting for the discontinued operation (refer to Note 6, Disposal of subsidiary).
111
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income that could be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Recycling of exchange differences on discontinued operation
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive (expense)/ income for the year, net of tax
2015
US$’000
77 672
(81 601)
(988)
(82 589)
(4 917)
(15 586)
10 669
(4 917)
2014
US$’000
57 947
(37 307)
–
(37 307)
20 640
2 908
17 732
20 640
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 112 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
as at 31 December 2015
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Intangible assets
Receivables and other assets
Other financial assets
Current assets
Inventories
Receivables and other assets
Other financial assets
Income tax receivable
Cash and short-term deposits
Total assets
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Issued capital
Share premium
Treasury shares¹
Other reserves
Accumulated losses
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Notes
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
8
9
10
12
13
12
14
15
15
16
17
18
20
16
19
17
339 367
615
13 510
2 218
4
355 714
30 288
5 827
6
269
85 719
122 109
477 823
1 383
885 648
(1)
(163 420)
(439 764)
283 846
59 923
343 769
25 082
1 138
12 473
50 385
89 078
5 339
–
32 228
7 409
44 976
374 927
615
18 181
2 877
10
396 610
28 770
7 598
4
353
110 738
147 463
544 073
1 383
885 648
(1)
(97 753)
(484 874)
304 403
61 014
365 417
7 261
1 274
19 543
57 467
85 545
29 841
249
43 711
19 310
93 111
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities
1 Shares held by the Gem Diamonds Limited Employee Share Trust.
134 054
477 823
178 656
544 073
Approved by the Board of Directors on 14 March 2016 and signed on their behalf by:
ct Elphick
Director
M Michael
Director
113
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Attributable to the equity
holders of the parent
Issued
capital1
US$’000
Share
premium1
US$’000
Own
shares2
US$’000
Other
reserves1
US$’000
Balance at 1 January 2015
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive
income/(expense)
Share-based payments (Note 25)
Dividends paid
Balance at 31 December 2015
Balance at 1 January 2014
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive
income/(expense)
Share-based payments (Note 25)
Dividends paid
1 383
–
–
885 648
–
–
–
–
–
1 383
1 383
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
885 648
885 648
–
–
–
–
–
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
(1)
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
Accumu-
lated
(losses)/
retained
earnings
US$’000
(484 874)
52 025
–
Non-
controlling
interests
US$’000
61 014
25 647
(14 978)
Total
equity
US$’000
365 417
77 672
(82 589)
Total
US$’000
304 403
52 025
(67 611)
(97 753)
–
(67 611)
(67 611)
52 025
(15 586)
10 669
(4 917)
1 944
–
–
(6 915)
1 944
(6 915)
–
(11 760)
1 944
(18 675)
(163 420)
(439 764)
283 846
59 923
343 769
(69 408)
–
(30 309)
(518 091)
33 217
–
299 531
33 217
(30 309)
70 879
24 730
(6 998)
370 410
57 947
(37 307)
(30 309)
33 217
1 964
–
–
–
2 908
1 964
–
17 732
–
(27 597)
20 640
1 964
(27 597)
Balance at 31 December 2014
1 383
885 648
(1)
(97 753)
(484 874)
304 403
61 014
365 417
1 Refer to Note 15, Issued capital and reserves, for further detail.
2 Being shares held by the Gem Diamonds Limited Employee Share Trust.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 114 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated by operations
Working capital adjustments
Interest received
Interest paid
Income tax paid
Cash flows used in investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Waste cost capitalised
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Cash disposed of from disposal of subsidiary
Cash flows (used in)/from financing activities
Financial liabilities (repaid)/raised
Dividends paid to holders of the parent
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year – continuing operations
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year – discontinuing operation
Foreign exchange differences
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year held at banks
Restricted cash at end of year
Add: Cash and equivalents of discontinued operation at end of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Notes
21.1
21.2
21.3
14
2015
US$’000
119 103
155 257
(3 769)
151 488
1 762
(417)
(33 730)
(109 605)
(48 562)
(61 416)
407
(34)
(23 057)
(4 384)
(6 913)
(11 760)
(13 559)
110 704
34
(11 460)
83 165
2 554
–
85 719
2014
US$’000
133 736
153 577
59
153 636
2 575
(521)
(21 954)
(101 301)
(47 364)
(53 996)
59
–
10 309
37 906
–
(27 597)
42 744
71 140
38
(3 184)
110 541
163
34
110 738
115
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements
1. Notes to the financial statements
1.1
Corporate information
1.1.1 Incorporation
The holding company, Gem Diamonds Limited (the Company), was incorporated on 29 July 2005 in the BVI.
The Company’s registration number is 669758.
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board on 14 March 2016.
The Group is principally engaged in the exploration and development of diamond mines.
1.1.2 Operational information
The Company has the following investments directly in subsidiaries at 31 December 2015:
Cost of
investment¹
Country of
incorporation Nature of business
Name of company
Share-
holding
Subsidiaries
Gem Diamond
Technical Services
(Proprietary) Limited2
Gem Equity Group
Limited2
Letšeng Diamonds
(Proprietary) Limited2
Gem Diamonds
Botswana (Proprietary)
Limited2
100%
US$17
RSA
Technical, financial and management
consulting services.
100%
US$52 277
BVI
Dormant investment company holding 1%
in Gem Diamonds Botswana (Proprietary)
Limited, 2% in Gem Diamonds Marketing
Services BVBA, 1% in Baobab Technologies
BVBA and 0.1% in Gem Diamonds Marketing
Botswana (Proprietary) Limited.
70%
US$126 000 303
Lesotho
Diamond mining and holder of mining rights.
100%
US$27 752 144
Botswana
Diamond mining; evaluation and
development; and holder of mining licences
and concessions.
BDI Mining Corp2
100%
US$82 064 783
BVI
Dormant investment company.
Gem Diamonds
Australia Holdings2
Gem Diamonds
Investments Limited2
100% US$293 960 521
Australia
Dormant investment company.
100%
US$17 531 316
UK
Investment holding company holding 100% in
each of Gem Diamonds Technology
(Mauritius) Limited3, Gem Diamonds
Technology DMCC and Calibrated Diamonds
Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited;
99.9% in Gem Diamonds Marketing Botswana
(Proprietary) Limited; 99% in Baobab
Technologies BVBA; and 98% in Gem
Diamonds Marketing Services BVBA, a
marketing company that sells the Group’s
diamonds on tender in Antwerp.
1 The cost of investment represents original cost of investments at acquisition dates.
2 No change in the shareholding since the prior year.
3 On 30 June 2015 the Group sold the manufacturing facility in Gem Diamonds Technology (Mauritius) Limited. As a result, the trading
results of the operation have been classified as part of discontinued operations (refer to Note 6, Disposal of subsidiary).
1.1.3 Segment information
For management purposes, the Group is organised into geographical units as its risks and required rates of return
are affected predominantly by differences in the geographical regions of the mines and areas in which the Group
operates. Other regions where no direct mining activities take place are organised into geographical regions in the
areas where the operations are managed. The main geographical regions and the type of products and services
from which each reporting segment derives its revenue from are:
■ Lesotho (diamond mining activities);
■ Botswana (diamond mining activities);
■ Belgium (sales, marketing and manufacturing of diamonds);
■ BVI, RSA and UK (technical and administrative services); and
■ Mauritius (manufacturing of diamonds) – disposed of during the year.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 116 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Corporate information (continued)
1.1.3 Segment information (continued)
1.1
The Mauritius operation, which was disposed of during the year, was previously aggregated with the Belgium
operations into one operating segment, as management monitored these two operations as one, due to the
similarity of their services provided.
Management monitors the operating results of the geographical units separately for the purpose of making
decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based
on operating profit or loss.
Inter-segment transactions are entered into under normal arm’s-length terms in a manner similar to transactions
with third parties. Segment revenue, segment expenses and segment results include transactions between
segments. Those transactions are eliminated on consolidation.
Segment revenue is derived from mining activities, polished manufacturing margins, and Group services.
The following table presents revenue and profit, and asset and liability information from operations regarding
the Group’s geographical segments:
Year ended
31 December 2015
Lesotho
US$’000
Botswana
US$’000
Belgium
US$’000
Total
conti-
nuing
opera-
tions
Discon-
tinued
opera-
tion
Total
US$’000
BVI, RSA
and UK
US$’000
Revenue
Total revenue
Inter-segment
External customers
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and mining asset
amortisation
Waste stripping cost
amortisation
Share-based equity transactions
Segment operating
profit/(loss)
Net finance income
Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax expense
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
Profit for the year
Segment assets
Segment liabilities
Other segment information
Capital expenditure
– Property, plant and equipment2
– Waste cost capitalised
– Operating expenses capitalised
236 357
(235 183)
1 174
56 497
9 275
47 222
489
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
263 490
(15 696)
247 794
615
9 788
509 635
(9 281) (260 160)
5071
362
249 475
57 474
85
–
509 720
(260 160)
85
117
249 560
57 591
615
362
10 252
117
10 369
–
–
–
1 249
47 222
1 738
–
–
47 222
1 738
113 998
(1 864)
(1 281)
(2 416)
108 437
120
108 557
(31 553)
(1 002)
–
107 435
120
(1 002)
–
107 555
(31 553)
–
1 670
1 670
77 004
668
77 672
278 570
158 399
7 938
32 916
477 823
426
478 249
44 426
35 105
1 123
3 015
83 669
758
–
84 427
–
10 206
61 416
–
19 871
–
14 260
374
–
–
374
2 337
–
–
32 788
61 416
14 260
–
–
32 788
61 416
14 260
2 337
108 464
–
108 464
Total capital expenditure
71 622
34 131
1 No revenue was generated in BVI.
2 Capital expenditure includes non-cash movements in rehabilitation assets relating to changes in rehabilitation estimates for the
Lesotho and Botswana segments and capitalisation of share-based payments for the Botswana segment.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 117
1.
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.1
Corporate information (continued)
1.1.3 Segment information (continued)
Included in annual revenue for the current year is revenue from a single customer which amounted to
US$46.7 million arising from sales reported in the Lesotho and Belgium segment.
Segment liabilities do not include deferred tax liabilities of US$50.4 million.
Total sales for the current year are lower than that of the prior year mainly as a result of the current market
conditions and lower diamond prices achieved at the Lesotho segment, together with lower number of carats
sold due to production cut-off periods.
Year ended
31 December 2014
Lesotho
US$’000
Botswana
US$’000
Belgium
US$’000
Total
conti-
nuing
opera-
tions
Discon-
tinued
opera-
tions
Total
US$’000
BVI, RSA
and UK
US$’000
Revenue
Total revenue
Inter-segment
External customers
Results
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and mining
asset amortisation
Waste stripping cost
amortised
Share-based equity
transactions
Segment operating
profit/(loss)
Net finance income
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year
Segment assets
Segment liabilities
Other segment information
Capital expenditure
– Property, plant and
equipment2
– Waste cost capitalised
Total capital expenditure
277 908
(276 429)
1 479
62 800
13 488
49 312
488
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
272 169
(3 141)
269 028
8 877
(8 546)
558 954
(288 116)
3311 270 838
52
–
52
559 006
(288 116)
270 890
719
719
–
–
607
64 126
344
64 470
607
14 814
344
15 158
–
49 312
1 252
1 740
–
–
49 312
1 740
107 527
(75)
480
(12 764)
95 168
219
95 387
(35 005)
(2 457)
–
(2 457)
22
92 711
219
92 930
(34 983)
60 382
(2 435)
57 947
321 464
139 987
6 552
75 192
543 195
68 212
9 304
939
42 705
121 160
878
29
544 073
121 189
7 720
51 484
59 204
42 086
–
42 086
92
–
92
40
–
40
49 938
51 484
101 422
–
–
–
49 938
51 484
101 422
1 No revenue was generated in BVI.
2 Capital expenditure includes non-cash movements in rehabilitation assets relating to changes in rehabilitation estimates for the
Lesotho and Botswana segments and capitalisation of share-based payments for the Botswana segment.
Segment liabilities do not include deferred tax liabilities of US$57.5 million.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 118 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies
1.2.1 Basis of presentation
1.2
The financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS). These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis. The accounting
policies have been consistently applied except for the adoption of the new standards and interpretations
detailed below.
The functional currency of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries is US dollar, which is the currency of the
primary economic environment in which the entities operate. All amounts are expressed in US dollar. The financial
statements of subsidiaries whose functional and reporting currency is in currencies other than US dollar have been
converted into US dollar on the basis as set out in Note 1.2.16, Foreign currency translations.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting
estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s
accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions
and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 1.2.26, Critical accounting estimates
and judgements.
The Group has also adopted the following standards and interpretations from 1 January 2015:
Investment entities – Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27
These amendments provide an exception to the consolidation requirement for entities that meet the definition of
an investment entity under IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements and must be applied retrospectively, subject
to certain transition relief. The exception to consolidation requires investment entities to account for subsidiaries at
fair value through profit or loss. These amendments have no impact on the Group as none of the entities in the
Group qualify to be an investment entity under IFRS 10.
