Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Industrial Materials / Glencore / FY2016 Annual Report

Glencore
Annual Report 2016

GLEN · LSE Basic Materials
Claim this profile
Ticker GLEN
Exchange LSE
Sector Basic Materials
Industry Industrial Materials
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2016 Annual Report · Glencore
Loading PDF…
ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Highlights 2016

Contents

Net income attributable 
to equity holders
US$ million

Lost time injury 
frequency rate
per million hours worked

1,379

2,308

1,379

(4,964)

1.40

1.60

1.34

1.40

Strategic  
report

04  Chief Executive Officer’s review
06  Positioned for the future
08  Who we are
 Our presence
10 
12  Our business model
16  Our strategy
20  Sustainable development
30  Delivering on our commitments  

on climate change

34  Key performance indicators
36  Principal risks and uncertainties 
45  Financial review
52  Business review

– Metals and minerals
– Energy products
– Agricultural products

Governance

80  Chairman’s introduction
81  Directors and Officers
84  Corporate governance report
99  Directors’ remuneration report
109  Directors’ report

116  Independent Auditor’s Report
126   Consolidated statement of  

income/(loss)

127   Consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income/(loss)

128   Consolidated statement of  

financial position

129  Consolidated statement of cash flows
131   Consolidated statement of changes  

of equity

132  Notes to the financial statements

Additional  
information

201  Glossary
206   Production by quarter –  
Q4 2015 to Q4 2016
213  Resources and reserves
222 Shareholder information
IBC Forward looking statements

Further details on our sustainability approach and 
performance can be found in our annual sustainability report 
and on our website www.glencore.com/sustainability

2014

2015

2016

2014

2015

2016

Financial  
statements

2014

2015

2016

2014

2015

2016

Adjusted EBITDA
US$ million

10,268

12,764

10,268

8,694

Adjusted EBIT
US$ million

3,930

6,706

3,930

2,172

%
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Net funding
US$ million

32,619

49,758

41,245

32,619

Net debt/FFO to net debt
US$ million

15,526

30,532

25,889

15,526

2014

2015

2016

2014

2015

2016

FFO to net debt

Funds from operations
US$ million

Capital expenditure
US$ million

7,770

10,169

7,770

6,615

3,497

8,566

5,957

3,497

2014

2015

2016

2014

2015

2016

For full contents list please see under flap

 
 
 
 
+ 90 
commodities

One of  
the world’s  
largest  
diversified  
natural  
resource 
companies

50
countries

155,000
people

Glencore Annual Report 2016

01

Strategic  
report

“  Our financial performance 
during 2016 reflects the  
quality of our industrial  
assets and the resilience of  
our marketing business.”

  IVAN GLASENBERG
  Chief Executive Officer (see page 04)

04  Chief Executive Officer’s review
06  Positioned for the future
08  Who we are
 Our presence
10 
12  Our business model
16  Our strategy
20  Sustainable development
30  Delivering on our commitments on climate change
34  Key performance indicators
36  Principal risks and uncertainties 
45  Financial review
52  Business review

– Metals and minerals
– Energy products
– Agricultural products

02

Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
Glencore Annual Report 2016

03

Strategic report 

Chief Executive Officer’s review

Ivan Glasenberg, Chief Executive Officer

Creating long-term, sustainable returns 
for shareholders 
• Debt reduction programme completed: net funding 
at $32.6 billion and net debt $15.5 billion by year end

• Strong free cash flow generation, underpinned by the 
resilience of the marketing business and quality of 
the industrial assets

• Capital allocation maximises value creation for 
shareholders: a fixed $1 billion distribution that 
reflects the resilience, predictability and stability of 
cash flows from the marketing business

• The right commodity mix to meet the changing 

needs of key maturing economies: leading, low-cost 
supply positions in mid- and late-cycle commodities 
and significant operational leverage to improving 
fundamentals in key commodities, as well as 
substantial volumes of low-cost latent capacity

04

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Improving market conditions
Despite an uncertain start to 2016, 
commodities finally started reversing 
five years of underperformance 
compared to other asset classes. 
In this environment, the mining sector 
has been a significant outperformer, 
with the SXPP basic resources 
index up around 70% over the year, 
compared to a 17% increase for 
the FTSE 100 Index.

China’s willingness and ability to 
reflate caught markets somewhat by 
surprise, given widespread scepticism 
over the sustainability of Chinese 
demand for commodities. This was then 
compounded by increasingly supportive 
economic conditions in other regions. 

Looking ahead, political events 
across the globe have coincided with 
the expectation of higher inflation 
and with it, higher interest rates, 
a backdrop, which is generally 
influenced by and/or supportive of 
higher commodity prices.

The increasing likelihood of various 
regionally signalled fiscal economic 
stimulus programmes should 
also promote improved physical 
demand for and positive sentiment 
towards commodities. 

Robust financial performance
Our robust financial performance 
during 2016 (Adjusted EBITDA of 
$10.3 billion, up 18% on 2015) reflects 
the quality of our industrial asset 
portfolio and the resilience of our large 
scale diversified marketing business. 

Marketing Adjusted EBIT was 
$2.8 billion in 2016, 14% higher than 
2015 and above the $2.7 billion top-end 
of our Q4 2016 narrowed guidance 
range, reflecting strong second half 
contributions from all three business 
segments. These activities continue to 
generate a consistent, high cash return 
on equity, underpinned by competitive 
funding rates, a stable cost base and 
low capex requirements. 

Following the sale of a 50% interest 
in Glencore Agriculture in late 2016, 
our 2017 Marketing Adjusted EBIT 
guidance range is $2.2 to $2.5 billion 

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

(up from $2.1 to $2.4 billion in our 
December 2016 update), while also 
reflecting such sale, our longer-term 
guidance range has been lowered to 
$2.2 to $3.2 billion. 

Our various industrial teams 
responded to the challenges of 
low prices, delivering robust cost 
structures and margins within our key 
commodities. The industrial assets’ 
Adjusted EBITDA of $7.3 billion in 
2016 was almost 22% higher than 2015, 
reflecting improving commodity prices 
in the latter part of the year, but mostly 
the delivery of material cost reductions 
and operational improvements. 
Since 2009, over $38 billion has been 
spent on our industrial assets, which 
are now extremely well positioned, 
with largely Tier 1 costs, scale, 
diversification and optionality.

Debt reduction programme 
delivered
The plan of action we initiated in 
September 2015 to sensibly bring down 
our financial leverage and strengthen 
our balance sheet is now complete; at 
the end of 2016, net funding and net 
debt of $32.6 billion and $15.5 billion 
respectively, were around or better 
than target levels, with debt coverage 
ratios already comfortably below our 
recently reduced target levels. 

This debt reduction was partly 
achieved through a highly successful 
divestment programme that 
raised $6.2 billion since September 
2015, including the following 
2016 transactions:

• Antapaccay silver streaming 

transaction, raising $500 million

• Sale of 50% of our agriculture 

business for $3.1 billion 

• Disposal of a 30% economic interest 
plus gold stream in Ernest Henry, 
delivering $670 million and 

• Sale of our Hunter Valley coal 

rail haulage business (GRail), for 
$840 million.

The disposal programme underpinned 
a $14.7 billion reduction in net funding 
in just 18 months.

The success of our deleveraging 
programme and capital structure/credit 
repositioning is now well understood 
and recognised by credit markets with 
public funding spreads and default 
swaps returning to ‘normalised’ levels. 
As previously communicated, we are 
now targeting maximum through the 
cycle leverage of 2x Net debt/EBITDA 
(previously <3x). This lower gearing 
target is aimed at sustainably reducing 
risk and providing greater flexibility 
and stability in the future. We believe 
our commitment to secure and 
thereafter maintain a strong Baa/BBB 
credit rating is well on track.

Capital allocation to maximise 
value creation for shareholders
In December 2016, we announced 
the reinstatement of shareholder 
distributions, following a one-year 
suspension period. Initially we will 
return $1 billion to shareholders in 2017, 
to be paid in equal tranches, following 
the full-year and interim financial 
results, subject to shareholders’ approval 
at the Annual General Meeting.

As announced in December 
2016, starting from 2018, our new 
distribution policy, in respect of 2017 
actual cash flow generation, will 
comprise a fixed $1 billion component 
and a variable element representing 
a minimum pay-out of 25% of free 
cash flow from our industrial assets. 
The components will reflect prevailing 
conditions and outlook at the time and 
will be confirmed annually alongside 
release of our full-year results. 

The right commodity mix to meet 
the needs of the future 
We believe that not all commodities 
are equal and, in general, we have the 
right ones. Glencore’s diverse asset 
portfolio, comprising low-cost positions 
in mid- and late-cycle commodities, 
such as copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc and 
thermal coal, positively matches the 
changing needs of current and future 
commodity demand. 

oil and zinc assets in 2015/2016 to 
preserve value for the longer term and 
assist in market rebalancing. We have 
significant operational leverage to 
improving fundamentals in our key 
commodities with substantial volumes 
of low-cost latent capacity that can be 
restarted as and when appropriate.

We believe that our presence 
throughout the commodity value chain 
affords Glencore the unique position 
to generate superior shareholder value 
over the longer term.

Integrated approach to sustainability
It is with great sadness to report that 
16 people died at our assets, from eight 
incidents, during 2016. This loss of 
life is unacceptable. We expend great 
efforts and continuously strive towards 
our goals of eliminating occupational 
fatalities, injuries and occupational 
diseases across the organisation. We are 
committed to achieving strong health 
and safety performances at all of our 
assets through resolving local challenges 
and transforming behaviour at all levels.

We recognise that we have stewardship 
obligations across our business and a 
duty to the local communities we work 
with. During 2016, our sustainability team 
rolled out revised water management and 
health strategies and published a paper 
setting out the potential impact of climate 
change on our business. 

Going forward
The last 18 months have been challenging 
for Glencore. On a positive note, we have 
demonstrated that Glencore is a strongly 
cash generative business, even at low 
points in the cycle, and is capable and 
willing to react decisively and quickly as 
circumstances require. Important lessons 
have been learned and the actions taken 
ensure that Glencore remains extremely 
well positioned to create value for 
all stakeholders.

We take a highly disciplined approach 
towards supply, evidenced by curtailing 
production at a number of coal, copper, 

Ivan Glasenberg

Chief Executive Officer

Glencore Annual Report 2016

05

Strategic report 

Positioned for the future

In response to some market concerns over our leverage, we 
have positively repositioned our capital structure and 
optimised our asset portfolio to maximise cash flows while 
targeting a strong BBB/Baa investment grade balance sheet. 

The progressive delivery of our various debt reduction 
measures as well as higher commodity prices over the 
period have supported an increase of over 200% in the 
Glencore share price over 2016.

Our robust programme of actions, announced in September 
2015, to reduce debt and address market concerns has 
delivered a $14.0 billion reduction in Net debt and 
$14.7 billion reduction in Net funding over the past 
18 months. 

)
n
b
$
(

t
b
e
d
t
e
N
/
)
p
(
e
c
i
r
p
e
r
a
h
S
/
*
s
e
c
i
r
p
y
t
i
d
o
m
m
o
C

n
e
k
a
t
n
o
i
t
c
A

US¢ 
365.6

148.3p

7 September
$10.2 billion debt reduction 
programme: announced

9 October
500,000 tonnes reduction of 
contained zinc metal mine 
production across operations 
in Australia, South America 
& Kazakhstan 

$26

 US¢ 
292.2

10 February 
Streaming agreement with 
Franco-Nevada Corporation 
raising $500 million 

24 April
Issued a 5-year 
CHF 250 million bond

6 April 
Announced sale of 40% stake 
in our Agriculture business 
to Canada Pension Plan 
Investment Board for a 
consideration of $2.5 billion 

93.1p

3 November 
Streaming agreement 
reached with Silver Wheaton 
Corp raising $900 million 

17 February 
Early refinancing of 
$8.45 billion revolving 
credit facility

2015

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

2016

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Strengthening our balance sheet
During the second half of 2015, it became 
apparent that financial markets were 
concerned about Glencore’s debt levels and 
our ability to sustain an investment grade 
credit rating. Following dramatic 
movements in our share price during 
September, we rapidly put in place a 
comprehensive programme of actions to 
reduce our debt, restructure 
underperforming assets and preserve the 
value of our resources. 

This programme culminated in a series of 
actions which included:

•  $2.5 billion share placement

•   The suspension of 2015 final dividend 
and 2016 interim dividend ($2.4 billion)

•   Renewed focus on working 

capital efficiency

•   Asset divestment and streaming 

proceeds of $6.3 billion

•   Curtailment of the Katanga and Mopani 

copper assets pending long-term 
transformation via operational 
upgrades

•   Temporary suspension of around 

500,000 tonnes of zinc mine capacity to 
preserve the value of our resources in 
the ground.

Preserving operational value
With our unique position at every stage of 
the commodities value chain, from 
extraction through to marketing and 
logistics, our wide-reaching market 
knowledge means we are well placed to 
see physical commodity movements and to 
understand their impacts on supply/
demand fundamentals. As such, we take a 
highly disciplined approach to supply. 

We recognise that when prices are low, 
greater value can be generated by 
curtailing production and preserving 
reserves until conditions improve.

In September 2015, we announced the 
suspension of production at our Katanga 
and Mopani assets in Africa to implement 
transformational upgrade projects that 
will significantly lower the cost 
of production.

A month later, we reduced zinc volumes 
by around 500,000 tonnes of contained 
zinc across our operations in Australia, 
South America & Kazakhstan, preserving 
the value of our reserves in the ground, at 
a time of low zinc and lead prices, which 
did not correctly value the scarce nature of 
these resources. These latent tonnes will 
be restarted when commodity price 
conditions support value creation.

*Based on data from S&P GSCI Spot Index

06

Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Dividend policy and reinvestment 

In December 2016, we announced the reinstatement of 
distributions to shareholders. Initially, Glencore will return 
$1 billion to shareholders in two equal tranches in 2017. 
This will be paid in May and September 2017.

component reflecting the resilience, predictability and 
stability of marketing cash flows and a variable element, 
representing a minimum payment of 25% of free cash flows 
from our industrial assets.

In 2018, a new distribution policy will apply with respect to 
2017 actual cash flows, subject to Board and shareholder 
approval. This will compromise of a fixed $1 billion 

 US¢ 
370.1

20 October
Agreed to sell GRail coal 
haulage business to Genesee 
& Wyoming Australia for 
$900 million 

9 June 
Announced sale of 9.99% stake in our Agriculture business to 
British Columbia Investment Management Corporation for a 
consideration of $625 million 

152.85p

$24

6 September 
Issued a 7-year Euro 
1,000 million bond

24 August
Joint venture streaming agreement 
reached with Evolution Mining 
raising $670 million

 US¢ 
399.2

277.35p

1 December
Sales of GRail and 
interests in Glencore  
Agriculture close

$16

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

2017

Unlocking value through asset sales
A significant part of our debt reduction 
programme was achieved through asset 
divestments. This included the sale of 
non-core gold and silver by-products at a 
number of our copper mines as well as the 
introduction of strategic partners into our 
agriculture business through the sale of a 
c.50% stake to Canada Pension Plan 
Investment Board and British Columbia 
Investment Management Corporation.

Cash flows from these assets were 
monetised at a blended unlevered real 
after tax IRR of around 5%.

We have strong supply positions in mid- to 
late-cycle commodities, including copper, 
cobalt, nickel, zinc and thermal coal, as 
well as significant operational leverage to 
improving fundamentals in our key 
commodities with substantial volumes of 
low-cost latent capacity that can restart 
when we believe conditions are right. 

The right combination of commodities to 
feed the changing needs of maturing 
economies, combined with our highly 
resilient marking business underpins our 
ability to generate healthy, long-run 
sustainable returns for shareholders. 

Creating long-run sustainable returns
Our proactive actions over the past 
18 months have repositioned our capital 
structure and demonstrated our 
commitment to a strong BBB/Baa 
investment grade rating. We now target 
maximum through the cycle Net debt/
Adjusted EBITDA leverage of 2x – a 
structure that engenders less risk for the 
business, additional balance sheet 
flexibility and overall greater stability of 
distributions to shareholders.

Our business is well-capitalised, requiring 
modest capital expenditure going 
forwards. Over $38 billion has been spent 
on the combined Glencore/Xstrata asset 
base since 2009 and the heavy capital 
expenditure programme is now largely 
complete. A total capital expenditure of 
around $4 billion per annum (including 
around $3 billion of sustaining capital 
expenditure) is now being guided to over 
the next three to five years.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

07

Strategic report 

Who we are

Highly diversified

Global footprint

+90commodities

90offices

3business segments

155,000people

Active at every 
stage of the 
commodity chain 
to maximise value

High-quality, 
low-cost assets

Strong 
entrepreneurial 
culture: employees 
empowered to 
make decisions

We are one of the world’s largest diversified, 
vertically integrated producers, processors 
and marketers of natural commodities. 
We market and deliver physical commodities 
sourced from our own production and third 
party producers to our highly diversified 
customer base that includes consumers from 
the automotive, steel, power generation, oil 
and food processing industries.

We are a global diversified natural 
resource company, producing and 
marketing more than 90 commodities. 
We are uniquely diversified in terms 
of commodity, geography and activity. 
Together with our consumers and 
suppliers, we benefit from having 
scale and diversity at every stage of 
the commodity chain, from extraction 
to delivery. As both a producer and 
marketer of commodities, we can 
benefit from the full range of arbitrage 
opportunities and value-added margin 
present throughout our commodity 
supply chains. 

Our portfolio of industrial assets 
comprises around 150 facilities: mining 
and metallurgical, oil production 

08

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Unique market insight

Breadth of scale

4,000

employees in marketing

50countries

40+years’ experience

150sites

Long-term 
relationships with 
broad base of 
suppliers 
and customers

Marketing  
business less 
correlated to 
commodity prices

Maximum 
flexibility and 
economies 
of scale

and agricultural. These mainly 
high-quality, low-cost assets generate 
cash even during periods of weakness 
for particular commodities, industries, 
customers or regions. Our industrial 
asset base enhances the quality and 
scale of our marketing activities, 
offering our customers greater choice.

We have over 40 years of experience 
in marketing commodities. This has 
allowed us to develop and build 
expertise in the commodities we 
deal with, and to cultivate long-term 
relationships with our broad, 
international supplier and customer 
base. Our marketing business tends to 
be less correlated to commodity prices 
than our industrial business, which 

generally makes our earnings less 
volatile than commodity businesses 
based solely on production.

Our marketing business focuses on 
maximising returns across our entire 
supply chain, in addition to 
minimising costs and maximising 
operational efficiency. 

We create value from: our economies 
of scale; our extensive global third 
party supply base; our logistics, risk 
management and working capital 
financing capabilities. 

Our global presence underpins our 
extensive market insight, business 
optionality, large customer base, and 

strong market position and penetration 
for the commodities we handle.

Our strong entrepreneurial culture 
has been central to our success. 
This is underpinned by the fact that 
management and employees own 
around one-third of our shares, 
aligning our workforce’s interests 
with those of external shareholders 
to a level that is unique among major 
resource companies.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

09

Strategic report 

Our presence

We are a global, diversified natural resources company. Our three 
distinct business segments are aligned with management’s oversight 
and ensure value is extracted at every point of the operating chain: 

Copper, zinc & lead, nickel, ferroalloys, alumina & aluminium and iron ore production and marketing. 
We have interests in industrial assets that include mining, smelting, refining and warehousing operations.

Metals & 
minerals

Copper 
1  Argentina

2  Australia

3  Canada
4  Chile

5  DRC
6  Peru
7  Philippines
8  Zambia

Alumbrera Mine

Cobar, Ernest Henry, 
Mount Isa, Townsville

CCR, Horne

Altonorte, Collahuasi 
Mine, Lomas Bayas Mine, 
Punitaqui

Katanga, Mutanda

Zinc 
9  Argentina
10  Australia

11  Bolivia
12  Burkina Faso
13  Canada

Antamina, Antapaccay

14  Europe

Aguilar

Mount Isa, 
McArthur River

Sinchi Wayra

Perkoa

Brunswick Lead Smelter  
General Smelting 
Matagami, Kidd

Portovesme,  
San Juan de Nieva, 
Nordenham, Northfleet

Nickel 
18  Australia
19  Canada

Murrin Murrin

Raglan Mine 
Sudbury INO

20  Europe
21  New Caledonia Koniambo

Nikkelverk

Ferroalloys 
22  Europe

Glencore 
Manganese Group

23  South Africa

Chrome and Vanadium

Pasar

Mopani, Sable

For more information, see page 52

15  Kazakhstan
16  Namibia
17  Peru

Kazzinc

Rosh Pinah

Los Quenuales

19

32

13

3

38

25

17

6

31

11

36

4

1

37

9

29

Adjusted EBITDA 2016 (%) Revenue1 by region & 

segment 2016 (%)

Non-current assets2 by  
region & segment 2016 (%)

Metals & minerals

Agricultural products

Energy products

Americas

Asia

Europe

Africa

Oceania

1   Revenue by geographic destination is based on the country of incorporation  of the sales counterparty. However,  

this may not necessarily be the country of the  counterparty’s ultimate parent and/or final destination of the product.

2  Non-current assets are non-current assets excluding other investments, advances and loans and deferred tax assets.

The percentage contributions are derived from the information included in note 2 of the financial statements.

10

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Diversity by geography: 
Our operations around the world span a global network of 
more than 90 offices located in over 50 countries, and 
employ around 155,000 people, including contractors.

Diversity by product and activity: 
We produce and market over 90 commodities; including 
those from around 150 mining and metallurgical sites, oil 
production assets and agricultural facilities.

Energy  
products

Coal 
24  Australia

Coal and oil industrial and marketing. 
Our Energy products businesses include 
coal mining and oil production operations 
and investments in strategic handling, storage 
and freight equipment and facilities.

Bulga, Clermont, Collinsville, Integra, Liddell, 
Mangoola, Mount Owen, Oaky Creek, Newlands, 
Ravensworth, Rolleston, Tahmoor, Ulan

25  Colombia
26  South Africa

Cerrejón, Prodeco

Goedgevonden, iMpunzi, Izimbiwa Coal, 
Tweefontein

Oil 
27  Chad
28 

 Equatorial  
Guinea

Badila, Mangara

Block O and Block I

For more information, see page 66

Focused on grains, oils/oilseeds, cotton 
and sugar. Glencore Agriculture is 
supported by both controlled and 
non-controlled storage, handling and 
processing facilities in strategic locations.

Storage facilities, rice milling operations, 
crushing plants, biodiesel plants

Storage facilities, farming operations,  
port operations (Viterra)

Wheat milling operations, crushing plant, 
sugarcane facility, storage facilities, port operations

Storage facilities/elevators, crushing plants, 
port operations (Viterra)

Crushing plants, biodiesel plants, storage facilities, 
farming operations, port operations

Storage facilities

Storage facilities

Storage facilities

Milling operations, storage facilities

Crushing plant, storage facilities

Agriculture 

29  Argentina

30  Australia

31  Brazil

32  Canada

33  Europe

34  Kazakhstan
35  New Zealand
36  Paraguay
37  Uruguay
38  USA

For more information, see page 74

20

22

14

33

15

34

12

27

7

28

5

8

16

26

23

  Corporate office

  Marketing office/other

18

10

30

2

24

21

Glencore Annual Report 2016

35

11

Strategic report 

Our business model

Strategic imperatives:

Integrating sustainability 
throughout our business

Maintaining a robust and flexible balance sheet

Inputs:

Assets and natural resources:
•  We wholly-own or have a significant ownership in our assets, 

in which we make long-term investments

•  We prioritise being a competitive, low-cost producer

•  Our resources and reserves are overall long-life and of high 

quality, enhancing the scale and value of our marketing business 
(see page 213)

•  We are a disciplined producer, aligning supply to demand

Our people and partners:
•  We have worked to cultivate and establish long-term relationships 

with a broad range of suppliers and customers across diverse 
industries and geographies

•  Our highly skilled and professional workforce of around 155,000 

employees and contractors is located across six continents

•  We interact with a large number and range of stakeholders 

around the world. We are committed to building transparent 
and constructive relationships with our partners to deliver 
sustainable, long-term benefits to all our stakeholders

G

A

R I C U L T U RAL PRODU

C

T

E

M

&

L S

A

T

MINER

A

L

S

S

E N ERGY

EXPLORATION, ACQUISITION 
& DEVELOPMENT

EXTRACTION & 
PRODUCTION

What we do:

1

2

Our focus on brownfield sites and 
exploration close to existing assets 
lowers our risk profile and lets us use 
existing infrastructure, realise 
synergies and control costs.

We evaluate each industrial investment 
opportunity on a standalone basis and 
on its potential to strengthen our 
marketing activities or existing 
industrial assets.

This approach allows us to build on 
our economies of scale, our familiarity 
with individual political and cultural 
landscapes, and our understanding 
of commodity dynamics.

We mine and beneficiate minerals across a 
range of commodities, mining techniques 
and countries, for processing or refining 
at our own facilities, or for sale.

Resource extraction and production involves 
long-term commitments and exposure to 
risks relating to commodity prices, project 
development, changes in sovereign legislation 
and community acceptance.

Earning and maintaining our licence to 
operate from our host governments and local 
communities is integral to developing and 
maintaining our assets.

Outputs:

Sustainable business

See our Sustainable development 
section on page 20

Our people: 
Safety

Our people: 
Health

Environment

Community & 
human rights

Our people: 
Workforce

Principal risks and uncertainties:

KPIs:

Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) | Water withdrawn | Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 

 Community investment spend

12

Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Focusing on cost control and operating efficiencies

See page 16 for more information  
on our strategy

Financial discipline:
•  We deploy capital in a disciplined manner that creates value for 

all our stakeholders. We have a long track record of value creation 
across economic cycles

•  Our hedging strategies protect us against price risks and ensure 

that our marketing profitability is primarily determined by 
volume-driven activities and value-added services rather than 
absolute price

Unique market knowledge:
•  Our scale and global reach give us valuable insight into market 

flows and access to real-time information

•  Our long experience has allowed us to build extensive market 
knowledge and insight, as well as full logistics capabilities

•  As an integrated commodity producer and marketer, we are 
uniquely positioned to generate value at every stage of the 
commodity chain

THIRD PARTY

MARKETING

O
IN E

V

PROCESSING & 
REFINEMENT

BLENDING & 
OPTIMISATION

LOGISTICS & 
DELIVERY

U R   C O MMODITIE
E R Y D AY PROD

U

S

C

T

S

3

4

5

Our expertise and technological advancement 
in processing and refining mean we can 
optimise our end products to suit a wider 
customer base.

Our presence at every stage of the commodity 
chain allows us to offer a wide range of 
product specifications, resulting in a 
superior service.

Our logistics assets allow us to handle large 
volumes of commodities, both to fulfil our 
obligations and to take advantage of demand 
and supply imbalances. 

Our smelting and refining facilities provide 
volumes that are handled by our 
marketing teams.

Our ability to blend and optimise both our 
own and third party products helps us to 
meet our customers’ specific requirements.

Our ownership of processing and refining 
assets increases our flexibility and optionality 
and provides security of supply as well as 
valuable market knowledge.

We purchase and process additional products 
from smaller operators that do not benefit 
from our economies of scale.

Working with third party suppliers gives 
us better oversight of the total supply status 
for specific commodities; we have valuable 
market and local knowledge to better 
understand the supply-demand balance.

We have a worldwide network of storage 
and logistics assets in key strategic locations, 
including metal warehouses accredited by 
the LME and numerous oil and grain 
storage facilities. 

Our many value-added services make us a 
preferred counterparty for customers without 
such capabilities, as well as strengthening 
long-term relationships.

Financial performance

See our Financial review on page 45

Returns for  
shareholders

Value for our  
stakeholders

Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA | Funds from operations (FFO) | Net funding | Net debt/FFO to Net debt | Net income attributable to equity holders

See page 36 for more information  
on risks and uncertainties

Glencore Annual Report 2016

13

 
Strategic report 

Our marketing business

We are an established physical marketer of commodities. Over the 
past 40 years, we have built a strong reputation as a reliable, timely 
supplier of quality products. Our presence on the ground gives us 
unique, extensive market knowledge and insight, as well as trusted 
relationships with our partners and customers. In addition, we have 
developed the logistics capabilities to generate value-added margins 
and are well positioned to seek arbitrage opportunities throughout 
our supply chain.

Our marketing activities involve the 
physical movement of commodities, 
both those extracted by our industrial 
business and those purchased from 
third party suppliers. We supply these 
to where they are in most demand. 
We generate earnings as a fee-like 
income from physical asset handling 
and arbitrage, as well as blending and 
optimisation opportunities.

Our market insight, extensive logistics 
network and storage facilities 
differentiate us from businesses based 
solely on commodity production. As a 
result, in addition to minimising costs 
and maximising operational efficiency, 
we can also focus on maximising the 
fee-like returns we make from the 
entire marketing process. 

Our integrated marketing and 
industrial businesses work side by side 
to give us a presence across the entire 
supply chain, delivering a unique 
knowledge of market dynamics and 
helping us to fully understand the 
needs of our customers.

Less vulnerability to 
commodity prices and 
volatility

Our marketing business is 
countercyclical from a cash flow 
perspective, as its funding 
requirements are highly linked to 
commodity prices. The business 
requires less working capital during 
periods of falling prices, which helps 
mitigate the generally negative effects 
of lower prices on our industrial assets. 

Virtually all our marketed volumes are 
hedged or pre-sold to minimise price 
exposure. Our use of hedging 
instruments results in profitability 
being overwhelmingly determined by 
volume activity and associated 
value-added supply chain margins, 
and other marketing conditions, rather 
than by the absolute flat price itself.

Risk management

We have developed a comprehensive 
risk management system over our 
40 years of business, supported by 
robust procedures, to monitor our 
marketing activities.

Unique market 
knowledge: global office 
network and logistics/
storage infrastructure

Fee-like income from 
handling of physical  
commodities and  
arbitrage opportunities

Established third party  
supply and global 
customer base

Price exposure 
minimised: marketed 
volumes hedged  
or pre-sold

14

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

The arbitrage strategies we implement to generate additional 
returns vary from commodity to commodity.
The main opportunities are:

Geographic  
arbitrage

Product  
arbitrage

Time  
arbitrage

Disparity
Different prices for the same 
product in different geographic 
regions, taking into account 
transportation and transaction 
costs.

Execution
Leverage global relationships 
and production, processing and 
logistical capabilities to source 
product in one location and 
deliver in another.

Disparity
Pricing differences between 
blends, grades or types of 
commodity, taking into account 
processing and substitution costs.

Execution
Ensure optionality with 
commodity supply contracts, 
and look to lock-in profitable 
price differentials through 
blending, processing or 
end-product substitution.

Disparity
Different prices for a 
commodity depending on 
whether delivery is immediate 
or at a future date, taking into 
account storage and financing 
costs.

Execution
Book “carry trades” that 
benefit from competitive 
sources of storage, insurance 
and financing.

We mitigate the credit risks 
associated with our marketing 
activities, including those within 
supplier and customer agreements, 
through the extensive application 
of measures including credit 
insurance, letters of credit, security 
arrangements and bank or 
corporate guarantees.

Our teams manage Glencore’s market 
exposure by reducing price risks 
arising from timing differences 
between the purchase and sale of 
commodities to acceptably low levels.

Our extensive internal compliance 
policies and procedures, as well as 
third party screening, seek to ensure 
that we comply with all applicable 
sanctions, laws and regulations.