Amendments to IAS 19 Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions
IAS 19 requires an entity to consider contributions from employees or third parties when accounting for defined
benefit plans. Where the contributions are linked to service, they should be attributed to periods of service as a
negative benefit. These amendments clarify that, if the amount of the contributions is independent of the number
of years of service, an entity is permitted to recognise such contributions as a reduction in the service cost in the
period in which the service is rendered, instead of allocating the contributions to the periods of service. This
amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2014. This amendment is not relevant to
the Group, since none of the entities within the Group have defined benefit plans with contributions from
employees or third parties.
Standards issued but not effective
The standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Group’s
financial statements are disclosed below. The Group intends to adopt these standards if applicable when they
become effective.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 119
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.1 Basis of presentation (continued)
Standard or
interpretation
IFRS 16
Leases
IFRS 9
IFRS 15
IFRS 14
Financial
Instruments
Revenue from
Contracts with
Customer
Regulatory
Deferral
Accounts
IAS 16/IAS 38 Clarification of
Acceptable
Methods of
Depreciation
and
Amortisation
IFRS 10,
IFRS 12
and IAS 28
Applying the
Consolidation
Exception
Amendments
IFRS 10
and IAS 28
IFRS 11
IAS 27
Sale or
Contribution of
Assets between
an Investor and
its Associate or
Joint Venture
Accounting for
Acquisitions of
interest in Joint
Operations
Equity Method
in Separate
Financial
Statements
The new standard requires lessees to recognise assets and
liabilities on their balance sheets for most leases, many of which
may have been off balance sheet in the past. The Group will
assess the impact prior to effective date.
Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial
liabilities as defined in IAS 39. The Group is still currently
assessing the impact.
The new revenue standard introduces a single, principles-based,
five-step model for the recognition of revenue when control of a
good or service is transferred to the customer. The Group is still
currently assessing the impact.
IFRS 14 is an optional standard that allows an entity, whose
activities are subject to rate regulation, to continue applying
most of its existing accounting policies for regulatory deferral
account balances upon its first-time adoption of IFRS. The
Group’s activities are currently not subject to rate regulation and
therefore this standard does not apply to the Group. Should the
Group’s activities change in this regard, the Group will assess the
impact at that time.
The amendments clarify the principle in IAS 16 Property, Plant
and Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets that revenue reflects
a pattern of economic benefits that are generated from
operating a business rather than the economic benefits that are
consumed through use of an asset. As such, the ratio of revenue
generated to total revenue expected to be generated cannot be
used to depreciate property, plant and equipment and may only
be used in very limited circumstances to amortise intangible
assets. As this revenue ratio is not currently used as a method of
depreciation, it is anticipated that this standard will not impact
the Group. Should the Group’s policies change in this regard, the
Group will assess the impact at that time.
The amendments to IFRS 10 clarify that the exemption in
IFRS 10.4 from presenting consolidated financial statements
applies to a parent entity that is a subsidiary of an investment
entity, when the investment entity measures its subsidiaries at
fair value.
The amendments to IAS 28 allow the investor, when applying
the equity method, to retain the fair value measurement applied
by the investment entity associate or joint venture to its interests
in subsidiaries. The Group is still currently assessing the impact.
The amendments clarify that a full gain or loss is recognised
when a transfer to an associate or joint venture involves a
business. Any gain or loss resulting from the sale or contribution
of assets that does not constitute a business, however, is
recognised only to the extent of unrelated investors’ interests
in the associate or joint venture. The Group is still currently
assessing the impact.
The amendments require an entity acquiring an interest in a
joint operation, in which the activity of the joint operation
constitutes a business, to apply, to the extent of its share, all of
the principles and disclosure in IFRS 3 and other IFRS that do not
conflict with the requirements of IFRS 11. The Group is still
currently assessing the impact.
The amendments to IAS 27 allow an entity to use the equity
method as described in IAS 28 to account for its investments in
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in its separate financial
statements. Therefore, an entity must account for these
investments either at cost or in accordance with IFRS 9 (or
IAS 39) or using the equity method. The Group is still currently
assessing the impact.
* Annual periods beginning on or after.
Effective date*
1 January 2019
1 January 2018
1 January 2017
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
1 January 2016
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Annual Report 2015
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.1 Basis of presentation (continued)
Business environment and country risk
The Group’s operations are subject to country risk being the economic, political and social risks inherent in doing
business in certain areas of Africa and Europe. These risks include matters arising out of the policies of the
government, economic conditions, imposition of or changes to taxes and regulations, foreign exchange rate
fluctuations and the enforceability of contract rights.
The consolidated financial information reflects management’s assessment of the impact of these business
environments on the operations and the financial position of the Group. The future business environment may
differ from management’s assessment.
1.2.2 Going concern
The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance
and position are set out in the Strategic Review on pages 36 to 41 and pages 46 to 48. The financial position of the
Company, its cash flows and liquidity position are described in the Strategic Review on pages 30 to 33. In addition,
Note 24, Financial risk management, includes the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its
capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures to credit risk
and liquidity risk.
After making enquiries which include reviews of forecasts and budgets, timing of cash flows, borrowing facilities
and sensitivity analyses and considering the uncertainties described in this report either directly or by cross-
reference, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate financial
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt
the going-concern basis in preparing the Annual Report and accounts of the Company.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis which assumes that the Group will be
able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future.
Refer to Note 24, Financial risk management, for statements on the Company’s objectives, policies and processes
for managing its capital; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; its exposures to market risk in
relation to diamond prices and foreign exchange risks; cash flow interest rate risk; credit risk; and liquidity risk.
1.2.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled
by the Company.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains
control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. An investor controls an investee
when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to
affect those returns through its power over the investee. To meet the definition of control in IFRS 10, all three
following criteria must be met, being:
(a) an investor has power over an investee;
(b) the investor has exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
(c) the investor has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns.
The financial statements of subsidiaries used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are
prepared for the same reporting year as the parent company and are based on consistent accounting policies.
All intra-group balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from them, are eliminated in full.
A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without loss of control, is accounted for as an equity
transaction. If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it (i) derecognises the assets (including goodwill) and
liabilities of the subsidiary; (ii) derecognises the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest; (iii) derecognises
the cumulative translation differences, recorded in equity; (iv) recognises the fair value of the consideration
received; (v) recognises the fair value of any investment retained; (vi) recognises any surplus or deficit in profit or
loss; and (vii) reclassifies the parent’s share of components previously recognised in other comprehensive income
to profit or loss or retained earnings, as appropriate.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 121
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.3 Basis of consolidation (continued)
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests represent the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the parent
company and is presented separately within equity in the consolidated statement of financial position, separately
from equity attributable to owners of the parent. Losses within a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling
interest even if that results in a deficit balance.
1.2.4 Exploration and evaluation expenditure
Exploration and evaluation activity involves the search for mineral resources, the determination of technical
feasibility and the assessment of commercial viability of an identified resource. Exploration and evaluation activity
includes:
■ acquisition of rights to explore;
■ researching and analysing historical exploration data;
■ gathering exploration data through topographical, geochemical and geophysical studies;
■ exploratory drilling, trenching and sampling;
■ determining and examining the volume and grade of the resource;
■ surveying transportation and infrastructure requirements; and
■ conducting market and finance studies.
Administration costs that are not directly attributable to a specific exploration area are charged to the income
statement. Licence costs paid in connection with a right to explore in an existing exploration area are capitalised
and amortised over the term of the permit.
■ Exploration and evaluation expenditure is capitalised as incurred. Capitalised exploration expenditure is
recorded as a component of property, plant and equipment at cost less accumulated impairment charges.
As the asset is not available for use, it is not depreciated.
All capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is monitored for indications of impairment. Where a
potential impairment is indicated, assessments are performed for each area of interest in conjunction with the
group of operating assets (representing a cash-generating unit (CGU)) to which the exploration is attributed.
To the extent that exploration expenditure is not expected to be recovered, it is charged to the income statement.
Exploration areas where reserves have been discovered, but require major capital expenditure before production
can begin, are continually evaluated to ensure that commercial quantities of reserves exist or to ensure that
additional exploration work is under way as planned.
1.2.5 Development expenditure
When proved reserves are determined and development is sanctioned, capitalised exploration and evaluation
expenditure is reclassified within property, plant and equipment to development expenditure. As the asset is not
available for use, during the development phase, it is not depreciated. On completion of the development, any
capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure already capitalised to development expenditure, together with
the subsequent development expenditure, is reclassified within property, plant and equipment to mining assets
and depreciated on the basis as laid out in Note 1.2.6, Property, plant and equipment.
All development expenditure is monitored for indicators of impairment annually.
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1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.6 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment
losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition and construction of the items,
among others, professional fees, and for qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the
Group’s accounting policies.
Subsequent costs to replace a component of an item of property, plant and equipment that is accounted for
separately, is capitalised when the cost of the item can be measured reliably, with the carrying amount of the
original component being written off. All repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during
the financial period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation commences when an asset is available for use. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the
depreciable amount of the asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life, using a method that reflects
the pattern in which the asset’s future economic benefits are expected to be consumed by the Group.
Item
Mining assets
Decommissioning assets
Leasehold improvements
Plant and equipment
Finance lease assets
Other assets
Method
Straight line
Straight line
Straight line
Straight line
Straight line
Straight line
Useful life
Lesser of life of mine or period of lease
Lesser of life of mine or period of lease
Lesser of three years or period of lease
Three to 10 years
Lesser of period of lease or five years
Two to five years
Pre-production stripping costs
The capitalisation of pre-production stripping costs as part of exploration and development assets ceases when
the mine is commissioned and ready for production. Subsequent stripping activities that are undertaken during
the production phase of a surface mine may create two benefits, being either the production of inventory or
improved access to the ore to be mined in the future. Where the benefits are realised in the form of inventory
produced in the period, the production stripping costs are accounted for as part of the cost of producing those
inventories. Where production stripping costs are incurred and where the benefit is the creation of mining
flexibility and improved access to ore to be mined in the future, the costs are recognised as a non-current asset,
referred to as a ‘stripping activity asset’, if:
(a) future economic benefits (being improved access to the ore body) are probable;
(b) the component of the ore body for which access will be improved can be accurately identified; and
(c) the costs associated with the improved access can be reliably measured.
The stripping activity asset is separately disclosed in Note 8, Property, plant and equipment. If all the criteria are not
met, the production stripping costs are charged to the income statement as operating costs. The stripping activity
asset is initially measured at cost, which is the accumulation of costs directly incurred to perform the stripping
activity that improves access to the identified component of ore, plus an allocation of directly attributable
overhead costs. If incidental operations are occurring at the same time as the production stripping activity, but are
not necessary for the production stripping activity to continue as planned, these costs are not included in the cost
of the stripping activity asset. If the costs of the stripping activity asset and the inventory produced are not
separately identifiable, a relevant production measure is used to allocate the production stripping costs between
the inventory produced and the stripping activity asset. The stripping activity asset is subsequently amortised over
the expected useful life of the identified component of the orebody that became more accessible as a result of the
stripping activity. Based on proven and probable reserves, the expected average stripping ratio over the average
life of the area being mined is used to amortise the stripping activity. As a result, the stripping activity asset is
carried at cost less amortisation and any impairment losses.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 123
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.6 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
The average life of area cost per tonne is calculated as the total expected costs to be incurred to mine the ore body
divided by the number of tonnes expected to be mined. The average life of area stripping ratio and the average life
of area cost per tonne are recalculated annually in light of additional knowledge and changes in estimates.
Changes in the stripping ratio are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate.
An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is
greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount of the asset. These
are included in the income statement.
1.2.7 Investment property
Investment property is initially recognised using the cost model. Subsequent recognition is at cost less
accumulated depreciation, and less any accumulated impairment losses. Rental income from investment property
is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and
arranging the lease are capitalised to investment property and depreciated over the lease term. Depreciation is
calculated as follows:
Item
Investment property
Initial direct costs capitalised to investment
property
Method
No depreciation is provided due to depreciable
amount being zero
Straight line
Useful life
Five years
1.2.8 Business combinations, goodwill and other intangible assets
Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as
the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any
non-controlling interest in the acquiree. The choice of measurement of non-controlling interest, either at fair value
or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets, is determined on a transaction-by-transaction
basis. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in administrative expenses.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate
classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent
conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by
the acquiree.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition
date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or
liability will be recognised in accordance with IFRS 13 in the income statement. If the contingent consideration is
classified as equity, it will not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the
consideration transferred and the amount recognised for the non-controlling interest (and where the business
combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in
the acquiree) over the net identifiable amounts of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in exchange for
the business combination. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in transactions separate to the business
combinations, such as the settlement of pre-existing relationships or post-acquisition remuneration arrangements
are accounted for separately from the business combination in accordance with their nature and applicable IFRS.
Identifiable intangible assets, meeting either the contractual legal or separability criterion, are recognised
separately from goodwill. Contingent liabilities representing a present obligation are recognised if the acquisition
date fair value can be measured reliably.