Arbitrage opportunities

Many of the physical commodity 
markets in which we operate are 
fragmented or periodically volatile. 
This can result in arbitrage: price 
discrepancies between the prices 
for the same commodities in 
different geographic locations or 
time periods. Other factors with 

arbitrage opportunities include 
freight and product quality. 
Arbitrage activity generates 
additional value through sourcing, 
transporting, blending, storing or 
otherwise processing commodities.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

15

Strategic report 

Our strategy

Our main strategic objective is to sustainably grow total shareholder 
returns while maintaining a strong investment grade rating and 
acting as a responsible operator. To achieve this ambition, we are 
focusing on three strategic imperatives: to fully integrate sustainability 
throughout our business; to maintain a robust and flexible balance 
sheet; and to focus on cost controls and operational efficiencies 
throughout our entire business. 

These three strategic imperatives are supported by our highly 
entrepreneurial culture that underpins Glencore’s opportunistic 
approach to doing business within clearly defined financial criteria. 
From an operational level through to our senior management team, 
our employees are empowered to evaluate opportunities and make 
decisions while taking responsibility for their actions. This approach 
allows our managers to be flexible and rapid in their response to 
changing situations while risk is mitigated by a comprehensive 
framework of controls. Our entrepreneurial culture is underpinned by 
a high level of ownership by management and employees, which is 
unique amongst the major resource companies.

Strategic priority
Integration of sustainability throughout our business

Strategic priority
Maintain a robust and flexible balance sheet

Strategic priority
Focus on cost control and operational efficiencies

16

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Strategic priority
Integration of sustainability throughout our business

Strategic objectives:

We believe that by being a better operator with a reputation for doing things the right way, 
we will be seen by our stakeholders as a partner of choice. We are achieving this through 
taking an approach of continuous improvement. This approach is delivered through our 
health and safety programmes, advancing our environmental performance, respecting 
human rights and by developing, maintaining and strengthening our relationships with 
all of our stakeholders. 

Key performance indicators:  
see page 35

• Safe and healthy workplace – TRIFR 

• Environmental performance – water withdrawn, 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, meeting our 
commitments on climate change

• Long-term value for communities – community 

investment spend

Principal risks and uncertainties:

• Health, safety and environment, 
including potential catastrophes

• Emissions and climate change

• Community relations

• Skills availability and retention

Key highlights in 2016

Priorities going forward

• Continued to progress our SafeWork programme, 

an initiative that focuses on eliminating fatalities and 
serious injuries. Sadly, we failed to meet our target of 
zero fatalities in 2016; 16 people died at our operations 
during the year

• Improved our total recordable injury rate by 7%. Our lost 

time injury frequency rate increased by 4%

We will continue to implement activities that further 
integrate sustainability throughout our business to 
support our commitment to continuously improve our 
standards of health, safety, environmental and community 
performance. We are committed to operating 
transparently, responsibly and meeting or exceeding 
applicable laws or external requirements. 

• Completed the revision of our health strategy and 

distributed its supporting materials. Developed and 
implemented leading and lagging KPIs 

• Rolled out throughout the Group our strategic water 

management framework 

• Published Climate change considerations for our business; 
identified a range of climate change scenarios and 
assessed their implications on our portfolio; responded 
to the requirements of the Aiming for A resolution

• Implemented a strategic framework to enhance our 
contribution to socio-economic benefits at all assets

Glencore Annual Report 2016

17

Strategic report 

Our strategy

Strategic priority
Maintain a robust and flexible balance sheet

Strategic objectives:

We recognise that a robust and sufficiently flexible balance sheet contributes to the delivery 
of sustainable, long-term shareholder returns and ensures that Glencore is well placed to 
withstand the cyclical nature of the natural resource industry. We aim to increase returns on 
capital and cash flows while targeting a maximum two times Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA 
ratio throughout the cycle. We aim to only deploy capital when strict and clearly defined 
financial criteria, relating to returns and payback, can be met. 

Key performance indicators: 
see page 34

Principal risks and uncertainties:

• Reductions in commodity prices

• Returns to shareholders – Funds from operations, 

• Fluctuations in supply or demand for commodities

Net funding and debt

• Value for our shareholders – Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA, 

Net income attributable to equity holders

• Fluctuations in currency exchange rates

• Liquidity risk

• Counterparty credit and performance

Key highlights in 2016

Priorities going forward

We are committed to maintaining our balance sheet 
strength to ensure it is capable of supporting growth and 
shareholder returns regardless of the commodity price 
environment. We will preserve a robust capital structure 
and business portfolio that reflects our commitment to 
targeting, receiving and maintaining a strong BBB/Baa 
investment grade rating. In this regard, we will manage 
the business to a net debt to EBITDA ratio of no greater 
than two times throughout the cycle. 

• Completed the debt reduction programme: at year-end, 

net funding and net debt were $32.6 billion and 
$15.5 billion respectively

• Disposed $6.2 billion of assets

• Issued $1.3 billion of bonds and repurchased $2.6 billion 
of bonds with maturities mainly in 2018 to 2020, thus 
capping post-2017 maturities at c.$3 billion in any one 
year (down from c.$4–5 billion)

• Meaningfully and proactively repositioned Glencore’s 
capital structure and credit profile through delivery of 
the debt reduction programme

• Credit rating reaffirmed as Baa3 (stable) by Moody’s 
and BBB- (positive outlook) by Standard & Poor’s

• Undertook an early refinancing of the short-term 

tranche of the revolving credit facility, securing greater 
than 24 months’ liquidity from such time 

18

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Strategic priority
Focus on cost control and operational efficiencies

Strategic objectives:

Our major industrial assets are mainly long-life and low-cost, reflecting our substantial 
investment into existing assets as well as our appetite, capabilities and belief in some 
commodities and geographies where our peers are not materially present. Our industrial 
assets provide a consistent source of volumes for our marketing operations, which are 
supplemented by third party production. Our marketing activities use their scale and 
capabilities to extract additional margin throughout our business model and provide a 
superior service to our customers and a reliable supply of quality product.

We seek to increase the value of our business by improving the competitiveness of our assets 
through an ongoing focus on cost management and logistical capabilities, including 
operating safety and efficiently. We take a disciplined approach towards all of our assets and 
will divest when another operator places greater value on them, or curtail production in 
response to oversupply when it makes sense to do so.

Key performance indicators: 
see page 34

• Returns to shareholders – Funds from operations, 

Net funding and debt

• Value for our shareholders – Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA, 

Net income attributable to equity holders

Principal risks and uncertainties:

• Geopolitical risk

• Laws, enforcement, permits and licences to operate

• Sourcing, freight, storage, infrastructure and logistics

• Development and operating risks and hazards

• Cost control

Key highlights in 2016

Priorities going forward

• Achieved $2.8 billion Adjusted EBIT across our 

marketing business, underlining its resilience to the 
commodity cycle

• Achieved significant reductions to operating costs at our 
key industrial assets through efficiencies and savings as 
well as favourable foreign exchange movements and 
by-product credits 

• Continued our disciplined approach to supply, 

maintaining production curtailments; volumes will be 
restarted at the right time and price

Our industrial activities will continue to focus on 
controlling costs and generating sustainable operating 
and capital efficiencies. Our marketing business supports 
the creation of incremental value through critical mass, 
blending, storage and geographical arbitrage. 
Our marketing activities’ priorities are to maximise the 
returns and cash flows from the pool of allocated capital, 
which, in turn, supports the strengthening of our balance 
sheet. Our presence at every stage of the value chain 
means that Glencore is uniquely positioned to leverage 
our scale and diversity. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

19

Strategic report 

Sustainable development

Our activities and our presence deliver lasting benefits to our 
stakeholders and to society, creating value both locally and globally. 
The commodities that we produce and market have an essential role 
in everyday life and support the development of emerging economies. 
Working with the communities living around our operations, we 
support socio-economic development through our investment in 
infrastructure, procurement, health and education projects.

We publish an annual sustainability report, in accordance 
with the core requirements of Global Reporting Initiative 
(GRI). This report covers in considerable detail our 
approach, our performance and basis of preparation across 
all key sustainability topics. Our sustainability reports are 
available on our website: www.glencore.com/sustainability.

Our approach to sustainability is embodied by Glencore 
Corporate Practice (GCP). This consists of three tiers, our 
values, our Code of Conduct and our Group HSEC policies. 
GCP is supported at asset level by operational policies, 
developed for the specific needs of individual assets, with 
compliance determined by performance monitoring 
and assurance.

GCP provides a framework for the integration of our 
sustainability principles, guidance and policies throughout 
our business. GCP gives clear guidance on the standards we 
expect all our operations to achieve. Through the reporting 
function within GCP, our Board receives regular updates 
and has detailed oversight of how our business is 
performing across all our internally defined sustainability-
related key areas.

20

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Sustainable development framework

Values

Safety 
Entrepreneurialism 
Simplicity
Responsibility
Openness

Code of Conduct

Group HSEC policies

Detail our management processes and procedures

1. Health and safety

2. Emergency response and crisis management

3. Catastrophic and fatal hazards management

4. Environmental management

5. Communities and stakeholder engagement

6. Human rights

7. Product stewardship

8. HSEC assurance

9. HSEC management framework

10. HSEC risk management framework

Operational policies

Group HSEC policies are implemented and adapted locally

Performance and alignment

Data reporting, risk management and assurance by HSEC teams at Group,  
departmental and asset level tracks our performance and alignment with policies

Our values reflect our purpose, our 
priorities and the fundamental beliefs by 
which we conduct ourselves. They define 
what it means to work at Glencore, 
regardless of location or role.

Our Code of Conduct defines the essential 
requirements of our values and sets out the 
standards we require our people to meet 
and fully understand. Departments and 
assets decide the best way to convey the 
Code locally, including specialised training.

Our Group HSEC policies detail 
our management processes and 
procedures, which are integrated 
into corporate decision-making  
processes.

GCP is supported at 
the operational 
level by individual 
policies pertaining 
to local risks.

We monitor our 
performance using a 
Group GCP database 
and via a full assurance 
process at both Group 
and asset level.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

21

Strategic report 

Sustainable development

Our sustainability strategy sets 
out our ambitions against four 
core pillars: health; safety; 
environment; and community 
and human rights. In addition, 
we have identified “our people: 
workforce” as a focus area.

Safety: 
Become a leader in workplace safety, 
eliminating fatalities and injuries

Health: 
Become a leader in the protection and 
improvement of our people’s and 
communities’ wellbeing

Environment:
Minimise any negative environmental 
impact from our operations and apply the 
precautionary principle in decision-making

Topic

Safety

2016 priorities

Progress

Continue to implement SafeWork, build a strong culture 
of safety and eliminate fatalities across the Group

16 fatalities took place at Glencore assets during 2016. All loss of life is 
unacceptable and we are determined to eliminate fatalities across our Group

Progress our targeted 50% reduction of lost time injury 
frequency rate (LTIFR) and total recordable injury 
frequency rate (TRIFR) by 2020, based on our 2015 and 
2014 baselines respectively

SafeWork implemented Group-wide; ongoing efforts to bring about a universally 
robust safety culture at all our assets

Our TRIFR improved by 7%, our LTIFR increased by 4%

Health

Roll out the revised health strategy and supporting 
materials to assets during 2016

Revised health strategy and supporting materials rolled out Group-wide; 
underpinning the development and implementation of leading health and safety 
practices at all of our assets

Environment

Undertake a feasibility study to develop a meaningful 
target for carbon, continue to develop our position in the 
debate on climate change and the role of fossil fuels in 
the future global energy mix

Climate change considerations incorporated into the annual budget process to 
improve understanding of our expected footprint, supporting the development of 
realistic reduction goals to further decrease our Group GHG footprint

Implement the water management framework across the 
Group and assess operations that have been identified as 
being high-risk sites related to water

Strategic water management framework rolled out and an approach for 
identifying potential high water-related risk sites established

Community 
and human 
rights

Continue to strengthen relationships with our 
communities and other stakeholders to maintain our 
licence to operate

Community Leadership Programme toolkit developed: a toolkit of training 
materials for our community relations teams and management at assets, 
drawn from internal and external expertise

Develop a strategic framework to enhance our 
contribution to socio-economic development and roll 
out associated metrics to all operations

Utilising our socio-economic contribution scorecard to examine the key value 
flows that our assets create for four principal stakeholder groups: employees; 
suppliers and contractors; local communities; and government

Our people

Continue to support and foster development of talented 
people regardless of age, gender or race through local 
employment, internships, scholarships or training

Ensuring appropriate succession planning and retention strategies are in place 
that reflect both the local working environment skill requirements and 
longer-term development and retention of talent for Glencore globally 

Non-financial indicators includes the information and data from our industrial activities, including only assets where we have operational control, and excluding investment,  
marketing and holding companies. The community investments spend and headcount information also includes our marketing activities.

22

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Community and human rights: 
Foster sustainable growth and respect 
human rights wherever we operate

Our people: 
Employ workforces that reflect the 
demographics of the communities in 
which we operate

Within our strategy we have clearly defined imperatives, 
objectives, priority areas and targets. Our Departments 
and assets align their annual HSEC plans to the corporate 
sustainability strategy.

The sustainability strategy is reviewed each year, which 
includes consultation with our Department SD Leads to 
ensure it continues to fulfil the needs of our business. 

Key Performance indicator

Fatalities at managed operations

Lost time injury frequency rate

(per million hours worked)

Total recordable injury frequency rate (per million 
hours worked)2

New occupational disease cases

CO2e Scope 1 (million tonnes)

CO2 Scope 2 – location-based (million tonnes)3

Water withdrawn (million m3)

Total energy use (petajoules) 

Community investment spend ($ million)

2016
16

1.40

4.05

89

22.9

12.7

970

222

84

20151

10

1.34

4.35

127

23.0

14.8

954

236

94

20141

16

1.60

5.02

259

21.8

14.7

996

236

114

Number of employees and contractors

154,832

156,468

181,349

Share of female employees (%)

17

16

16

Our priorities going forward

We are committed to eliminating fatalities 
throughout our assets

50% reduction of Group LTIFR by the end of 
2020, against 2015 figure of 1.34

50% reduction in TRIFR by 2020 using 2014 
figures as baseline

A year-on-year reduction in the number of new 
cases of occupational disease

Continue to enhance our reporting on our 
progress in fulfilling our climate change 
commitments 
Report on progress in developing carbon targets 
across coal & ferroalloys

Assets identified with “high-risk water issues” 
to implement five-year water targets 2017–2021 
Maintain internal and external audits associated 
with our high risk tailings dams

Distribute the Community Leadership 
Programme toolkit to all assets, for 
customisation to local circumstances

Implement our Social Value Creation strategy 
Group-wide

No serious human rights incidents (Category 3 
or above)

Continue to support and foster development of 
talented people regardless of age, gender or race 
through local employment, internships, 
scholarships or training

1  For some indicators, data from previous years has been restated to reflect improvements in our data collection, analysis and validation systems. 
2  TRIFR baseline set in 2014, definitions aligned post-merger. 
3  Scope 2 indicators have been restated to reflect updated IEA grid emission factors and a shift to the location-based approach of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

23

Strategic report 

Sustainable development

Materiality

Risk management

Glencore’s HSEC Management Framework Policy requires 
regular materiality assessments to determine the Group’s 
strategic priorities. Our 2016 materiality assessment process 
considered Group, department and asset priorities, along 
with external stakeholder concerns and was approved by 
the Board HSEC Committee. The assessment included 
information drawn from three areas:

• Our understanding of the issues that affect our business 

and the natural resources sector

• What is required of us by law and how this affects 

our activities

• Feedback: topics raised during engagement with our 

people and external stakeholders

In line with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidance 
on materiality, we undertook a Group-wide review of 
material topics at global and local levels. This identified 
topics raised during structured engagement activities, by a 
broad range of internal and external stakeholders. 
It considered the topics that affect our peers and the entire 
sector, assessing media coverage and feedback from local 
communities. It included input from each department’s 
HSEC and Corporate Affairs teams on relevant issues and 
reporting indicators, including interviews and analysis.

We report on topics with global interest or impact, or that 
affect more than one region. A topic is considered material if 
senior management determines that it may significantly 
affect our business operations or have a significant impact 
on any of our stakeholders.

We organised all the material issues raised into a material 
matters register, with input from each department’s 
sustainability lead. The final output of the assessment was a 
material matters matrix and corresponding 
reporting indicators.

The ten issues we have identified to focus on in 2017 were:

• Health and safety

• Catastrophic hazard management

• Process safety management

• Climate change and emissions

• Water and effluents 

• Waste and spills

• Local community engagement and social 

commitment compliance 

• Human rights and grievance mechanisms

• Product stewardship

• Emerging regulations

The Board HSEC Committee has reviewed and approved 
the results of this materiality assessment.

The identification, assessment and mitigation of risks 
determines our approach to sustainability management. 
Risk management is fully integrated into our business 
planning and decision-making processes at every level of 
the Group, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities and 
key competencies. 

All of our assets apply our risk management framework and 
its supporting guidelines. The framework is aligned with 
international standards and provides a standardised 
approach to managing our health, safety, environment, 
community, human rights and reputational risks, as well as 
those linked to the management of financial and 
legal issues.

Our assets use the framework to identify hazards, 
particularly those with potentially major or catastrophic 
consequences, and to develop plans to address and 
eliminate, or mitigate, the related risks. Management tools 
such as protocols, training packages, software and reporting 
processes are available.

We require different levels of risk management for different 
activities. From routine pre-task risk assessments using 
simple tools to formal risk assessments where there are 
changes to a business, to operations or to processes; the 
introduction of new equipment; or new projects.

We maintain a register of risks and management plans and 
continually monitor and review performance against these 
plans, communicating risks and responsibilities to the 
relevant stakeholders. We also undertake regular internal 
reviews of our risk management effectiveness as part of our 
continuous improvement process.

HSEC assurance

Our internal HSEC assurance programme has a primary 
focus on the systematic management of catastrophic 
hazards that have been identified by each of our commodity 
departments, and their relevant controls and critical 
controls. We put a high priority on accountability. 
Our assessment criteria and methodologies are transparent; 
the emphasis is on finding constructive solutions for 
continual improvement.

In 2016 we finalised our HSEC auditing system, which is a 
key part of our internal assurance programme. The systems 
now in place ensure that all auditing of the way we address 
catastrophic hazards is undertaken by experienced subject 
matter experts and its findings are actively followed-up and 
verified. The programme is contributing to improving 
standards and performance Group-wide. All findings and 
follow-up actions are presented to the Board 
HSEC Committee.

24

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Safety 

Fatalities per region (2014–2016)
Number

2016

2015

2014

The safety of our people

The health and safety of our people is our top priority. 
We are committed to achieving strong health and safety 
performances at all of our assets through resolving local 
challenges and transforming behaviour at all levels of our  
organisation.

Strategy and approach

We take a proactive, preventative approach towards health 
and safety and our aim is to establish a positive safety 
culture in which all of our employees and contractors are 
empowered to have the authority to stop work if they 
consider a workplace or situation unsafe. We believe that all 
occupational fatalities, diseases and injuries are preventable. 
We are working towards achieving this ambition through 
SafeWork, a Group-wide initiative. A key element of 
SafeWork is its focus on eliminating fatalities and serious 
injuries through encouraging life-saving behaviours and 
developing a better understanding of the consequences of 
unsafe actions.

An important tool in improving safety at our operations has 
been the recording of high potential risk incidents (HPRIs). 
Reporting on HPRIs trends and making corrective actions 
directly is helping to prevent the systemic cause of fatalities. 

Performance

It is with deep regret that we have not met our goal of zero 
fatalities. 16 people lost their lives at our operations, 
compared to 10 during 2015. All loss of life is unacceptable 
and we are determined to eliminate fatalities across 
our Group. 

Fatalities at managed operations
Number

16

2016

2015

2014 

Fatalities

Incidents

16
8
10
7
16
15

Africa

Australia

North 
America 

South 
America 

Rest 
of world 

13
7
8

1
0
1

0
1
0

0
2
1

2
0
6

All our assets are implementing our SafeWork programme. 
Each asset has completed a gap analysis against our fatal 
hazard protocols requirements. This included identifying 
and implementing controls, and producing detailed action 
plans to close out any identified gaps. SafeWork also 
requires training in hazard awareness, risk assessment, 
life-saving behaviours and safety leadership. 

In 2014, we identified a small number of our operations as 
‘focus assets’. These assets are located in challenging 
geographies and have legacy issues that have historically 
resulted in them having a lower safety performance than 
the rest of the business.

During 2016, 13 fatalities from five incidents took place at 
our focus assets. We are determined to bring about 
permanent structural change in our safety and risk 
management, through the implementation of our SafeWork 
and Catastrophic Hazard Management programmes. 
We recognise that more work needs to be done to strengthen 
each asset’s capabilities around sustaining the prevention 
of fatalities.

Reducing injury frequency rates

Our long-term goal of reducing employee and contractor 
injuries targets the delivery of year-on-year reductions in 
our lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR). Our LTIFR are 
recorded when an employee or contractor is unable to work 
following an incident; days recorded begin on the first 
rostered shift that the worker is absent after the day of the 
injury. It reflects the total number of LTIs per million hours 
worked and does not include restricted work injuries 
or fatalities.

In 2016, our LTIFR was 1.40 per million hours worked 
(2015: 1.34). For the first year since 2010, we have not 
delivered a year-on-year improvement in LTIFR. 
The absolute number of lost time injuries continues 
to reduce. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

25

Strategic report 

Sustainable development

Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)
per million hours worked

Health 

1.40

2016
2015
2014 

1.40
1.34
1.60

The total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) is the 
sum of fatalities, lost time injuries, restricted work injuries 
and medical treatment injuries per million hours worked. 
The metric represents all injuries that require medical 
treatment beyond first aid.

During 2015, we set a long-term goal of achieving a 50% 
reduction in TRIFR by the end of 2020, using our 2014 TRIFR 
of 5.02 as the baseline (restated as a result of enhanced 
definitions and improved data accuracy and recording of 
reporting indicators). Following the merger with Xstrata in 
2013, 2014 was the first year all our assets had harmonised 
their TRIFR reporting definitions. Our 2016 TRIFR of 4.05 is 
a 19% improvement against the 2014 baseline. Our current 
TRIFR is on track to meet the progressive improvement 
required to meet our long-term goal. 

Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR)
per million hours worked

4.05

2016
2015
2014 

4.05
4.35
5.02

405 High Potential Risk Incidents (HPRIs) were reported in 
2016, compared to 338 for all of 2015. The reporting of HPRIs 
represents a positive part of our strategy to reduce fatalities 
and, as such, we do not target a reduction in this metric. 
We are encouraging our workforce to recognise the need to 
record and report HPRIs through the promotion of a 
risk-based safety culture.

Promotion of health and wellbeing in our workforce

We believe that all occupational diseases can be prevented. 
We are working to address risks to the health of our 
workforce, both from exposure to hazards in the workplace, 
and from broader lifestyle challenges. The most common 
health hazards in our workplaces continue to be the manual 
handling of heavy loads, noise, silica, lead, diesel exhaust 
particles, acid mist and particulate matter (dust) containing 
heavy metals.

Outside of our operations, the regions in which we operate 
have a diverse range of health problems, including HIV/
AIDS and malaria in Africa, malnutrition in South America, 
and diabetes and obesity in Canada and Australia. 

The challenges relating to eliminating occupational diseases 
vary with each site’s operational processes and procedures. 
We have developed three key objectives to meet our 
strategic intent in occupational disease management:

• Healthy workplaces where exposures to hazards are 

controlled at the source 

• Fit for work ensures the capabilities of employees is 

appropriate for the tasks being undertaken

• Fit for life delivers wellbeing initiatives that reflect the 

health needs of individuals in the workplace and those of 
the local community 

Underpinning the three core pillars and reflecting our 
identified material issues, emerging issues including 
regulations in relation to health and wellbeing are being 
monitored and assessed.

The framework and key objectives for our Health Strategy 
have been finalised. We have consolidated our leading 
practices, developed tools to support the implementation of 
the Health Strategy and established indicators to measure 
performance. These resources are being shared 
throughout Glencore.

Performance

In 2016, 93% of our sites reported no new cases of 
occupational disease, compared to 94% of sites in 2015. 
89 new cases of occupational disease have been recorded 
in 2016 (2015: 127). 

26

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

During 2017, we will further evaluate our assets using our 
new approach on high water-related risk sites. We will 
assess current water management practices at “high risk” 
assets to identify potential areas for improvement. 

We will run a pilot study using ICMM’s catchment-based 
water management approach. This approach provides a 
comprehensive and systematic approach for identifying, 
evaluating and responding to catchment-based water-
related risks throughout the assets lifecycle as well as their 
impact on other users.

Water withdrawn*
million m3

970

2016
2015
2014 

970
954
996

*2016 data is not directly comparable to prior periods due to disclosed changes in data  
  reporting methodology.

We report to the CDP Water Disclosure programme.

Treatment of waste

Most of our waste is mineral; this includes tailings, slag and 
rock. Our operations have rigorous waste management 
systems to dispose of waste while preventing environmental 
contamination. We reuse as much waste as possible, for 
example we use waste rock to backfill our mines and fill 
roads with non-hazardous tailings.

Our metal and coal assets generate tailings, which are 
stored in purpose-built tailing storage facilities. The tailings 
are placed in specially designed ponds filled with tailings 
and water; over time, the water evaporates while the tailings 
settle, eventually filling the dam. At this point, the dam is 
capped, sealed and rehabilitated. 

Tailings facilities are heavily regulated and undergo regular 
inspections. Our facilities are monitored continuously to 
ensure integrity and structural stability. In addition to 
ongoing local assurance, our corporate HSEC assurance 
team audits our tailings facilities against a defined protocol 
that is aligned with international best practice. 

Environment

Environment

Our operations have direct and indirect impact on the 
environment in regions where we operate. We work to 
minimise and mitigate any negative impact from our 
activities and are always looking for ways to improve our 
performance. We are committed to reducing our 
environmental impact, including the efficient use of 
resources, such as energy and water, wherever possible.

Our water footprint 

Water is an essential component of our business activities. 
More than half of our operations are located in water-scarce 
areas. We are committed to managing our impact on water 
resources responsibly. We are implementing new 
technologies to help minimise or eliminate water discharge.

We prioritise efficient water use, water reuse/recycling, 
responsible waste water disposal and maintaining any 
equipment that may pose a hazard to water quality. 
We engage with local water users to avoid material adverse 
impacts on the quality and quantity of local water sources 
or compromising their access to water.

We follow a risk-based approach for the implementation of 
water management plans. Each asset is required to develop 
a water management plan that reflects its lifecycle, the 
identification of the steps needed to eliminate or mitigate 
water impacts and risks, and the identification of 
opportunities to improve operational water performance, 
including the setting of water-related targets where needed. 
Asset-based targets include water efficiency targets, 
reducing the withdrawal of fresh water, and increasing the 
quality of discharged water. 

During 2016, we reviewed and revised our approach to 
measuring our water-related performance, aligning our 
reporting indicators with the commonly-accepted Water 
Accounting Framework (WAF) of the Minerals Council of 
Australia. This will enable us to create comprehensive water 
balances for all our assets, which supports improved 
measuring and reporting on water.

Our revised reporting process has resulted in a number of 
amendments to the indicators and their definitions. As a 
result, our 2016 water data cannot be fully aligned with 
reporting from previous years. However, our improved 
water performance reporting will greatly improve data 
accuracy going forward.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

27

Strategic report 

Sustainable development

During 2016, our hazardous and non-hazardous mineral 
waste totalled 2,025 million tonnes 
(2015: 2,111 million tonnes). 

Hazardous and non-hazardous mineral waste
million tonnes

Community and human 
rights

2,025

2016
2015
2014 

Air emissions 

2,025
2,111
2,244

Wherever we operate, we comply with relevant regulatory 
limits and international standards for air emissions. 
Our open cut operations emit dust from excavation and 
movement of material. We monitor dust levels at affected 
communities and minimise dust in a number of ways. 

 emissions totalled 402,000 tonnes 

In 2016, our SO2
(2015: 366,000) as a result of increased production volumes at 
one site and changes in the feed composition at another site.

Managing the closure of operations

Throughout the life of each operation, it must have a closure 
plan that is continuously maintained, including appropriate 
financial provisions. As some of our operations enter 
suspensions or closure, we are aware of the importance of 
managing our environmental impacts throughout this 
process. We also work closely with the host communities to 
manage the transition and identify opportunities for 
delivering positive, lasting change. 

Respecting fundamental human rights

Our operations have many contacts with the communities in 
which we work. It is vital that we uphold the human rights 
of our people and our local communities, including 
vulnerable people such as women, indigenous people and 
victims of conflict. This is particularly relevant in regions 
where our assets require additional security.

Our approach to respecting fundamental human rights is 
aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and 
Human Rights Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework, as 
well as the ILO Core Conventions. Each of our operations is 
required to identify human rights risks as part of their risk 
assessment processes that are undertaken at key phases of 
their lifecycle. 

All our operations are required to have in place grievance 
mechanisms that are accessible, accountable and fair, and 
that enable our stakeholders to raise concerns without fear 
of recrimination.

Performance

Following our successful application to join the Voluntary 
Principles Initiative in 2015, we are working with the 
member governments, companies and NGOs to further 
develop our approach towards human rights.

In 2016, we reviewed our approach to the management of 
grievances throughout our operations, and developed 
further guidance to ensure alignment with the UN Guiding 
Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Working in partnership with local communities

The communities surrounding our operations are our 
neighbours, employees, business partners and future 
workforce. Through our commitment to two-way dialogue 
with our local communities we aim to secure a broad base 
of support for our activities.

We aim to foster sustainable growth where we operate. 
We contribute to society throughout our value chain, via 
employment, procurement, enterprise development, 
infrastructure and social investment programmes. 

28

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Local employment

Our most significant impact on the regions where we are 
present is through employment, both directly and via 
contractors. Local employment is particularly significant in 
developing countries, where our local employees can 
support as many as nine people each. Improving the 
prosperity of our workforce also funds a general uplift in 
local economies, resulting in further job creation.

Local procurement

We use local suppliers wherever possible, as this is cost-
effective and helps communities to reduce their reliance on 
our operations for employment. It is also an important 
building block for the development of local economies; in 
some countries, national development objectives determine 
procurement requirements for each region. 

Local infrastructure

Our operations are often in remote and underdeveloped 
areas, where we can share infrastructure such as roads, 
water and electricity with our host communities. 
This infrastructure will last long after our activities end, not 
only boosting current economic growth but contributing to 
a sustainable future.

Performance

We are committed to maintaining open and constructive 
relationships with our host communities, and contributing 
to their long-term resilience. We seek to maintain 
engagement strategies that are aligned with the business 
objectives, and are based on a thorough understanding of 
community needs and concerns. Where relevant, we 
develop targeted engagement strategies to work with 
vulnerable groups. 

During the year, we continued to target contributions to 
initiatives that benefit our host communities. In 2016, this 
contribution totalled $84 million.

Our community development projects are in three focus 
areas: capacity building, including education, enterprise 
development and economic diversification; health and 
environment. Wherever possible, we seek to work closely 
with host governments, and to strengthen governmental 
capacity through training and other support.

Our people

Developing and supporting our workforce

Our people are fundamental to our success, underpinning 
our ability to succeed and grow. We aim to provide clear, 
attractive career paths and safe, healthy workplaces that are 
free from discrimination and harassment.

Our success relies strongly on our ability to attract, develop 
and retain the best talent at every level. We choose the best 
people for each position and reward our people 
competitively, in line with market conditions and their 
contribution to our overall business success. We provide our 
people with the opportunity to develop and grow their 
skills, expertise and experience and the confidence to 
enhance their careers.

Diversity

We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for a 
successful business and seek to ensure that our workforce 
reflects the diversity of the communities in which we 
operate. We value diversity and treat employees and 
contractors fairly, providing equal opportunities throughout 
the organisation. In 2016, our workforce was made up of 
15,857 (17%) female employees, compared to 16,382 (16%) 
during 2015. 

Protecting labour rights

We are committed to upholding the International Labour 
Organization’s (ILO) Declaration of Fundamental Principles 
and Rights at Work and their Core Labour Standards. 
We prohibit any form of child, forced or bonded labour at 
any of our operations and do not tolerate discrimination or 
harassment. We endeavour to have a positive and 
constructive relationship with the unions in the locations 
where we operate.

Industrial relations

Around 70% of our employees are represented by an 
independent trade union or covered by a collective 
bargaining agreement. We uphold our employees’ right to 
freedom of association, right to unionise and collective 
representation, regardless of their location or function. 
We are committed to working honestly and transparently 
with labour unions and undertake negotiations in 
good faith.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

29

Strategic report 

Delivering on our commitments  
on climate change

We recognise the science of global climate change as laid out by the 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). We believe this, 
along with COP21 and public sentiment, will continue to drive a greater 
number of decisions, policy developments and programmes to restrict 
greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

For a number of years, we have engaged with stakeholders 
specifically interested in climate change, on its potential 
impact on our business and the contributions that Glencore 
can make towards a lower carbon economy. At our 2016 
Annual General Meeting, a special resolution proposed by 
the Aiming for A coalition of shareholders, was passed. 
We welcome the opportunity to provide an update on the 
reporting requirements associated with this resolution. 

Portfolio resilience IEA scenarios

We continually test the resilience of our asset portfolio 
against carbon scenarios, as well as the financial exposures 
each scenario could potentially place on our business. 
Our carbon assumptions are based on the current 
International Energy Agency World Energy Outlook 
scenarios and supplemented by local carbon prices and 
regulatory developments. 

During 2016, we established a cross-functional working 
group to support the delivery of our climate change 
commitments, as well as supporting our ongoing 
identification, mitigation and management of related risks 
and exploiting of business opportunities. The working 
group is led by our Chairman and includes heads of 
departments and senior representatives of key functions. 
It is currently developing a comprehensive risk assessment 
process and proactively seeking opportunities to reduce our 
GHG emissions footprint. Progress on the steps the working 
group is taking is regularly reported to the Board.

Emissions management 

We take energy and carbon costs, regulations and emission 
volumes into consideration as part of our business planning 
and investment decision processes. Our business proactively 
works to understand and manage our footprint, and 
continues to invest in solutions to use energy more 
efficiently and reduce emissions from the production and 
end use of our products. Our assets incorporate energy 
savings and emission reduction opportunities into their 
ongoing business planning processes as part of our overall 
efforts to reduce Glencore’s GHG footprint.

We are determining how a meaningful internal carbon 
target might be applied across our business. This target will 
take into account the diversity of our production processes 
and geographical locations. We are using internal 
operational-level energy and emission forecasts, produced 
by all of our assets, to establish a 2020 GHG profile that will 
underpin strategic programmes to support an improved 
management of our GHG footprint and to identify emission 
reduction opportunities Group-wide.

Across Glencore we use renewable energy sources whenever 
feasible. Around 19% of the energy used by our assets 
comes from renewable sources. This includes electricity 
generated by Glencore facilities and renewable energy 
procured from local or regional grid suppliers.

30

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Low carbon R&D and investment strategies

We are working to mitigate the physical impacts of climate 
change where we can and take resource efficiency into 
account when making operational decisions. Wherever we 
operate, we seek to optimise our energy and carbon footprint. 
Throughout our business we are sharing knowledge on how 
to identify and implement projects to reduce emissions. 

Our broad range of products will be required as the global 
economy continues to grow, as countries develop and for the 
transition to a lower emissions economy. Copper, 
aluminium and steel are required for renewables-based 
power stations as well as energy-efficient infrastructure and 
the electrification of the transport sector. Nickel and cobalt 
are required for energy storage and likely to play an 
important role in the growth of electro-mobility. 

Fossil fuels remain a key input for industrial sectors and a 
critical source of safe, reliable and secure energy, when coupled 
with carbon capture and storage technologies, fossil fuels can 
continue to play a significant role in the global energy mix.

KPIs and executive incentives

Key performance indicators relating to climate change are 
being developed for operational management, who are best 
placed to implement changes to our energy-use and 
emissions profiles. 

Public policy positions

We believe that the corporate sector has an important role to 
play in the process of developing climate change policy, and 
can make a valuable contribution towards the development 
of effective, efficient and equitable climate change policy. 
We actively engage in public policy discussions with a range 
of stakeholders on issues related to energy, carbon and 
climate change. We also have a range of technical experts 
who are able to assist policymakers in the development of 
complex regulations through governmental technical 
working groups.

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Commodities of today and tomorrow: coal

Under every policy scenario, demand for coal will be sustained 
by the building of low-cost, coal-fired electricity generation in 
developing economies, underpinning the consumption of 120 to 
140 billion tonnes of coal between 2013 and 2030. 

Low emission technologies can ensure that fossil fuels can play a 
significant role in reducing global emissions while continuing to 
play a vital role in delivering secure and reliable energy for 
industry and households. 

Investment in high efficiency low-emission (HELE) technologies, 
including carbon capture and storage (CCS) will be critical for 
reducing the cost of achieving the 2°C climate change goal given 
its broad applicability to electricity generation, synthetic fuel 
production, industrial processes, and bioenergy. 

Our coal business has established a wholly owned, ‘non-profit’ 
subsidiary called Carbon Transport and Storage Company (CTSCo) 
which is leading a CCS Project in Australia. The Project has been 
established to demonstrate the technical viability, integration and 
safe operation of CCS in the Surat Basin in Australia.

Some of our customers use our coal to feed highly efficient power 
plants (ultra-super critical units) that can produce emissions that 
are up to 40% lower than average coal plants.

Future global energy demand growth will require all  
fuel sources
Our coal business has attracted particular interest in the context 
of climate change. We are progressively integrating climate 
change challenges and opportunities into business planning 
and risk management frameworks. We expect our coal business 
to remain viable and do not believe our coal assets will 
become stranded. 

Under the key energy outlooks, global energy demand will 
require coal, oil and gas to contribute around 70% of required 
energy in 2030, even with a $100 price on carbon. 
The International Energy Agency’s modelling of the 
commitments made as part the 2015 Paris agreements shows that 
absolute demand for coal will continue to grow. 

Global primary energy demand requires all fuel sources under the IEA’s New Policy scenario:

2030

2013

25%

28.6%

23%

6%

3%

10.6%

4%

Coal

Oil

29%

Gas

Nuclear

Hydro

Bio-Energy

Renewables

1%

31%

21%

5%

3%

10%

Future global primary energy demand under various scenarios: 

2030 450 Scenario 20.7Btce

2030 New Policy 23.1Btce

2013 actual 19.3Btce

18.3%

26.8%

23.1%

8.5%

3.4%

13.3%

6.5%

25%

29%

28.6%

22.8%

6.2%

2.9%

10.6%

4%

31%

21%

5%

10%

Coal

Oil

Gas

Nuclear

Hydro

Bio-Energy

Renewables

2%

1.2%

Source: IEA WEO 2016
Btce: billion tonnes of coal equivalent; standardised coal quantity using coal with energy content of 7000kcal/kg or 29.31 GJ/t converted to metric tonnes based on global average 
coal energy of 4850kcal/kg NAR.

In addition to reporting on our progress in our Annual 
Report, we have produced the publication Climate change 
considerations for our business, which provides a detailed 
overview of the activities we are undertaking to better 
understand the impact of climate change on our business. 
This publication will be updated during 2017 to report on 
the progress we have made.

Measuring our performance

We have a standardised approach to capturing data and 
reporting on emissions and we openly and transparently 
disclose our carbon and energy footprint. Our emissions 
profile varies across our different business units, reflecting 
the diversity of our business. We are working on 
determining how an internal carbon target might be 
effectively applied across our business.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

31

Strategic report 

Delivering on our commitments  
on climate change

Commodities of today and tomorrow: nickel and cobalt

Car makers are investing in technology that is required to 
electrify vehicles in order to achieve regulatory emissions targets. 
A number of large car manufacturers have recently announced 
new electric car models, reflecting the anticipated demand from 
the general public, supported by government subsidies and 
investment in charging infrastructure.

The transition to electric vehicles has been underpinned by 
developments in battery storage. Battery use has expanded from 
small-scale, suitable for consumer products, to larger, more 
powerful batteries that can be used as energy storage systems. 
Battery chemistry that relies on nickel and cobalt compounds is 
emerging as the technology of choice. 

Increasing public acceptance is fuelling the demand for both 
electric vehicles and the batteries used to power them. 
The International Energy Agency recognises that reaching 2020 
deployment targets for electric vehicles requires a sizeable 
growth of the electric car stock globally and meeting the 2030 
decarbonisation and sustainability goals across all scenarios 
requires a major deployment of electric cars in the 2020s.

Demand for nickel and cobalt driven by 
electric vehicles
The electric vehicle revolution is driving increasing battery 
demand and, in turn, additional demand for nickel and cobalt, 
two of Glencore’s core commodities. 

Glencore is a leading producer and marketer of nickel and cobalt, 
key commodities in climate change solutions. We produce some 
of the world’s purest nickel and cobalt and are one of the largest 
recyclers and processors of nickel and cobalt-bearing materials 
including batteries.

Deployment scenarios for the stock of electric cars to 2030
Electric cars in the vehicle stock (millions)

Historical

IEA 2°C Scenario

Paris Declaration

IEA 4°C Scenario

EVI 2020 target

Cumulative country targets

160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

2010 

2015

2020

2025

2030

Source: IEA analysis based on IEA (2016), UNFCCC (2015b), the EVI 2020 target and the country targets assessment.

In line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, we divide carbon 
emissions reporting into three different scopes. We measure 
both the direct and indirect emissions generated by the 
operational activities, entities and facilities in which we 
have a controlling stake. 

During 2016, we emitted 22.9 million tonnes CO2e of Scope 1 
(direct emissions), a slight decrease on 2015. This figure 
includes emissions from fuels consumed and the reductants 
used in our metallurgical smelters. It also includes CO2e of 
methane and CO2 emissions from our coal seam emissions, 
which are around 38% of our Scope 1 emissions. 

In 2016, we emitted 12.7 million tonnes CO2 of Scope 2 – 
location-based (indirect emissions), which applied the grid 
emission factor to all our purchased electricity, regardless of 
specific renewable electricity contracts. This was a year-on-
year decrease of 14%, primarily due to the closure of our US 
alumina operations. 

Our Scope 3 emissions, which include those from a broad 
range of sources, including usage of our products, are 
reported in our sustainability report.

32

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Total greenhouse gas emissions
Million tonnes CO2

Scope 1

Scope 2 – location-based

Total

2016

2015

2014

22.9
12.7
35.6

23.0
14.8
37.8

21.8
14.7
36.5

We do not currently provide normalised figures for our CO2 
emissions nor ratios of CO2 to production, financial results 
or employee head count, as we do not believe that reporting 
a normalised figure meaningfully contributes to an 
understanding of our performance. The scope and diversity 
of our products make a single production figure impossible 

to calculate and our financial results are impacted by 
commodity prices and foreign exchange rates, which are 
outside of our control. In addition, due to the nature of 
the exploration, development and the production cycle, 
our CO2 emissions do not necessarily correlate to our 
employee head count. 

We publicly report to the CDP Climate Change programme. 
The score that Glencore receives from CDP Carbon has 
improved year-on-year as a result of improvements in our 
reporting disclosure and clearer linking of climate change 
to our business strategy.

Further information on our approach to climate change is 
available in our sustainability report and Climate change 
considerations for our business, both are available on 
our website:

www.glencore.com/sustainability/our-progress/reports

Ferroalloys improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions

The South African government has ratified the COP21 Paris 
agreement, which requires sizeable reductions in its greenhouse 
gas (GHG) emissions, as well as committing to transition to a 
green economy. The government is proposing a tax on carbon as 
one of the instruments in helping South Africa meet its 
international commitments to reduce GHG emissions.

Our ferroalloys business is mainly located in South Africa, where 
the cost of its production of ferrochrome is heavily exposed to 
energy prices and security. A carbon tax will further increase the 
cost of production and potentially lead to the closure of some of 
South Africa’s marginal ferrochrome producers, resulting in 
major job losses.

To address this challenge, we have been improving energy 
efficiency through a range of initiatives, identifying alternative 
energy supplies and developing energy-efficient technologies, 
such as our proprietary Premus technology.

Over a number of years, our ferroalloys business has been 
planning and implementing new technology to address the 
challenges of rising energy costs and stricter 
emissions regulations:

•  In 2007, we commissioned the Bokamoso Pelletiser at the 

Wonderkop smelter at a cost of ZAR800 million, improving the 
energy efficiency (Scope 2 emissions) of these smelters by 12.6% 
in 2016 compared to 2006. 

•  In 2007 Phase 1 and in 2014 Phase 2 were commissioned at Lion 

smelter, costing a total of ZAR6.6 billion and resulting in 
Glencore’s largest proprietary Premus smelter, with 720,000tpa 
ferrochrome capacity. Premus is designed to reduce electrical 
energy consumption by using waste gas and heat. Its improved 
efficiency delivers substantial financial benefits over existing 
technologies. Lion’s specific energy consumption (Scope 2 
emissions) is 28% less than the South African average smelter’s 
energy consumption.

•  In 2012, the Tswelopele Pelletiser at the Rustenburg Smelter was 
completed at a cost of ZAR800 million, to replace the pellets 
that the smelter received from the Bokomaso facility. 
The utilisation of pellets improved the energy efficiency (Scope 
2 emissions) of these smelters by 10.4% in 2016 compared 
to 2006.

•  During 2017, we will be piloting co-generation technology at 

our Boshoek smelter. This technology generates electricity from 
the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide combustion heat, which 
is currently a waste emission. If successful in terms of 
operational and financial viability, the co-generation 
technology will initially reduce Boshoek’s Scope 2 emissions by 
8%. In addition, the capacity at the Boshoek smelter could be 
doubled and the technology could also be considered for the 
Lion and Lydenburg smelters.

In total, the initiatives implemented by our ferroalloys business 
have improved energy efficiency and Scope 2 emissions at our 
smelters by 26% in 2016 compared to 2003.

Going forward, our ferroalloys business’ cost of production and 
greenhouse gas emissions will be highly connected to the energy 
generation options that are implemented by the South African 
government’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010–30. The IRP 
provides scenarios for forecasting future energy demand and 
identifies the required increases in national energy generation. 
The IRP considers the impact on emissions from installing 
different energy generation options that include, amongst others, 
fossil fuel, solar, wind and nuclear. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

33

Strategic report 

Key performance indicators

Our financial and non-financial key performance indicators (KPIs) provide a measure of our performance against the key 
drivers of our strategy. 
Financial key performance indicators

Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA
US$ million
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0

2014

2015

2016

EBIT

EBITDA

Funds from operations (FFO)
US$ million
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0

2014

2015

2016

Net funding/Net debt and FFO 
to net debt
US$ million
52,000

39,000

26,000

13,000

0

%
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Definition
Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA, as defined in note 2 to the 
financial statements, provide insight into our overall 
business performance (a combination of cost 
management, seizing market opportunities and 
growth), and are the corresponding flow drivers 
towards achieving an industry-leading return on 
equity. Adjusted EBIT is the net result of revenue less 
cost of goods sold and selling and administrative 
expenses, plus share of income from associates and 
joint ventures, dividend income and the attributable 
share of underlying Adjusted EBIT of certain 
associates and joint ventures, which are accounted for 
internally by means of proportionate consolidation, 
excluding significant items. Adjusted EBITDA 
consists of Adjusted EBIT plus depreciation and 
amortisation, including the related adjustment for 
Proportionate Consolidation.

Definition
Funds from operations (FFO) is a measure that 
reflects our ability to generate cash for investment, 
debt servicing and distributions to shareholders. 
It comprises cash provided by operating activities 
before working capital changes, less tax and net 
interest payments plus dividends received, related 
adjustments for Proportionate Consolidation and 
certain other one-off (Significant items) identified 
expenses, comprising unrealised coal related hedging 
costs and a legal settlement in 2016 and a legal 
settlement and net incremental metal leak costs 
incurred in 2015.

Definition
Net funding/debt demonstrates how our debt is 
being managed and is an important factor in 
ensuring we maintain an investment grade rating 
status and an attractive cost of capital. In addition, 
the relationship of FFO to net debt is an indication 
of our financial flexibility and strength. 
Net debt is defined as total current and non-current 
borrowings less cash and cash equivalents, marketable 
securities, readily marketable inventories and related 
adjustments for Proportionate Consolidation.

2016 performance
Adjusted EBITDA was $10.3 billion 
and Adjusted EBIT was $3.9 billion, 
increases of 18% and 81% respectively 
compared to 2015. These double digit 
increases resulted from our 
continuous focus on cost reduction 
and operational efficiency initiatives 
(supply chain, contractor 
management, employee productivity, 
etc.) with decisive action also taken to 
reduce supply and associated capex/
opex, notably within our copper, 
zinc, coal and oil portfolios. 

2016 performance
FFO of $7.8 billion was 17% up on 
2015, reflecting the improved 
Adjusted EBITDA noted above and a 
tax payments cycle reflective of last 
year’s lower earnings.

2016 performance
At 31 December 2016 net funding 
was down 21% at $32.6 billion 
and net debt was down 40% at 
$15.5 billion. This reflected proceeds 
of over $6 billion from asset disposals 
and streaming arrangements, healthy 
FFO and a reduction in capex of 
$2.5 billion year over year.

2014

2015

2016

Net debt

FFO to net debt

Net funding

Net income attributable 
to equity holders
US$ million
5,000

Definition
Net income attributable to equity shareholders 
is a measure of our ability to generate 
shareholder returns. 

2,500

0

-2,500

-5,000

2014

2015

2016

34

Glencore Annual Report 2016

2016 performance
Net income attributable to equity 
holders increased from a loss of 
$5 billion in 2015 to a profit of 
$1.4 billion in 2016, following the 
Adjusted EBIT increase described 
above, and lower impairment 
charges, net of gains on disposals.

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Non-financial key performance indicators
Safety

Total recordable injury frequency rate 
(TRIFR) 
per million hours worked

9

6

3

0

2014

2015

2016

Water withdrawn*
million m3
1,000

800

600

400

200

0

2014**

2015

2016

*  2016 data is not directly comparable to prior periods due to disclosed 

changes in data reporting methodology.

** Restated primarily due to improved estimation methods at three sites.

Greenhouse gas emissions
million tonnes CO2*

40

30

20

10

0

2014

2015

2016

Scope 1

Scope 2 – location-based

*  Scope 1 emissions are measured in CO2e

Community investment spend
$ million
200

150

100

50

0

2014

2015

2016

Definition
We believe that every work-related incident, illness 
and injury is preventable and we are committed to 
providing a safe workplace. 
The (TRIFR) is the sum of fatalities, lost time injuries, 
restricted work injuries and medical treatment 
injuries per million hours worked. The metric 
represents all injuries that require medical treatment 
beyond first aid.

2016 performance
It is with great sadness to report that 
during 2016, 16 people lost their lives 
at our operations (2015: 10 fatalities). 
Our 2016 TRIFR of 4.05 is a 7% 
improvement over the 2015 
TRIFR of 4.35. 
Our long-term goal for TRIFR is to 
achieve a 50% reduction by 2020, 
using our 2014 TRIFR of 5.02 as 
the baseline.

Definition
Water withdrawal is a measure of our operational 
resource efficiency.
Our operations have an ongoing responsibility to 
increase the reuse of processed and use of recycled 
waste water in order to reduce our impact on local 
water supplies. Recycled water is predominantly 
used in place of fresh water for processes such as 
dust suppression.

Definition
Our CO2 emissions reporting is separated into 
Scope 1 and Scope 2 – location-based emissions. 
Scope 1 includes emissions from combustion in 
owned or controlled boilers, furnaces and vehicles/
vessels, coal seam emissions and rice cultivation. 
Scope 2 – location-based emissions applies the grid 
emission factor to all our purchased electricity, 
regardless of specific renewable electricity contracts.
We monitor and report both the direct and 
indirect emissions generated by the operational 
activities, entities and facilities in which we 
have a controlling stake.

Definition
Community investments are our contributions to, and 
financial support of, the broader communities in the 
regions where we operate.
Funds are set aside to support initiatives that benefit 
communities and local sustainable development. 
We also make in-kind contributions, such as 
equipment and management. We support 
programmes for community development, 
enterprise and job creation, health, education and 
the environment. 

2016 performance
In 2016, we used 970 million m3 
of water, a slight increase on 2015 
(954 million m3), primarily due to a 
change of our reporting (alignment 
with Water Accounting Framework 
(WAF) of the Minerals Council 
of Australia).
During 2016, we rolled out our 
Group-wide strategic water 
management framework and 
developed a method for the 
identification of high-risk sites.

2016 performance
Our reporting on Scope 1 and Scope 2 
emissions is in line with the 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol. 
During 2016, our Scope 1 (direct) 
CO2e emissions slightly decreased to 
22.9 million tonnes and were mainly 
from fuel usage, reductants and coal 
seam emissions. 
Our Scope 2 – location-based CO2 
emissions totalled 12.7 million 
tonnes. This was a year-on-year 
decrease of 14%, primarily due to the 
closure of our US alumina operations. 

2016 performance
In 2016, the funds we made 
available for community investments 
were $84 million, a decrease on the 
amount invested in 2015 ($94 million).

Non-financial indicators includes information and data from our industrial activities, including only assets where we have operational control, and excluding investment,  
marketing and holding companies. The community investments spend also includes our marketing activities.
For some 2015 and 2014 indicators, data has been restated to reflect improvements in our data collection, analysis and validation systems.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

35

 
Strategic report 

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk management is one of the key responsibilities of the Board and its 
Audit and HSEC Committees. Our principal risks and uncertainties 
– whether under our control or not – are highly dynamic and our 
assessment and our responses to them are critical to our future business 
and prospects.

Our risk management framework identifies and manages 
risk in a way that is supportive of our strategic priorities 
of opportunistically deploying capital, while protecting 
our future financial security and flexibility. Our approach 
towards risk management is framed by the ongoing 
challenge of our understanding of the risks that we are 
exposed to, our risk appetite and how these risks change 
over time. 

The Board assesses and approves our overall risk appetite, 
monitors our risk exposure and sets the Group-wide limits, 
which are reviewed on an ongoing basis. This process is 
supported by the Audit and HSEC Committees, whose roles 
include evaluating and monitoring the risks inherent in 
their respective areas as described on pages 94 to 98. 
Our current assessment of our risks, according to exposure 
and impact, is detailed on the following pages. In compiling 
this assessment we have indicated the impact of these risks 
in comparison with a year ago in the table below.

The commentary on the risks in this section should be read 
in conjunction with a commentary under Understanding the 
information on risks which is set out on page 38.

To the extent that any of these risks are realised, they may 
affect, among other matters: our current and future business 
and prospects, financial position, liquidity, asset values, 

growth potential, sustainable development (negatively 
affecting health, safety, environmental, community effects 
or otherwise) and reputation.

The natural diversification of our portfolio of commodities, 
geographies, currencies, assets and liabilities is a source 
of mitigation for many of the risks we face. In addition, 
through our governance processes as noted previously and 
our proactive management approach we seek to mitigate, 
where possible, the impacts of certain risks should they 
materialise. In particular:

• our liquidity risk management policy requires us to 
maintain (via a $3 billion minimum prescribed level) 
sufficient cash and cash equivalents and other sources 
of committed funding available to meet anticipated 
and unanticipated funding needs;

• making use of credit enhancement products, such as 

letters of credit, insurance policies and bank guarantees 
and imposing limits on open accounts extended;

• our management of marketing risk, including daily 

analysis of Group value at risk (VaR); and

• adhering to the principles encapsulated in the 
Glencore Corporate Practice (GCP) programme.

2016 developments and overview of principal risks and uncertainties

•  Reductions in commodity prices
•  Fluctuations in supply of or demand for commodities 
•  Fluctuations in currency exchange rates 
•  Health, safety, environment, including 

potential catastrophes 

•  Geopolitical risk
•  Laws, enforcement, permits and licences to operate 

•  Liquidity risk

•  Counterparty credit and performance
•  Sourcing, freight, storage infrastructure and logistics
•  Development and operating risks and hazards
•  Cost control 
•  Emissions and climate change
•  Community relations

•  Skills availability and retention

Key

36

Risk impact 

  Low 

  Medium 

  High 

Risk exposure 

  Increase 

  Decrease 

  Static

Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

2016 developments

The following remain the leading risks (i.e. those posing the 
greatest potential threat) which the Group faces:

1.  Reductions in commodity prices: the falls in commodity 

prices experienced over the past few years appear to have 
subsided in 2016, whereby many of the prices appear to 
have, as a minimum, found a floor. Notwithstanding these 
less extreme price conditions, we remain mindful that 
underlying markets continue to be volatile and that we 
continue to focus on the partially controllable element 
of the margin equation – costs. Any significant downturn 
in the current commodity price environment, especially 
copper and coal, would have a severe drag on our 
financial performance. As a result, this continues to be the 
Group’s foremost risk.

2.  Fluctuations in supply of, or demand for commodities: 
the depression of commodity prices reflects the actual, 
perceived or prospective increases in supply of 
commodities and/or reductions in demand.

3.  Fluctuations in currency exchange rates: the general 

appreciation of the US dollar during 2016, particularly 
against the currencies of emerging and commodity 
producing countries, has contributed to commodity price 
fluctuations. Although the strength of the US dollar is 
generally beneficial to our operating costs, this gain can 
be outweighed by the disruption to the world economy 
and falls in commodity prices. 

4.  Liquidity risk: while the delevering and positive 

repositioning of the balance sheet has been completed in 
2016, we remain cognisant that access to credit is vital 
and that current market conditions are volatile. 

5.  Health, Safety, Environment, including potential 

catastrophes: the high-wall collapse at Katanga in early 
2016 and the tailings dam disasters in Canada and Brazil 
experienced by other mining companies in the past three 
years remain reminders of major catastrophes that 
represent significant unquantifiable risks for resources 
companies and as a result this remains a leading concern 
subject to challenge and monitoring. During 2016, the 
HSEC Committee continued to concentrate on the Group’s 
catastrophic hazards, following the launch of a new 
sustainability risks assurance process in 2016. 

In response to the above challenges, the Group continues to 
ensure it takes appropriate measures to deliver on its 
strategic objective of repositioning the balance sheet to 
strong BBB/Baa investment grade ratings to ensure it is 
capable of supporting growth and shareholder returns 
regardless of the commodity price environment. In addition, 
capital expenditure programmes remain at subdued levels, 
initiatives continue to ensure we operate at optimal working 
capital levels and marginal operations continue to be 
carefully monitored. 

Changes in risk exposure 

Risk as a result of geopolitical events was brought to the 
forefront during 2016. The UK voted to exit the EU, while 
the EU along with other jurisdictions, increased their rigour 
in pursuit of perceived aggressive tax structuring by 
multinational companies. These events, in combination 
with the imposed new derivative trading regulations being 
implemented in Switzerland and the EU and heightened 
global tax reporting obligations (via the BEPS initiative) led 
to an increase, compared to 2015, in the potential risk 
exposure related to – (1) geopolitical risks and (2) laws, 
enforcement, permits and licences to operate. 

The potential risk exposure related to liquidity risk was 
reduced compared to 2015, as a result of the progress 
achieved on the debt reduction initiatives and the successful 
bond issuances in the Euro and Swiss markets.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

37

Strategic report 

Principal risks and uncertainties

Understanding the information on risks

There are many risks and uncertainties which have the 
potential to significantly impact our business, including 
competitive, economic, political, legal, regulatory, social, 
business and financial risk. The order in which these risks 
and uncertainties appear does not necessarily reflect the 
likelihood of their occurrence or the relative magnitude 
of their potential material adverse effect on our business.

We have sought to provide examples of specific risks. 
However, in every case these do not attempt to be an 
exhaustive list. These principal risks and uncertainties 
should be considered in connection with any forward 
looking statements in this document as explained on 
page 223.

Identifying, quantifying and managing risk is complex 
and challenging. Although it is our policy and practice 
to identify and, where appropriate and practical, actively 
manage risk, our policies and procedures may not 
adequately identify, monitor and quantify all risks.

The comments below describe our attempts to manage, 
balance or offset risk. Risk is, however, by its very nature 
uncertain and inevitably events may lead to our policies 
and procedures not having a material mitigating effect 
on the negative impacts of the occurrence of a particular 
event. Since many risks are connected, our analysis should 
be read against all risks to which it may be relevant. 

In this section, we have sought to update our explanations, 
reflecting our current outlook.

Mostly this entails emphasising certain risks more 
strongly than other risks rather than the elimination of, 
or creation of, risks. To understand the changes in outlook 
and for more detail on certain risks, our previous annual 
reports are on our website at: www.glencore.com/
investors/reports-and-results/reports/

To provide for concise text:

• where we hold minority interests in certain businesses, 
although these entities are not generally subsidiaries, 
the interests are mostly taken as being referred to in 
analysing these risks, and “business” refers to these 
and any business of the Group;

• where we refer to natural hazards, events of nature 
or similar phraseology we are referring to matters 
such as earthquake, flood, severe weather and other 
natural phenomena;

• in each case our mitigation of risks will include the 
taking out of insurance where it is customary and 
economic to do so;

• “risk” includes uncertainty;

• “law” include regulation of any type;

• a reference to a note is a note to the 2016 financial 

statements; and

• refer to our 2016 sustainability report which will be 

published in May 2017.

38

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Risk

External

Reductions in commodity prices

Comments

The revenue and earnings of substantial parts of our industrial 
activities and, to a lesser extent, our marketing activities, are 
dependent upon prevailing commodity prices. Commodity 
prices are influenced by a number of external factors, including 
the supply of and demand for commodities, speculative 
activities by market participants, global political and economic 
conditions, related industry cycles and production costs in 
major producing countries. 
A significant downturn in the price of commodities generally 
results in a decline in our profitability and could potentially 
result in impairment and balance sheet constraints. It is 
especially harmful to profitability in the industrial activities, 
which are more directly exposed to price risk due to the higher 
level of fixed costs, while our marketing activities are ordinarily 
substantially hedged in respect of price risk and principally 
operate a service-like margin-based model.

Fluctuations in the supply of, or demand for, the 
commodities in which we operate

We are dependent on the expected volumes of supply or 
demand for commodities in which we are active, which can 
vary for many reasons, such as competitor supply policies, 
changes in resource availability, government policies and 
regulation, costs of production, global and regional economic 
conditions and events of nature.