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1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.8 Business combinations, goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)
If the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for
the non-controlling interest (and where the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair
value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree) is lower than the fair value of the assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities, and the fair value of any pre-existing interest held in the business acquired, the
difference is recognised in profit and loss.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of
impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of
the Group’s CGUs (or groups of CGUs) that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether
other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units. Each unit or group of units to which goodwill
is allocated shall represent the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal
management purposes, and shall not be larger than an operating segment before aggregation.
Where goodwill forms part of a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill
associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining
the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured based on the
relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the CGU retained.
Concessions and licences
Concessions and licences are shown at cost. Concessions and licences have a finite useful life and are carried at
cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is calculated using the
straight-line method to allocate the cost of concessions and licences over the shorter of the life of mine or term
of the licence once production commences.
1.2.9 Other financial assets
Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition and re-evaluates this
designation at every reporting date. Currently the Group only has financial assets at fair value through profit or loss,
and loans and receivables.
When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value plus (in the case of investments not at
fair value through profit or loss) directly attributable costs.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
This category has two sub-categories: financial assets held for trading, and those designated at fair value through
profit or loss. Upon initial recognition, a financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the
purpose of selling in the short term or if so designated by management. Derivatives are also categorised as held
for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Gains and losses on investments held for trading are recognised
in profit or loss. Assets in this category are classified as current assets if they are either held for trading or are
expected to be realised within 12 months of the reporting date.
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 those with maturities greater than 12 months after
the reporting date. These are classified as non-current assets. Such assets are carried at amortised cost using the
effective interest rate method, less any allowance for impairment, if the time value of money is significant. Gains
and losses are recognised in the income statement when the loans and receivables are derecognised or impaired,
as well as through the amortisation process. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when
there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original
terms of receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the
present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate interest rate. The amount of the
provision is recognised in the income statement.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 125
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.10 Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently
stated at amortised cost; any difference between proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value
is recognised in the income statement, unless capitalised in accordance with Note 1.2.24, Finance costs, over
the period of the borrowings, using the effective interest rate method.
Bank overdrafts are recognised at amortised cost.
Fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial
liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.
Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term.
Gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognised in the income statement.
1.2.11 Fair value measurement
The Group measures financial instruments at fair value at each reporting date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption
that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
■ in the principal market for the asset or liability; or
■ in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when
pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate
economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that
would use the asset in its highest and best use.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are
available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of
unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised
within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair
value measurement as a whole:
Level 1 – Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value measurement
is directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value measurement
is unobservable.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Group determines
whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorisation (based on the
lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
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Annual Report 2015
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.12 Impairments
Non-financial assets
Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment if it is determined that there
is an indication of impairment in accordance with IAS 36. Goodwill is assessed for impairment on an annual basis.
An impairment loss is recognised 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 costs to sell and value in use. In assessing
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Non-
financial assets that were previously impaired are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each
reporting date.
A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to
determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. If that is the case, the
carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. That increased amount cannot exceed the
carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised
for the asset in prior years. Such a reversal is recognised in the income statement. After such a reversal the
depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less any residual
value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.
Financial assets
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired.
Assets carried at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on assets carried at amortised cost has been incurred, the
amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of
estimated future cash flows (excluding future expected credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted
at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate (ie the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition).
The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account. The amount of the loss is
recognised in the income statement.
If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related
objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss
is reversed, to the extent that the carrying value of the asset does not exceed its amortised cost at the reversal
date, any subsequent reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.
In relation to trade receivables, a provision for impairment is made when there is objective evidence (such as the
probability of insolvency or significant financial difficulties of the debtor) that the Group will not be able to collect
all of the amounts due under the original terms of the invoice. The carrying amount of the receivable is reduced
through the use of an allowance account. Impaired debts are derecognised when they are assessed as
uncollectible.
1.2.13 Inventories
Inventories, which include rough diamonds, ore stockpiles and consumables, are measured at the lower of cost
and net realisable value. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realisable value and all losses, is
recognised in the period the write-down or loss occurs. Cost is determined as the average cost of production,
using the weighted average method. Cost includes directly attributable mining overheads, but excludes
borrowing costs.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of
completion and the estimated costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 127
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.14 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the statement of financial position at amortised cost. Cash and cash
equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term, highly liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less.
For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as
defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.
1.2.15 Issued share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction
from the proceeds.
1.2.16 Foreign currency translations
Presentation currency
The results and financial position of the Group’s subsidiaries which have a functional currency different from the
presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:
■ statement of financial position items are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date;
■ income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average
is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in
which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions); and
■ resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.
Details of the rates applied at the respective reporting dates and for the income statement transactions are
detailed in Note 15, Issued capital and reserves.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the
dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and
from the translation at the period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of cost in a
foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary
items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair
value was determined. Monetary items for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the
closing rate at the reporting date.
1.2.17 Share-based payments
Employees (including Senior Executives) of the Group receive remuneration in the form of share-based payment
transactions, whereby employees render services as consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled
transactions). In situations where some or all of the goods or services received by the entity as consideration for
equity instruments cannot be specifically identified, they are measured as the difference between the fair value of
the share-based payment and the fair value of any identifiable goods or services received at the grant date. For
cash-settled transactions, the liability is remeasured at each reporting date until settlement, with the changes in
fair value recognised in the income statement.
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1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.17 Share-based payments (continued)
Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at
which they are granted, and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on
which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined using an appropriate
pricing model. In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any vesting conditions, other than
conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions).
No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards, where vesting is conditional
upon a market condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market condition is
satisfied, provided that all other performance conditions are satisfied.
At each reporting date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which
the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market
conditions and of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest or, in the case of an instrument
subject to a market condition, be treated as vesting as described above. The movement in cumulative expense
since the previous reporting date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.
Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled
or settled award, the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting
period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair
value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of
the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this
difference is negative.
Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost
not yet recognised in the income statement for the award is expensed immediately.
Where an equity-settled award is forfeited, it is treated as if vesting conditions had not been met and all costs
previously recognised in the income statement for the award are reversed and recognised in income immediately.
Management applies judgement when determining whether share options relating to employees who resigned
before the end of the service condition period are cancelled or forfeited as referred under policy 1.2.26, Critical
accounting estimates and judgements.
1.2.18 Provisions
Provisions are recognised when:
■ the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event; and
■ a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation,
using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to
the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
1.2.19 Restoration and rehabilitation
The mining, extraction and processing activities of the Group normally give rise to obligations for site restoration
and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation works can include facility decommissioning and dismantling, removal and
treatment of waste materials, land rehabilitation, and site restoration. The extent of the work required and the
estimated cost of final rehabilitation, comprising liabilities for decommissioning and restoration, are based on
current legal requirements, existing technology and the Group’s environmental policies, and is reassessed annually.
Cost estimates are not reduced by the potential proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment.
Provisions for the cost of each restoration and rehabilitation programme are recognised at the time the
environmental disturbance occurs. When the extent of the disturbance increases over the life of the operation, the
provision and associated asset is increased accordingly. Costs included in the provision encompass all restoration
and rehabilitation activity expected to occur. The restoration and rehabilitation provisions are measured at the
expected value of future cash flows, discounted to their present value. Discount rates used are specific to the
country in which the operation is located. The value of the provision is progressively increased over time as the
effect of the discounting unwinds, which is recognised in finance charges. Restoration and rehabilitation provisions
are also adjusted for changes in estimates.
When provisions for restoration and rehabilitation are initially recognised, the corresponding cost is capitalised as
an asset where it gives rise to a future benefit and depreciated over future production from the operation to which
it relates.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 129
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.20 Taxation
Income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement
except to the extent that it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case it is recognised
in equity. Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect
of previous years.
Deferred tax is provided using the statement of financial position liability method, providing for temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the
amounts used for taxation purposes.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when
the asset is realised or the liability is settled based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or
substantively enacted at the reporting date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available
against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable
that the related tax benefit will be realised.
In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly
controlled entities, deferred tax is provided except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences
can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable
future.
In respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly
controlled entities, deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the temporary
differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary
differences can be utilised.
Withholding tax is recognised in the income statement when dividends or other services which give rise to that
withholding tax are declared or accrued respectively. Withholding tax is disclosed as part of current tax.
Royalties
Royalties incurred by the Group comprise mineral extraction costs based on a percentage of sales paid to the local
revenue authorities. These obligations arising from royalty arrangements are recognised as current payables and
disclosed as part of royalty and selling costs in the income statement.
Royalties and revenue-based taxes are accounted for under IAS 12 when they have the characteristics of an
income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount
payable is based on taxable income – rather than based on quantity produced or as a percentage of revenue. For
such arrangements, current and deferred tax is provided on the same basis as described above for other forms of
taxation. The royalties incurred by the Group are considered not to meet the criteria to be treated as part of
income tax.
1.2.21 Employee benefits
Provision is made in the financial statements for all short-term employee benefits. Liabilities for wages and salaries,
including non-monetary benefits, benefits required by legislation, annual leave, retirement benefits and
accumulating sick leave obliged to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date, are recognised in trade and
other payables and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Benefits
falling due more than 12 months after the reporting date are discounted to present value. The Group recognises
an expense for contributions to the defined contribution pension fund in the period in which the employees
render the related service.
Bonus plans
The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses. The Group recognises a liability where contractually
obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation. These liabilities are recognised
in trade and other payables and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.
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Annual Report 2015
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.22 Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the
arrangement at inception date of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific
asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. A reassessment is made after inception of the
lease only if one of the following applies:
(a) there is a change in contractual terms, other than a renewal or extension of the arrangement;
(b) a renewal option is exercised or extension granted, unless the term of the renewal or extension was initially
included in the lease term;
(c) there is a change in the determination of whether fulfilment is dependent on a specific asset; or
(d) there is a substantial change to the asset.
Where a reassessment is made, lease accounting shall commence or cease from the date when the change in
circumstances gave rise to the reassessment for scenarios (a), (c) or (d) and at the date of renewal or extension
period for scenario (b).
Group as a lessee
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has, substantially, all the risks and rewards of ownership
are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the lease’s inception at the lower of the fair value
of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Each lease payment is allocated
between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the finance balance outstanding. The
corresponding lease obligations, net of finance charges, are included in financial liabilities.
The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the lease period so as to
produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each year. The property,
plant and equipment acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and
the lease term.
Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating
leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the
income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. When the Group is a party to a lease where
there is a contingent rental element associated within the agreement, a cost is recognised as and when the
contingency materialises.
Group as a lessor
Assets leased out under operating leases are included in investment property. Rental income is recognised on a
straight-line basis over the lease term. Refer to Note 1.2.7, Investment property, for further information on the
treatment of investment property.
1.2.23 Revenue
Revenue is measured at fair value of the consideration received or receivable and comprises the fair value for the
sale of goods, net of value added tax, rebates and discounts and after eliminated sales within the Group. Revenue
is recognised as follows:
Sale of goods
Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer
and can be measured reliably and receipt of future economic benefits is probable.
The following revenue streams are recognised:
■ rough diamonds which are made through competitive tender processes, partnership agreements and joint
operation arrangements;
■ polished diamonds and other products which are made through direct sale transactions;
■ additional uplift on partnership arrangements; and
■ additional uplift joint operation arrangements.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 131
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.23 Revenue (continued)
Revenue through joint operation arrangements is recognised for the sale of the rough diamond according to the
percentage interest in the joint operation arrangement, as only that percentage of significant risks and rewards
pass at the time of sale. Contractual agreements are entered into between the Group and the joint operation
partner whereby both parties control jointly the cutting and polishing activities relating to the diamond. All
decisions pertaining to the cutting and polishing of the diamonds require unanimous consent from both parties.
Once these activities are complete, the polished diamond is sold after which the revenue on the remaining
percentage of the rough diamond is recognised, together with additional uplift on joint operation arrangement.
For more detail on how these arrangements have been included in the financial statements refer to Note 2,
Revenue and Note 13, Inventories.
Revenue through partnership arrangements is recognised for the sale of the rough diamond, with an additional
uplift based on the polished margin achieved. Management recognises the revenue on the sale of the rough
diamond when it is sold to a third party, as there is no continuing involvement by management in the cutting and
polishing process and the significant risks and rewards have passed to the third party. For additional uplift on
partnership arrangements, certain estimates and judgements are made by management as referred to under
policy 1.2.26, Critical accounting estimates and judgements.
Rendering of service
Sales of services relating to third-party diamond manufacturing, are recognised in the accounting period in which
the services are rendered, and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to
the entity, by reference to completion of the specific transaction assessed on the basis of the actual service
provided as a proportion of the total services to be provided.
Interest income
Interest income is recognised on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.
Dividends
Dividends are recognised when the amount of the dividend can be reliably measured and the Group’s right to
receive payment is established.
1.2.24 Finance costs
Finance costs are generally expensed as incurred, except where they relate to the financing of construction or
development of qualifying assets requiring a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended future use.
Finance costs are capitalised up to the date when the asset is ready for its intended use.