The dependence of the Group (especially our industrial business) 
on commodity prices, make this the Group’s foremost risk. 
See the Chief Executive Officer’s review on page 4 and the 
financial review on pages 45 to 51.
While the price fundamentals of most of the Group’s main 
production commodities currently appear to be stronger than at 
the end of 2015, the global economic outlook remains uncertain 
and any negative issues, especially if they affect China, could 
quickly lead to reductions in demand and price.

This risk is currently prevalent, with demand growth 
uncertainty in various commodities we produce and market, 
notably within steel, coal and oil markets. 
On the supply side, China’s implementation of a reduced 
working year in its coal industry demonstrated the ability 
and willingness of nation states to intervene directly in 
markets. Also in nickel, Indonesia prohibited exports of nickel 
concentrates and the authorities in the Philippines have in 2016 
closed a quarter of the country’s mines. 
Market price responses to such changes are neither 
instantaneous nor perfectly calibrated nor can the sustained 
implementation of such policies be certain.
See the Chief Executive Officer’s review on page 4.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates

The vast majority of our transactions are denominated in 
US dollars, while operating costs are spread across many 
different countries, the currencies of which fluctuate against the 
US dollar. A depreciation in the value of the US dollar against 
one or more of these currencies will result in an increase in the 
cost base of the relevant operations in US dollar terms. 
The main currency exchange rate exposure is through our 
industrial assets, as a large proportion of the costs incurred by 
these operations is denominated in the currency of the country 
in which each asset is located. The largest of these exposures 
is to the currencies listed on page 183.

This risk is currently prevalent in our industry. However, 
these fluctuations tend to move in symmetry with those in 
commodity prices and supply and demand fundamentals as 
noted above, such that decreases in commodity prices are 
generally associated with increases in the US dollar relative 
to local producer currencies and vice versa. If this occurs then 
it is detrimental to us through higher equivalent US dollar 
operating costs at the relevant operations. This negative, 
however, would usually be offset by the increases in 
commodity prices which had caused this change.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

39

Strategic report 

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk

Geopolitical risk

Comments

We operate and own assets in a large number of geographic 
regions and countries, some of which are categorised as 
developing, complex or having unstable political or social 
climates. As a result, we are exposed to a wide range of 
political, economic, regulatory and tax environments. Policies  
or laws in these countries may change in a manner that may 
be adverse for us. Also, some countries with more stable 
political environments may nevertheless change policies 
and laws in a manner adverse to us. We have no control over 
changes to policies, laws and taxes.
The geopolitical risks associated with operating in a large 
number of regions and countries, if realised, could affect our 
ability to manage or retain interests in our industrial activities.

Increased scrutiny by governments and tax authorities 
in pursuit of perceived aggressive tax structuring by 
multinational companies has elevated the potential risk 
exposures related to geopolitical events. The Group continues 
actively to engage with governmental authorities in light of 
upcoming changes and developments in legislation and 
enforcement policies. 
The global tax reporting initiative on Base Erosion and 
Profit Sharing (“BEPS”) became effective in 2016.
Risks can also arise from the announcement and/or 
implementation of reductions in workforces and temporary 
or permanent production stoppages.
See map on pages 10 and 11 which sets out our global 
operational footprint.

Laws, enforcement, permits and licences to operate

We are exposed to and subject to extensive laws including those 
relating to bribery and corruption, taxation, anti-trust, financial 
markets regulation, management of natural resources, licences 
over resources owned by various governments, exploration, 
production and post-closure reclamation. The terms attaching 
to any permit or licence to operate may also be onerous. 
Furthermore, in certain countries title to land and rights and 
permits in respect of resources are not always clear or may 
be challenged.
The legal system and dispute resolution mechanisms in some 
countries may be uncertain so that we may be unable to enforce 
our understanding of our title, permits or other rights. 
Lawsuits may be brought, based upon damage resulting from 
past and current operations, and could lead to the imposition of 
substantial sanctions, the cessation of operations, compensation 
and remedial and/or preventative orders. Moreover, the costs 
associated with legal compliance, including regulatory permits, 
are substantial. Any changes to these laws or their more 
stringent enforcement or restrictive interpretation could cause 
additional material expenditure to be incurred (including in 
our marketing business) or impose suspensions of operations 
and delays in the development of industrial assets. Failure to 
obtain or renew a necessary permit could mean that we would 
be unable to proceed with the development or continued 
operation of an asset.
A dispute relating to an industrial asset could disrupt or delay 
relevant extraction, processing or other projects and/or impede 
our ability to develop new industrial properties. 

We are committed to complying with or exceeding the laws 
and external requirements applicable to our operations 
and products. Through this and monitoring of legislative 
requirements, engagement with government and regulators, 
and compliance with applicable permits and licences, we strive 
to ensure full compliance. We also seek to manage these risks 
through the Glencore Corporate Practice (GCP) programme. 
Its practical application across our business is detailed in our 
code of conduct (www.glencore.com/who-we-are/our-values/
policies/) and this framework is reflected in our sustainability 
reports. The Group’s anti-corruption policy may also be found 
at: www.glencore.com/who-we-are/our-values/policies/. 
Bribery and corruption risks remain highly relevant for 
businesses operating in emerging markets as shown by recent 
regulatory enforcement actions both inside and outside the 
resources sector. 
The Group continues to evaluate the impact of proposed 
regulations to govern commodity market participants 
(principally MiFID 2) in Europe.
In 2016 we published our first Payments to Governments report. 
This detailed total government contributions in 2016 of around 
$5 billion. This report built upon the disclosures which had 
been provided in our annual sustainability report since 2010, 
and our commitment as an active member of the Extractive 
Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

40

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Risk

Liquidity risk

Comments

Our failure to access funds (liquidity) would severely limit our 
ability to engage in desired activities. 
Liquidity risk is the risk that we are unable to meet our 
payment obligations when due, or are unable, on an ongoing 
basis, to borrow funds in the market on an unsecured or 
secured basis at an acceptable price to fund actual or proposed 
commitments. While we adjust our minimum internal liquidity 
threshold from time to time in response to changes in market 
conditions, this minimum internal liquidity target may be 
breached due to circumstances we are unable to control, such 
as general market disruptions, sharp movements in commodity 
prices or an operational problem that affects our suppliers, 
customers or ourselves.
A lack of liquidity may mean that we will not have funds 
available to maintain or increase marketing and industrial 
activities, both of which employ substantial amounts of capital. 
If we do not have funds available to sustain or develop our 
marketing and industrial activities then these activities 
will decrease. 

Note 24 details our financial and capital risk 
management approach.
During 2016, we have achieved our objectives in materially 
delevering the Group’s balance sheet see pages 45 to 51. We also 
issued during the year the following bonds with applicable 
coupon and redemption dates: CHF250 million 2.25% 2021 and 
EUR1.0 billion 1.875% 2023. We have undertaken a programme 
to replace short dated paper with longer term bonds. 
While significant progress on delevering and repositioning the 
balance sheet has occurred over 2016, we remain cognisant that 
access to credit is vital and that current market conditions 
are volatile.
As at 31 December 2016, the Group had available undrawn 
committed credit facilities and cash amounting to $16.7 billion 
(31 December 2015: $15.2 billion), comfortably ahead of our 
$3 billion minimum prescribed level. 
Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s latest assessments for the 
Company’s investment grade credit are BBB- (positive outlook) 
and Baa3 (stable) respectively.

Business activities

Counterparty credit and performance

Financial assets consisting principally of marketable securities, 
receivables and advances, derivative instruments and long-term 
advances and loans can expose us to concentrations of credit risk.
Furthermore, we are subject to non-performance risk by our 
suppliers, customers and hedging counterparties, in particular 
via our marketing activities.
Non-performance by suppliers, customers and hedging 
counterparties may occur and cause losses in a range of 
situations, such as:
•   a significant increase in commodity prices resulting in 
suppliers being unwilling to honour their contractual 
commitments to sell commodities at pre-agreed prices;
•  a significant reduction in commodity prices resulting 

in customers being unwilling or unable to honour their 
contractual commitments to purchase commodities at  
pre-agreed prices; and

•  suppliers subject to prepayment or hedging counterparties 
may find themselves unable to honour their contractual 
obligations due to financial distress or other reasons.

We monitor the credit quality of our counterparties and seek 
to reduce the risk of customer non-performance by requiring 
credit support from creditworthy financial institutions 
including making extensive use of credit enhancement 
products, such as letters of credit, insurance policies and 
bank guarantees. Specific credit risk policy rules apply to 
open account risk with an established threshold for referral 
of credit positions by departments to central management. 
In addition, note 24 details our financial and capital risk 
management approach.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

41

Strategic report 

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk

Comments

Sourcing, freight, storage, infrastructure and logistics

Our global network of infrastructure and logistics operations 
such as vessels, oil terminals and tank farms, metals and other 
warehouses and grain silos assists in mitigating risks related 
to disruptions to or limitations of sourcing, freight, storage, 
infrastructure and logistics.
See map on pages 10 and 11 that sets out our global 
operational footprint.

Development and operating risks and hazards are managed 
through our continuous development status evaluation 
and reporting processes and ongoing assessment, reporting 
and communication of the risks that affect our operations 
through the annual risk review processes and updates to the 
risk register. 
We publish quarterly our production results and annually 
our assessment of reserves and resources based on available 
drilling and other data sources. Conversion of resources to 
reserves and, eventually, reserves to production is an ongoing 
process that takes into account technical and operational 
challenges, economics of the particular commodities concerned 
and the impact on the communities in which we operate.
The geotechnical failure and high-wall collapse at Katanga 
resulted in the deaths of seven people. Other incidents during 
the year have led to a further nine deaths. While the mining 
workplace is inherently a dangerous one, we continue to believe 
that every death is preventable with appropriate planning, 
precautions taken, supervision and review.
Work on the whole ore leach process at Katanga is progressing 
well. Mopani’s Synclinorium shaft was commissioned and 
started to hoist ore at the end of 2016.
Availability of continuous high-voltage power continues 
to be of critical importance to our copper operations in the 
Democratic Republic of Congo. We are continuing to invest in 
long-term power solutions via the Inga dam refurbishment. 
Technological and cyber security risks are also relevant.
See also the next page for our assessment of and programmes 
to mitigate our health, safety and environmental risks and in 
particular catastrophic risks. 
Details of the significant impairments recorded during the year 
are contained in note 5. The valuations used for this analysis 
remain sensitive to price and deterioration in the price outlook 
may result in additional impairments.

Our marketing activities require access to significant amounts 
of third party supplies of commodities, freight, storage, 
infrastructure and logistics support and we are exposed to 
reduced accessibility and/or increased pressure in the costs 
of these. In addition, we often compete with other producers, 
purchasers or marketers of commodities or other products for 
limited storage and berthing facilities at ports and freight 
terminals, which can result in delays in loading or unloading 
of products and expose us to significant delivery interruptions. 
Increases in the costs of freight, storage, infrastructure and 
logistics support, or limitations or interruptions in the supply 
chain (including any disruptions, refusals or inabilities to 
supply), could adversely affect our business. 

Development and operating risks and hazards

Our industrial activities are subject to numerous risks and 
hazards normally associated with the initiation, development, 
operation and/or expansion of natural resource projects, many 
of which are beyond our control. These include unanticipated 
variations in grade and other geological problems (so that 
anticipated or stated reserves, resources or mineralised 
potential may not conform to expectations and in particular 
may not reflect the reserves and resources which the Group 
reports and as a result the anticipated volumes or grades may 
not be achieved). Other examples include seismic activity, 
natural hazards, processing problems, technical and IT 
malfunctions, unavailability of materials and equipment, 
unreliability and/or constraints of infrastructure, industrial 
accidents, labour force insufficiencies, disruptions and disputes, 
disasters, protests, force majeure factors, cost overruns, delays in 
permitting or other regulatory matters, vandalism and crime. 
Cyber crime can also have materially adverse consequences 
for our marketing and industrial businesses.
The development and operating of assets may lead to future 
upward revisions in estimated costs, completion delays, cost 
overruns, suspension of current projects or other operational 
difficulties. Risks and hazards could result in damage to, or 
destruction of, properties or production facilities, may cause 
production to be reduced or to cease at those properties or 
production facilities, may result in a decrease in the quality 
of the products, personal injury or death, third party damage 
or loss, and may result in actual production differing from 
estimates of production. 
In the resources business, the commodities we extract are 
finite and reserves replacement is an issue for the industry 
as a whole. Exploration and development necessarily require 
a level of investment ahead of identification, extraction and 
monetisation of such reserves.
Natural hazards, sabotage or other interference in operations, 
could increase costs or delay supplies. In some locations poor 
quality infrastructure is endemic. The realisation of these 
development and operating risks and hazards could require 
significant and additional capital and operating expenditures 
to fund abatement, restoration or compensation to third parties 
for any loss and/or payment of fines or damages.

42

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Risk

Cost control

Comments

As commodity prices are outside of our control, the 
competitiveness and sustainable long-term profitability of our 
industrial asset portfolio depends significantly on our ability 
to closely manage costs and maintain a broad spectrum of 
low-cost, efficient operations. Costs associated with the 
operation of our industrial assets can be broadly categorised 
into labour costs and other operating and infrastructure costs. 
Overall production and operating costs are heavily influenced 
by the extent of ongoing development required, ore grades, 
mine planning, processing technology, logistics, energy and 
supply costs and the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. 
Over time, resources even on the same mine site tend to become 
more difficult and costly to extract, as challenges such as 
working at depth, increasing haulage distances and working 
with inconsistent or chemically complex ores are faced. 
All of our industrial assets are, to varying degrees, affected by 
changes in costs for labour and fuel. Unit production costs are 
also significantly affected by production volumes and therefore 
production levels are frequently a key factor in determining the 
overall cost competitiveness of an industrial asset.

Sustainable development

Health, safety, environment, including 
potential catastrophes

Our operations are subject to health, safety and environmental 
laws along with compliance with our corporate sustainability 
framework. The processes and chemicals used in extraction 
and production methods, as well as transport and storage, 
may impose environmental hazards. A serious failure in these 
areas could lead to an emergency or catastrophe at a site. 
Environmental hazards may affect not only our properties but 
also third parties. The storage of tailings at our industrial assets 
and the storage and transport of oil are material examples of 
these risks.
Environmental (including those associated with particular 
environmental hazards) and health and safety laws may result 
in increased costs or, in the event of non-compliance or 
incidents causing injury or death or other damage at or to our 
facilities or surrounding areas may result in significant losses, 
including arising from (1) interruptions in production, litigation 
and imposition of penalties and sanctions and (2) having 
licences and permits withdrawn or suspended or being forced 
to undertake extensive remedial clean-up action or to pay for 
government-ordered remedial clean-up actions. In each case 
liability may arise where the hazards have been caused by any 
previous or subsequent owners or operators of the property, by 
any past or present owners of adjacent properties, or by 
third parties. 
Catastrophes can also arise due to cyber attacks, e.g. where 
there is malicious interference with operational software 
at industrial assets.

While prices have recovered somewhat, cost control and 
reduction is still a significant area of management focus. 
A number of operations have adopted structured programmes 
to deconstruct their costs, identify marginal savings and 
implement these. 
These local measures are complemented by global procurement 
that leverages our scale to achieve the best possible value for 
money on high-consumption materials such as fuel, explosives 
and tyres.
Maintaining costs and, where possible, lowering them is 
supported by our reporting on these measures, coupled with 
the inclusion of certain cost control evaluation measures in 
assessing management performance.

Our approach to sustainability and our expectations of our 
employees, our contractors and our business partners are 
outlined in our sustainability programme. This underpins our 
approach towards social, environmental, safety and compliance 
indicators, providing clear guidance on the standards we 
expect all our operations to achieve. Through the reporting 
function within the programme, our Board and senior 
management receive regular updates and have a detailed 
oversight on how our business is performing across all of the 
sustainability indicators. We monitor catastrophic risks, in 
particular, across our portfolio and operate emergency 
response programmes.
Compliance with international and local regulations and 
standards are our top priorities. Our operating procedures and 
those of our partners in relation to owned tankers conform to 
industry best practice working under the guidelines of the 
International Maritime Organisation (IMO), relevant Flag States 
and top tier classification societies.
We remain focused on the significant risks facing our industry 
arising from operational catastrophes such as the examples of 
tailings dam collapses in Canada and Brazil and the Turkish 
coal mine disaster experienced in the last three years. 
During 2016, the HSEC Committee continued to sponsor and 
monitor the Group’s sustainability risks assurance process. 
Its focus continues to be on the Group’s catastrophic hazards.
In addition, considerable ongoing investment continues in the 
Group’s SafeWork health and safety programme.
See also pages 20 to 33 and the HSEC Committee report on 
pages 97 and 98. Further details will also be published in our 
2016 sustainability report.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

43

Strategic report 

Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk

Comments

Emissions and climate change

Our global presence exposes us to a number of jurisdictions 
in which regulations or laws have been or are being considered 
to limit or reduce emissions. The likely effect of these changes 
will be to increase the cost for fossil fuels, impose levies 
for emissions in excess of certain permitted levels and 
increase administrative costs for monitoring and reporting. 
Third parties, including potential or actual investors, may also 
introduce policies adverse to the Company due to its activities 
in fossil fuels. 
Increasing regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 
including the progressive introduction of carbon emissions 
trading mechanisms and tighter emission reduction targets is 
likely to raise costs and reduce demand growth.

Through our sustainability programme (operated under our 
GCP framework), we strive to ensure emissions and climate 
change issues are identified, understood and effectively 
managed and monitored in order to meet international best 
practice standards and ensure regulatory compliance. We seek 
to ensure that there is a balanced debate with regard to the 
ongoing use of fossil fuels.
During the year, we published Climate change considerations for 
our business which set out information about how our business 
operates, our position on climate change and how we are 
managing the opportunities and challenges of climate change 
across our business. 
Our 2016 sustainability report will provide further details 
of the operation of our community engagement programme, 
including the international standards to which we 
voluntarily submit.
During the year, there have been further announcements by 
some investment groups regarding the introduction of, or 
tightening of, policies concerning reduced investment in 
companies which have fossil fuel businesses. 
It should be noted that in 2016 around 5% and 15% of our 
revenue and EBITDA respectively were derived from coal 
and oil industrial activities. 

Community relations

The continued success of our existing operations and our future 
projects are in part dependent upon broad support and a 
healthy relationship with the respective local communities. 
A perception that we are not respecting or advancing the 
interests of the communities in which we operate, could have a 
negative impact on our ‘‘social licence to operate’’, our ability to 
secure access to new resources and our financial performance. 
The consequences of negative community reaction could also 
have a material adverse impact on the cost, profitability, ability 
to finance or even the viability of an operation and the safety 
and security of our workforce and assets. Such events could 
lead to disputes with governments, with local communities or 
any other stakeholders, and give rise to reputational damage. 
Even in cases where no adverse action is actually taken, the 
uncertainty associated with such instability could negatively 
impact the perceived value of our assets.

We believe that the best way to manage these vital relationships 
is to adhere to the principles of open dialogue and cooperation. 
In doing so, we engage with local communities to demonstrate 
our operations’ contribution to socio-economic development 
and seek to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to 
prevent or mitigate possible adverse impacts on the 
communities, along with the regular reporting as outlined on 
our website at: www.glencore.com/sustainability/society/
community-engagement/.
Some of our mine sites are in remote locations where they are 
a – or the – key employer in the region. Inevitably, every mine 
will reach a point of depletion where it is no longer economic 
to operate and must be closed in an orderly fashion. We are 
working with all stakeholders at our mine sites to operate 
for as long as it is economically viable to do so, and to prepare 
long-term plans that provide for a gradual transition to the end 
of mine life.

Skills availability and retention

The maintenance of positive employee and union relations and 
the ability to attract and retain skilled workers, including senior 
management, are key to our success. This can be challenging, 
especially in locations experiencing political or civil unrest, or 
in which they may be exposed to other hazardous conditions. 
Many employees are represented by labour unions under 
various collective labour agreements. Their employing 
company may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate its 
collective labour agreements when they expire and may face 
tougher negotiations or higher wage demands than would be 
the case for non-unionised labour. In addition, existing labour 
agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage.

44

Glencore Annual Report 2016

We understand that one of the key factors in our success 
is a good and trustworthy relationship with our people. 
This priority is reflected in the principles of our sustainability 
programme and related guidance, which require regular, open, 
fair and respectful communication, zero tolerance for human 
rights violations, fair remuneration and, above all, a safe 
working environment, as outlined on our website at: 
www.glencore.com/careers/our-people/.

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Financial review

Highlights

US$ million

Key statement of income and cash flows highlights1:

Adjusted EBITDA2

Adjusted EBIT2

Net income attributable to equity holders pre-significant items4

Net income/(loss) attributable to equity holders as per financial statements

Earnings per share (pre-significant items) (Basic) (US$)

Earnings per share as per financial statements (Basic) (US$)

Funds from operations (FFO)5,6

Capital expenditure3

US$ million

Key financial position highlights:

Total assets7

Current capital employed (CCE)6,7 

Net funding5,6

Net debt5,6

Ratios: 

FFO to Net debt5,6

Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA6

Adjusted EBITDA to net interest6 

1  Refer to basis of preparation below.

2016

2015

Change %

10,268

3,930

1,992

1,379

0.14

0.10

7,770

3,497

8,694

2,172

1,342

(4,964)

0.10

(0.37)

6,615

5,957

18

81

48

n.m.

40

n.m.

17

(41)

31.12.2016

31.12.2015

Change %

124,600

128,485

10,075

32,619

15,526

12,443

41,245

25,889

50.0%

25.6%

1.51x

6.70x

2.98x

6.67x

(3)

(19)

(21)

(40)

95

(49)

–

2  Refer to note 2 of the financial statements for definition and reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA.

3  Refer to note 2 of the financial statements for reconciliation of capital expenditure.

4  Refer to significant items table on page 47.

5  Refer to page 49.

6  Refer to Glossary for definition.

7  2016 reflects completion of the disposal of 50% of the Agricultural Products division on 1 December 2016, refer to note 23 of the financial statements.

Basis of presentation 

The financial information in the Financial Review is on a segmental measurement basis (see note 2) and has been prepared 
on the basis as outlined in note 1 of the financial statements with the exception of the accounting treatment applied to 
certain associates and joint ventures for which Glencore’s attributable share of revenues and expenses are presented. 
Results are presented pre-significant items unless otherwise stated to provide an enhanced understanding and comparative 
basis of the underlying financial performance. Significant items (see reconciliation below) are items of income and expense 
which, due to their financial impact and nature or the expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, are separated 
for internal reporting and analysis of Glencore’s results.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

45

Strategic report 

Financial review

Financial results

Net income attributable to equity holders increased from a loss of $5 billion in 2015 to a profit of $1.4 billion in 2016. 
Adjusted EBITDA was $10,268 million and Adjusted EBIT was $3,930 million, increases of 18% and 81% respectively 
compared to 2015. These double digit increases resulted from our continuous focus on cost reduction and operational 
efficiency initiatives (supply chain, contractor management, employee productivity, etc.) with decisive action also taken to 
reduce supply and associated capex/opex, notably within our copper, zinc, coal and oil portfolios. To a lesser, but still 
meaningful extent, 2016 also benefited from currency depreciation relative to the US dollar e.g. Kazakhstan (53% lower) and 
South Africa (15% lower), while commodity prices themselves were a relatively minor contributor to the year-on-year 
progression with a mixed overall net result e.g. net average commodity prices were up for zinc and gold (9% and 8% 
respectively), offset by reductions in copper and nickel (12% and 19% respectively). In addition, during 2016, Energy 
industrial earnings bore an “opportunity cost” resulting from a corporate risk management decision in Q2 to lock-in/
economically hedge pricing in respect of a large share of Glencore’s remaining 2016 future steam coal production. 

Cyclical pricing lows were likely reached in a number of key markets in Q1 2016, with large average price increases seen in 
H2 relative to H1, notably thermal coal (GC Newcastle up 55%), coking coal (135%), zinc (33%) and nickel (22%).

Adjusted EBITDA/EBIT

Adjusted EBITDA by business segment is as follows:

US$ million

Metals and minerals

Energy products

Agricultural products

Corporate and other

Total

Adjusted EBIT by business segment is as follows:

US$ million

Metals and minerals

Energy products

Agricultural products

Corporate and other

Total

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

2016 
Adjusted 
EBITDA

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

2015 
Adjusted 
EBITDA

Change
%

1,586

959

454

(74)

6,030

1,503

138

(328)

7,616

2,462

592

(402)

1,280

826

584

(30)

4,030

2,269

150

(415)

2,925

7,343

10,268

2,660

6,034

5,310

3,095

734

(445)

8,694

43

(20)

(19)

n.m.

18

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

2016 
Adjusted 
EBIT

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

2015 
Adjusted 
EBIT

Change
%

1,562

2,182

3,744

1,255

909

418

(74)

(842)

104

(329)

2,815

1,115

67

522

(403)

3,930

778

461

(30)

2,464

148

(88)

63

(415)

(292)

1,403

690

524

(445)

2,172

167

(90)

–

n.m.

81

Marketing Adjusted EBITDA and EBIT increased by 10% and 14% to $2,925 million and $2,815 million respectively: 

• Metals and minerals Adjusted marketing EBIT was up 24% over 2015, reflecting healthy demand and generally supportive 

marketing conditions. In percentage terms, albeit from a relatively low 2015 base, nickel and ferroalloys delivered 
markedly improved contributions, on account of the significantly higher stainless steel production, notably in China. 

• Energy products Adjusted marketing EBIT was up 17% compared to 2015, with solid contributions from both oil and coal. 

Oil declined somewhat from the buoyant comparative prior period, while coal was able to capitalise on market driven supply 
and quality constraints and concerns, in the aftermath of Chinese policy amendments to curb domestic coal production. 

• The Agricultural products Adjusted marketing EBIT was down 9% ($43 million) compared to 2015, in large part due to a 

lower Viterra Canada contribution. 

46

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Industrial Adjusted EBITDA increased by 22% to $7,343 million (Adjusted EBIT was $1,115 million, compared to negative 
$292 million in 2015), owing primarily to significant operating cost reductions and productivity efficiencies, comfortably 
offsetting any near-term volume impact from curtailing output across a number of operations. The reduction in US dollar 
costs was also greatly assisted by weaker producer currencies notably, in Kazakhstan, South Africa and Argentina. 
The benefits of the H2 rally in seaborne steam coal prices did not fully convert into reported Coal industrial earnings, 
following the corporate risk decision taken in Q2 2016 to economically hedge a portion of H2 2016 and H1 2017 future coal 
production. Reported Coal Industrial Adjusted EBITDA in H1 and H2 2016 was $506 million and $876 million respectively, 
giving a FY 2016 Adjusted EBITDA of $1,382 million. During 2016, the locking-in/capping of the effective realised sales price 
in respect of 44 million tonnes, resulted in an “opportunity cost” of $980 million being incurred i.e. EBITDA would have 
been higher in H2 and FY had no such economic hedging been in place.

Earnings 

A summary of the differences between reported Adjusted EBIT and income attributable to equity holders, including 
significant items, is set out in the following table:

US$ million

Adjusted EBIT1

Net finance and income tax expense in certain associates and joint ventures1

Net finance and income tax expense of discontinued operations2

Net finance costs

Income tax (expense)/benefit7

Non-controlling interests

Income attributable to equity holders of the Parent from continuing and discontinued operations pre-significant items

Earnings per share (Basic) pre-significant items (US$)

Significant items

Share of Associates’ significant items3

Mark-to-market valuation on certain coal hedging contracts4

Unrealised intergroup (profit)/loss elimination and other4

Other expense – net5

Gain/(losses) on disposals and investments6

Income tax expense7

Non-controlling interests’ share of other income8

Total significant items

Income/(Loss) attributable to equity holders of the Parent from continuing and discontinued operations

Earnings/(Loss) per share (Basic) (US$)

1  Refer to note 2 of the financial statements.

2  Refer to note 23 of the financial statements.

3  Recognised within share of income from associates and joint ventures, see note 2 of the financial statements.

4  Recognised within cost of goods sold, see note 2 of the financial statements. 

5  Recognised within other expense – net, see notes 2 and 4 of the financial statements.

6  See notes 2 and 3 of the financial statements.

7  Refer to Glossary for the allocation of the total income tax (expense)/benefit between pre-significant and significant items.

8  Recognised within non-controlling interests.

2016

3,930

(264)

(201)

2015

2,172

(159)

(198)

(1,533)

(1,303)

(362)

422

1,992

0.14

(477)

(225)

(374)

469

361

1,342

0.10

(88)

–

445

(1,615)

(7,998)

2,333

(276)

21

(994)

(460)

2,789

(613)

(6,306)

1,379

0.10

(4,964)

(0.37)

Glencore Annual Report 2016

47

Strategic report 

Financial review

Significant items

Significant items are items of income and expense which, 
due to their financial impact and nature or the expected 
infrequency of the events giving rise to them, are separated 
for internal reporting and analysis of Glencore’s results to 
provide a better understanding and comparative basis of the 
underlying financial performance. 

In 2016, Glencore recognised a net $613 million of significant 
items, including $276 million of income tax adjustments 
mainly related to the gains on disposals. The net expense 
comprises primarily:

• Impairments of $622 million related to Chad oil, 

$311 million related to Equatorial Guinea oil operations, 
$345 million related to Cerrejón coal (recognised within 
share of income from associates) and various coal shipping 
investments ($61 million).

• A $225 million expense relating to an accounting 

measurement mismatch between the fair value of coal 
derivative positions in respect of portfolio risk 
management/hedging activities initiated in Q2 2016 and 
the anticipated future revenue to be generated from the sale 
of future unsold coal production. The derivative positions 
manage forward sales price exposure relating to some 
11 million tonnes of future attributable coal production, 
substantially all of which is expected to be settled before 
30 June 2017. These transactions were not able to be 
designated as hedging instruments under IFRS, which 
would have allowed for the deferment of any income 
statement effect until performance of the underlying future 
sale transactions. The fair value movements in the 
derivative portfolio will be offset against future revenue in 
the segment information as the related sales (of production) 
are realised, as was the case in 2016. 

• $75 million relating to restructuring and closure costs, 
mainly associated with finalisation of the disposal of 
Optimum Coal ($28 million) and $92 million to settle a 
compliance dispute related to a U.S. biofuels program.

• Gains on disposals of $430 million related to GRail and 

$1,848 million related to Glencore Agri.

See notes 3, 4, 5 and 23 to the consolidated financial 
statements for further explanations.

In 2015, Glencore recognised a net $6,306 million of 
significant items, including $460 million of largely foreign 
exchange related income tax expense adjustments. The net 
expense comprised primarily impairments of $1,424 million 
($3,989 million less $2,565 million attributable to non-
controlling interests) related to Koniambo nickel and 
$1,031 million related to Chad oil and a $1,034 million loss 
(including $311 million of foreign currency translation losses 
previously recognised in equity) on cessation of control of 

48

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Optimum Coal, placed into business rescue proceedings in 
August 2015, with subsequent sale agreed. See notes 3, 4 and 
5 to the consolidated financial statements for 
further explanations.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs were $1,533 million in 2016 compared to 
$1,303 million incurred during the comparable reporting 
period. Interest expense in 2016 was $1,688 million, a 14% 
increase from $1,482 million in 2015, owing mainly to 
interest that was required to be capitalised in the prior 
period, in respect of certain capital development projects 
offset by additional accretion expenses in 2016, representing 
the time value of the upfront prepaid gold/silver streams 
entered into in late 2015 and 2016. Interest income in 2016 
was $155 million, consistent with the prior year. 

Income taxes

An income tax expense of $638 million was recognised 
during 2016 compared to an income tax benefit of $9 million 
in 2015. Adjusting for a net $276 million (2015: $460 million) 
of income tax expense related to significant items – 
$19 million (2015: $307 million) due to currency translation 
effects and a net $257 million of income tax arising from the 
significant items (mainly the gains on disposals), the 2016 
pre-significant items income tax expense was $362 million 
(2015: a benefit of $469 million). The effective tax rate, 
pre-significant items, in 2016 was 32.4% compared to a 
calculated income tax benefit of 38.5% in 2015 as the mix of 
taxable profits between marketing and industrial, the latter 
generally in higher tax jurisdictions and subject to 
commodity price swings, began to normalise during 2016. 
In 2015, the income tax benefit relating to pre-significant 
items was estimated as Adjusted EBIT for marketing and 
industrial assets less an allocated interest expense 
multiplied by an estimated tax rate of 10% and 25% 
respectively. Refer to the Glossary for further information 
and a reconciliation of this calculation.

Assets, leverage and working capital 

Total assets were $124,600 million as at 31 December 2016 
compared to $128,485 million as at 31 December 2015, 
a period over which, current assets increased from 
$42,198 million to $43,412 million, due to increases in 
receivables and inventories as a result of commodity price 
rises, notably oil in late Q4. Non-current assets decreased 
from $86,287 million to $81,188 million, primarily due to the 
various disposals, notably Glencore Agri and GRail, as 
outlined in note 23 of the financial statements. 

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Cash flow and net funding/debt
Net funding

US$ million

Total borrowings as per financial statements

Associates and joint ventures net funding1

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities

Net funding

Cash and non-cash movements in net funding

US$ million

Cash generated by operating activities before working capital changes

Coal related hedging, legal settlement and incremental metal leak costs included above (via statement of income)

Associates and joint ventures Adjusted EBITDA2

Net interest paid

Tax paid1

Dividends received from associates1

Funds from operations

Working capital changes (excluding gold and silver streaming proceeds)1 

Gold and silver streaming proceeds

Acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries1

Purchase and sale of investments1

Purchase and sale of property, plant and equipment1

Net margin calls in respect of financing related hedging activities

Acquisition of additional interests in subsidiaries

Share issuance

Distributions paid and purchase of own shares

Coal related hedging, legal settlement and incremental metal leak costs (refer above)

Cash movement in net funding

Foreign currency revaluation of borrowings and other non-cash items

Total movement in net funding

Net funding, beginning of period

Net funding, end of period

Less: Readily marketable inventories3

Net debt, end of period

31.12.2016

31.12.2015

33,218

44,049

1,919

(58)

(2,518)

(2,746)

32,619

41,245

31.12.2016

31.12.2015 

7,868

368

1,447

(1,271)

(680)

38

7,770

7,454

264

995

(1,085)

(1,072)

59

6,615

(2,386)

6,686

971

5,944

(13)

900

(106)

(195)

(3,306)

(5,688)

(695)

(7)

–

(88)

(368)

7,822

804

8,626

(618)

–

2,444

(2,695)

(264)

7,079

1,434

8,513

(41,245)

(49,758)

(32,619)

(41,245)

17,093

15,356

(15,526)

(25,889)

1  Adjusted to include the impacts of proportionate consolidation of certain associates and joint ventures as outlined in the Glossary.

2  See note 2 of the financial statements.

3  Refer to Glossary for definition.

The reconciliation in the table above is the method by which management reviews movements in net funding and net debt 
and comprises key movements in cash and any significant non-cash movements on net funding items. 

Net funding as at 31 December 2016 decreased by $8,626 million to $32,619 million from $41,245 million as at 31 December 
2015. In addition to funds from operations and disposal proceeds of $5,944 million, the decrease was aided by $971 million 
received under gold/silver streaming arrangements, a 41% reduction in net capital expenditure, offset by a $2,386 million 
increase in net working capital as a result of higher year-end commodity prices and $515 million of non-current advances in 
support of oil marketing growth initiatives.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

49

Strategic report 

Financial review

Business and investment acquisitions and disposals

Value at risk

Net inflows from business divestures and investments was 
$5,944 million compared to an outflow on acquisitions of 
$301 million in 2015. See note 23 for further explanations.

Liquidity and funding activities

In 2016, the following significant financing activities 
took place:

• In February 2016, fully syndicated and effective from May 
2016, Glencore signed a new one-year revolving credit 
facility for a total amount of $7.7 billion. This facility 
refinanced the $8.45 billion one-year revolving credit 
facility signed in May 2015. Funds drawn under the 
facilities bear interest at US$LIBOR plus a margin of 50/60 
basis points per annum. The current facilities comprise:

 – a $7.7 billion short-term revolving credit facility with a 
12 month borrower’s term-out option (to May 2018) and 
12 month extension option; and 

 – a $6.8 billion medium-term revolving credit facility 

(to May 2020) with one 12 month extension option or 
24 month extension option.

• In May, issued a 5 year CHF 250 million, 2.25% 

coupon bond.

• In September, issued a 7 year Euro 1,000 million, 1.875% 

coupon bond.

• In October, repurchased bonds with a nominal value of 

$1,492 million, comprising primarily 2018 and 
2019 maturities.

• In December, repurchased bonds with a nominal value of 

$1,137 million, comprising primarily 2019 and 
2020 maturities.

As at 31 December 2016, Glencore had available committed 
undrawn credit facilities and cash amounting to 
$16.7 billion. 

Credit ratings

In light of the Group’s extensive funding activities, 
maintaining an investment grade credit rating status is a 
financial priority/target. The Group’s credit ratings are 
currently Baa3 (stable) from Moody’s and BBB- (positive 
outlook) from Standard & Poor’s. Glencore’s publicly stated 
objectives, as part of its overall financial policy package, is to 
seek and maintain strong Baa/BBB credit ratings from 
Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s respectively.

One of the tools used by Glencore to monitor and limit its 
primary market risk exposure, namely commodity price risk 
related to its physical marketing activities, is the use of a 
value at risk (VaR) computation. VaR is a risk measurement 
technique which estimates the potential loss that could occur 
on risk positions as a result of movements in risk factors over 
a specified time horizon, given a specific level of confidence. 
The VaR methodology is a statistically defined, probability-
based approach that takes into account market volatilities, as 
well as risk diversification by recognising offsetting positions 
and correlations between commodities and markets. In this 
way, risks can be measured consistently across all markets 
and commodities and risk measures can be aggregated to 
derive a single risk value. Glencore has set a consolidated VaR 
limit (1 day 95%) of $100 million representing some 0.2% of 
equity. In Q2 2016, this limit was technically breached for 1 
day by $1 million as the VaR calculation did not account for 
the future physical coal production that was economically 
hedged with the corresponding captured and reported on 
coal derivatives. If such underlying hedged exposure had 
been included in the VaR calculation, the actual VaR number 
would have been substantially lower, with no resulting 
technical breach. Much of this hedge book has now been 
realised, as noted above. Glencore uses a VaR approach based 
on Monte Carlo simulations and is either a one day or one 
week time horizon computed at a 95% confidence level with a 
weighted data history.

Average market risk VaR (1 day 95%) during 2016 was 
$42 million, representing less than 0.1% of equity. 
Average equivalent VaR during 2015 was $35 million.

Subsequent events

• Further to the announcements in December 2016, Glencore 

and Qatar Investment Authority (“QIA”) entered into 
various agreements establishing a 50:50 consortium that 
would acquire 19.5% of OSJC Rosneft Oil (“Rosneft”), enter 
into a five year offtake agreement with Rosneft on market 
terms and collectively evaluate and potentially enter into 
additional opportunities related to infrastructure, logistics 
and global trading. As at 31 December 2016, only the 
establishment of the 50:50 consortium and payment of 
Glencore’s funding commitment of EUR 300 million were 
finalised. The balance of the funding and purchase of the 
19.5% interest in Rosneft by the 50:50 consortium and 
completion of the five year offtake agreement was 
finalised on 3 January 2017.

• In February 2017, Glencore announced that it had acquired 

the remaining 31% stake in Mutanda Mining Sarl 
(“Mutanda”), which it did not previously own, and an 
additional 10.25% stake in Katanga Mining Limited 
(“Katanga”) for a cash outlay of $534 million, including 
settlement of loan balances. Following the acquisition, 
Glencore owns 100% of the shares in Mutanda and 
approximately 86.3% of the shares in Katanga.

50

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Distributions

The directors have recommended a 2016 financial year cash distribution of $7 cents per share amounting to $996 million, 
excluding any distribution on own shares and ignoring any attribution of shares which may take place prior to the record 
dates for each tranche. Payment will be effected as a $3.5 cents per share distribution in May 2017 (see below) and a 
$3.5 cents per share distribution in September 2017 (in accordance with the Company’s announcement on the 2017 
Distribution timetable also made on 23 February 2017).

First tranche of proposed distribution 

Applicable exchange rate determination date (Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE))

Last time to trade on JSE to be recorded in the register for distribution

Last day to effect removal of shares cum div between Jersey and JSE registers

Ex-dividend date (JSE)

Ex-dividend date (HK)

Ex-dividend date (Jersey)

Last time for lodging transfers in Hong Kong

Record date in JSE

Record date in Hong Kong

Record date in Jersey

Deadline for return of currency elections form (Jersey shareholders)

Removal of shares between the Jersey and JSE registers permissible from

Applicable exchange rate reference date (Jersey and Hong Kong) 

Annual General Meeting (shareholder vote to approve aggregate distribution)

Payment date

2017

28 April

9 May

9 May

10 May

10 May

11 May

4:30 p.m. (HK), 11 May

Close of business (SA) 12 May

Opening of business (HK) 12 May

Close of business (UK) 12 May

15 May

15 May

17 May

24 May

31 May

The distribution is proposed to be effected as a reduction of the capital contribution reserves of the Company. As such, this 
distribution would be exempt from Swiss withholding tax. As at 31 December 2016, Glencore plc had CHF 38 billion of such 
capital contribution reserves in its statutory accounts. The distribution is subject to shareholders’ approval at its AGM on 
24 May 2017.

The distribution is proposed to be declared and ordinarily paid in US dollars. Shareholders on the Jersey register may elect 
to receive the distribution in sterling, euros or Swiss francs, the exchange rates of which will be determined by reference to 
the rates applicable to the US dollar as stated above. Shareholders on the Hong Kong branch register will receive their 
distribution in Hong Kong dollars, while shareholders on the Johannesburg register will receive their distribution in South 
African rand. Further details on distribution payments, together with currency election and distribution mandate forms, are 
available from the Group’s website (www.glencore.com) or from the Company’s Registrars.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

51

Strategic report 

Metals and 
minerals

Highlights

Metals and minerals’ Adjusted EBITDA of 
$7,616 million represents a $2,306 million 
(43%) increase over 2015. 

Marketing and Industrial activities delivered higher 
Adjusted EBITDA of 24% and 50% respectively, over prior 
year. Unsurprisingly, the greater part of the increase flowed 
from the Industrial side, augmented by large productivity 
improvements and cost reductions implemented over the 
last 18 months, and to a lesser extent, by price increases 
in the second half of the year and the stronger US dollar 
effect on producer country costs. The more defensive/stable 
Marketing activities reported a solid earnings increase, 
supported by improved demand fundamentals, notably in 
China. Indications in early 2017 reflect a continuation of 
these positive fundamentals.

52

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Adjusted EBITDA
US$ million

7,616

2014

2015

2016

Marketing activities

1,545 2014

1,280 2015

1,586 2016

Industrial activities

7,077 2014

4,030 2015

6,030 2016

Adjusted EBIT
US$ million

3,744

2014

2015

2016

Marketing activities

1,515 2014

1,255 2015

1,562 2016

Industrial activities

3,674 2014

148 2015

2,182 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Glencore Annual Report 2016

53

Strategic report 

Metals and minerals

US$ million

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

Adjusted EBITDA margin

Market conditions

Selected average commodity prices

S&P GSCI Industrial Metals Index

LME (cash) copper price ($/t)

LME (cash) zinc price ($/t)

LME (cash) lead price ($/t)

LME (cash) nickel price ($/t)

Gold price ($/oz)

Silver price ($/oz)

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

42,142

1,586

1,562

3.8%

24,196

6,030

2,182

24.9%

2016

66,338

7,616

3,744

11.5%

Metal Bulletin cobalt price 99.3% ($/lb)

Metal Bulletin ferrochrome 6–8% C basis 60% Cr, max 1.5% Si (¢/lb)

Iron ore (Platts 62% CFR North China) price ($/DMT)

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

41,151

1,280

1,255

3.1%

2016

272

4,867

2,094

1,868

9,606

1,248

17

12

90

58

24,782

4,030

148

16.3%

2015

291

5,503

1,928

1,785

11,835

1,160

16

13

94

56

2015

65,933

5,310

1,403

8.1%

Change %

(7)

(12)

9

5

(19)

8

6

(8)

(4)

4

Currency table

AUD : USD

USD : CAD

USD : COP

EUR : USD

GBP : USD

USD : CHF

USD : KZT

USD : ZAR

Average  
2016

Spot  
31 Dec 2016

Average  
2015

Spot  
31 Dec 2015

Change in 
average %

0.75

1.32

3,052

1.11

1.35

0.99

342

14.69

0.72

1.34

3,002

1.05

1.23

1.02

334

13.74

0.75

1.28

2,749

1.11

1.54

0.96

223

12.78

0.73

1.38

3,175

1.09

1.47

1.00

341

15.47

–

3

11

–

(12)

3

53

15

54

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Marketing

Highlights

2016 is likely to be remembered as the year in which industrial metals prices found their cyclical floor and some meaningful 
year-over-year price appreciation (spot basis) was seen towards the end of the year. These increases were fundamentally 
supported by demand strength from China’s industrial base and confidence in the sustainability thereof, together with the 
enhanced realisation that fear of a supply glut in many markets was overdone, as evidenced by declining stock levels in 
most key commodity categories.

Against this improving background, Marketing delivered an Adjusted EBIT of $1,562 million in 2016, a 24% increase 
over 2015.

Financial information

US$ million

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

Selected marketing volumes sold

Copper metal and concentrates1

Zinc metal and concentrates1

Lead metal and concentrates1

Gold

Silver

Nickel

Ferroalloys (incl. agency)

Alumina/aluminium

Iron ore

1  Estimated metal unit contained.

2016

42,142

1,586

1,562

2015

41,151

1,280

1,255

Change % 

2

24

24

Units

mt

mt

mt

moz

moz

kt

mt

mt

mt

2016

3.5

2.0

0.9

2.1

92.1

221

7.6

11.4

47.1

2015

Change %

3.1

3.1

1.1

1.9

89.3

231

5.0

13.6

41.2

13

(35)

(18)

11

3

(4)

52

(16)

14

Glencore Annual Report 2016

55

Strategic report 

Metals and minerals

Copper

Zinc

After underperforming the base metals complex for most 
of the year, the copper market sprang back into life in 
the closing months of 2016 amid a fundamental shift in 
sentiment. The no-show of the much-trumpeted “wall 
of supply”, lack of inventory build during the year and 
significantly stronger than expected Chinese demand 
propelled copper up towards $6,000/t by year end, from 
a low of $4,310/t in early 2016. Copper averaged $4,867/t 
during the year.

Chinese government stimulus measures coupled with 
tighter scrap supply underpinned stronger global demand 
growth. European growth also lent support while North 
American cathode offtake was largely flat year-on-year. 
Near-term demand prospects appear positive. A political 
transition year in China should ensure continued positive 
fundamentals while the actual and looming infrastructure 
programmes in Japan and North America should start to 
lend support to non-Chinese consuming regions. 

Supply-side fundamentals also improved markedly during 
the year. Despite some scaremongering, the “wall of supply” 
failed to emerge. New supply growth from Peru was 
almost fully offset by production decreases in Chile and 
elsewhere, and continued shutdowns in the African copper 
belt. Indeed, the copper market appears to be reverting to 
form, with an unusually low volume of mine disruptions 
seen in H1 2016, but increasing in the second half of the 
year. The stresses induced by 18 months of low pricing and 
related actions to enhance cash flows are only just starting 
to manifest themselves.

The prospect of demand growth across Asia, Europe and 
the US, as well as the likelihood of difficult labour contract 
negotiations at some of the industry’s major mines over 
the coming year, suggest that pricing risks lie to the upside 
in 2017. 

Zinc was one of the best performing industrial metals 
in 2016, with an average year-over-year price increase of 
9%. The widely anticipated zinc mining output reduction 
materialised and resulted in significantly tighter physical 
market conditions, particularly for zinc concentrate. 
Confirmation of decreasing supply, in combination with 
better than anticipated demand conditions driven by the 
recovery of the Chinese real estate and global automotive 
market, has resulted in destocking of both zinc concentrates 
and metal during the year and a higher corresponding 
LME price. 

2016 Chinese zinc mine production was similar to 2015, 
despite the incentive of a higher SHFE zinc metal price, and 
a reduction in zinc mine production from the rest of the 
world (“ROW”) of around 900kmtu (10.8%). Consequently, 
realised Benchmark TCs reduced by $32/dmt ($243 to $211) 
while average spot TCs were down by $99/dmt ($201 to 
$102). The tightness in zinc concentrates is yet to impact 
Chinese zinc metal production, even though Chinese 
concentrate imports were down by 640kmtu and domestic 
mine production was flat year-over-year. Chinese smelters 
reported similar production as in 2015, which is attributed 
to destocking of concentrates stock built up in prior 
years. ROW zinc metal production was down by 244kmtu 
compared to prior year. 

ROW zinc metal continues to be shipped to China, following 
the trend of the last few years. Metal imports into China 
were stable year-on-year, causing further inventory 
drawdowns from LME exchanges (stocks down from 463kt 
to 428kt), while SHFE (199kt to 153kt) and Shanghai Metal 
Market stocks have also been drawn to cover the needs 
of the Chinese physical market. Published non-exchange 
stocks in China have also reduced by a further 50–80kt. 
Real estate and infrastructure end markets in China are 
performing better than expected, supported by Chinese 
government actions in H1 2016, while the automotive market 
continues to show strong growth both in China and ROW. 

56

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

The lead supply side trend is similar, given that it is 
generally a by-product of zinc. Lead benchmark TCs were 
down by $22.50/dmt ($170 versus $192.50), while spot was 
down by $60/dmt ($117 versus $177) compared to 2015 
averages. Chinese lead concentrates imports were also down 
by 24% year-over-year. 

Going forward, we expect tight zinc concentrates supply to 
translate into lower metal production in 2017, which should 
cause further inventory drawdowns and provide support to 
the metal price.

Nickel

Whilst average nickel prices in 2016 were at multi-year lows 
with prices bottoming in February around $7,600/t, prices 
rebounded through the rest of the year, exceeding $12,000/t 
in November before closing the year at c.$10,000/t. 

Despite a weak January and February 2016, global stainless 
steel production expanded materially in 2016, led by double-
digit demand growth in China. Furthermore, we saw a 
continued shift to austenitic grades in Europe, India and the 
US which supported nickel demand growth. 

We estimate global stainless production in 2016 at over 
45 million tonnes, up over 7% on the prior year, including 
over 24 million tonnes from China. Globally 300S austenitic 
production totalled over 25 million tonnes which is a 10% 
increase versus 2015. 

Developments in non-stainless remain mixed, with 
special steel producers reporting challenging conditions 
primarily due to continued oil and gas weakness, whilst 
demand from the critical alloys industry and battery sector 
remains robust. 

Overall we estimate primary nickel demand in 2016 
of 2.05 million tonnes, representing an ~8% increase 
versus 2015. 

Nickel supply continued to fall in 2016 with further 
shutdowns (BCL, Tati, Votorantim, Mirabella), and lower 
nickel unit exports (in ore) from the Philippines all driving a 
fall in projected nickel output to approximately 1.95 million 
tonnes of nickel, down 2% versus 2015. 

Consequently the market entered its first material deficit 
since 2010 enabling global inventories to fall by around 
100,000 tonnes. Whilst inventories remain elevated, the 
outlook is for continued deficits and further draws in 
primary nickel inventories as demand remains strong. 
Supply increases relate to Indonesia exporting more 
nickel units in nickel pig iron, with production elsewhere 
continuing to flat-line or even fall.

Ferroalloys

Oversupply, raw material destocking and limited growth in 
key demand regions resulted in ferrochrome and chrome 
ore prices falling to multi-year lows during Q1 2016, 
eventually contributing to meaningful mine and foundry 
closures. Following these production cuts, a resurgent 
Chinese stainless steel market led to sharp recoveries in 
chrome pricing starting Q2 2016. Between Q2 2016 and 
Q4 2016, the European benchmark price for ferrochrome 
increased 34%, indicative of the improved market sentiment 
and a more positive global pricing environment going 
into 2017.

Reduced manganese ore and alloy supply caused a price 
recovery during the first half of 2016, which, together with 
improved demand from the global carbon steel sector 
during the second half, sparked a rally in prices towards the 
end of 2016. 

Vanadium demand and prices increased through the year 
as a recovery in high-strength structural and specialty 
steel continued, together with increased order flow from 
premium aerospace and battery applications. This demand, 
coupled with a reduction in supply during the second 
half of the year, particularly from China, led to a global 
reduction in the stock overhang experienced over the last 
two years, resulting in a more balanced market heading 
into 2017.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

57

Strategic report 

Metals and minerals

Alumina/Aluminium

Iron Ore

Average primary aluminium prices decreased by 3% during 
2016, but as with other industrial metals the price increased 
strongly towards the end of the year, finishing at $1,693/t, 
up 12% from 31 December 2015. Demand for aluminium 
remains very healthy with growth expected in all three 
major sectors: automotive, packaging and construction. 
The market was in deficit in the west and oversupplied in 
China, yielding similar year-over-year exports from China. 

Following the significant reductions seen last year, 
premiums completed their return to historical levels 
during 2016 with Europe and Japan trading around 
$70–120/t. The US premium closed 2016 at $184/t and is 
expected to remain the strongest of the three regions, due 
to its large deficit, importing over 4 million tonnes on an 
annualised basis.

The FOB Australia alumina price showed a reversal of the 
fall in 2015, opening the year at $199/t, and closing at $350/t. 
Increases in alumina production have lagged behind the 
increase in demand from increased aluminium production.

Both iron ore and rebar (steel) experienced tremendous 
volatility throughout the year. Iron ore surpassed most 
analysts’ expectations and continued to move higher 
despite an increase in inventories. As the year progressed, 
two factors impacted the iron ore market: steel demand 
improved on the back of renewed Chinese stimulus and 
coal capacity cuts created a surge in coking coal prices. 
The resulting increase in steel margins and higher coking 
coal prices led to an increase in demand for higher grade 
iron ore, which stepped up benchmark prices for iron ore, 
which are based on such higher grade cargoes. 

Elsewhere in the market, India exported close to 40 million 
tonnes in 2016, compared to under 10 million tonnes in 2015. 
The increase in supply from India, which tends to be of 
lower quality and mills switching from low grade to high 
grade ore, led to significantly greater discounts for lower 
grade ore and certain product penalties. Finally, as financial 
players continued to become a bigger part of the market, 
prices often became disconnected from short-term physical 
fundamentals, all such factors contributing to a challenging 
price environment to manage.

58

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Industrial activities

Highlights

The Metals and minerals industrial portfolio delivered a $2,000 million (50%) increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $6,030 million 
and a $1,454 million reduction in capex. Some external factors played a part, such as the relative strength of the US dollar 
versus key producer country currencies, notably in South Africa, Kazakhstan and Argentina, and price increases towards 
the end of the year, however the largest positive impact on earnings and cash generation was the extensive cost reduction 
and efficiency initiatives embedded into the businesses over the last 18 months.

It is noteworthy that among the asset groups where some tough decisions were made in 2015 regarding production 
curtailments, Adjusted EBITDA is up strongly year-over-year, demonstrating the successful implementation thereof. 
More generally, the overall portfolio has benefited from such supply discipline, which saw copper and zinc own production 
decline year-over-year by 5% and 24% respectively.

Financial information 

US$ million

Revenue

Copper assets

African copper (Katanga, Mutanda, Mopani)

Collahuasi1

Antamina1

Other South America (Alumbrera, Lomas Bayas, Antapaccay, Punitaqui)

Australia (Mount Isa, Ernest Henry, Townsville, Cobar)

Custom metallurgical (Altonorte, Pasar, Horne, CCR)

Intergroup revenue elimination

Copper

Zinc assets

Kazzinc

Australia (Mount Isa, McArthur River)

European custom metallurgical (Portovesme, San Juan de Nieva,  
Nordenham, Northfleet)

North America (Matagami, Kidd, Brunswick, CEZ Refinery)

Other Zinc (AR Zinc, Los Quenuales, Sinchi Wayra, Rosh Pinah, Perkoa)

Zinc

Nickel assets

Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury, Raglan, Nikkelverk)

Australia (Murrin Murrin)

Nickel

Ferroalloys

Aluminium/Alumina

Metals and minerals revenue

1  Represents the Group’s share of these JVs.

2016

2015

Change % 

1,839

1,006

820

2,257

1,799

6,572

(429)

13,864

2,602

1,133

1,209

1,030

537

6,511

1,432

503

1,935

1,873

13

24,196

3,038

876

702

1,943

2,049

5,988

(172)

14,424

2,244

1,211

1,172

1,084

632

6,343

1,340

600

1,940

1,717

358

24,782

(39)

15

17

16

(12)

10

n.m.

(4)

16

(6)

3

(5)

(15)

3

7

(16)

–

9

(96)

(2)

Glencore Annual Report 2016

59

Strategic report 

Metals and minerals

US$ million

Copper assets

African copper

Collahuasi1

Antamina1

Other South America

Australia

Custom metallurgical

Copper

Adjusted EBITDA mining margin2

Zinc assets

Kazzinc

Australia

European custom metallurgical

North America

Other Zinc

Zinc

Adjusted EBITDA mining margin2

Nickel assets

Integrated Nickel Operations

Australia

Nickel

Adjusted EBITDA margin

Ferroalloys

Aluminium/Alumina

Iron ore

Metals and minerals Adjusted EBITDA/ EBIT

Adjusted EBITDA mining margin2

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

2016

2015

Change %

2016

2015

Change %

264

542

602

1,060

458

407

3,333

38%

989

454

174

184

115

1,916

33%

446

(19)

427

22%

423

(60)

(9)

6,030

33%

51

343

463

718

414

301

2,290

23%

490

284

168

121

10

1,073

18%

421

32

453

23%

271

(43)

(14)

4,030

21%

418

(240)

(533)

n.m.

58

30

48

11

35

46

102

60

4

52

n.m.

79

6

(159)

(6)

56

n.m.

n.m.

50

286

341

407

85

280

1,159

539

143

84

104

1

871

(28)

(61)

(89)

310

(60)

(9)

2,182

85

220

202

48

210

232

44

(81)

81

21

(141)

(76)

(64)

(7)

(71)

138

(60)

(15)

148

236

55

101

77

33

400

n.m.

n.m.

4

395

n.m.

n.m.

n.m.

n.m.

n.m.

125

n.m.

n.m.

n.m.

1  Represents the Group’s share of these JVs.
2   Adjusted EBITDA mining margin is Adjusted EBITDA (excluding custom metallurgical assets) divided by Revenue (excluding custom metallurgical assets and intergroup revenue 
elimination) i.e. the weighted average EBITDA margin of the mining assets. Custom metallurgical assets include the Copper custom metallurgical assets and Zinc European custom 
metallurgical assets and the Aluminium/Alumina group, as noted in the table above.

60

Glencore Annual Report 2016

US$ million

Capital expenditure

Copper assets

African copper

Collahuasi1

Antamina1

Other South America

Australia

Custom metallurgical

Copper

Zinc assets

Kazzinc

Australia

European custom metallurgical

North America

Other Zinc

Zinc

Nickel assets

Integrated Nickel Operations

Australia

Koniambo

Other nickel projects

Nickel

Ferroalloys

Aluminium/Alumina

Iron ore

Capital expenditure

1  Represents the Group’s share of these JVs.

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Sustaining

Expansion

Total

Sustaining

Expansion

2016

2015

Total

270

160

194

310

176

127

357

4

1

34

2

3

627

164

195

344

178

130

390

100

182

464

198

178

1,237

401

1,638

1,512

127

209

54

61

55

506

96

14

–

–

110

101

–

–

1,954

26

–

–

4

–

30

34

–

263

–

297

13

–

–

741

153

209

54

65

55

536

130

14

263

–

407

114

–

–

189

357

79

62

102

789

140

20

–

–

160

118

19

1

756

1,146

5

5

67

23

124

980

37

29

–

9

–

75

88

–

360

4

452

25

18

–

105

187

531

221

302

2,492

226

386

79

71

102

864

228

20

360

4

612

143

37

1

2,695

2,599

1,550

4,149

Glencore Annual Report 2016

61

Strategic report 

Metals and minerals

Production data

Production from own sources – Total1

Copper

Zinc

Lead

Nickel

Gold

Silver

Cobalt

Ferrochrome

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

Vanadium Pentoxide

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

mlb

2016

1,425.8

1,094.1

294.2

115.1

1,027

39,069

28.3

1,523

148

209

16

21.1

2015

1,502.2

1,444.8

297.7

96.2

964

36,592

23.0

1,462

158

202

18

20.9

Change %

(5)

(24)

(1)

20 

7

7

23

4

(6)

3

(11)

1

Production from own sources – Copper assets1

Production from own sources – Zinc assets1

2016

2015 Change %

2016

2015 Change %

African Copper (Katanga, Mutanda, Mopani)

Copper metal2

Cobalt3

Collahuasi4

Copper metal

Copper in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

Antamina5

Copper in concentrates

Zinc in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

kt

kt

koz

254.4

24.5

2.1

220.8

3,276

145.5

66.8

6,778

Other South America  
(Alumbrera, Lomas Bayas, Antapaccay, Punitaqui)

Copper metal

Copper in concentrates

Gold in concentrates and in doré

Silver in concentrates and in doré

kt

kt

koz

koz

80.0

308.8

382

2,366

421.9

19.4

9.8

190.6

2,828

131.8

79.3

5,987

71.1

272.0

318

1,918

Australia (Mount Isa, Ernest Henry, Townsville, Cobar)

Copper metal

Copper in concentrates

Gold

Silver

Total Copper department

Copper

Cobalt

Zinc

Gold

Silver

kt

kt

koz

koz

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

205.1

53.9

86

205.6

50.8

90

1,794

1,723

1,270.6

1,353.6

24.5

66.8

468

19.4

79.3

408

14,214

12,456

(40)

26

(79)

16

16

10

(16)

13

13

14

20

23

–

6

(4)

4

(6)

26

(16)

15

14

1  Controlled industrial assets and joint ventures only. Production is on a 100% basis, 

except as stated.

2  Copper metal includes copper contained in copper concentrates and blister.
3  Cobalt contained in concentrates and hydroxides.
4  The Group’s pro-rata share of Collahuasi production (44%).
5  The Group’s pro-rata share of Antamina production (33.75%).
6  The Group’s attributable 79.5% share of the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture.
7  Consolidated 50% of Mototolo and 100% of Eland (placed on care and maintenance 

from October 2015).