1.2.25 Dividend distribution
Dividend distributions to the Group’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements
in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Group’s shareholders.
1.2.26 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and
judgements and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities, the reported
revenue and costs during the periods presented therein, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date
of the financial statements. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under
the circumstances.
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future and the resulting accounting estimates will,
by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of
causing a material adjustment to the financial results or the financial position reported in future periods are
discussed overleaf.
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Annual Report 2015
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.26 Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)
Life of mine
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves and the associated life of mine. Therefore the
Group must make a number of assumptions in making those estimations, including assumptions as to the prices
of commodities, exchange rates, production costs and recovery rates. Assumptions that are valid at the time of
estimation may change significantly when new information becomes available. Changes in the forecast prices of
commodities, exchange rates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of ore reserves
and may, ultimately, result in the ore reserves being restated. Where assumptions change the life of mine estimates,
the associated depreciation rates, residual values, waste stripping and amortisation ratios, and environmental
provisions are reassessed to take into account the revised life of mine estimate. Refer to Note 8, Property, plant
and equipment.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure
This policy requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and
circumstances, in particular whether economically viable extraction operations are viable where reserves have
been discovered and whether indications of impairment exist. Any such estimates and assumptions may change
as new information becomes available. Refer to Note 8, Property, plant and equipment.
Development expenditure
Judgement is applied by management in determining when a project has reached a stage at which economically
recoverable reserves exist and that development may be sanctioned. Management is required to make certain
estimates and assumptions similar to those described above for capitalised exploration and evaluation
expenditure. Refer to Note 8, Property, plant and equipment.
Revenue – partnership arrangements
Management has entered into partnership arrangements to increase the revenue earned on the sale of rough
diamonds. Under these arrangements, revenue is earned for the sale of the rough diamond, with an additional
uplift based on the polished margin achieved. Management recognises the revenue on the sale of the rough
diamond at the point at which it is sold to the third party, as there is no continuing involvement by management
in the cutting and polishing process and the significant risks and rewards have passed to the third party.
Judgement is applied by management in determining when additional uplift is recognised and measured with
regard to rough diamonds sold into partnership arrangements. Management is required to make certain estimates
and assumptions based on when the uplift can be reliably measured. This occurs when the third party sells these
goods, at which point in time the value of the final polished goods are determined. Refer to Note 2, Revenue.
Impairment reviews
The Group determines if goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the
recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill relates. Recoverable amount is the higher
of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.
While conducting an impairment review of its assets using value-in-use impairment models, the Group exercises
judgement in making assumptions about future rough diamond prices, exchange rates, volumes of production,
ore reserves and resources included in the current life of mine (LoM) plans, production costs and macro-economic
factors such as inflation and discount rates. Changes in estimates used can result in significant changes to the
consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of financial position.
The Group has performed impairment testing, which is on an annual basis for all significant operations and when
there are potential indicators which may require impairment review. The results of the impairment testing
performed did not indicate any impairments on the mining operations.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 133
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.26 Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)
The key assumptions used in the recoverable amount calculations, determined on a value-in-use basis, are listed
in the table below:
Valuation basis
Discounted present value of future cash flows.
LoM and recoverable value of reserves and resources
Economically recoverable reserves and resources are based on management’s expectations of the availability
of reserves and resources at mine sites and technical studies undertaken by in-house and third-party specialists.
Reserves remaining after the current LoM plans and current lease periods have not been included in determining
the value in use of the operations.
LoM – capital expenditure
Management has estimated the timing and quantum of the capital expenditure based on the Group’s current
LoM plans for each operation.
Diamond prices
The diamond prices used in the impairment test have been set with reference to recent prices achieved, the
Group’s medium-term forecast and market trends; and long-term diamond price escalation reflect the Group’s
assessment of market supply/demand fundamentals.
Discount rate
The discount rate of 12.0% used for Letšeng and 13.1% for Ghaghoo, in both instances represents the before-tax
risk-free rate adjusted for market risk, volatility and risks specific to the asset and its operating jurisdiction.
Cost inflation rate
Long-term inflation rates of 4% to 6% above the long-term US dollar inflation rate were used for operating costs
and capital cost escalators.
Exchange rates
Exchange rates are estimated based on an assessment of current market fundamentals and long-term
expectations. The US$/LSL and US$/BWP exchange rate range used commenced at LSL15.50 and BWP11.25
respectively, devaluing over the period in line with economic forecasts provided by independent, third-party
experts.
Sensitivity
The value in use for Letšeng indicated sufficient headroom, and no reasonable change in the key assumptions will
result in an impairment.
The value in use for Ghaghoo exceeded the carrying value. However, based on the current prices achieved for the
Ghaghoo production, this value does not reflect significant headroom. The diamond prices used in the impairment
review have been set with reference to recent achieved prices and market trends. The long-term escalators reflect
the Group’s assessment of market supply/demand fundamentals, although short-term volatility remains present
within the market. Although the value in use exceeds the carrying value, it remains highly sensitive to rough
diamond prices and escalation rates.
Market capitalisation
The Group has made a judgement in determining if, in the instance where the Group’s asset carrying values
exceed its market capitalisation, this results in an indicator of impairment. The Group believes that this position
does not represent an impairment as all significant operations were assessed during the year and no impairments
were recognised. Refer to Note 11, Impairment testing, for further detail.
Provision for restoration and rehabilitation
Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the amount of the restoration and rehabilitation
provisions. These deal with uncertainties such as changes to the legal and regulatory framework, magnitude of
possible contamination, and the timing, extent and costs of required restoration and rehabilitation activity. Refer
to Note 18, Provisions, for further detail.
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134 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.26 Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)
Taxation
The determination of the Group’s obligations and expense for taxes requires an interpretation of tax law and
therefore certain assumptions and estimates are made. Refer to Note 5, Income tax, for further detail.
Capitalised stripping costs (deferred waste)
Waste removal costs (stripping costs) are incurred during the development and production phases at surface
mining operations. Furthermore, during the production phase, stripping costs are incurred in the production of
inventory as well as in the creation of future benefits by improving access and mining flexibility in respect of the
ore to be mined, the latter being referred to as a ‘stripping activity asset’. Judgement is required to distinguish
between these two activities at Letšeng. The ore body needs to be identified in its various separately identifiable
components. An identifiable component is a specific volume of the ore body that is made more accessible by the
stripping activity. Judgement is required to identify and define these components (referred to as ‘cuts’), and also to
determine the expected volumes (tonnes) of waste to be stripped and ore to be mined in each of these
components. These assessments are based on a combination of information available in the mine plans, specific
characteristics of the ore body and the milestones relating to major capital investment decisions.
Judgement is also required to identify a suitable production measure that can be applied in the calculation and
allocation of production stripping costs between inventory and the stripping activity asset. The ratio of expected
volume (tonnes) of waste to be stripped for an expected volume (tonnes) of ore to be mined for a specific
component of the ore body, compared to the current period ratio of actual volume (tonnes) of waste to the
volume (tonnes) of ore is considered to determine the most suitable production measure.
These judgements and estimates are used to calculate and allocate the production stripping costs to inventory
and/or the stripping activity asset(s). Furthermore, judgements and estimates are also used to apply the stripping
ratio calculation in determining the amortisation of the stripping activity asset. Refer to Note 8, Property, plant and
equipment, for further detail.
Stripping ratio
Estimated recoverable reserves are used in determining the amortisation of mine-specific assets. Amortisation is
calculated by using the expected average stripping ratio over the average life of the area being mined. The average
stripping ratio is calculated as the number of tonnes of waste material expected to be removed during the life of
area, per tonne of ore mined. The average life of area cost per tonne is calculated as the total expected costs to be
incurred to mine the ore body divided by the number of tonnes expected to be mined. The average life of area
stripping ratio and the average life of area cost per tonne are recalculated annually in light of additional knowledge
and changes in estimates. Changes in the stripping ratio are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate.
Refer to Note 8, Property, plant and equipment, for further detail.
Production start date
The phase of each mine construction project is assessed to determine when a mine moves into the production
phase. The criteria used to assess the start date are determined by the unique nature of each mine’s construction
project and include factors such as the complexity of a plant and its location. Various relevant criteria are
considered to assess when the mine is substantially complete and ready for its intended use and moves into the
production phase. At this point, all related amounts are reclassified from ‘exploration and development assets’ to
‘mining assets’, ‘stripping activity asset’ and/or ‘property, plant and equipment’. Some of the criteria would include
but are not limited to the following:
■ the level of capital expenditure compared to the construction costs estimates;
■ completion of a reasonable period of testing of the mine plant and equipment;
■ ability to produce inventory in saleable form; and
■ ability to sustain ongoing production of inventory.
Refer to Note 8, Property, plant and equipment, for further detail.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 135
1. Notes to the financial statements (continued)
1.2
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
1.2.26 Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)
Production start date (continued)
When a mine construction project moves into the production phase, the capitalisation of certain mine
construction costs ceases and costs are either regarded as inventory or expensed, except for capitalisable costs
related to mining asset additions or improvements, production phase stripping costs capitalisable as stripping
activity asset(s), and exploration expenditure that meets the criteria for capitalisation. It is also at this point that
depreciation/amortisation commences.
Management made the key judgement that the Ghaghoo mine had not reached production start date during
the year based on the following:
■ Water ingress from the bassalt fissure which was sealed during the latter part of the year, together with
continued difficult ground conditions experienced, delayed the anticipated ramp-up in production to steady
state levels.
■ Inconsistent feed rates to the plant did not allow the commissioning process to progress to its intended
production state.
As a result, the mine was not in the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended
by management on a sustainable basis and therefore the mine remained in its construction phase with all costs
incurred during the year being capitalised to the exploration and development asset category of Note 8, Property,
plant and equipment.
Share-based payments
Judgement is applied by management in determining whether the share options relating to employees who
resigned before the end of the service condition period have been cancelled or forfeited in light of their leaving
status. Where employees do not meet the requirements of a good leaver as per the rules of the long-term
incentive plan (LTIP), no award will vest and this will be treated as cancellation by forfeiture. The expenses relating
to these charges previously recognised are then reversed. Where employees do meet the requirements of a good
leaver as per the rules of the LTIP, some or all of an award will vest and this will be treated as a modification to the
original award. The future expenses relating to these awards are accelerated and recognised as an expense
immediately. Refer to Note 25, Share-based payments, for further detail.
1.2.27 Exceptional items
The Group presents as exceptional items on the face of the income statement, those material items of income and
expenses which, because of the nature and expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, merit separate
presentation to allow shareholders to understand better the elements of financial performance in the year, so as to
facilitate comparison with prior periods and to assess better trends in financial performance. Refer to Note 3,
Operating profit, for further detail.
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Annual Report 2015
2.
Revenue
Sale of goods
Rendering of services
2015
US$’000
248 969
506
249 475
2014*
US$’000
269 818
1 020
270 838
* The prior year figures have been restated for the reclassification impact of accounting for discontinued operations (refer to Note 6, Disposal of
subsidiary).
Included in revenue is sales of rough and polished diamonds sold through joint operation arrangements totalling US$2.2 million
and US$0.2 million respectively.
Finance income is reflected in Note 4, Net finance income.
3.
Operating profit
Operating profit includes the following:
Other operating income
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and mining asset amortisation – continuing operations
Depreciation – discontinued operation
Waste stripping costs amortised
Less: Depreciation capitalised to development
Less: Depreciation and mining asset amortisation capitalised to inventory
Amortisation of intangible assets
Inventories
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense
Exceptional items
Other operating income
Foreign exchange gain
In December 2015, the Company settled an interest-bearing tax liability for an amount less
than that previously provided for (refer to Note 17, Trade and other payables), resulting in the
reversal of accrued expenses of US$8.1 million. This reversal has been disclosed as other
income. In addition, the interest-bearing tax liability was payable in Australian dollars,
resulting in a foreign exchange gain of US$1.5 million being recognised in the consolidated
financial statements.
Foreign exchange gain
Foreign exchange gain
Mark-to-market revaluations on forward exchange contracts
2015
US$’000
2014*
US$’000
251
49
(13 057)
(117)
(47 222)
(60 396)
2 738
224
(57 434)
(157)
(57 591)
(16 646)
(345)
(49 312)
(66 303)
1 957
33
(64 313)
(157)
(64 470)
(111 969)
(129 195)
8 126
1 472
9 598
–
–
–
7 314
1 155
8 469
5 882
(266)
5 616
* The prior year figures have been restated for the reclassification impact of accounting for the discontinued operation (refer to Note 6, Disposal of
subsidiary).
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 137
2015
US$’000
2014*
US$’000
(112)
(51 147)
(11 360)
(2 509)
(65 128)
(90)
(39 535)
(8 489)
(2 694)
(50 808)
(555)
(154)
(709)
(34)
(34)
(32)
–
(17)
(38)
(134)
(221)
(29)
(16)
(45)
(443)
(172)
(615)
(25)
(25)
(13)
–
(11)
(42)
(151)
(217)
(356)
(101)
(457)
(21 784)
(20 864)
108 437
(8 584)
(8 469)
1 738
10 424
103 546
95 168
(134)
(5 616)
1 740
14 812
105 970
3.