62

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Kazzinc

Zinc metal

Lead metal

Lead in concentrates

Copper metal2

Gold

Silver

Silver in concentrates

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

Australia (Mount Isa, McArthur River)

Zinc in concentrates

Lead in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

North America (Matagami, Kidd)

Zinc in concentrates

Copper in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

kt

kt

koz

kt

kt

koz

187.6

44.0

15.2

53.9

521

4,510

469

488.4

185.4

8,741

130.1

48.0

2,292

193.4

26.3

–

51.9

520

3,653

(3)

67

n.m.

4

–

23

–

n.m.

750.9

216.0

8,248

115.2

48.3

2,368

Other Zinc  
(Aguilar, Los Quenuales, Sinchi Wayra, Rosh Pinah, Perkoa) 

Zinc metal

Zinc in concentrates

Lead metal

Lead in concentrates

Copper in concentrates

Silver metal

Silver in concentrates

Total Zinc department 

Zinc

Lead

Copper

Gold

Silver

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

–

221.2

12.7

36.9

2.1

666

26.1

279.9

12.7

42.7

2.4

691

7,553

8,566

1,027.3

1,365.5

294.2

104.0

521

297.7

102.6

520

24,231

23,526

(35)

(14)

6

13

(1)

(3)

(100)

(21)

–

(14)

(13)

(4)

(12)

(25)

(1)

1

–

3

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Production from own sources – Nickel assets1

Production from own sources – Ferroalloys assets1

Integrated Nickel Operations (“INO”) (Sudbury, Raglan, Nikkelverk)

2016

2015 Change %

2016

2015 Change %

Nickel metal

Nickel in concentrates

Copper metal

Copper in concentrates

Cobalt metal

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

Murrin Murrin

Nickel metal

Cobalt metal

Koniambo

Nickel in ferronickel

Total Nickel department

Nickel

Copper

Cobalt

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

koz

koz

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

koz

koz

65.6

0.6

16.6

34.6

1.0

37

624

90

173

6

35.3

2.8

49.1

0.5

14.9

31.1

0.8

35

610

76

157

5

37.5

2.8

34

20

11

11

25

6

2

18

10

20

(6)

–

13.6

9.1

49

115.1

51.2

3.8

37

624

90

173

6

96.2

46.0

3.6

35

610

76

157

5

20

11

6

6

2

18

10

20

Ferrochrome6

kt

1,523

1,462

4

PGM7

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

Gold

4E

koz

koz

koz

koz

koz

58

36

10

1

82

45

13

1

105

141

(29)

(20)

(23)

–

(26)

Vanadium Pentoxide

mlb

21.1

20.9

1

Total production – Custom metallurgical assets1

2016

2015 Change %

Copper (Altonorte, Pasar, Horne, CCR)

Copper metal

Copper anode

kt

kt

489.1

522.5

433.7

502.8

Zinc (Portovesme, San Juan de Nieva, Nordenham, Northfleet)

Zinc metal

Lead metal

Silver

Ferroalloys

kt

kt

789.8

216.6

788.8

199.2

koz

14,845

11,220

13

4

–

9

32

Ferromanganese

Silicon Manganese

kt

kt

136

82

146

98

(7)

(16)

1  Controlled industrial assets and joint ventures only. Production is on a 100% basis, 

except as stated.

2  Copper metal includes copper contained in copper concentrates and blister.
3  Cobalt contained in concentrates and hydroxides.
4  The Group’s pro-rata share of Collahuasi production (44%).
5  The Group’s pro-rata share of Antamina production (33.75%).
6  The Group’s attributable 79.5% share of the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture.
7  Consolidated 50% of Mototolo and 100% of Eland (placed on care and maintenance 

from October 2015).

Glencore Annual Report 2016

63

 
Strategic report 

Metals and minerals

Operating highlights

Australia

Copper assets

Copper production of 1,425,800 tonnes was 76,400 tonnes 
(5%) below 2015, reflecting the production suspensions 
at African Copper, partly offset by improved grades and 
volumes at the South American assets.

African copper

Mutanda’s production of 213,300 tonnes was in line with 
2015. Cobalt production of 24,500 tonnes was 8,000 tonnes 
(48%) higher, reflecting various plant optimisation projects 
completed during the year.

Mopani produced 41,100 tonnes of copper from own 
sources, 51,000 tonnes (55%) lower than 2015, as a result 
of the partial suspension of production, while the major 
upgrade projects are being completed.

Collahuasi

Glencore’s share of Collahuasi’s production was 222,900 
tonnes, a 22,500 tonne (11%) increase over 2015, due to 
improved milling rates and grades.

Antamina

Glencore’s share of Antamina’s copper production was 
145,500 tonnes, a 13,700 tonne (10%) increase over 2015 and 
zinc production of 66,800 tonnes was 12,500 tonnes (16%) 
lower than 2015, reflecting the mix of copper and zinc/
copper ore encountered in the mine.

Other South America

Copper production of 388,800 tonnes was 45,700 tonnes 
(13%) higher than 2015, mainly relating to higher grades 
at Alumbrera, the Tintaya plant being operational for the 
full year at Antapaccay and incremental expansion at the 
Antapaccay plant completed in the year. The increase in 
gold production (318,000 ounces to 382,000 ounces) mainly 
related to improved grades at Alumbrera.

Copper production of 259,000 tonnes was 2,600 tonnes up on 
2015, reflecting a strong operating performance.

Custom metallurgical assets 

Copper cathode production of 489,100 tonnes was 55,400 
tonnes (13%) higher than 2015 and anode production of 
522,500 tonnes was 19,700 tonnes (4%) higher, mainly as a 
result of the restart of Pasar, following its upgrade in 2015.

Zinc assets

Zinc production of 1,094,100 tonnes was 350,700 tonnes 
(24%) lower than 2015, mainly reflecting the production 
suspensions announced in October 2015.

Kazzinc

Own-sourced zinc production of 187,600 tonnes was slightly 
lower than 2015, as a result of the mix of own and third 
party feeds. Total zinc production of 305,500 tonnes was in 
line with 2015.

Own-sourced lead production of 59,200 tonnes was 
32,900 tonnes (125%) higher than 2015, due to operational 
improvements at the lead smelter, following maintenance in 
2015, and additional volumes from the Zhairem mine.

Own-sourced copper production of 53,900 tonnes was 2,000 
tonnes (4%) higher than the previous year, mainly due to 
maintenance activities impacting volumes during 2015.

Own-sourced gold production of 521,000 ounces was in line 
with the comparable period.

Australia

Zinc production of 488,400 tonnes was 262,500 tonnes (35%) 
lower than 2015 and lead production of 185,400 tonnes was 
30,600 tonnes (14%) lower, reflecting suspended production 
at George Fisher, Lady Loretta and McArthur River. Q4 zinc 
production of 138,200 tonnes was 19,700 tonnes (17%) 
higher than Q3, mainly reflecting higher head grades at 
McArthur River.

64

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

North America 

Koniambo 

Zinc production of 130,100 tonnes was 14,900 tonnes (13%) 
higher than in 2015, mainly due to higher grades being 
achieved at Kidd and Matagami. Copper production of 
48,000 tonnes was in line with the previous year.

Other Zinc

Zinc production of 221,200 tonnes was 84,800 tonnes (28%) 
below 2015, mainly due to the suspension of the Iscaycruz 
mine in Peru (part of Los Quenuales).

European custom metallurgical assets 

Zinc production of 789,800 tonnes was in line with 2015. 
Lead production of 216,600 tonnes was 17,400 tonnes (9%) 
higher than the comparable period, reflecting operational 
improvements at Northfleet and prior year maintenance 
at Portovesme.

Nickel assets

Nickel production of 13,600 tonnes was up 4,500 tonnes 
(49%) over the comparable period, reflecting the ongoing 
ramp-up of processing operations.

Ferroalloys assets 

Ferrochrome

Attributable ferrochrome production of 1,523,000 tonnes was 
4% higher than 2015, due to the timings of refurbishments 
in 2016 versus 2015 leading to more available furnace hours, 
and the full-year benefits of operating the Lion 2 furnace 
which was ramping up through H1 2015.

Platinum Group Metals (“PGM”)

Glencore’s share of Mototolo’s production of 105,000 
ounces was comparable with 2015, after adjusting for Eland 
mine, which has been on care and maintenance since 
October 2015.

Own-sourced nickel production of 115,100 tonnes was 18,900 
tonnes (20%) higher than 2015, due to the processing in 
2016 of material stockpiled during maintenance work at the 
Sudbury smelter during the prior year. 

Vanadium

Vanadium production of 21.1 million pounds was in line 
with 2015.

Integrated Nickel Operations (“INO”)

Manganese

Manganese production of 218,000 tonnes was 26,000 tonnes 
(11%) below 2015, mainly due to maintenance activities, 
including a furnace rebuild in Norway that is now complete.

Own-sourced nickel production of 66,200 tonnes was 16,600 
tonnes (33%) higher than 2015, mainly due to the Sudbury 
smelter shutdown in 2015. Total nickel production of 93,400 
tonnes, including third-party sources, was in line with 2015. 

Own-sourced copper production of 51,200 tonnes was an 
increase of 5,200 tonnes (11%) over the comparable period, 
due to improved mill throughput at Sudbury and the impact 
of the smelter shutdown on the base period.

Murrin Murrin

Own-sourced nickel production of 35,300 tonnes was 
2,200 tonnes (6%) lower than 2015, reflecting maintenance 
throughout the year. Cobalt production of 2,800 tonnes from 
own sources was in line with 2015.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

65

Strategic report 

Energy
products

Highlights

Energy products Adjusted EBITDA of 
$2,462 million was 20% down on 2015, 
with 2016 impacted by the corporate 
risk management decision in Q2 2016 to 
economically price hedge some 55 million 
tonnes of future coal production, thereby 
locking-in/capping the effective realised sales 
price of 44 million tonnes in 2016, resulting 
in an “opportunity cost” of $980 million 
being realised as coal markets rallied into H2 
2016. Adjusting for this hedging impact, 2016 
Adjusted EBITDA would have been up 11% 
over the prior year.

Marketing activities Adjusted EBIT delivered an 
improvement of 17%, while industrial activities, pre 
hedge impact, delivered a 3% Adjusted EBITDA margin 
improvement to 32%, the latter driven largely by the 
continuous and relentless focus on cost reduction and 
margin improvement initiatives.

Adjusted EBITDA
US$ million

2,462

2014

2015

2016

Marketing activities

565  2014

826  2015

959  2016

Industrial activities

 2,841  2014

 2,269  2015

 1,503  2016

Adjusted EBIT
US$ million

67

2014

2015

2016

Marketing activities

 524  2014

 778  2015

909  2016

Industrial activities

 486  2014

(88) 2015

(842) 2016

66

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Glencore Annual Report 2016

67

Strategic report 

Energy products

US$ million

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

Adjusted EBITDA margin

Market conditions

Selected average commodity prices

S&P GSCI Energy Index 

Coal API4 ($/t)

Coal Newcastle (6,000) ($/t)

Oil price – Brent ($/bbl)

Marketing

Highlights

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

81,872

959

909

1.2%

7,149

1,503

(842)

21.0%

2016

89,021

2,462

67

2.8%

Marketing 
activities

75,206

826

778

1.1%

Industrial 
activities

8,406

2,269

(88)

27.0%

2015

83,612

3,095

690

3.7%

2016

151

64

65

45

2015

175

57

58

54

Change %

(14)

12

12

(17)

Coal and oil markets were notably impacted during 2016 by sovereign developments, key being China for coal and OPEC 
for oil. Coal news was dominated by China’s effective domestic supply reduction campaign to restore/accelerate financial 
health to an oversupplied industry and its consequential effect on seaborne pricing. Oil’s persistent fears of oversupply 
and inventory builds were eventually tackled by OPEC’s first agreed production cut in almost a decade and pledges to 
do likewise by various non-OPEC countries, including Russia. Solid contributions from both the oil and coal divisions 
showcase Glencore’s abilities to successfully navigate such choppy markets.

2016

81,872

959

909

2016

105.7

2.4

0.9

911

844

2015

75,206

826

778

Change %

9

16

17

2015

93.9

2.5

0.7

566

634

Change %

13

(4)

29

61

33

mt

mt

mt

mbbl

mbbl

Financial information

US$ million

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

Selected marketing volumes sold

Thermal coal1

Metallurgical coal1

Coke1

Crude oil 

Oil products 

1  Includes agency volumes.

68

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Thermal coal

Oil

The introduction of Chinese policy measures in Q2 2016 
to limit domestic coal production (address overcapacity 
concerns) provided strong support for increased prices and 
thermal coal import demand, particularly during the second 
half of 2016. At the end of December 2016, market index 
prices for Newcastle, API4 and API2 closed respectively 
88%, 77% and 85% higher than December 2015. Overall, 
Chinese thermal coal imports increased by over 40 million 
tonnes in 2016, which together with demand growth in the 
emerging economies of South East Asia, offset demand 
reductions in India and the EU, to hold overall 2016 seaborne 
demand in line with 2015. South East Asian demand growth 
continues to be supported by the construction of new coal 
fired generation capacity.

On the supply side, export declines from the US and 
Indonesia were offset by some growth from Colombia 
and Mozambique, while Australian exports and total 
seaborne supply volumes were broadly flat year-over-year. 
The price recovery from the lows at the beginning of 2016 
has facilitated the return to positive cash margins for the 
majority of seaborne thermal coal producers, yet price 
volatility, access to capital and project lead times continue 
to limit supply growth. Indonesia, however, is looking to 
return some idled low quality capacity/production.

There continues to be a general decline in supply volumes 
of higher energy coal export products, particularly from 
Indonesia and South Africa, as high grade reserves are 
depleted. Consequently, high energy coals remain in 
tighter supply, supporting market segmentation and 
price differentiation.

The first half of 2016 saw a period of sustained recovery 
in oil prices up to $50 per barrel for Brent, after hitting a 
decade low, amidst surging volatility, of close to $27/bbl 
in January. Whilst price increases were initially driven by 
a recovery from perceived oversold levels, this was later 
supported by increasingly frequent supply disruptions and 
declining US production. However, the oil price trajectory 
stalled during the second half of 2016 and traded mostly 
within a range of $45 to $55 per barrel as oversupply 
concerns remained, inventories were high and refinery 
margins came under pressure. OPEC continued to produce 
at record levels, rig count increases indicated higher US 
production and higher prices prompted renewed producer 
hedging. On the demand side, expectations remained for 
robust demand growth.

December 2016 saw the first agreed output cut by OPEC 
since 2008, which marked a major shift from the “market 
share policy” it had followed for the past two years. 
Oil prices rallied to end the year at $56 per barrel, as the 
market viewed this as significantly accelerating oil market 
re-balancing expectations. A curve shift took place eroding 
contango or even shifting to backwardation. Looking into 
2017, the focus is now firmly on OPEC compliance and non-
OPEC producers delivering the agreed cuts as outlined.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

69

Strategic report 

Energy products

Industrial activities

Highlights

Energy Products’ Adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 billion was down year-over-year, on account of the coal economic price 
hedging initiatives noted above. Prior to such hedging impact, underlying Coal Adjusted EBITDA was up 14% year-over-
year, with Adjusted EBITDA margins consistent at ~30%. In a period of considerable uncertainty around the oil market, 
the development programme in Chad was significantly curtailed, resulting in year-over-year capex savings of almost 
$0.5 billion but, inevitably, also in lower production and earnings. Some limited development will recommence in 2017.

2016

2015

Change %

651

3,763

1,349

1,130

606

(980)

6,519

2

325

9

12

1

349

653

4,088

1,358

1,142

607

(980)

6,868

281

7,149

540

3,584

1,458

1,089

620

–

7,291

204

425

3

2

–

634

744

4,009

1,461

1,091

620

–

7,925

481

8,406

21

5

(7)

4

(2)

n.m.

(11)

(99)

(24)

200

n.m.

n.m.

(45)

(12)

2

(7)

5

(2)

n.m.

(13)

(42)

(15)

Financial information

US$ million

Net revenue

Coal operating revenue

Coking Australia

Thermal Australia

Thermal South Africa

Prodeco

Cerrejón1

Impact of corporate coal economic hedging

Coal operating revenue

Coal other revenue

Coking Australia

Thermal Australia

Thermal South Africa

Prodeco

Cerrejón1

Coal other revenue (buy-in coal)

Coal total revenue

Coking Australia

Thermal Australia

Thermal South Africa

Prodeco

Cerrejón1

Impact of corporate coal economic hedging

Coal total revenue

Oil

Energy products revenue

1  Represents the Group’s share of this JV.

70

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

US$ million

Coking Australia

Thermal Australia

Thermal South Africa

Prodeco

Cerrejón1

Coal result prior to hedging

Impact of corporate coal economic hedging

Total coal

Adjusted EBITDA margin2

Oil

Adjusted EBITDA margin

Energy products Adjusted EBITDA/ EBIT

Adjusted EBITDA margin – pre economic hedge

Adjusted EBITDA margin – post economic hedge 

2016

154

1,334

456

178

240

2,362

(980)

1,382

31%

121

43%

1,503

32%

22%

2015

117

1,159

386

228

189

2,079

–

2,079

29%

190

40%

2,269

29%

29%

Adjusted EBITDA

Change % 

32

15

18

(22)

27

14

n.m.

(34)

2016

12

(26)

213

16

62

277

(980)

(703)

Adjusted EBIT

2015

Change % 

(33)

44

56

62

3

132

–

132

n.m.

(159)

280

(74)

n.m.

110

n.m.

n.m.

(36)

(139)

(220)

n.m.

(34)

(842)

(88)

n.m.

1  Represents the Group’s share of this JV.
2  Coal EBITDA margin is calculated on the basis of Coal operating revenue before corporate hedging, as set out in the preceding table.

US$ million

Capex

Australia (thermal and coking)

Thermal South Africa

Prodeco

Cerrejón1

Total Coal

Oil

Capital expenditure

1  Represents the Group’s share of this JV.

Sustaining

Expansion

Total

Sustaining

Expansion

2016

181

98

43

31

353

72

425

110

30

3

2

145

1

146

291

128

46

33

498

73

571

277

89

36

31

433

431

864

177

120

5

5

307

132

439

2015

Total

454

209

41

36

740

563

1,303

Glencore Annual Report 2016

71

Strategic report 

Energy products

Production data

Coal assets1

Australian coking coal

Australian semi-soft coal

Australian thermal coal (export)

Australian thermal coal (domestic)

South African thermal coal (export)

South African thermal coal (domestic)

Prodeco

Cerrejón2

Total Coal department

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

 mt

2016

5.3

4.2

52.5

5.6

17.2

12.1

17.3

10.7

2015

5.9

3.6

52.4

3.9

19.7

17.3

17.6

11.1

124.9

131.5

Change %

(10)

17

–

44

(13)

(30)

(2)

(4)

(5)

1  Controlled industrial assets and joint ventures only. Production is on a 100% basis except for joint ventures, where the Group’s attributable share of production is included.
2  The Group’s pro-rata share of Cerrejón production (33.3%).

Oil assets

Glencore entitlement interest basis

Equatorial Guinea

Chad

Total Oil department

Gross basis

Equatorial Guinea

Chad

Total Oil department

2016

2015

Change %

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

3,629

3,882

7,511

16,909

5,308

22,217

4,937

5,632

10,569

22,939

7,699

30,638

(26)

(31)

(29)

(26)

(31)

(27)

72

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Operating highlights

Prodeco

Production of 17.3 million tonnes was 0.3 million tonnes 
(2%) less than in 2015, impacted by heavy rainfall during 
the year.

Cerrejón

Glencore’s share of volumes from Cerrejón was 10.7 million 
tonnes, 0.4 million tonnes (4%) lower than the prior year, 
mainly due to weather-related production disruptions.

Oil assets

In 2016, Glencore’s entitlement interest production was 
7.5 million barrels, 3.1 million barrels (29%) lower than 2015, 
reflecting the natural depletion of existing fields. During the 
first quarter of 2016, the remaining workover rig in Chad 
was temporarily suspended; a one-rig drilling schedule is 
expected to recommence in 2017.

Coal assets

Production of 124.9 million tonnes was 6.6 million tonnes 
(5%) lower than 2015, mainly reflecting the deconsolidation 
and subsequent sale of Optimum Coal and scheduled mine 
closures in South Africa and weather-related constraints on 
production in Colombia.

Australian coking

Production of 5.3 million tonnes was 0.6 million tonnes 
lower than 2015, mainly due to geological issues at Oaky 
Creek earlier in the year.

Australian thermal and semi-soft

Production of 62.3 million tonnes was 2.4 million tonnes 
(4%) higher than 2015, mainly as a result of planned 
increases at Mangoola, Rolleston and Ravensworth North, 
along with improved production at South Blakefield, 
following geological challenges in 2015. 

South African thermal

Production of 29.3 million tonnes was 7.7 million tonnes 
(21%) lower than 2015, mainly due to the deconsolidation 
and subsequent sale of Optimum Coal and some smaller 
scheduled mine closures. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

73

Strategic report 

Agricultural 
products

Highlights

During 2016, 50% of our Agricultural Products 
business was sold to two partners, establishing 
a standalone business, Glencore Agriculture. 
This transaction contributed strongly to 
Glencore’s net debt reduction and has 
positioned Glencore Agriculture well to take 
advantage of future opportunities in the sector. 

Below average harvests in Canada and South Australia in 
September and October 2015 impacted handling margins 
in the first half of the year. The improved harvests of 2016 
contributed to significantly improved performances, which 
are expected to carry over into the first quarter of 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA
US$ million

592

2014

2015

2016

Industrial activities

213  2014

 150  2015

 138  2016

Marketing activities

 996  2014

584  2015

454  2016

Adjusted EBIT
US$ million

522

2014

2015

2016

Industrial activities

 136  2014

 63  2015

104  2016

Marketing activities

 856  2014

461  2015

418  2016

74

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Glencore Annual Report 2016

75

Strategic report 

Agricultural products

The disposal of 50% of the Agricultural Products division was completed on 1 December 2016, as discussed in the Financial review and 
the financial statements. These highlights reflect 11 months’ results on a 100% consolidated basis and 1 month on a 50% proportionate 
consolidated basis.

US$ million

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

Adjusted EBITDA margin

Marketing  
activities

Industrial 
activities

18,678

454

418

2.4%

3,292

138

104

4.2%

2016

21,970

592

522

2.7%

Market conditions

Selected average commodity prices

S&P GSCI Agriculture Index

CBOT wheat price (US¢/bu)

CBOT corn no.2 price (US¢/bu)

CBOT soya beans (US¢/bu)

ICE cotton price (US¢/lb)

ICE sugar # 11 price (US¢/lb)

Marketing

Highlights

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

20,617

584

461

2.8%

2016

295

436

358

989

66

18

2,529

150

63

5.9%

2015

295

507

377

945

63

13

2015

23,146

734

524

3.2%

Change %

–

(14)

(5)

5

5

38

Prices and volatility generally remained subdued during the period, with our grain and oilseed marketing business 
performing consistently well in the circumstances. The marketing of wheat, Brazilian corn, soyameal and the rapeseed 
complex, supported by our asset ownership, exceeded expectations, while sugar and cotton were below expectations.

Viterra Canada faced challenges in the first half of 2016, as the crop harvested in September 2015 was below average, with 
margins suffering from competition amongst handlers in the face of low prices and farmer retention. Margins improved 
in the final quarter with a near-record, albeit poor quality, crop harvested in September 2016. South Australia was broadly 
similar, with the first half impacted by the disappointing October 2015 harvest and the final quarter benefiting from a record 
2016 South Australian crop. In the meantime, we had added storage and were well prepared for the large Viterra Australia 
intake. The crop size and delayed Australian harvest is also expected to positively impact results in the first quarter of 2017.

Financial information

US$ million  

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

Selected marketing volumes sold

Million tonnes

Grain

Oil/Oilseeds

Cotton

Sugar

76

Glencore Annual Report 2016

2016

18,678

454

418

2016

43.8

26.7

0.4

0.5

2015

20,617

584

461

Change %

(9)

(22)

(9)

2015

43.7

23.3

0.4

1.1

Change %

–

15

–

(55)

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Operating highlights

Processing/production (100% basis) of 14.5 million tonnes reflected a year-on-year increase of 2.9 million tonnes (25%), 
mainly relating to the acquisitions, in late 2015 and early 2016, of the Becancour and Warden crush plants in Canada and the 
US, respectively, and higher capacity utilisation in Argentina. 

At Becancour, margins were poor early in the year as sales of meal proved challenging, but increased in the second 
half. In Argentina, where the fiscal environment has improved, margins were reasonable in the post-harvest period, but 
contracted somewhat with farmer retention later in the year. Softseed crushing and biodiesel in Europe struggled with the 
smaller rapeseed crop and resulting over-capacity.

Sugar milling volumes increased as we attracted ample third-party cane and the business benefited from higher sugar and 
ethanol prices. Wheat milling in Brazil was challenging in early 2016 as demand contracted due to poor domestic economic 
conditions, however this business recovered well in the second half.

Financial information

US$ million  

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBIT

Adjusted EBITDA margin

Sustaining capital expenditure

Expansionary capital expenditure

Total capital expenditure

Processing/production data1

Farming

Crushing

Long-term toll agreement

Biodiesel

Rice milling

Wheat milling

Sugarcane processing

Total agricultural products

1  Reported on a 100% basis.

2016

3,292

138

104

4%

22

22

44

2016

792

7,680

804

687

274

989

3,259

14,485

2015

2,529

150

63

6%

58

40

98

2015

704

6,069

284

556

206

976

2,751

11,546

Change %

30

(8)

65

Change %

13

27

183

24

33

1

18

25

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

Glencore Annual Report 2016

77

 
 
Corporate 
governance

“  2016 was a year of considerable 
action by your Company and 
your Board as we transitioned 
from a higher-geared company 
in a tough sector down-cycle to a 
business with a robust balance 
sheet and a more positive 
operating environment.”

  CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION
  (see page 80)

 Chairman’s introduction
 Directors and Officers

80 
81 
84  Corporate governance report
99  Directors’ remuneration report
109  Directors’ report

78

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Glencore Annual Report 2016

79

Governance

Chairman’s introduction

Dear Shareholders,

2016 was a year of considerable action by your Company 
and your Board as we transitioned from a higher-geared 
company in a tough sector down-cycle to a business with a 
robust balance sheet and a more positive 
operating environment. 

From a governance and commercial perspective, our 
unrelenting focus has been on the rapid delivery of our debt 
reduction programme which we announced in September 
2015. We ignored distractions, including gradually 
improving market conditions, to deliver an outturn that has 
surpassed our initial challenging objectives. I believe that 
this is testament to the strength of our Board and the quality 
of our management team. 

New regulation and guidance on governance continue 
apace. We seek to engage with the Financial Reporting 
Council, the Investment Association and other bodies where 
appropriate. As an example, I participated in the FRC’s 
consultation on culture, and its working group published 
their report in July last year. We agree that a healthy 
corporate culture leads to long-term success by both 
protecting and generating value. We believe that our 
reaction to our challenges over the past 18 months or so has 
been testament to the strong culture of Glencore which has 
endured in a time of stress and challenge for the business. 

Safety remains critical to the Board. We remain committed 
to our goal of zero fatalities. Our condolences go to the 
families of the sixteen people who lost their lives last year, 
including ten people who died following two separate 
incidents at our copper operations in central Africa. 
All members of the HSEC Committee visited these sites in 
2016, and have worked closely with the management of the 
operations to understand the causes of these tragic events 
and to address them. Similarly, as in previous years, we met 
with the management of each of the operations that 
experienced fatalities last year to discuss the incidents and 
ensure that appropriate learnings have been identified and 
shared throughout the organisation to prevent recurrence. 

At the 2016 AGM, shareholders approved the ‘Aiming for A’ 
resolution, which called for a comprehensive response to the 
challenges posed by climate change. I am chairing an 
internal working group on climate change, which includes 
business heads and senior representatives of key functions. 
The working group is leading the delivery of our climate 
change commitments. We have used this year’s budget 
planning process to develop a view of the projected energy 
use and emissions footprint of our operations until 2020, 
and will be using this information to identify strategic 
opportunities to reduce our emissions footprint and drive 
meaningful targets in the business. We also continue to 
engage positively in public policy debates in countries 
where we operate concerning carbon-related regulation. 

80

Glencore Annual Report 2016

We recognise that access to water is an essential need for 
our host communities, as it is for our operations. A working 
group comprising experts from across our business has 
worked this year to better understand operations where 
access to water may be a challenge, due either to its surplus 
or scarcity, and are now looking at appropriate 
management responses.

Our activities generate significant benefits for our host 
governments and communities. To support responsible 
management of revenues from extractive activities, we have 
this year published a report detailing our payments to host 
governments on a project-by-project level. We also continue 
to support the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 
(EITI), and participate in in-country efforts to strengthen 
this further. 

We continue to focus on dialogue with our host 
communities; by supporting local training, business 
development and procurement; and by investment in public 
infrastructure such as roads and water and power 
distribution. We strive to do so while meeting our 
responsibility to respect human rights, as detailed by the 
UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. 
To achieve this, we identify and assess our human rights 
impacts, and maintain mechanisms at our operations to 
enable our host communities to raise concerns, complaints 
or grievances. 

We aim to deliver competitively-priced commodities that 
meet our stakeholders’ needs and contribute to global 
society. A number of our products, such as copper, cobalt 
and nickel, play a key role in the transition to a lower-carbon 
economy. We work to understand fully our products’ 
properties in order to produce, transport and store them 
safely, and we share this knowledge with our stakeholders 
in our value chains.

Never before has the Group been so well positioned for the 
opportunities that lie ahead. Glencore today is a highly cash 
generative business, underpinned by the resilience of our 
marketing business, strong asset portfolio and excellent 
management team. 

Anthony Hayward

Chairman

1 March 2017

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Directors and Officers

Anthony Hayward
Chairman (Age 59)

Appointed: Anthony Hayward was appointed 
Independent Non-Executive Chairman in May 2013. 
Prior to being appointed Chairman he was the Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company. 

Committees: Health, Safety, Environment and 
Communities (“HSEC”) 

Experience: Dr Hayward is non-executive chairman 
of Genel Energy plc (LON:GENL), a partner and 
member of the European advisory Board of AEA 
Capital and chairman of Compact GTL Limited. 

Dr Hayward was chief executive of BP plc from 2007 
to 2010, having joined BP in 1982 as a rig geologist in 
the North Sea. He became group treasurer in 2000, 
chief executive for BP upstream activities and 
member of the main Board of BP in 2003.

Dr Hayward studied geology at Aston University in 
Birmingham and completed a Ph.D at Edinburgh 
University. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of 
Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from the 
University of Edinburgh, Aston University, the 
University of Birmingham and Aberdeen University.

Ivan Glasenberg
Chief Executive Officer (Age 60)

Appointed: Ivan Glasenberg joined Glencore in 
April 1984 and has been Chief Executive Officer 
since January 2002.

Committees: HSEC 

Experience: Mr Glasenberg initially spent three years 
working in the coal commodity department in South 
Africa as a marketer, before spending two years in 
Australia as head of the Asian coal commodity 
division. Between 1988 and 1989, he was based in 
Hong Kong as head of Glencore’s Hong Kong and 
Beijing offices, as well as head of coal marketing in 
Asia, where his responsibilities included overseeing 
the Asian coal marketing business of Glencore and 
managing the administrative functions of the Hong 
Kong and Beijing offices. 

Peter Coates AO
Non-Executive Director (Age 71)

Appointed: Peter Coates has been a Non-Executive 
Director since January 2014. Prior to this he served as 
an Executive Director from June to December 2013 
and a Non-Executive Director from April 2011 to 
May 2013. 

Committees: HSEC (Chairman)

Experience: Prior to joining Glencore in 1994 as a 
senior executive in the coal department, Mr Coates 
had occupied senior positions in a range of resource 
companies, including those mining silver, lead, 
nickel, iron ore, bauxite and coal. He joined Xstrata 
in 2002 as chief executive of Xstrata’s coal business, 
when Glencore sold its Australian and South 
African coal assets to Xstrata, stepping down 
in December 2007. 

In January 1990, he was made responsible for the 
worldwide coal business of Glencore for both 
marketing and industrial assets, and remained in 
this role until he became Chief Executive Officer 
in January 2002.

Mr Glasenberg is a Chartered Accountant of South 
Africa and holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the 
University of Witwatersrand. Mr Glasenberg also 
holds an MBA from the University of Southern 
California. He is currently a non-executive director of 
United Company Rusal plc (HKG: 0486). Before joining 
Glencore, Mr Glasenberg worked for five years at 
Levitt Kirson Chartered Accountants in South Africa.

He was non-executive chairman of Xstrata Australia 
from January 2008 until August 2009. From April 
2008 until April 2011, he was a non-executive 
chairman of Minara Resources Ltd. From May 2013 
to June 2016, he was a non-executive chairman of 
Sphere Minerals Limited. Mr. Coates is non-executive 
chairman of Santos Limited (ASX:STO) and a 
non-executive director of Event Hospitality and 
Entertainment Limited (ASX:EVT). Mr Coates is a 
past chairman of the Minerals Council of Australia, 
the NSW Minerals Council and the Australian 
Coal Association.

Mr Coates holds a Bachelor of Science degree in 
Mining Engineering from the University of New 
South Wales. He was appointed to the Office of the 
Order of Australia in June 2009 and awarded the 
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy 
Medal for 2010.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

81

Governance

Directors and Officers

Leonhard Fischer
Independent Non-Executive Director 
(Age 54)

Appointed: Leonhard Fischer was appointed an 
Independent Non-Executive Director in April 2011.

Committees: Audit (Chairman), Nomination  
and Remuneration 

Experience: Mr Fischer was chief executive officer of 
BHF Kleinwort Benson Group S.A. (formerly RHJ 
International S.A.) from January 2009 until April 
2016, having been co-chief executive officer since 
May 2007. 

William Macaulay
Independent Non-Executive Director 
(Age 71)

Appointed: William Macaulay was appointed as an 
Independent Non-Executive Director in April 2011.

Committees: Audit and Remuneration 

Experience: Mr Macaulay is the chairman and chief 
executive officer of First Reserve Corporation, a 
private equity investment firm focused on the energy 
industry, and has been with the company since its 
founding in 1983.

Prior to joining First Reserve, Mr Macaulay was a 
co-founder of Meridien Capital Company, a private 
equity buyout firm. From 1972 to 1982, he served 
as director of corporate finance at Oppenheimer 
& Co. with direct responsibility for the firm’s 
buyout business. He also served as president of 
Oppenheimer Energy Corporation.

Peter Grauer
Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director (Age 71)

Appointed: Peter Grauer was appointed as an 
Independent Non-Executive Director in June 2013 
and became the Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director in May 2014.

Committees: Nomination (Chairman) and Audit 

Experience: Mr Grauer is chairman of Bloomberg 
Inc., the global financial media company that was 
founded in 1981. Mr Grauer was chairman and chief 
executive officer from 2002 to 2011 and has been a 
member of Bloomberg’s Board of Directors since 1996. 

Mr Fischer was chief executive officer of Winterthur 
Group from 2003 to 2006 and a member of the 
executive Board of Credit Suisse Group from 2003 
to March 2007. He joined Credit Suisse Group from 
Allianz AG, where he had been a member of the 
management Board and head of the corporates and 
markets division. Prior to this, he had been a 
member of the executive Board of Dresdner Bank 
AG in Frankfurt. 

Mr Fischer holds an M.A. in Finance from the 
University of Georgia.

Mr Macaulay is a director of Weatherford 
International (NYSE:WFT). He also serves on 
numerous private energy company Boards. 

Mr Macaulay holds a B.B.A. degree (with honours) in 
Economics from City College of New York, and an 
MBA from the Wharton School of the University of 
Pennsylvania. He has also received an Honorary 
Doctor of Humane Letters degree from 
Baruch College.

Prior to this, Mr Grauer was managing director of 
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette from 1992 to 2000 
when DLJ was acquired by Credit Suisse First Boston 
and founder of DLJ Merchant Banking. He served 
as managing director and senior partner of CSFB 
Private Equity until 2002. Mr Grauer is a director 
of Blackstone (NYSE:BX) and Davita Inc (NYSE:DVA). 
Mr Grauer is also a member of the International 
Business Council of the World Economic Forum, and 
a trustee of Rockefeller University.

Mr Grauer graduated from the University of North 
Carolina and the Harvard University Graduate 
School of Business Program for Management 
Development in 1975.

82

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Patrice Merrin
Independent Non-Executive Director 
(Age 68)

Appointed: Patrice Merrin was appointed as an 
Independent Non-Executive Director in June 2014. 

Committees: HSEC 

Experience: Ms Merrin is currently a non-executive 
director of Stillwater Mining (NYSE:SWC) and 
Novadaq Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:NVDQ). She has 
been a director and then chairman of CML 
Healthcare from 2008 to 2013, of Enssolutions, a mine 
tailing solutions company, and of NB Power.

Following initial roles with Molson and Canadian 
Pacific, Ms Merrin worked at Sherritt, the Canadian 
diversified miner, for 10 years until 2004, latterly as 
COO. She then became CEO of Luscar, Canada’s 
largest thermal coal producer. 

John Mack
Independent Non-Executive Director 
(Age 72)

Ms Merrin was a director of the Alberta Climate 
Change and Emissions Management Corporation 
from 2009 to 2014. She was also a member of the 
Canadian Advisory Panel on Sustainable Energy 
Science and Technology from 2005 to 2006, and from 
2003 to 2006 was a member of Canada’s Round Table 
on the Environment and the Economy.

Ms Merrin is a graduate of Queen’s University, 
Ontario and completed the Advanced Management 
Programme at INSEAD. 

Appointed: John Mack was appointed as an 
Independent Non-Executive Director in June 2013.

Committees: Remuneration (Chairman) 
and Nomination 

Experience: Mr Mack is a non-executive director of 
Enduring Hydro, Corinthian Opthalmic and Lending 
Club Corporation (NYSE:LC). Mr Mack also serves on 
the Advisory Board of China Investment 
Corporation, is a member of the International 
Business Council of the World Economic Forum, the 
NYC Financial Services Advisory Committee and the 
Shanghai International Financial Advisory Council.

Mr Mack previously served as chief executive officer 
of Morgan Stanley from June 2005 until December 
2009. He retired as chairman in 2011. Mr Mack first 
joined Morgan Stanley in May 1972, becoming a 
Board Director in 1987 and was named President 
in 1993. 

Before rejoining Morgan Stanley as chairman and 
chief executive officer in June 2005, Mr Mack served 
as co-chief executive officer of Credit Suisse Group 
and chief executive officer of Credit Suisse 
First Boston. 

Mr Mack is a graduate of Duke University.

Officers
Steven Kalmin
Chief Financial Officer (Age 46)

Appointed: Steven Kalmin has been Chief Financial 
Officer since June 2005.

Experience: Steven Kalmin joined Glencore in 
September 1999 as general manager of finance and 
treasury functions at Glencore’s coal industrial unit 
(which became part of Xstrata). Mr Kalmin moved to 
Glencore’s Baar head office in October 2003 to oversee 
Glencore’s accounting and reporting functions, 
becoming Chief Financial Officer in June 2005.

Mr Kalmin holds a Bachelor of Business (with 
distinction) from the University of Technology, 
Sydney and is a member of the Chartered 
Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the 
Financial Services Institute of Australasia. 

Before joining Glencore, Mr Kalmin worked for nine 
years at Horwath Chartered Accountants in Sydney, 
leaving the firm as a director. 

John Burton
Company Secretary (Age 52)

Appointed: John Burton was appointed Company 
Secretary in September 2011.

Experience: He was formerly company secretary and 
general counsel of Informa plc and before that a 
partner of CMS in London specialising in corporate 
law. Mr Burton holds a B.A. degree in Law from 
Durham University. He was admitted as a Solicitor 
in England and Wales in 1990.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

83

Governance

Corporate governance report

This report should be read in conjunction with the Directors’ 
Report and the remainder of the Governance section.

Board governance and structure

Overview

This governance report sets out how Glencore has applied 
the main principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(“the Code”) in a manner which enables shareholders to 
evaluate how these principles have been applied. As a 
London premium listed entity we seek to ensure full 
compliance with the Code. The Board believes that the 
Company has throughout the year complied with all 
relevant provisions contained in the Code.

Glencore’s Board comprises seven Non-Executive Directors 
(including the Chairman) and one Executive Director. A list 
of the current Directors, with their brief biographical details 
and other significant commitments, is provided in the 
previous pages. The Chief Financial Officer attends all 
meetings of the Board and Audit Committee. The Company 
Secretary attends all meetings of the Board and 
its committees. 

Division of responsibilities

As a Jersey incorporated company, Glencore has a unitary 
Board, meaning all Directors share equal responsibility for 
decisions taken. Glencore has established a clear division 
between the respective responsibilities of the Non-Executive 
Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer which are set out 
in a schedule of responsibilities which has been approved 
by the Board. While the Non-Executive Chairman is 
responsible for leading the Board’s discussions and 
decision-making, the CEO is responsible for implementing 
and executing strategy and for leading Glencore’s operating 
performance and day-to-day management. The CEO and 
CFO have line of sight across the Group. The CEO is further 
supported by the Group’s senior management team 
principally comprising the heads of the businesses and the 
head of strategy. The Company Secretary is responsible for 
ensuring that there is clear and effective information flow to 
the Non-Executive Directors.

Further details of these responsibilities are set out opposite.

Peter Grauer, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, is 
available to meet with shareholders and acts as an 
intermediary between the Chairman and other independent 
Directors when required. This division of responsibilities, 
coupled with the schedule of reserved matters for the Board, 
ensures that no individual has unfettered powers 
of decision.

S
E
I
T
I
L
I
B
I
S
N
O
P
S
E
R
F
O
N
O
I
S
I

I

V
D

Chairman
• Leader of the Board
• Responsible for effective communication flow 

between Directors

• Facilitates effective contribution of all Directors
• Responsible for effective Board governance
• Ensures effective communication 

with shareholders

Chief Executive Officer
• Leads and motivates management team
• Implements strategy and objectives as directed 

by the Board

• Develops Group policies and proposals 
for approval by the Board and ensures 
effective implementation

Senior Independent Director
• Is a confidant of the Chairman and (when 

appropriate) also acts as an intermediary for 
other independent Directors

• Will stand in for the Chairman if he is unable 

to attend 

• Chairs the Nomination Committee
• Responsible for appraising the 

Chairman’s performance along with other 
independent Directors

• Available to shareholders to answer questions 

Other Non-Executive Directors
• Supply challenge and support to management
• Bring independent mindset and differing 

backgrounds and experience to Board debates
• Provide leadership and challenge as chair of, or a 
member of, the Board Committees which (except 
HSEC) comprise only Non-Executive Directors

• Scrutinise leadership of Chairman

Company Secretary
• Secretary to Board Committees
• Informs the Board on all matters reserved to it 
and ensures papers are provided in sufficient 
detail and on time

• Available to Directors in respect of Board 

procedures and provides support and advice

• Ensures the Board is kept informed on 

governance matters

• Coordinates and assists with the Board evaluation 

process along with the Chairman

84

Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Non-Executive Directors

Board Committees 

The Company’s Non-Executive Directors provide a broad 
range of skills and experience to the Board, which assists in 
their roles in formulating the Company’s strategy and in 
providing constructive challenge to executive management. 

Glencore regularly assesses its Non-Executive Directors’ 
independence. Except for Peter Coates, due to his 
employment by the Group during 2013–14 they all are 
regarded by the Company as Independent Non-Executive 
Directors within the meaning of ‘‘independent’’ as defined 
in the Code and free from any business or other relationship 
which could materially interfere with the exercise of their 
independent judgement.

Management of conflicts of interest

All Directors endeavour to avoid any situation of conflict of 
interest with the Company. Potential conflicts can arise and 
therefore processes and procedures are in place requiring 
Directors to identify and declare any actual or potential 
conflict of interest. Any such notifications are required to be 
made by the Directors prior to, or at, a Board meeting and 
all Directors have a duty to update the whole Board of any 
changes in circumstances. Glencore’s Articles of Association 
and Jersey law allow for the Board to authorise potential 
conflicts and the potentially conflicted Director must abstain 
from any vote accordingly. During 2016, no abstention 
procedures for conflicts had to be activated.

The following four Committees are in place to assist the 
Board in exercising its functions: Audit, Nomination, 
Remuneration and Health, Safety, Environmental and 
Communities (“HSEC”), as set out in the diagram on the 
next page. Committee meetings are held prior to Board 
meetings and at each scheduled Board meeting the 
chairman of each Committee leads a discussion concerning 
the Committee’s activities since the previous Board meeting. 

The Committees carry out a considerable amount of work. 
In particular:

• the Audit Committee provides challenge and enquiry on 
the significant areas of financial and accounting oversight 
and risk management; and

• the HSEC Committee, whose membership includes both 

Chairman and CEO, continues to have the heaviest 
workload of all the committees due to its strong 
leadership of sustainability issues and the range of 
matters which it considers. Its work on driving 
improvements in the prevention of catastrophic events 
and safety performance continues to be of 
particular focus. 

A report for 2016 from each Committee Chairman is set out 
later in this Corporate governance report.

Each Committee reports to, and has its terms of reference 
approved by, the Board and the minutes of the Committee 
meetings are circulated to the Board. Each Committee 
reviewed its terms of reference during the year and as a 
result revisions were made to the HSEC Committee’s terms 
of reference to ensure they continue to conform to 
best practice. 

All Committees’ terms of reference are available at: 
www.glencore.com/who-we-are/board-of-directors/
board-committees/

Glencore Annual Report 2016

85

Governance

Corporate governance report

N I T I E S   C O M M IT TEE

U

M

M

O

D C

B O A R D   OF DIRECTORS
T   T H E DIRECT

O

R

S

C

E

E L

CHIE

F FIN

A

N

A

U

D

IT 

C

C

I

A

L

O

M

O

M

I

T

F

T

F

E

E

I

C

E

R

VIRON M E N T A N

N
Y, E
T
E
F
A
H, S

T
L
A
E
H

SHAREHOLDERS

O

N

G

OING ENG A G E M E

N T

E
E
T
MIT

A TIO N C O M

R

E

N

U

M

E

R

C

H

N

I

O

E

M

I

F

N

E

A

T

I

O

X

N

E

C

C

O

M

U

T
I
V

MIT

T

E

E

E O

F

FICER

Board meetings 

The Board has approved a formal schedule which sets out 
those matters which are reserved for its decision-making 
alone such as strategy, the annual budget and material 
acquisitions and disposals. Meetings are usually held at the 
Company’s headquarters in Baar, Switzerland. Details of the 
Board and Committee meetings held during the year are 
detailed below.

The Board and its Committees have standing agenda items 
to cover their proposed business at their scheduled 
meetings. The Chairman seeks to ensure that the very 
significant work of the Committees feeds into, and benefits 
as to feedback from, the full Board. The Board and 

Committee meetings also benefit from presentations by 
senior executives and some technical and investor relations 
updates. Presentations from the business and senior 
management allow Directors to enhance their 
understanding of the business and the implementation of 
strategy, in turn contributing to a more effective Board. 
A summary of the Board’s main activities during 2016 is set 
out on the next page. 

Several times a year the Chairman holds meetings with the 
Non-Executive Directors without the Executive Director 
present, and at least once a year the Non-Executive Directors 
meet without the Chairman present.

86

Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Work at Board meetings
The main considerations and actions carried out at the meetings of the Board during 2016 are summarised below. The work of the committees is described later 
in this report.

At each main scheduled meeting the following standing matters are considered:

•  consideration of any new conflicts of interest;

•  review of minutes of previous meetings, including actions from previous meetings; and

•  reports/updates from the CEO, CFO, Head of Strategy and Investor Relations and Head of Communications. These reports include consideration of strategic 

matters including possible asset expansions/contractions, acquisitions/disposals, material debt refinancing and analysis of risks. 

In addition:

•  regular updates are provided by the Company Secretary on governance, Board processes and other Company secretarial matters; and 

•  usually the Non-Executive Directors have a separate meeting, with sometimes a second session without the Chairman present. 

Principal Board activities during 2016

First scheduled short agenda meeting
•  Results/business update

•  Initial discussion as to proposed 

impairment charges

Second short notice meeting 
•  Business update

•  Consideration and approval of $625 million 

investment by bcIMC in Agriculture division

•  Consideration and approval of Antapaccay 

•  Market abuse regulation – review and next steps

streaming transaction

•  Review and approval of 2015 Production Report 

and Reserves and Resources Report 

First scheduled meeting
•  Annual Results, including review and approval, 

where appropriate, of:

 – report from the Audit Committee Chairman;

 – detailed consideration of principal risks/

uncertainties and mitigation to be disclosed;

 – report on going concern;

 – final distribution recommendation;

 – full-year results announcement for the 

prior year;

 – Annual Report draft; and

 – management representation letter

•  Consideration of AGM resolutions

•  Report from the Nomination Committee 

Chairman and discussion on whether all current 
Directors should stand at AGM

•  Report from the Remuneration 

Committee Chairman

•  Report from the HSEC Committee Chairman, 
in particular discussions on safety and draft 
sustainability report

•  Reviewed updated Board governance documents 

and key policies

First short notice meeting 
•  Business update

Fifth scheduled meeting
•  In depth review of equity and credit markets and 

careful review of investor priorities

•  Consideration of progress of debt reduction 
programme and review of debt management

•  Review of Group’s IT function including 

cyber security

•  Review of legal and compliance function 

including actual or potential litigation and the 
Raising Concerns programme

•  Report from the HSEC Committee Chairman

Fourth scheduled short agenda meeting
•  Review of Q3 financial report

•  Review and approval of Q3 Production Report

•  Preliminary discussion as to the main topics and 

messages for the December investor update

Third scheduled meeting
•  Business update and review of financial position

•  Review of debt reduction programme

•  Review of M&A policy and possibilities 

including other potential disposals and longer-
term strategy

•  Sustainability roadshow report

•  Report from the HSEC Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Audit Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Nomination 

Committee Chairman

 Third scheduled short agenda meeting
•  Business update

•  Review and approval of Half-year 

Production Report

•  Consideration and approval of proposed 

Ernest Henry transaction

•  Review of debt reduction programme

Third short notice meeting
•  Review of balance sheet strategy including new 
dividend policy and 2017 capex plans, future 
reinvestment criteria

•  Consideration and approval of the issues to 

be disclosed in the December investor update 
including as to capex and distribution policy

Fourth scheduled meeting
•  Half-year results, including review and 

approval, where appropriate, of:

 – report from the Audit Committee Chairman;

 – principal risks and mitigation to be disclosed;

 – report on going concern;

 – Half-year results announcement; and

 – management representation letter

Sixth scheduled meeting
•  Review of principal risks and uncertainties and 
preparation for longer-term viability statement

•  Presentations from the head of oil, head of 

copper and head of nickel

•  Consideration and approval of the 2017 budget 

and 2018 – 20 business plan.

•  Report from the HSEC Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Audit Committee Chairman

•  Approval of CPPIB $2.5 billion investment 

in Agriculture division

•  Report from the HSEC Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Audit Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Nomination 

Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Nomination 

Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Remuneration 

Committee Chairman

•  Considered outcomes from multiple 

shareholder meetings on governance and 
sustainability issues 

Second scheduled short agenda meeting 
•  Business update

•  Considered and approved the 

Q1 Production Report 

Second scheduled meeting
•  Briefing on the business to be conducted at the 

AGM (and after, of the other issues raised)

•  Report from the HSEC Committee Chairman, 

including discussion on several fatalities 
at Katanga

•  Report from the Audit Committee Chairman

•  Report from the Nomination 

Committee chairman

Glencore Annual Report 2016

87

Governance

Corporate governance report

Attendance during the year for all scheduled full agenda Board and all Board Committee meetings is set out in the 
table below: 

Board of 6

Audit of 6 Remuneration of 2

Nomination of 4

HSEC of 7

Ivan Glasenberg

Anthony Hayward

William Macaulay

Leonhard Fischer

Peter Coates

John Mack

Peter Grauer

Patrice Merrin

6

6

6

6

6

6

4

6

6

6

4

2

2

2

4

4

2

6

7

7

7

All Directors have access to the advice and services of the 
Company Secretary, who is responsible to the Board for 
ensuring the Board procedures are complied with, and have 
access to independent and professional advice at the 
Company’s expense, where they judge this to be necessary 
to discharge their responsibilities as Directors.

Director induction process

New Directors receive a full, formal and tailored induction 
on joining the Board, including meetings with 
senior management. 

Board effectiveness 

During the year no material conflicts have arisen concerning 
the private interests of the Directors with those of 
the Group. 

Since an external evaluation was carried out during 2015 
and no material governance issues arose during 2016, the 
Board resolved to carry out an internal evaluation for the 
year. As part of this process, the findings from the external 
evaluation (which were summarised in the 2015 Annual 
Report) were reviewed. The evaluation process has been 
augmented by the private sessions which take place 
between the Non-Executive Directors without management 
and ongoing discussions as to the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the Board and its committees. No material 
issues arose from this evaluation.

Remuneration

Remuneration is covered in the Directors’ remuneration 
report which follows this section. It includes a description of 
the work of the Remuneration Committee.

In addition, there were another seven limited agenda 
meetings of the Board. Details of all these Board meetings 
are set out on the previous page.

Appointment and re-election of Directors

All Directors will be offering themselves for re-election at 
the 2017 AGM. 

All of the Directors have service agreements or letters of 
appointment and the details of their terms are set out in the 
Directors’ remuneration report. No other contract with the 
Company or any subsidiary undertaking of the Company in 
which any Director was materially interested existed during 
or at the end of the financial year except that Peter Coates 
received fees of AUD34,246 in 2016 relating to his 
directorship of Sphere Minerals Limited. Sphere was 
delisted part way through the year and Peter Coates 
subsequently retired from his role as Director 
and Chairman. 

Information, management meetings, site visits and 
professional development

It is considered of great importance that the Non-Executive 
Directors (1) attain a good knowledge of the Company and 
its business and (2) allocate sufficient time to Glencore to 
discharge their responsibilities effectively. The Board 
calendar is planned to ensure that Directors are briefed on a 
wide range of topics. Directors are also given the 
opportunity to visit Group operations and discuss aspects 
of the business with employees, and regularly meet the 
heads of the Group’s main departments and other senior 
executives. As well as internal briefings, Directors attend 
appropriate external seminars and briefings.

Normally meetings with heads of commodities and other 
senior Group functions take place alongside scheduled 
Board meetings. In addition, in order to better familiarise 
themselves with the industrial activities, regular site visits 
take place. During 2016 three operations were visited.

88

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Risk – Board leadership

The Board provides leadership and oversight on 
risk management. Specifically it:

(1)  provides a robust assessment of the principal risks 

facing the Group 

The Board determines the nature and extent of the 
principal risks the Group should take in achieving 
its strategic objectives. The Board has carried out a 
robust assessment of the principal risks facing the 
Group, including those that would threaten its business 
model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. 
The Directors’ description of those risks and their 
explanation as to how they are being managed or 
mitigated are set out on pages 36 to 44.

(2)  determines a longer-term viability statement
Taking account of the Group’s position and principal 
risks, the Directors assess the prospects of the 
Group and conclude whether they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over 
the period of their assessment. Their conclusions are 
set out on page 111 and 112.

(3)  monitors the Group’s risk management and 

internal control systems

The Board oversees sound risk management and internal 
control systems. It carries out a regular review of their 
effectiveness including reviewing the Group’s internal 
financial controls and the Group’s internal control and 
risk management. This monitoring and review covers all 
material controls, including financial, operational and 
compliance controls. Their work and conclusions are 
described on pages 36, 89 and 90 to 93.

Accountability and audit

Financial reporting

The Group has in place a comprehensive financial review 
cycle, which includes a detailed annual planning/budgeting 
process where business units prepare budgets for overall 
consolidation and approval by the Board. The Group uses a 
large number of performance indicators to measure both 
operational and financial activity in the business. 
Depending on the measure, these are reported and 
reviewed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. In addition, 
management in the business receives weekly and monthly 
reports of indicators which are the basis of regular 
operational meetings, where corrective action is taken if 
necessary. At a Group level, a well-developed management 
accounts pack, including income statement, balance sheet, 
cash flow statement as well as key ratios is prepared and 
reviewed monthly by management. As part of the monthly 
reporting process, a reforecast of the current year 
projections is performed. To ensure consistency of 
reporting, the Group has a global consolidation system as 
well as a common accounting policies and procedures 
manual. Management monitors the publication of new 
reporting standards and works closely with our external 
auditors in evaluating their impact, if any.

Risk management and internal control 

The Board has applied Principle C.2 of the Code by 
establishing a continuous process for identifying, evaluating 
and managing the risks that are considered significant by 
the Group in accordance with the revised Turnbull 
Guidance on Internal Control published by the Financial 
Reporting Council. This process has been in place for the 
period under review and up to the date of approval of the 
Annual Report and financial statements. The process is 
designed to manage and mitigate rather than eliminate risk, 
and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss. The Directors confirm 
that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group and have reviewed the 
effectiveness of the risk management and internal control 
systems. This review excludes associates of the Group as 
Glencore does not have the ability to dictate or modify the 
internal controls of these entities. This report describes how 
the effectiveness of the Group’s structure of internal controls 
including financial, operational and compliance controls 
and risk management systems is reviewed.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

89

Governance

Corporate governance report

Approach to risk management

Effective risk management is crucial in helping the Group 
achieve its objectives of preserving its overall financial 
strength for the benefit of all shareholders and other 
stakeholders and safeguarding its ability to continue as a 
going concern while generating sustainable long-term 
profitability. Spanning the organisational structure, 
Glencore’s disciplined approach to risk management and 
control originates with strategic responsibility in the hands 

of the Board, which also retains operational authority on 
matters exceeding agreed thresholds of materiality.

The Board retains final authority for assessing and 
approving the Group’s overall risk appetite and sets overall 
limits which are subject to review annually. It is assisted by 
the work of the Audit Committee for oversight and by senior 
management for day-to-day operational matters, in order to 
maintain an effective risk management governance 
apparatus for the Group.

Risk culture

Risk strategy and appetite

Risk governance

Risk organisation

External disclosure

Risk monitoring and reporting

Risk identification

Risk assessment

Risk management

Principal risks 
and uncertainties 
(see pages 36 to 44)

Risk Management Framework

Board of Directors

OVERSIGHT

     Audit Committee

Tone from the top

            HSEC Committee

INFRASTRUCTURE

People

Process

Technology

Management team (executive)

     Group functions

          Internal Audit

                HSEC Assurance

RISK PROCESS

Identify

Measure

Mitigate

Control

Report

Business segments 
 and functions

Marketing  
risk process

Industrial  
risk process

HSEC  
risk process

External

Business

Sustainability

Prices

Supply & 
Demand

Operating

Credit

Catastrophes

HSEC

Risk Management Framework 

Group functions

Management engagement

The Company’s senior management reviews the major risks 
facing the Group and decides if the level of risk is acceptable 
or whether further steps need to be taken to mitigate these 
risks. Together, central and business management set the 
level of risk appetite by ensuring that there is an appropriate 
balance between the level of risk assumed and the 
expected return.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the risk 
management system and internal controls.

Mandated by the Board, the Audit and HSEC Committees 
are responsible for ensuring that the significant risks 
identified are properly managed. 

Group functions (Risk Management, Compliance, Legal and 
Sustainable Development) support the Business Risk 
Owners and senior management in mitigating risk across 
the Group.

Internal Audit

Internal Audit, as an independent assurance provider, 
reviews the risk management process and internal controls 
established by the management team. 

A risk-based audit approach is applied in order to focus on 
high risk areas during the audit process. It involves 
discussions with management on the risks identified in the 
business risk registers, emerging risks, operational changes, 
new investments and capital projects.

The key results from this process are reported to the 
Audit Committee for their review.

90

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

As well as being subject to a review of the Audit Committee 
for its effectiveness, the Internal Audit function was also 
subject to external evaluation. The next review is planned to 
be carried out in 2017. 

Industrial risk management 

We believe that every employee should be accountable for 
the risks related to their role. As a result, we encourage our 
employees to escalate risks (not limited to hazards) to their 
immediate supervisors. This enables risks to be tackled and 
mitigated at an early stage by the team with the relevant 
level of expertise.

The management teams at each industrial operation are 
responsible for implementing a risk management process 
that identifies, assesses and manages risk.

The risks that may impact on business objectives and plans 
are maintained in a business risk register. They include 
strategic, compliance, operational and reporting risks.

Any significant risks are reported to Management and the 
Audit Committee. A Corporate Risk Management 
Framework is implemented on a Group-wide basis to ensure 
consistency in the assessment and reporting of risks.

HSEC risk management 

These risk management processes are operated at asset level 
subject to coordination and guidance from the central 
sustainability team and subject to the leadership and 
oversight of the HSEC Committee.

The Group’s internal assurance programme continues to be 
developed for the assessment of compliance with leading 
practices in health and safety, environment 
and communities. 

Further information is provided in the report from the 
HSEC Committee below and will be published in the 
Group’s sustainability report for 2016.

complementing their commercial decision-making. 
A support, challenge and verification role is provided by the 
central MR function headed by the Chief Risk Officer 
(“CRO”) via its daily risk reporting and analysis which is 
split by market and credit risk.

The CEO, as the central figure of commercial leadership and 
control, drives functional risk management policy, 
supported by the CFO and CRO, with data and reporting 
from the central risk team and the other key functional 
units. In turn the CEO reports to, and seeks authority limits 
from the Board, with the main oversight role being 
performed by the Audit Committee which receives a report 
from the CRO at each of its scheduled meetings. It also 
approves (subject to Board confirmation) the Group-wide 
risk profile, and any exceptions to agreed 
positional thresholds.

At the heart of the risk management regime is the process of 
challenge that takes place between the CEO, the CRO and 
the business heads which sets risk appetite in accordance 
with Group requirements and market conditions for each 
commodity. The objective is to ensure that an appropriate 
balance is maintained between the levels of risk assumed 
and expected return, which relies on the commodity-
specific expert knowledge provided by business heads. 
This is then subject to challenge from the CEO based on his 
overall Group knowledge and experience. This process is 
designed to manage risk effectively while facilitating the 
fast, commercial decision-making which is required in a 
dynamic commodity marketing company.

Another important consideration of the MR team is the 
challenge of dealing with the impact of large transactional 
flows across many locations. The function seeks to ensure 
effective supervision by its timely and comprehensive 
transaction recording, ongoing monitoring of the 
transactions and resultant exposures, providing all 
encompassing positional reporting, and continually 
assessing universal counterparty credit exposure. 