Operating profit (continued)
Operating lease expenses as a lessee
Mine site property
Equipment and service leases
Contingent rental – Alluvial Ventures
Leased premises
Auditor’s remuneration – Ernst & Young
Group financial statements
Statutory
Auditor’s remuneration – other
Statutory
Other non-audit fees – Ernst & Young
Tax services advisory and consultancy
Corporate finance services
Tax compliance services
Other services
Other assurance services
Other non-audit fees – other
Internal audit
Tax services advisory and consultancy
Employee benefits expense
Salaries and wages¹
Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and mining asset amortisation
(underlying EBITDA)
Underlying EBITDA is shown, as the Directors consider this measure to be a relevant guide
to the performance of the Group. The reconciliation from operating profit to underlying
EBITDA is as follows:
Operating profit
Other operating income
Foreign exchange gain
Share-based payments
Depreciation and mining asset amortisation (excluding waste stripping cost amortised)
Underlying EBITDA
* The prior year figures have been restated for the reclassification impact of accounting for the discontinued operation (refer to Note 6, Disposal of
subsidiary).
1 Includes contributions to defined contribution plan of US$0.6 million (31 December 2014: US$0.8 million).
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 138 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
4. Net finance income
Finance income
Bank deposits
Other
Total finance income
Finance costs
Bank overdraft
Interest on debt, borrowings and trade and other payables1
Finance costs on unwinding of rehabilitation provision
Total finance costs
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
1 098
407
1 505
(82)
(335)
(968)
(1 385)
120
2 575
855
3 430
(116)
(2 029)
(1 066)
(3 211)
219
1 Included in interest on debt, borrowings and trade and other payables in the prior year, was a provision for interest on potential tax liabilities which were
under dispute. This tax liability was settled during the current year and all interest waived.
5.
Income tax
Income tax expense
Income statement
Current
– Overseas
Withholding tax
– Overseas
Deferred
– Overseas
Profit before taxation
Reconciliation of tax rate
Applicable income tax rate
Permanent differences
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Effect of overseas tax at different rates
Withholding tax
Effective income tax rate
2015
US$’000
2014*
US$’000
(22 209)
(30 626)
(2 858)
(6 565)
(6 486)
(31 553)
108 557
2 186
(35 005)
95 387
%
20.3
(1.9)
3.6
4.5
2.6
29.1
%
21.5
4.0
1.1
4.0
7.1
37.7
* The prior year figures have been restated for the reclassification impact of accounting for the discontinued operation (refer to Note 6, Disposal of
subsidiary).
Included in permanent differences is income from exceptional items. For more information on this refer to Note 3, Operating
profit. During the year the UK Corporate Tax Rate changed to 20.3% (2014: 21.5%).
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 139
6.
Disposal of subsidiary
In 2012, the Group established a small manufacturing facility in Mauritius through Gem Diamonds Technology Mauritius
(Proprietary) Limited. On 30 June 2015 the Group sold its manufacturing business. As a result, the trading results of the
operation have been classified as part of discontinued operations. The net assets have been derecognised and the subsidiary
has therefore been deconsolidated from this date.
The sale was finalised for the agreed purchase price of US$0.4 million, to be paid in quarterly instalments of a minimum
of US$50 000 commencing in October 2016. The Group retained a cession over the shares of Gem Diamonds Technology
Mauritius (Proprietary) Limited as security for the due, proper and timeous payment of the deferred proceeds. The consideration
receivable has been included in non-current and current receivables and other assets (refer to Note 12, Receivables and
other assets).
The results of the Mauritius operation are as follows:
Revenue
Cost of sales and other operating costs
Gross loss
Foreign exchange loss
Operating loss
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
Profit/(loss) before tax from discontinued operation
Income tax expense
Profit/(loss) after tax from discontinued operation
Earnings/(loss) per share from discontinued operation (cents)
Basic
Diluted
The net cash flows attributable to the discontinued operation is as follows:
Operating
Investing
Financing
Foreign exchange loss on translation cash balance
Net cash outflow
The net assets disposed of are as follows:
Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Net identifiable assets disposed of
Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve
Consideration not yet received
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
31 December
2015
US$’000
31 December
2014
US$’000
85
(443)
(358)
(644)
(1 002)
1 670
668
–
668
0.48
0.48
(293)
444
(151)
(4)
(4)
52
(2 134)
(2 082)
(375)
(2 457)
–
(2 457)
22
(2 435)
(1.76)
(1.76)
(1 855)
–
1 835
(3)
(23)
31 December
2015
US$’000
269
4
119
34
(732)
(26)
(332)
(988)
(350)
(1 670)
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Annual Report 2015
7.
Earnings per share
The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per
share computations:
Profit for the year from continuing operations
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations
Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve on discontinued operations
Less: Non-controlling interests
Net profit attributable to equity holders of the parent for basic and diluted earnings
The weighted average number of shares takes into account the treasury shares at year end.
2015
US$’000
77 004
668
–
(25 647)
52 025
2014*
US$’000
60 382
(2 435)
57 947
(24 730)
33 217
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year (‘000)
138 227
138 204
Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year after taking into account future potential conversion
and issue rights associated with the ordinary shares.
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year
Effect of dilution:
– Future share awards under the Employee Share Option Plan
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year adjusted for the
effect of dilution
Number
of shares
2015
138 227
Number
of shares
2014
138 204
1 476
962
139 703
139 166
There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and
the date of completion of these financial statements.
* The prior year figures have been restated for the reclassification impact of accounting for the discontinued operation (refer to Note 6, Disposal of
subsidiary).
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015
141
8.
Property, plant and equipment
Stripping
activity
asset
US$’000
Mining
asset
US$’000
Exploration
and
develop-
ment
assets1
US$’000
Decommis-
sioning
assets
US$’000
Leasehold
improve-
ment
US$’000
Plant
and equip-
ment2
US$’000
Other
assets3
US$’000
Total
US$’000
243 952
61 416
125 361
–
124 081
27 402
8 408
–
22 348
390
88 554
13 183
14 579
8 824
627 283
111 215
–
–
–
–
–
2 126
–
–
–
(2 751)
–
–
–
(96)
13 115
–
(1 450)
(15 408)
–
(209)
167
(2 751)
(1 755)
–
(72 589)
(15 608)
(21 990)
(1 716)
(7 552)
(23 136)
(3 960)
(146 551)
232 779
111 879
129 493
3 941
28 205
61 743
19 401
587 441
138 079
47 222
–
44 434
2 098
–
(40 806)
(1 908)
144 495
44 624
–
–
–
–
–
3 646
439
–
9 944
1 945
(96)
48 135
5 355
(842)
8 118
3 337
(157)
252 356
60 396
(1 095)
(1 068)
(2 978)
(14 706)
(2 117)
(63 583)
3 017
8 815
37 942
9 181
248 074
88 284
67 255
129 493
924
19 390
23 801
10 220
339 367
As at
31 December 2015
Cost
Balance at
1 January 2015
Additions
Net movement in
rehabilitation
provision
Disposals
Reclassifications
Foreign exchange
differences
Balance at
31 December 2015
Accumulated
depreciation/
amortisation
Balance at
1 January 2015
Charge for the year
Disposals
Foreign exchange
differences
Balance at
31 December 2015
Net book value at
31 December 2015
1 Borrowing costs of US$1.6 million (31 December 2014: US$0.6 million) incurred in respect of the $25.0 million facility at Ghaghoo development (refer to
Note 16, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings) were capitalised to the development asset. The weighted average capitalisation rate used to determine
the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 6.5%.
2 During the year the new Coarse Recovery Plant was completed and reclassified out of plant and equipment, into leasehold improvements. Borrowing
costs of US$0.9 million (31 December 2014: US$0.5 million) incurred in respect of the LSL140.0 million bank loan facility for the total funding of the new
Coarse Recovery Plant at Letšeng have been capitalised (refer to Note 16, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings). The weighted average capitalisation
rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 11.35%.
3Other assets comprise motor vehicles, computer equipment, furniture and fittings, and office equipment.
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Annual Report 2015
8.
Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Stripping
activity
asset
US$’000
Mining
asset
US$’000
Exploration
and
develop-
ment
assets1
US$’000
Decommis-
sioning
assets
US$’000
Leasehold
improve-
ment
US$’000
Plant
and equip-
ment2
US$’000
Other
assets3
US$’000
Total
US$’000
216 133
54 642
130 981
–
94 339
38 668
13 014
–
19 891
80
92 814
11 536
12 818
2 609
579 990
107 535
(3 158)
–
–
–
–
–
–
1 177
–
616
–
81
–
–
–
–
(3 158)
(3 571)
–
–
–
–
4 439
–
(25)
(6 237)
–
(103)
540
(2 955)
(128)
–
(23 665)
(6 797)
(9 623)
(1 035)
(2 062)
(9 534)
(1 285)
(54 001)
243 952
125 361
124 081
8 408
22 348
88 554
14 579
627 283
100 843
49 312
–
42 625
2 477
–
(12 076)
(668)
138 079
44 434
–
–
–
–
–
3 144
880
–
8 544
2 459
–
44 993
8 435
(25)
6 216
2 740
(91)
206 365
66 303
(116)
(378)
(1 059)
(5 268)
(747)
(20 196)
3 646
9 944
48 135
8 118
252 356
105 873
80 927
124 081
4 762
12 404
40 419
6 461
374 927
As at
31 December 2014
Cost
Balance at
1 January 2014
Additions
Reallocated to
prepayments
(Note 12)
Net movement in
rehabilitation
provision
Disposals
Reclassifications
Foreign exchange
differences
Balance at
31 December
2014
Accumulated
depreciation/
amortisation
Balance at
1 January 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals
Foreign exchange
differences
Balance at
31 December
2014
Net book value
at 31 December
2014
1 Borrowing costs of US$1.6 million (31 December 2014: US$0.6 million) incurred in respect of the $25.0 million facility at Ghaghoo development (refer to
Note 16, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings) were capitalised to the development asset. The weighted average capitalisation rate used to determine
the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 6.5%.
2 During the year the new Coarse Recovery Plant was completed and reclassified out of plant and equipment, into leasehold improvements. Borrowing
costs of US$0.9 million (31 December 2014: US$0.5 million) incurred in respect of the LSL140.0 million bank loan facility for the total funding of the new
Coarse Recovery Plant at Letšeng have been capitalised (refer to Note 16, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings). The weighted average capitalisation
rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 11.35%.
3Other assets comprise motor vehicles, computer equipment, furniture and fittings, and office equipment.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 143
9.
Investment property
The investment property consists of a commercial unit located in the Almas Towers in Dubai. The unit is being let out in terms of
a rental agreement entered into for a two-year period which commenced on 1 October 2014.
Cost
Balance at 1 January
Balance at 31 December
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January
Depreciation
Balance at 31 December
Net book value at 31 December
Fair value¹
Amounts recognised in profit or loss
Rental income
Direct operating expenses
The future minimum rental income under the rental agreement in aggregate and for each
of the following periods are as follows:
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years
– More than five years
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
617
617
2
–
2
615
1 011
59
(16)
44
–
–
44
617
617
2
–
2
615
1 164
54
(16)
59
44
–
103
1 No independent valuation was performed. Fair value was based upon an overview of property sales (units within the same building as the investment
property) during 2015, weighted towards the most recent sales activity, which is valued using a Level 2 input in terms of the fair value hierarchy.
10.
Intangible assets
As at 31 December 2015
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2015
Foreign exchange difference
Balance at 31 December 2015
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2014
Amortisation
Balance at 31 December 2015
Net book value at 31 December 2015
As at 31 December 2014
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2014
Foreign exchange difference
Balance at 31 December 2014
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2013
Amortisation
Balance at 31 December 2014
Net book value at 31 December 2014
Intangibles
US$’000
Goodwill
US$’000
Total
US$’000
784
(1)
783
421
157
578
205
786
(2)
784
264
157
421
363
17 818
(4 513)
13 305
–
–
–
13 305
19 680
(1 862)
17 818
–
–
–
17 818
18 602
(4 514)
14 088
421
157
578
13 510
20 466
(1 864)
18 602
264
157
421
18 181
Impairment of goodwill within the Group was tested in accordance with the Group’s policy. Refer to Note 11, Impairment
testing, for further details.
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144 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
11.
Impairment testing
Goodwill
Goodwill acquired through business combinations has been allocated to the individual
cash-generating unit, as follows:
– Letšeng Diamonds
Balance at end of year
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
13 510
13 510
17 818
17 818
Movement in goodwill relates to foreign exchange translation from functional to presentation currency.
The discount rate is outlined below, and represents the real pre-tax rate. This rate is based on the weighted average cost of
capital (WACC) of the Group and adjusted accordingly at a risk premium for the Letšeng Diamonds cash-generating unit, taking
into account risks associated therein.
Discount rate
– Letšeng Diamonds
2015
%
12.0
2014
%
13.7
Goodwill impairment testing is undertaken annually and whenever there are indications of impairment. The most recent test
was undertaken at 31 December 2015. In assessing whether goodwill has been impaired, the carrying amount of the Letšeng
Diamonds cash-generating unit is compared with its recoverable amount. For the purpose of goodwill impairment testing in
2015, the recoverable amount for Letšeng Diamonds has been determined based on a value-in-use model.
Value in use
Cash flows are projected for a period up to the date that mining is expected to cease, based on management’s expectations at
the time of completing the testing. The period used was nine years, representing the lesser of the current economic resource or
the remaining nine-year mining lease period.
Key assumptions used in the calculations
The key assumptions used in the calculation for goodwill asset impairment are:
■ recoverable reserves and resources;
■ expected carats recoverable;
■ expected grades achievable;
■ expected US$/carat prices;
■ costs of extracting and processing;
■ expected yield on polished diamonds;
■ discount rates; and
■ expected LSL/US$ exchange rates.
Economically recoverable reserves and resources, carats recoverable and grades achievable are based on management’s current
expectation and mine plan, supported by the evaluation work undertaken by appropriately qualified persons. The impairment
test is most sensitive to changes in diamond prices, LSL:US$ exchange rate and discount rates.
Long-term US dollar per carat prices are based on external market consensus forecasts as published by independent marketing
consultants adjusted for the Group’s specific operations. Plant throughput is based on current plant facilities and processing
capacities. Costs are determined on management’s experience and the use of contractors over a period of time whose costs are
fairly reasonably determinable. Mining costs for the next seven years (effective 1 January 2014) have been based on the
negotiated mining contract which was concluded during the prior year. Costs of extracting and processing which are reasonably
determinable are based on management’s experience. Expected yield on polished has been based on management’s
experience. The LSL:US$ exchange rate used at 31 December 2015 was LSL15.50 and was devalued over the period in line with
economic forecasts.
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
Given the current volatility in the market, adverse changes in key assumptions could result in changes to impairment charges.
For the purpose of testing for impairment of goodwill using the value-in-use basis for the Letšeng mining cash-generating unit,
it was assessed that no reasonably possible change in any of these key assumptions would cause its carrying amount to exceed
its recoverable amount.
The Group will continue to test its assets for impairment where indications are identified and may, in future, record additional
impairment charges or reverse any impairment charges to the extent that market conditions improve and to the extent
permitted by accounting standards.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 12. Receivables and other assets
Non-current
Prepayments1
Other receivables
Current
Trade receivables
Prepayments1
Deposits
Other receivables
VAT receivable
145
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
1 905
313
2 218
83
780
457
58
4 449
5 827
2 877
–
2 877
106
1 250
419
167
5 656
7 598
1 A total prepayment of US$2.1 million (comprising a non-current portion of US$1.9 million and a current portion of US$0.2 million) has been reallocated
from the stripping activity asset disclosed in Note 8, Property, plant and equipment. This represents the current value of waste costs to be recovered from
the mining contractor as a result of the estimation change in respect of the waste mined out of the surveying review which was disclosed in 2012. The
waste tonnes and strip ratio for future cuts have been reassessed and have resulted in a credit to the waste stripping cost amortised charge (included in
cost of sales) of US$0.7 million and a finance income adjustment of US$0.4 million in the year.
The carrying amounts above approximate their fair value.
Terms and conditions of the receivables:
Analysis of trade receivables
Neither past due nor impaired
Past due but not impaired:
Less than 30 days
30 to 60 days
60 to 90 days
90 to 120 days
13.
Inventories
Diamonds on hand
Ore stock piles
Consumable stores
Net realisable value write-down
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
53
20
4
4
2
83
18 984
1 658
9 646
30 288
–
56
34
16
–
–
106
17 460
2 055
9 255
28 770
–
Included in diamonds on hand is inventory relating to joint operation arrangements of $0.7 million (31 December 2014: US$nil).
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146 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
14. Cash and short-term deposits
Cash on hand
Bank balances
Short-term bank deposits
2015
US$’000
1
58 465
27 253
85 719
2014
US$’000
2
56 925
53 811
110 738
The amounts reflected in the financial statements approximate fair value.
Cash at banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are generally call deposit
accounts and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates.
At 31 December 2015, the Group had restricted cash of US$2.6 million (31 December 2014: US$0.2 million). This restricted cash
mainly relates to funds reserved for the debt service of the US$25.0 million secured bank loan facility at Ghaghoo.
The Group’s cash surpluses are deposited with major financial institutions of high-quality credit standing predominantly within
Lesotho and the United Kingdom.
At 31 December 2015, the Group has US$16.1 million (31 December 2014: US$41.6 million) of undrawn facilities representing
the LSL250.0 million three-year revolving working capital facility at Letšeng.
The US$20.0 million three-year unsecured revolving credit facility’s availability period ended in October 2015, with the full facility
expiring on 16 January 2016. On 29 January 2016 this facility was refinanced for a further three years at an increased amount of
US$35.0 million.
For further details on these facilities, refer to Note 16, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings, and Note 28, Events after the
reporting period.
15.
Issued capital and reserves
Issued capital
Authorised – ordinary shares of US$0.01 each
As at year end
Issued and fully paid
Balance at beginning of year
Allotments during the year
Balance at end of year
31 December 2015
31 December 2014
Number of
shares
’000
Number of
shares
’000
US$’000
200 000
200
200 000
138 270
27
138 297
1 383
–
1 383
138 270
–
138 270
US$’000
2 000
1 383
–
1 383
Share premium
Share premium comprises the excess value recognised from the issue of ordinary shares at par value.
Treasury shares
The Company established an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) on 5 February 2007. Under the terms of the ESOP, the
Company granted options to employees of over 376 500 ordinary shares with a nil exercise price upon listing. At listing, the
Gem Diamonds Limited Employee Share Trust acquired these ordinary shares by subscription from the Company at nominal
value of US$0.01.
During the current year, 7 350 shares were exercised (31 December 2014: nil) and no shares lapsed (31 December 2014: nil).
At 31 December 2015, 58 200 shares were held by the trust (31 December 2014: 65 550).
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 147
15.
Issued capital and reserves (continued)
Other reserves
Balance at 1 January 2015
Other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive expense
Share-based payments
Balance at 31 December 2015
Balance at 1 January 2014
Other comprehensive expense
Total comprehensive expense
Share-based payments
Balance at 31 December 2014
foreign
currency
translation
reserve
uS$’000
(146 551)
(67 611)
–
(214 162)
(116 242)
(30 309)
(30 309)
–
(146 551)
Share-based
equity
reserve
uS$’000
48 798
–
1 944
50 742
46 834
–
–
1 964
48 798
total
uS$’000
(97 753)
(67 611)
1 944
(163 420)
(69 408)
(30 309)
(30 309)
1 964
(97 753)
Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of foreign
entities. During the year, the South African, Lesotho, Botswana, Mauritian and United Arab Emirate subsidiaries’ functional
currencies were different to the Group’s functional currency of US dollar. The rates used to convert the operating functional
currency into US dollar are as follows:
Average rate
Period end
Average rate
Period end
Average rate
Period end
Average rate
Period end
Currency
ZAR/LSL to US$1
ZAR/LSL to US$1
Pula to US$1
Pula to US$1
Rupee to US$1
Rupee to US$1
Dirham to US$1
Dirham to US$1
2015
12.78
15.50
10.14
11.25
35.12
35.90
3.67
3.67
2014
10.85
11.57
8.98
9.51
30.65
31.75
3.67
3.67
Share-based equity reserves
For details on the share-based equity reserve, refer to Note 25, Share-based payments.
Capital management
For details on capital management, refer to Note 24, Financial risk management.
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Annual Report 2015
16.
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Non-current
LSL140.0 million bank loan facility
US$25.0 million bank loan facility
Current
LSL140.0 million bank loan facility
US$25.0 million bank loan facility
Effective
interest
rate
%
South African
JIBAR + 4.95%
London US$
three-month
LIBOR + 5.5%
Maturity
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
30 June 2017
1 807
7 261
30 June 2021
23 275
South African
JIBAR + 4.95%
London US$
three-month
LIBOR + 5.5%
30 June 2017
30 June 2021
25 082
3 614
1 725
7 261
4 841
25 000
5 339
29 841
LSL140.0 million bank loan facility at Letšeng Diamonds
This loan is a three-year unsecured project debt facility signed jointly with Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Limited on
26 June 2014 for the total funding of the new Coarse Recovery Plant. The loan is repayable in 10 quarterly payments which
commenced on 31 March 2015 with a final payment due on 30 June 2017. The interest rate for the facility at 31 December 2015
is 11.58%.
US$25.0 million bank loan facility at Gem Diamonds Botswana (Ghaghoo)
This loan facility is held with Nedbank Capital. During the year this loan was converted from a nine-month unsecured facility
to a six-year secured debt facility. The loan is repayable in staggered bi-annual payments commencing in June 2016, with final
payment due on 30 June 2021. At year-end, this facility was fully drawn down. The interest rate for the facility at 31 December
2015 is 5.8%.
Total interest for the year on the interest-bearing loans and borrowings was US$2.5 million (2014: US$1.1 million) which has been
capitalised to the carrying value of the assets as borrowing costs.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 149
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
82
1 056
1 138
16 340
9 342
730
4 285
741
790
32 228
33 366
82
1 192
1 274
12 544
25 962
835
3 245
575
550
43 711
44 985
17. Trade and other payables
Non-current
Operating lease
Severance pay benefits1
Current
Trade payables2
Accrued expenses2
Leave benefits
Royalties2
Operating lease
Other
Total trade and other payables
The carrying amounts above approximate fair value.
Terms and conditions of the trade and other payables:
1 The severance pay benefits arise due to legislation within the Lesotho jurisdiction, requiring that two weeks of severance pay be provided for every
completed year of service, payable on retirement.
2 These amounts are mainly non-interest-bearing and are settled in accordance with terms agreed between the parties. Included in the balance in the
prior year was an amount accrued for an interest-bearing tax liability which was settled during the current year. For further details refer to Note 3,
Operating profit (exceptional item).
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Annual Report 2015
18. Provisions
Rehabilitation provisions
Reconciliation of movement in provisions
Balance at beginning of year
Arising during the year
Decrease in rehabilitation provisions
Unwinding of discount rate
Foreign exchange differences
Balance at end of year
2015
US$’000
12 473
19 543
–
(4 229)
1 265
(4 106)
12 473
2014
US$’000
19 543
23 186
616
(3 571)
1 336
(2 024)
19 543
Rehabilitation provisions
The provisions have been recognised as the Group has an obligation for rehabilitation of the mining areas. The provisions have
been calculated based on total estimated rehabilitation costs, discounted back to their present values. The pre-tax discount rates
are adjusted annually and reflect current market assessments. These costs are expected to be utilised over a life of mine at the
mining operation.
In determining the amounts attributable to the rehabilitation provisions, management used a discount rate range of 6.5%
to 7.5% (31 December 2014: 7.0% to 7.5%), estimated rehabilitation timing of nine to 12 years (31 December 2014: 10 to
13 years) and an inflation rate range of 4.6% to 6.0% (31 December 2014: 5.9% to 6.0%). In addition to the changes in the
discount rates, inflation and rehabilitation timing, the decrease in the provision is attributable to the annual reassessment
of the estimated closure costs performed at the operations and the weakening of the local currencies against the US dollar.
19. Other financial liabilities
Current
Forward exchange contract
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
–
249
The Group enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge the exposure to changes in foreign currency of future sales of
diamonds at Letšeng Diamonds. The forward exchange contract is the revaluation on the mark-to-market financial liabilities
at year end. The Group performs no hedge accounting.
The forward exchange contracts are measured using a Level 2 input in terms of the fair value hierarchy, thus basing its fair value
on observable spot exchange rates, the yield curves of the respective currencies as well as the currency basis spreads between
the respective currencies.
There were no open forward exchange contracts as at 31 December 2015.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 151
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
34
2
3 594
239
3 869
(49 652)
(563)
(4 039)
(54 254)
(50 385)
50
7
5 140
–
5 197
(58 293)
(333)
(4 038)
(62 664)
(57 467)
(57 467)
(64 824)
(6 193)
(5)
93
(293)
(308)
220
50
13 518
2 906
11
120
(124)
(297)
(408)
–
5 149
(50 385)
(57 467)
20. Deferred taxation
Deferred tax assets
Accrued leave
Operating lease liability
Provisions
Tax loss not utilised
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment
Prepayments
Unremitted earnings
Net deferred tax liability
Reconciliation of deferred tax liability
Balance at beginning of year
Movement in current period:
– Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes
– Accrued leave
– Operating lease liability
– Prepayments
– Provisions
– Tax losses utilised in the year
– Disposal of subsidiaries
– Foreign exchange differences
Balance at end of year
The Group has not recognised a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences associated with investments in
subsidiaries because it is able to control the timing of dividends and only part of the temporary difference is expected to reverse
in the foreseeable future. The gross temporary difference in respect of the undistributable reserves of the Group’s subsidiaries for
which a deferred tax liability has not been recognised is US$30.7 million (31 December 2014: US$30.1 million).
The Group has estimated tax losses of US$313.8 million (31 December 2014: US$294.6 million). Deferred tax assets have been
recognised on losses amounting to US$0.9 million as management considers that it is probable that the losses in those entities
will be utilised against taxable profits in the foreseeable future. All tax losses are generated in jurisdictions where tax losses do
not expire. In the prior year, tax losses of US$4.8 million related to the Mauritius operation which was disposed of during the
current year. Refer to Note 6, Disposal of subsidiary.
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Annual Report 2015
21. Cash flow notes
21.1 Cash generated by operations
Profit for the year before tax from continuing operations
Profit/(loss) before tax for the year from discontinued operation
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation on property, plant and equipment
Waste stripping cost amortised
Finance income
Finance costs
Mark-to-market revaluations
Unrealised foreign exchange differences
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Movement in prepayment
Other non-cash movements
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
Share-based equity transaction
21.2 Working capital adjustment
Increase in inventory
Increase in receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
21.3 Cash flows used in investing activities
Proceeds on sale of subsidiary
Proceeds on sale of subsidiary not yet received
Net costs incurred
Cash equivalents sold
Net cash proceeds divested
22. Commitments and contingencies
2015
US$’000
108 557
668
10 369
47 222
(1 505)
1 385
(249)
(6 369)
(251)
1 115
(5 753)
(1 670)
1 738
2014
US$’000
95 387
(2 457)
15 158
49 312
(3 430)
3 211
266
(7 942)
(49)
138
2 243
–
1 740
155 257
153 577
(8 216)
(4 586)
9 033
(3 769)
350
(350)
–
(34)
(34)
(1 969)
(1 560)
3 588
59
–
–
–
–
–
Commitments
Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee
The Group has entered into commercial lease arrangements for rental of office premises. These leases have a period of between
two and 11 years with an option of renewal at the end of the period. The terms will be negotiated during the extension option
periods catered for in the agreements. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases.
Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases:
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years
– More than five years
2015
US$’000
1 443
3 759
5 900
11 102
2014
US$’000
1 438
4 997
10 313
16 748
Mining leases
Mining lease commitments represent the Group’s future obligation arising from agreements entered into with local authorities
in the mining areas that the Group operates.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 153
22. Commitments and contingencies (continued)
The period of these commitments is determined as the lesser of the term of the agreement, including renewable periods, or the
life of the mine. The estimated lease obligation regarding the future lease period, accepting stable inflation and exchange rates,
is as follows:
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years
– More than five years
2015
US$’000
107
492
1 271
1 870
2014
US$’000
132
611
1 711
2 454
Moveable equipment lease
The Group has entered into commercial lease arrangements which include the provision of loading, hauling and other
transportation services payable at a fixed rate per tonne of ore and waste mined; power generator equipment payable based on
a consumption basis; and rental agreements for various mining equipment based on a fixed monthly fee.
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years
– More than five years
Capital expenditure
Approved but not contracted for
Approved and contracted for
2015
US$’000
25 428
157 883
33 138
216 449
127
5 229
2014
US$’000
32 942
189 170
100 486
322 598
5 197
10 794
Contingent rentals – Alluvial Ventures
The contingent rentals represent the Group’s obligation to a third party (Alluvial Ventures) for operating a third plant on the
Group’s mining property at Letšeng Diamonds. The rental is determined when the actual diamonds mined by Alluvial Ventures
are sold. The rental agreement is based on 50% to 70% of the value (after costs) of the diamonds recovered by Alluvial Ventures
and is limited to US$1.2 million per individual diamond. As at the reporting date, such future sales cannot be determined.
Letšeng Diamonds Educational Fund
In terms of the mining agreement entered into between the Group and the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Group
has an obligation to provide funding for education and training scholarships. The quantum of such funding is at the discretion
of the Letšeng Diamonds Education Fund Committee. The amount of the funding provided for the current year was
US$0.1 million (31 December 2014: US$0.1 million).
Contingencies
The Group has conducted its operations in the ordinary course of business in accordance with its understanding and
interpretation of commercial arrangements and applicable legislation in the countries where the Group has operations. In
certain specific transactions. However, the relevant third party or authorities could have a different interpretation of those laws
and regulations that could lead to contingencies or additional liabilities for the Group. Having consulted professional advisers,
the Group has identified possible disputes approximating US$0.6 million (December 2014: US$3.5 million) and tax claims within
the various jurisdictions in which the Group operates approximating US$1.3 million (December 2014: US$1.3 million).
There remains a risk that further tax liabilities may potentially arise. While it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome in some
cases, the Group does not anticipate that there will be any material impact on the Group’s results, financial position or liquidity.
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Annual Report 2015
23. Related parties
Related party
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited
Gem Diamond Holdings Limited
Government of Lesotho
Geneva Management Group (UK) Limited (until June 2015)
Refer to Note 1.1.2, Operational information, for information regarding shareholding in subsidiaries.
Refer to the Directors’ Report for information regarding the Directors.
Compensation to key management personnel (including Directors)
Share-based equity transactions
Short-term employee benefits
Fees paid to related parties
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited
Royalties paid to related parties
Government of Lesotho
Lease and licence payments to related parties
Government of Lesotho
Sales to/(purchases from) related parties
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited
Geneva Management Group (UK) Limited
Amount included in trade receivables owing by/(to) related parties
Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited
Amounts owing to related party
Government of Lesotho
Relationship
Common director
Common director
Common director
Non-controlling interest
Common director
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
1 421
7 784
9 205
(108)
(165)
1 447
7 170
8 617
(73)
(181)
(19 273)
(22 102)
(112)
(114)
(75)
2
(42)
(7)
(36)
(6)
28
(8)
(3 513)
(3 167)
Dividends paid
Government of Lesotho
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited and Jemax Aviation (Proprietary) Limited provided administrative and aviation
services with regard to the mining activities undertaken by the Group. Geneva Management Group (UK) Limited provided
administration, secretarial and accounting services to the Company. The above transactions were made on terms agreed
between the parties and were made on terms that prevail in arm’s-length transactions.
(11 760)
(27 597)
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015
155
24. Financial risk management
Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks:
(a) market risk (including commodity price risk and foreign exchange risk);
(b) credit risk; and
(c) liquidity risk.
The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise
potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance.
Risk management is carried out under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Board provides principles for overall risk
management, as well as policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, use of
derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investing excess liquidity.
There have been no changes to the financial risk management policy since the prior year.
Capital management
The capital of the Company is the issued share capital, share premium and treasury shares on the Group’s statement of financial
position. The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and
healthy capital ratios in order to support its business and maximise shareholder value. The Group manages its capital structure
and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group
may issue new shares. The management of the Group’s capital is performed by the Board.
At 31 December 2015, the Group has US$16.1 million (31 December 2014: US$41.6 million) debt facilities available and
continues to have the flexibility to manage the capital structure more efficiently by the use of these debt facilities, thus ensuring
that an appropriate gearing ratio is achieved.
The debt facilities in the Group are as follows:
Unsecured – Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Capital (a division of Nedbank Limited) – revolving credit facility
The Group, through its subsidiary, Letšeng Diamonds, has an LSL250.0 million (US$16.1 million), three-year unsecured revolving
working capital facility. This facility was refinanced jointly with Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Capital in July 2015. The
renewed facility will bear interest at the Lesotho prime rate.
At year end, there is no drawdown on this facility.
Secured – Nedbank Capital (a division of Nedbank Limited) – six-year project debt facility
The Group, through its subsidiary, Gem Diamonds Botswana (Ghaghoo), has a loan facility held with Nedbank Capital. In May
2015 this loan was converted from a nine-month unsecured facility to a six-year secured debt facility. The loan is repayable in
staggered bi-annual payments commencing in June 2016, with final payment due on 30 June 2021. The facility bears interest
at London USD Interbank three-month LIBOR + 5.5%.
At year end, this facility was fully drawn down.
Unsecured – Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Limited – three-year unsecured project debt facility
This loan is a three-year unsecured project debt facility signed jointly with Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Limited on
26 June 2014 for the total funding of the new Coarse Recovery Plant with a final payment due on 30 June 2017. This facility
bears interest at South African JIBAR + 4.95%.
Unsecured – Nedbank Capital (a division of Nedbank Limited) – revolving credit facility
The Company had a US$20.0 million three-year unsecured revolving credit facility which expired in January 2016. This facility
was refinanced to a US$35.0 million three-year unsecured revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 28, Events after the reporting
period.
The US$20.0 million three-year unsecured revolving credit facility’s availability period ended in October 2015, with the full facility
expiring on 16 January 2016. On 29 January 2016 this facility was refinanced for a further three years at an increased amount of
US$35.0 million. This facility bears interest at London USD Interbank three-month LIBOR +5.5%. Refer to Note 28, Events after the
reporting period.
The Group is subject to diamond price risk. Diamonds are not homogeneous products and the price of rough diamonds is not
monitored on a public index system. The fluctuation of prices is related to certain features of diamonds such as quality and size.
Diamond prices are marketed in US dollar and long-term US$ per carat prices are based on external market consensus forecasts
and contracted sales arrangements adjusted for the Group’s specific operations. The Group does not have any financial
instruments that may fluctuate as a result of commodity price movements.
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156 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
24. Financial risk management
Capital management (continued)
(a) Market risk
(i)
Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures,
primarily with respect to the Lesotho loti, South African rand and Botswana pula. Foreign exchange risk arises when
future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s
functional currency.
The Group’s sales are denominated in US dollar which is the functional currency of the Company, but not the
functional currency of the operations.
The currency sensitivity analysis below is based on the following assumptions:
Differences resulting from the translation of the financial statements of the subsidiaries into the Group’s presentation
currency of US dollar, are not taken into consideration.
The major currency exposures for the Group relate to the US dollar and local currencies of subsidiaries. Foreign
currency exposures between two currencies where one is not the US dollar are deemed insignificant to the Group
and have therefore been excluded from the sensitivity analysis.
The analysis of the currency risk arises because of financial instruments denominated in a currency that is not the
functional currency of the relevant Group entity. The sensitivity has been based on financial assets and liabilities at
31 December 2015. There has been no change in the assumptions or method applied from the prior year.
Sensitivity analysis
If the US dollar had appreciated/(depreciated) 10% against currencies significant to the Group at 31 December 2015,
income before taxation would have been US$2.8 million higher/(lower) (31 December 2014: US$0.1 million). There
would be no effect on equity reserves other than those directly related to income statement movements.
(ii) Forward exchange contracts
The Group enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge the exposure to changes in foreign currency of future
sales of diamonds at Letšeng Diamonds. The Group performs no hedge accounting. At 31 December 2015, the Group
had no forward exchange contracts outstanding (31 December 2014: US$20.0 million).
(iii) Cash flow interest rate risk
The Group’s income and operating cash flows are substantially independent of changes in market interest rates. The
Group’s cash flow interest rate risk arises from borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to
cash flow interest rate risk. At the time of taking new loans or borrowings, management uses its judgement to decide
whether it believes that a fixed or variable rate borrowing would be more favourable to the Group over the expected
period until maturity.
(b) Credit risk
The Group’s potential concentration of credit risk consists mainly of cash deposits with banks and other receivables. The
Group’s short-term cash surpluses are placed with the banks that have investment grade ratings. The maximum credit risk
exposure relating to financial assets is represented by the carrying value as at the reporting dates. The Group considers the
credit standing of counterparties when making deposits to manage the credit risk.
Considering the nature of the Group’s ultimate customers and the relevant terms and conditions entered into with such
customers, the Group believes that credit risk is limited as customers pay on receipt of goods.
No other financial assets are impaired or past due and accordingly, no additional analysis has been provided.
No collateral is held in respect of any impaired receivables or receivables that are past due but not impaired.
(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s inability to obtain the funds it requires to comply with its commitments including
the inability to sell a financial asset quickly at a price close to its fair value. Management manages the risk by maintaining
sufficient cash, marketable securities and ensuring access to shareholding funding. This ensures flexibility in maintaining
business operations and maximises opportunities. Furthermore, the Company has available debt facilities of
US$16.1 million at year end.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015
157
24. Financial risk management (continued)
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 December based on contractual
undiscounted payments:
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
Floating interest rates
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years
Total
Trade and other payables
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years
Total
25. Share-based payments
7 438
29 658
37 096
32 228
1 138
33 366
The expense recognised for employee services received during the year is shown in the following table:
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions charged to the income statement
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions capitalised
2015
US$’000
1 738
206
1 944
31 381
8 041
39 422
43 711
1 274
44 985
2014
US$’000
1 740
224
1 964
The long-term incentive plans are described below:
Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)
Certain key employees are entitled to a grant of options under the ESOP of the Company. The vesting of the options is
dependent on employees remaining in service for a prescribed period (normally three years) from the date of grant. The fair
value of share options granted is estimated at the date of the grant using a Black Scholes simulation model, taking into account
the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. It takes into account projected dividends and share price
fluctuation co-variances of the Company.
There is a nil or nominal exercise price for the options granted at admission of the Company. The contractual life of the options
is 10 years and there are no cash settlement alternatives. The Company has no past practice of cash settlement.
Non-Executive share awards
In order to align the interests of the Chairman and independent Directors with those of the shareholders, the non-Executive
Directors were invited to subscribe for shares at nominal value on terms set out in the prospectus. The non-Executive Directors
shall not be eligible to participate in the short-term incentive bonus scheme (STIBS) or ESOP or any other performance-related
incentive arrangements which may be introduced by the Company from time to time. There are currently no non-Executive
share awards.
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Annual Report 2015
25. Share-based payments (continued)
ESOP for March 2012 (long-term incentive plan (LTIP))
None of the performance conditions for this award were satisfied, and therefore the award lapsed during 2015.
ESOP for September 2012 (LTIP)
On 11 September 2012, 936 000 options were granted to certain key employees (excluding Executive Directors) under the
LTIP of the Company. Of the total number of shares, 312 000 were nil value options and 624 000 were market value options.
The exercise price of the market value options is £1.78 (US$2.85), which was equal to the market price of the shares on the
date of grant. Of the 936 000 options originally granted, only 458 000 are still outstanding following the resignation of a
number of employees. The awards which vest over a three-year period in tranches of a third of the award each year, dependent
on the performance targets for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial years being met, are exercisable between 1 January 2016
and 31 December 2023. The vesting of the options is subject to performance conditions based on goals relating to the Group
and individual performance which are classified as non-market conditions. The fair value of the options granted is estimated
at the date of the grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which
the options were granted, projected dividends, share price fluctuations, the expected volatility, the risk-free interest rate,
expected life of the options in years and the weighted average share price of the Company. The contractual life of each option
granted is three years.
ESOP for March 2014 (LTIP)
In March 2014, 625 000 nil-cost options were granted to certain key employees under the LTIP of the Company. The vesting of
the options will be subject to the satisfaction of certain performance as well as service conditions classified as non-market
conditions. The options which vest over a three-year period in tranches of a third of the award each year are exercisable
between 19 March 2017 and 18 March 2024. If the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse. As the
performance conditions are non-market-based, they are not reflected in the fair value of the award at grant date, and therefore
the Company will assess the likelihood of these conditions being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as
required at each financial year end. The fair value of the nil-cost options is £1.74 (US$2.87). Of the 625 000 options originally
granted, only 486 389 are still outstanding following the resignation of a number of employees.
ESOP for June 2014 (LTIP)
In June 2014, 609 000 nil-cost options were granted to the Executive Directors under the LTIP of the Company. The vesting of
the options will be subject to the satisfaction of certain market and non-market performance conditions over a three-year
period. Of the 609 000 nil-cost options, 152 250 relate to market conditions with the remaining 456 750 relating to non-market
conditions. The options which vest are exercisable between 10 June 2017 and 9 June 2024. If the performance or service
conditions are not met, the options lapse. The performance conditions relating to the non-market conditions are not reflected
in the fair value of the award at grant date. At each financial year end, the Company will assess the likelihood of these conditions
being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required. The fair value of the nil-cost options relating to
non-market conditions is £1.61 (US$2.70). The fair value of the options granted, relating to the market conditions, is estimated
at the date of the grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the
options were granted, projected dividends, share price fluctuations, the expected volatility, the risk-free interest rate, expected
life of the options in years and the weighted average share price of the Company.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 159
25. Share-based payments (continued)
ESOP for April 2015 (LTIP)
In April 2015, 667 500 nil-cost options were granted to certain key employees under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) of the
Company. The vesting of the options will be subject to the satisfaction of certain performance as well as service conditions
classified as non-market conditions. The options which vest after a three-year period are exercisable between 1 April 2018 and
31 March 2025. If the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse. As the performance conditions are
non-market-based they are not reflected in the fair value of the award at grant date, and therefore the Company will assess the
likelihood of these conditions being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required at each financial year
end. The fair value of the nil-cost options is £1.33 (US$1.97). Of the 667 500 options originally granted, only 642 500 are still
outstanding following the resignation of a number of employees.
In addition, 740 000 nil-cost options were granted to the Executive Directors under the LTIP of the Company. The vesting of the
options will be subject to the satisfaction of certain market and non-market performance conditions over a three-year period.
Of the 740 000 nil-cost options, 185 000 relates to market conditions with the remaining 555 000 relating to non-market
conditions. The options which vest are exercisable between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2025. If the performance or service
conditions are not met, the options lapse. The performance conditions relating to the non-market conditions are not reflected in
the fair value of the award at grant date. At each financial year end, the Company will assess the likelihood of these conditions
being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required. The fair value of the nil-cost options relating to
non-market conditions is £1.33 (US$1.97). The fair value of these options is estimated in a similar manner as the June 2014 LTIP.
Movements in the year
ESOP
The following table illustrates the number (’000) and movement in share options during the year:
Outstanding at beginning of year
Exercised during the year
Balance at end of year
Exercisable at end of year
The following table lists the inputs to the model used for
the plan for the awards granted under the ESOP:
Dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Weighted average share price
Model used
2015
’000
18
(7)
11
–
2014
’000
18
–
18
–
–
22
5
10
18.28
Black Scholes
The fair value of share options granted is estimated at the date of the grant using a Black Scholes simulation model, taking into
account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted, projected dividends, share price fluctuations, the
expected volatility, the risk-free interest rate, expected life of the option in years and the weighted average share price of the
Company.
The ESOP is an equity-settled plan and the fair value is measured at the grant date.
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 160 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
25. Share-based payments (continued)
ESOP for April 2015, June 2014, March 2014, September 2012 and March 2012 (LTIP)
The following table illustrates the number (’000) and movement in the outstanding share options during the year:
Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Forfeited
Balance at end of year
2015
’000
2 445
1 408
–
(917)
2 936
2014
’000
2 073
1 234
–
(862)
2 445
The following table lists the inputs to the model used for the market conditions awards granted during the current and prior year:
Dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Weighted average share price (US$)
Fair value of nil-value options (US$)
Fair value of market value options (US$)
Model used
LTIP
April
2015
2.00
37.18
1.16
3.00
2.10
1.97
–
Monte Carlo
LTIP
June
2014
–
37.25
1.94
3.00
2.70
1.83
–
Monte Carlo
LTIP
September
2012
–
42.10
0.33
3.00
2.85
2.85
1.66
Monte Carlo
LTIP
March
2012
–
63.88
1.20
3.00
4.76
3.76
2.27
Monte Carlo
The fair value of share options granted is estimated at grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model, taking into account the
terms and conditions upon which the options were granted, projected dividends, share price fluctuations, the expected
volatility, the risk-free interest rate, expected life of the option in years and the weighted average share price of the Company.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 161
26. Dividends paid and proposed
Proposed dividends on ordinary shares
Final ordinary cash dividend for 2015: 5 US cents per share (2014: 5 US cents per share)
Special dividend for 2015: 3.5 US cents per share
Total
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
6 915
4 840
11 755
6 913
–
6 913
Proposed dividends on ordinary shares are subject to approval at the AGM to be held on 7 June 2016 and are not recognised as
a liability as at 31 December.
The 2014 dividend was approved on 2 June 2015 and a final cash dividend of 5 US cents per share was paid to shareholders on
9 June 2015.
27. Material partly owned subsidiaries
Financial information of Letšeng Diamonds, a subsidiary which has a material non-controlling interest, is provided below.
Proportion of equity interest held by non-controlling interests
Name
Letšeng Diamonds (Proprietary) Limited
Accumulated balances of material non-controlling interest
Profit allocated to material non-controlling interest
Country of
incorporation
and operation
Lesotho
2015
US$’000
57 494
24 397
2014
US$’000
30%
66 148
24 782
The summarised financial information of this subsidiary is provided below. This information is based on amounts before
intercompany eliminations.
Summarised income statement for the year ended 31 December
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Royalties and selling costs
Other income
Operating profit
Net finance income/(costs)
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income
Attributable to non-controlling interest
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
2015
US$’000
236 357
(118 385)
117 972
(19 475)
8 401
106 898
279
107 177
(25 850)
81 327
81 327
24 397
11 760
2014
US$’000
277 908
(138 293)
139 615
(22 379)
3 384
120 620
2 045
122 665
(40 059)
82 606
82 606
24 782
27 597
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162 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
27. Material partly owned subsidiaries (continued)
Summarised statement of financial position as at 31 December
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Current assets
Inventories, receivables and other assets, and cash and short-term deposits
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables, provisions and deferred tax liabilities
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and trade and other payables
Total liabilities
Total equity
Attributable to:
Equity holders of parent
Non-controlling interest
Summarised cash flow information for the year ended 31 December
Operating
Investing
Financing
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
28. Events after the reporting period
2015
US$’000
2014
US$’000
204 350
252 397
78 436
282 786
81 958
334 355
59 345
69 557
31 794
91 139
191 647
134 153
57 494
4 701
–
5 421
10 122
44 306
113 863
220 492
154 345
66 148
82 581
(62 730)
(15 496)
4 355
The Company’s existing US$20.0 million three-year unsecured revolving credit facility’s availability period ended in October
2015, with the full facility expiring on 16 January 2016. This facility was refinanced for a further three-year unsecured credit
facility with Nedbank Capital (a division of Nedbank Limited) for an increased amount of US$35.0 million. The facility agreement
was signed and concluded on 29 January 2016 and the facility is available for drawdown.
No other fact or circumstance has taken place between the end of the reporting period and the approval of the financial
statements which, in our opinion, is of significance in assessing the state of the Group’s affairs.
Notes to the Annual Financial Statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2015 163
Abbreviations and definitions
AG
AGM
AIFR
Basotho
Batswana
BVI
BWP
CEO
CGU
CO2e
cpht
CSI
CSRI
DPA
Autogenous milling
Annual general meeting
All injury frequency rate
Lesotho nationals
Botswana nationals
British Virgin Islands
Botswana pula
Chief Executive Officer
Cash-generating unit
Carbon dioxide equivalent
Carats per hundred tonnes
Corporate social investment
Corporate social responsible investment
Diamond Producers Association
EBITDA
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
EPS
ESOP
GBP
GDP
GHG
GIA
GJ
GRI
ha
HSSE
IAS
IFRS
ISO
KPI
LoM
Earnings per share
Employee share option plan
British pound
Gross Domestic Product
Greenhouse gas
Gemological Institute of America
Gigajoules
Global Reporting Initiative
Hectare
Health, safety, social and environment
International Accounting Standards
International Financial Reporting Standards
International Organisation for Standardisation
Key performance indicators
Life of mine
Gem Diamonds Annual Report 2015Strategic reportBusiness overviewStrategic reportManagement reviewStrategic reportOperating reviewGovernanceFinancial statements 164 Gem Diamonds
Annual Report 2015
Abbreviations and definitions continued
LSL
LTI
LTIFR
LTIP
MRM
NPV
OHSAS
PAC
ROACE
RSA
Lesotho loti
Lost time injury
Lost time injury frequency rate
Long-term incentive plan
Mineral resource management
Net present value
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Specification
Project-affected community
Return on average capital employed
Republic of South Africa
SAMREC
South African Mineral Resource Committee
Scope 1 emissions
Direct greenhouse gas emissions
Scope 2 emissions
Energy-indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of purchased energy
Scope 3 emissions
Energy-indirect greenhouse gas emissions (not included in Scope 2)
SEIA
SHE
STIBS
The Board
The Group
UK
US$
WACC
Social and environmental impact assessment
Safety, health and environment
Short-term incentive bonus scheme
The Gem Diamonds Board of Directors
The Gem Diamonds Company and its subsidiaries
United Kingdom
United States dollar
Weighted average cost of capital
Contact details and advisers
Financial adviser
Panmure Gordon & Co.
One New Change
London EUM 9AF
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 7886 2500
Legal adviser
Linklaters
One Silk Street
London EC2Y 8HQ
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 7456 2000
F: +44 20 7456 2222
Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
1 More London Place
London SE1 2AF
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 7951 2000
F: +44 20 7951 1345
Financial PR adviser
Bell Pottinger
Holborn Gate
330 High Holborn
London WC1V 7QD
T: +44 20 7861 3232
F: +44 20 7861 3233
Capita Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 4TU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 208 639 3399
F: +44 (0) 208 639 2342
Contact details
Gem Diamonds Limited
Registered office
2nd Floor, Coastal Building
Wickham’s Cay II
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Head office
2 Eaton Gate
London SW1W 9BJ
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 3043 0280
F: +44 20 3043 0281
Advisers
Financial adviser and sponsor
JPMorgan Cazenove Limited
20 Moorgate
London EC2R 6DA
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 7588 2828
F: +44 20 7155 9000
Financial adviser
Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place
25 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9LY
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 3100 2000
F: +44 20 3100 2299
Feedback
jkirk@gemdiamonds.com
2 Eaton Gate
SW1W 9BJ
London
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 203 043 0280
Fax: +44 203 043 0281
BASTION GRAPHICS
Gem Diamonds Limited
2nd Floor, Coastal Building
Wickham’s Cay II
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Registration number: 669758
www.gemdiamonds.com
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