Marketing risk management 

Key focus points

Glencore’s marketing activities are exposed to commodity 
price, basis, volatility, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit 
and performance, liquidity and regulatory risks. 

Glencore devotes significant resources to developing and 
implementing policies and procedures to identify, monitor 
and manage these risks. 

Glencore has a disciplined and conservative approach to 
Marketing Risk (“MR”) management supported by its flat 
organisational structure. Glencore continues to update and 
implement policies which are intended to mitigate and 
manage commodity price, credit and other related risks. 

Glencore’s MR is managed at an individual, business and 
central level. Initial responsibility for risk management is 
provided by the businesses in accordance with and 

Market Risk limits and reporting

The MR team provides a wide array of daily/weekly 
reporting. A daily risk report showing Group Value at Risk 
(“VaR”) as shown on the next page and various other stress 
tests and analyses are distributed to the CEO, CFO and 
CRO. Business risk summaries showing positional exposure 
and other relevant metrics, together with potential margin 
call requirements, are also circulated daily. The MR function 
works to enhance its stress and scenario testing as well as 
enhancing measures to capture risk exposure within the 
specific areas of the business, e.g. within metals, concentrate 
treatment and refining charges are analysed.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

91

Governance

Corporate governance report

Value at Risk

The Group monitors its commodity price risk exposure 
by using a VaR computation assessing ‘open’ commodity 
positions which are subject to price risks. VaR is one 
of the risk measurement techniques the Group uses 
to monitor and limit its primary market exposure 
related to its physical marketing exposures and related 
derivative positions. VaR estimates the potential loss in 
value of open positions that could occur as a result of 
adverse market movements over a defined time horizon, 
given a specific level of confidence. The methodology 
is a statistically defined, probability based approach 
that takes into account market volatilities, as well as 
risk diversification benefits by recognising offsetting 
positions and correlations between commodities and 
markets. In this way, risks can be compared across all 
markets and commodities and risk exposures can be 
aggregated to derive a single risk value.

Last year, the Board approved the Audit Committee’s 
recommendation of a one day, 95% VaR limit of 
$100 million for 2016, consistent with the previous year. 
This limit is subject to review and approval on an annual 
basis. The purpose of this Group limit is to assist senior 
management in controlling the Group’s overall risk profile, 
within this tolerance threshold. During 2016 Glencore’s 
reported average daily VaR was approximately $42 million, 
with an observed high of $101 million and a low of 
$16 million.

In Q2 2016, this limit was technically breached for 
1 day by $1 million as the VaR calculation did not 
account for the future physical coal production that was 
economically hedged with the corresponding captured 
and reported on coal derivatives. If such underlying 
hedged exposure had been included in the VaR 

calculation, the actual VaR number would have been 
sunstantially lower, with no resulting technical breach. 
Much of this hedge book has now been realised.

VaR development ($m)

120
100
80
60
40
20

0
Jan 2016

Mar 2016 May 2016

Jul 2016

Sep 2016

Nov 2016

Agricultural Products

Energy products

Metals & minerals

The Group remains aware of the extent of coverage of 
risk exposures and their limitations. In addition, VaR 
does not purport to represent actual gains or losses in fair 
value on earnings to be incurred by the Group, nor are 
these VaR results considered indicative of future market 
movements or representative of any actual impact on its 
future results. VaR remains viewed in the context of its 
limitations; notably, the use of historical data as a proxy 
for estimating future events, market illiquidity risks 
and risks associated with longer time horizons as well 
as tail risks. Recognising these limitations the Group 
complements and refines this risk analysis through the 
use of stress and scenario analysis. The Group regularly 
back-tests its VaR to establish adequacy of accuracy and to 
facilitate analysis of significant differences, if any.

The Board has again approved the Audit Committee’s 
recommendation of a one day, 95% VaR limit of 
$100 million for 2017.

Credit Risk Management 

Systems and reporting

Whilst no single trading system that the Group can identify 
appears able to manage the broad range of requirements 
that the different business profiles of the Group would place 
on it, interfacing with multiple source systems and 
transferring data from one to another create enhanced risk 
to data integrity, granularity, consistency and timeliness. 

The Group continues to make extensive use of credit 
enhancement tools, seeking letters of credit, insurance cover, 
discounting and other means of reducing credit risk from 
counterparts. In addition, mark-to-market exposures in 
relation to hedging contracts are regularly and substantially 
collateralised (primarily with cash) pursuant to margining 
agreements in place with such hedge counterparts. 

The Group-wide Credit Risk Policy governs higher levels of 
credit risk exposure, with an established threshold for 
referral of credit decisions by business heads to CFO/CEO 
(relating to unsecured amounts in excess of $75 million with 
BBB or lower rated counterparts). At lower levels of 
materiality, decisions may be taken by the business heads 
where key strategic transactions or established relationships 
suggest that an open account exposure may be warranted. 

92

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Dealing with requirements arising from 
regulatory reform

In 2016, Glencore continued to implement the requirements 
of financial regulatory reform, including: 

• the European Market Abuse Regulation (“MAR”) which 

affects the protection and disclosure of inside information 
and the prevention of market manipulation; and 

• the Dodd-Frank Act, the European Market Infrastructure 
Regulation (“EMIR”) and the Swiss Financial Market 
Infrastructure Act (“FMIA”) which affect in particular the 
areas of risk mitigation (trade confirmation timeframes, 
portfolio reconciliation, portfolio compression and 
dispute resolution) and trade reporting.

Upcoming financial regulatory reform proposals or 
requirements include: 

• further requirements under EMIR including mandatory 

clearing and margining requirements;

• further requirements under FMIA including trade 

reporting, risk mitigation, margin requirements and 
mandatory clearing; and

• MIFID II including EU authorisations and position limits.

The impact of certain aspects of these and other new 
regulations to commodity market participants is potentially 
considerable. The impact on our marketing business will 
largely be in the form of compliance requirements (with 
associated costs), rather than meaningful commercial 
limitations. Glencore’s compliance, finance, IT and risk 
teams continue to work together in monitoring and advising 
management on these developments.

Internal Audit 

Glencore has a dedicated Internal Audit function reporting 
directly to the Audit Committee. The role of Internal Audit 
is to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk 
management, control, and business governance processes. 

Internal Audit reviews areas of potential risk within the 
business and suggests control solutions to mitigate 
exposures identified. The Audit Committee considers and 
approves the risk-based audit plan, areas of audit focus and 
resources and is regularly updated on audits performed and 
relevant findings, as well as the progress on implementing 
the actions arising. In particular, the Committee considered 
Internal Audit’s high priority issues (with a particular focus 
on procurement and systems), its KPIs and the effectiveness 
and timeliness of management’s responses to its findings.

The Audit Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the 
Internal Audit function. As part of this work, it considered 
the function’s management framework and its 
improvement programme.

Relationships with shareholders

The Board aims to present a balanced and clear view of the 
Group in communications with shareholders and believes 
that being transparent in describing how we see the market 
and the prospects for the business is extremely important. 

We communicate with shareholders in a number of different 
ways. The formal reporting of our full- and half-year results 
and quarterly production reports is achieved through a 
combination of releases, presentations, group calls and one 
to one meetings. The full- and half-year reporting is 
followed by investor meetings in a variety of locations 
where we have institutional shareholders. We also regularly 
meet with existing and prospective shareholders to update 
or to introduce them to the Company and periodically 
arrange visits to parts of the business to give analysts and 
major shareholders a better understanding of how we 
manage our operations. These visits and meetings are 
principally undertaken by the CEO, CFO and senior 
members of the Investor Relations team and an array of 
business heads. In addition, many major shareholders have 
meetings with the Chairman and appropriate senior 
personnel of the Group including other Non-Executive 
Directors, the Company Secretary and senior 
Sustainability managers. 

In particular in 2016, the following were undertaken: 

• a presentation and investor roadshow was held in May to 

provide a detailed account of the Company’s 
sustainability policies and plans. Led by the Chairman of 
the HSEC Committee, presentations were also given by 
the Chairman and the CEO; and

• the Chairman and Company Secretary met with a large 
number of institutional shareholders in the summer, 
principally to discuss governance and reporting.

The Board receives regular updates from the Company’s 
Head of Strategy on the views of shareholders through a 
briefing, which is a standing agenda item for all Board 
meetings, which is supplemented by input from the 
Chairman, CEO, CFO and, if applicable, the Senior 
Independent Director. 

AGM

The Company’s next AGM is due to be held in Zug on 
24 May 2017. Full details of the meeting will be set out in the 
Notice of Meeting which will be sent to shareholders in 
April. Shareholders unable to attend are encouraged to vote 
by proxy as detailed in the Notice of Meeting. 

All documents relating to the AGM will be available on the 
Company’s website at: www.glencore.com

Glencore Annual Report 2016

93

Governance

Corporate governance report

Audit Committee report

Chairman

Leonhard Fischer 

Other members

William Macaulay  
Peter Grauer 

All members served throughout the year. All are considered 
to be Independent Non-Executive Directors and deemed to 
be financially literate by virtue of their business experience. 
Additionally, all Committee members are considered by the 
Board to have recent and relevant financial experience and 
have competence in accounting. The Committee held four 
scheduled and two additional meetings during the year, 
which all the Committee members attended (except that Mr 
Grauer was unable to attend two meetings). John Burton is 
Secretary to the Committee. 

Governance processes

The Audit Committee usually invites the CEO, CFO, Group 
Financial Controller, CRO and Head of Internal Audit and 
the lead partner from the external auditor to attend each 
meeting. Other members of management and the external 
auditor may attend as and when required. Other Directors, 
and sometimes all other Directors, also attend its meetings. 
The Committee also holds private sessions with the external 
auditors and the Head of Internal Audit without members of 
management being present. The Committee has adopted 
guidelines allowing non-audit services to be contracted with 
the external auditors on the basis set out below.

Role, responsibilities and main activities

The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the 
Board in fulfilling its responsibilities with regard to 
financial reporting, external and internal audit, risk 
management and controls. 

During the year, the Committee’s principal work included 
the following:

• reviewing Glencore’s internal financial and compliance 

controls and internal controls and risk 
management systems;

• reviewing and agreeing the preparation and scope of the 

year-end reporting process;

• determining the global audit plan, scope and fees of the 
audit work to be undertaken by the external auditors;

• evaluating the Group’s procedures for ensuring that the 
Annual Report and accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, 
balanced and understandable;

94

Glencore Annual Report 2016

• reviewing the full-year (audited), and half-year 

(unaudited), financial statements with management and 
the external auditors;

• reviewing the Group’s financial and accounting policies 
and practices including discussing material issues with 
management and the external auditors, especially matters 
that influence or could affect the presentation of accounts 
and key figures; 

• considering applicable regulatory changes to 

reporting obligations; 

• evaluating the effectiveness of the external auditors; 

• recommending to the Board a resolution to be put to the 

shareholders for their approval on the appointment of the 
external auditors and to authorise the Board to fix the 
remuneration and terms of engagement of the 
external auditors; 

• monitoring the independence of the external auditor and 
reviewing the operation of the Company’s policy for the 
provision of non-audit services by it;

• considering and approving two assignments above the 

approval threshold with the external auditors in respect of 
non-audit services;

• considering the output from the Group-wide processes 
used to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks, including 
credit and performance risks, across the industrial and 
marketing activities; 

• considering the scope and methodologies to determine 
the Company’s going concern and longer-term viability 
statements; 

• reviewing the Internal Audit department’s annual audit 
plan and reviewing the effectiveness of the Internal 
Audit function;

• monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of Glencore’s 

internal controls for which there were no significant 
failings or weaknesses noted; and

• reviewing reports on the operation of the Group’s legal 

compliance programme, including material notifications 
under the Group’s Raising Concerns 
whistleblowing programme.

Risk analysis

The Committee receives reports and presentations at its 
meetings on our management of marketing and other risks 
(excluding sustainability risks which are reviewed by the 
HSEC Committee).

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Significant issues related to the financial statements

Internal Audit

The Committee assesses whether suitable accounting 
policies have been adopted and whether management has 
made appropriate estimates and judgements. They also 
review external auditors’ reports outlining audit work 
performed and conclusions reached in respect of key 
judgements, as well as identifying any issues in respect 
of these. 

During the first half of the year, the most significant issue 
for the Committee concerned impairment analysis.

The Committee considered whether the carrying value of 
goodwill, industrial assets, physical trade positions and 
material loans and advances may be impaired as a result of 
falls in commodity prices and some asset specific factors. 
We reviewed management’s reports, outlining the basis for 
the key assumptions used in calculating the recoverable 
value for the Group’s assets. Future performance 
assumptions used are derived from the Board approved 
business plan. As part of the process for approval of this 
plan, the Committee considered the feasibility of strategic 
plans underpinning future performance expectations, and 
whether they remain achievable. Considerable focus was 
applied to management’s commodity price and exchange 
rate assumptions. The Committee discussed with the 
external auditors their work in respect of impairment 
review, which was the most significant area of audit focus 
for them.

These impairment analyses focused in particular on:

• oil exploration and production assets and investments, 

especially in Chad;

• copper assets in Africa, particularly following temporary 

production curtailments; and

• various coal assets.

The other main areas of analysis have been: 

• robust assessment of principal risks and impact on 

longer-term viability; 

• coal production economic hedging mark-to-market 

derivative losses;

• capital preservation and debt reduction programme, in 

particular the Agriculture, Antapaccay, Ernest Henry and 
GRail transactions;

• credit risk exposures; and

• taxation risks, especially concerning the recognition of 

deferred income tax assets, disputes and BEPS.

The Committee monitored the internal audit function as 
described under Internal Audit on page 90. 

External Audit

The Committee has evaluated the effectiveness of the 
external auditor and as part of this assessment, 
has considered:

• the steps taken by the auditors to ensure their objectivity 

and independence;

• the deep knowledge of the Company which enhances 

Deloitte’s ability to perform as external auditor;

• competence when handling key accounting and audit 
judgements and ability to communicate these to the 
Committee and management;

• the extent of the auditor’s resources and technical 

capability to deliver a robust and timely audit including 
consideration of the qualifications and expertise of 
the team; 

• auditor’s performance and progress against the agreed 
audit plan, including communication of changes to the 
plan and identified risks; and

• the proven stability that is gained from the continued 

engagement of Deloitte as external auditor.

The Committee assesses the quality and effectiveness of the 
external audit process on an annual basis in conjunction 
with the senior management team. Key areas of focus 
include consideration of the quality and robustness of the 
audit, identification of and response to areas of risk and the 
experience and expertise of the audit team, including the 
lead audit partner. 

Provision of non-audit services by the external auditor

The Group’s policy on non-audit services provided by the 
external auditor is designed to ensure the external auditor 
independence and objectivity is safeguarded. A specified 
wide range of services may not be provided as they have the 
potential to impair the external auditor’s independence 
(Excluded Services). The Audit Committee’s approval is 
required for (1) any Excluded Service (2) any other 
engagement where either (i) the fee is contingent, (ii) the fee 
may exceed $500,000, or (iii) where the fees for all non-audit 
work may exceed $15 million. Subject to these restrictions 
and other safeguards in the policy, the external auditors 
may be permitted to provide certain non-audit services 
when it is concluded that they are the most appropriate 
supplier due to efficiency and status as a leading firm for 
those specific services. For 2016, fees paid to the external 
auditors were $31 million, the total non-audit fees of which 
were $9 million; further details are contained in note 27 to 
the financial statements.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

95

Governance

Corporate governance report

Reappointment of the external auditor

Nomination Committee

Deloitte has been the auditor of the listed entity since its IPO 
in 2011. A lead audit engagement partner rotation occurred 
prior to the financial year ended 31 December 2013 and is 
due to take place again during 2018 for which preparations 
have already commenced. 

The Board and the Audit Committee acknowledge the 
greater investor scrutiny as to a tendering for, and rotation 
of, the external auditors and note the regulatory and 
guidance changes made during 2016.

Taking into account all relevant factors the Audit Committee 
has concluded that it is appropriate not to tender at the 
current time.

The Committee has determined that it is satisfied that the 
work of Deloitte LLP is effective, the scope is appropriate 
and significant judgements have been challenged robustly 
by the lead partner and team. Additionally, there are no 
contractual restrictions on the Company’s choice of external 
auditor. The Committee has therefore recommended to the 
Board that a proposal be put to shareholders at the 2017 
AGM for the reappointment of Deloitte LLP as 
external auditor. 

Leonhard Fischer

Chairman of the Audit Committee 

1 March 2017

Chairman

Peter Grauer 

Other members

John Mack  
Leonhard Fischer

All members served on the Committee throughout the year. 
The Committee only comprises Independent Non-Executive 
Directors. The Committee met four times during the year 
and all members attended these meetings (except that Mr 
Grauer was unable to attend two meetings). In addition, 
some of the discussions and deliberations in respect of the 
matters summarised below were carried out at 
Board meetings. 

Roles and responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Nomination Committee are 
to assist the Board with succession planning and with the 
selection process for the appointment of new Directors, both 
Executive and Non-Executive, including the Chairman. 
This involves:

• evaluating the balance and skills, knowledge and 

experience of the Board and identifying the capabilities 
required for a particular appointment;

• overseeing the search process; and

• evaluating the need for Board refreshment and succession 

planning generally.

Main activities

The Committee focused on two main tasks during 
this year. Firstly, prior to the notice of 2016 AGM being 
compiled, the Committee considered the performance of 
each Director. It concluded that each Director is effective in 
their role and continues to demonstrate the commitment 
required to remain on the Board. Accordingly, it 
recommended to the Board that re-election resolutions be 
put for each Director at the 2016 AGM. 

Secondly, the Committee considered the composition of the 
Board and refreshment. It had been previously agreed that a 
further appointment would be beneficial and a search 
process had then been commenced. Following a delay 
during the first half of this year, the process was restarted 
and several candidates have been considered for one or 
more further appointments to the Board during 2017.

96

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

The Committee has noted the recommendations of the 
Hampton/Alexander Review on gender and the Parker 
Review on ethnic diversity. It is part of the Committee’s 
policy when making new Board appointments to consider 
the importance of diversity on the Board, including gender 
and ethnicity. This is considered in conjunction with 
experience and qualifications. 

External consultancy Spencer Stuart has been retained for 
the above search mandate. Other than this engagement 
Spencer Stuart do not provide additional services 
to Glencore.

Peter Grauer

Chairman of the Nomination Committee

1 March 2017

Health, Safety, Environment & Communities 
(HSEC) Committee 

Chairman

Peter Coates

Other members

Ivan Glasenberg  
Anthony Hayward 
Patrice Merrin

The Committee met seven times during the year. 
Each Committee member served throughout the year and 
attended all of the meetings, except that Mr Glasenberg was 
not able to attend one meeting. Every scheduled meeting 
had a substantial agenda, reflecting the Committee’s 
objective of providing leadership for the Group in 
continuing to achieve improved HSEC performance. 

Role and responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Committee are to:

• ensure that appropriate Group policies are developed in 

line with our Values and Code of Conduct for the 
identification and management of current and emerging 
health, safety, environmental and community risks;

• ensure that the policies are effectively communicated 

throughout the Company and that appropriate processes 
and procedures are developed at operational level to 
comply with these policies;

• evaluate the effectiveness of policy implementation and 

HSEC risk management through:

 – assessment of operational performance;
 – review of recent internal and external reports; and
 – independent audits and reviews of performance in 

regard to HSEC matters, and action plans developed by 
management in response to issues raised;

• evaluate and oversee the quality and integrity of any 
reporting to external stakeholders concerning HSEC 
matters; and

• report to the Board.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

97

Governance

Corporate governance report

Main activities

During the year, the Committee:

• reviewed and approved the Group’s HSEC strategy;

• continued its work on reducing fatalities, especially at the 
higher risk “focus assets”. For this purpose it received a 
report on, reviewed and made recommendations in 
respect of, each fatality. The multiple fatalities at the 
African copper assets in 2016 were a matter of particular 
scrutiny and included a site visit to all the African copper 
assets and a review of African copper safety management 
at each scheduled Committee meeting during the year;

• provided leadership for catastrophic hazard management 

which is the most important non-financial risk 
management issue for the Group;

• oversaw a re-evaluation of safety and effectiveness of 

tailings dams across the Group, including in particular a 
study of an incident at Kazzinc;

• continued the implementation of the SafeWork 

programme focusing on identification of fatal hazards and 
an appropriate safety culture;

• oversaw the continued implementation of the Group’s 
revamped assurance programme for sustainability 
matters with an emphasis on catastrophic hazards and 
approved the assurance plan for 2017;

• oversaw the Crisis and Emergency Management Policy;

• assisted with management’s engagement with the Aiming 
for A coalition and oversaw policy initiatives in order to 
comply with the requirements of the resolution proposed 
by them which was passed at the 2016 AGM; 

• considered engagement with communities and NGOs on 

sustainability matters;

• reviewed and oversaw the Group’s sustainability report;

• held an investor roadshow to inform and receive feedback 
on the Company’s sustainable development strategy and 
approach to HSEC management; and

• considered a variety of other material HSEC issues such 
as resettlement programmes, incident reporting and 
health strategy.

Peter Coates

Chairman of the HSEC Committee

1 March 2017

98

Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Directors’ remuneration report 

For the year ended 31 December 2016

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee, I am pleased to 
present our Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2016. As ever, we have sought to make 
this report as short, simple and straightforward as possible. 

As a Jersey registered company headquartered in 
Switzerland, Glencore is not subject to the UK’s reporting 
regime although as we consider it to be broadly reflective of 
good practice, this report is prepared in full compliance 
with the UK rules, unless stated otherwise. Accordingly, 
over the following pages, we have set out: 

• the Group’s forward-looking Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy. While no material changes will be made to the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy for 2016, as the Company 
reaches the end of the third anniversary of the original 
policy approval at the 2014 AGM, a resolution will be 
tabled to approve a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy at 
the 2017 AGM; and

As at the 2014 AGM, to reflect best practice, we shall be 
seeking shareholder approval of our remuneration 
arrangements through two votes, one on the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report (excluding the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy) and a separate vote on our Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. Both will technically be advisory only 
as the Company is not subject to the UK statutory regime to 
make the latter binding although, clearly, the Committee 
will take any voting outcome extremely seriously.

The only change in Board remuneration is an increase in the 
fees of the Non-Executive Directors, the first since the rates 
were set in early 2011.

The Committee continues to ensure that the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and its implementation are attractive 
to shareholders in reflecting good governance, complete 
simplicity and reasonable terms.

• details of the implementation of our reward policy in 

John Mack

2016 including:

 – the governance surrounding pay decisions in 2016, 

members of the Committee and its advisers in 2016; and

 – details of what was paid to Directors during the 

financial year ended 31 December 2016.

Remuneration Committee Chairman

1 March 2017

Glencore Annual Report 2016

99

Governance

Directors’ remuneration report 
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Introduction

Part A – Directors’ Remuneration Policy

We have presented this Remuneration Report to reflect the 
reporting requirements on remuneration matters for 
companies with a UK governance profile, particularly the 
UK’s Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (the 
“UK Remuneration Regulations”). The Company aims to 
comply in all material respects with the reporting 
obligations within these regulations as a matter of good 
practice. The report also describes how the Board has 
complied with the provisions set out in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code relating to remuneration matters.

Our auditors have reported on certain parts of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and stated whether, in their opinion, 
those parts of the report have been properly prepared. 
Those sections of the report which have been subject to 
audit are clearly indicated. 

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy as set out in this section 
of the report will take effect for all payments made to 
directors from the date of the 2017 AGM. Whilst it does not 
differ materially from that approved at the 2014 AGM, the 
policy approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM will apply 
until approval is obtained for the new policy. Any changes 
to the policy are highlighted where relevant.

UK Remuneration Regulations and related investor 
guidance encourages companies to disclose a cap within 
which each element of remuneration policy will operate. 
The Committee has set an annual cap for each element of 
remuneration under the maximum opportunity column 
which will apply until a revised policy is approved 
by shareholders.

The General policy table which begins below must be read 
alongside the notes set out on page 102 which together set 
out and explain our remuneration policy. The policy for 
Executive Directors currently only applies to Mr Glasenberg 
as he is the only Executive Director.

General policy

Elements of the package

Remuneration Policy for the Directors is summarised in the table below:

General Policy for  
Executive Directors

(this section does 
not technically form 
part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration 
Policy and is for 
information only)

We have the same philosophy as any other Remuneration Committee, namely to set the Company’s remuneration policies 
and practices so that they promote the long-term success of the Company and support the implementation of the Group’s 
strategy while aligning the interests of the Executive Directors and executives with those of shareholders generally. This 
policy has consistently underpinned our entire approach to executive remuneration.

The Committee is satisfied that the remuneration policy is in the best interests of shareholders and does not raise any 
environmental, social or governance issues and does not promote excessive risk taking.

One exceptional aspect of our CEO’s remuneration is that, at his instigation and reflecting his status as a major shareholder, 
he does not participate in bonus or LTI arrangements, a policy which will continue into 2017. As a result, we are currently 
able to set overall remuneration for our CEO at significantly lower levels than in comparable companies. The Committee 
believes that his significant personal shareholding creates sufficient alignment of interest with shareholders in the absence of 
participation in a bonus or LTI arrangement.

Element and purpose

Policy and operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Key changes to last 
approved policy

Base salary

•  Provides market 
competitive fixed 
remuneration 
that rewards 
relevant skills, 
responsibilities 
and contribution

•  Salaries are positioned within a market 
competitive range for companies of a 
similar size and complexity

•  The Committee does not slavishly follow 
data but uses it as a reference point in 
considering, in its judgement, the 
appropriate level having regard to other 
relevant factors including corporate and 
individual performance and any changes 
in an individual’s role and 
responsibilities

•  Base salary is paid monthly in cash

•  Base salaries are 

•  Not applicable (N/A)

•  None

reviewed annually 
with the next review 
due to take place in 
December 2017

•  The Committee has not 
increased Executive 
Director salary levels 
since the Company’s 
IPO in May 2011, 
demonstrating a 
responsible approach to 
setting base salaries 

•  Mr Glasenberg, the CEO, 
is the only Executive 
Director on the Board. 
A base salary cap of 
$1,447,292 p.a., being his 
current salary, has been 
set so that no voluntary 
increase will be made to 
his base salary without 
shareholder approval or 
unless the law otherwise 
requires

100 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Element and purpose

Policy and operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Benefits

•  Provides appropriate insurance cover 

•  Benefits received by 

•  N/A

Key changes to last 
approved policy

•  None

•  To provide 
appropriate 
supporting 
non-monetary 
benefits 

Pension

•  Provides basic 
retirement 
benefits which 
reflects local 
market practice

Annual Bonus Plan

•  Supports delivery 

of short-term 
operational, 
financial and 
strategic goals

Long-Term 
Incentives

•  Glencore 

Performance 
Share Plan 
incentivises 
the creation of 
shareholder 
value over the 
longer-term 

benefits 

•  Values are shown in the single figure 

table below but may fluctuate without the 
Committee taking action

•  The Company may periodically change 

the benefits available to staff for the office 
at which an Executive Director works in 
which case the director would normally 
be eligible to receive the amended 
benefits on similar terms to all relevant 
staff. In the case of Mr Glasenberg, this 
would be expected to mean employees 
generally in the Baar office 

•  Mr Glasenberg participates in the 

defined contribution scheme for all 
Baar (Switzerland) -based employees

Mr Glasenberg comprise 
salary loss (long-term 
sickness) and accident 
insurance/travel 
insurance

•  A monetary limit 
of $20,000 p.a for 
Mr Glasenberg has 
been set

•  An annual cap on the 
cost of provision of 
retirement benefits of 
$150,000 per Executive 
Director has been set 

•  Annual Bonus plan levels and the 
appropriateness of measures are 
reviewed annually to ensure they 
continue to support the strategy

•  The Committee has set 
a maximum annual 
bonus level of 200% 
of base salary p.a.

•  Any Annual Bonus plan outcome above 
100% of salary is to be deferred into 
shares for a period of up to three years 
although the Committee reserves 
discretion to alter the current practice 
of deferral (whether by altering the 
portion deferred, the period of deferral 
or whether amounts are deferred into 
cash or shares) 

•  Cash element paid in one tranche 

following the year end

•  Malus provisions apply to any 

amounts deferred

•  No Executive Director has, to date, 
participated, although this will be 
kept under review to ensure it 
remains appropriate

•  Malus clauses apply

•  The Company will honour the vesting 
of all awards granted under previous 
policies in accordance with the terms of 
such awards

•  N/A

•  None

•  The performance 

•  None

measures applied may be 
financial, non-financial 
and corporate, divisional 
or individual and in such 
proportions as the 
Committee considers 
appropriate 

•  Additionally, the 

Committee will consider 
the outcomes against 
pre-set targets following 
their calculation and may 
moderate these outcomes 
to take account of a range 
of factors including the 
Committee’s view of 
overall Company 
performance in the year

•  Overall annual 

•  Executive Directors do 

•  None

Executive Directors’ 
limit of 200% of 
salary for LTI grants 
(recognising that this 
is less than the formal 
limit in the plan)

not at present participate 
in the plan reflecting, in 
the case of the CEO, the 
significant alignment 
achieved through his 
personal shareholding. 
Accordingly, no 
performance conditions 
have been established 
for Executive Directors. 
On any future 
participation, the 
Committee may set such 
performance conditions 
on LTI awards as it 
considers appropriate 
(whether financial or  
non-financial and 
whether corporate, 
divisional or individual)

Glencore Annual Report 2016

101

Significant Personal 
Shareholdings

•  Aligns the 
interests of 
executives and 
shareholders

Chairman and 
Non-Executive 
Director fees

•  Reflects time 
commitment, 
experience, global 
nature and size of 
the Company

Governance

Directors’ remuneration report 
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Element and purpose

Policy and operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

•  The Committee has set a formal 

•  N/A

•  N/A

shareholding requirement for Executive 
Directors of 300% of salary

•  Usually to be achieved within 5 years of 

Board appointment 

Key changes to last 
approved policy

•  None

•  The objective in setting the fees paid to 

•  Fees are paid monthly 

•  N/A

•  The fees payable 

to Non-
Executive 
Directors have 
been increased 
as set out on 
page 105

the Chairman and the other Non-
Executive Directors is to be competitive 
with other listed companies of equivalent 
size and complexity. Fee levels are 
periodically reviewed by the Board (for 
Non-Executives) and the Committee (for 
the Chairman). In both cases, the 
Company does not adopt a quantitative 
approach to pay positioning and exercises 
judgement as to what it considers to be 
reasonable in all the circumstances as 
regards quantum

in cash

•  Aggregate fees for 
all Non-Executive 
Directors (including 
the Chairman) are 
subject to the cap set 
in the Articles of 
Association. This is 
currently set at 
$5,000,000 

•  Non-Executive Directors and the Senior 
Independent Director receive a base fee

•  Additional fees are paid for chairing or 

membership of a Board committee

•  Chairman receives a single inclusive fee 

•  Reasonable business related expenses are 

reimbursed (subject to gross up 
if appropriate)

•  Non-Executive Directors are not eligible 
for any other remuneration or benefits of 
any nature

•  Reviewed every year with the next review 

due to take place in December 2017

Notes to the Policy table 

1. 

 Mr Glasenberg, the only Executive Director, has received no salary increase since the Company’s IPO in May 2011. 

2. 

 Differences between the policy on remuneration for Directors from the policy on remuneration of other employees: the 
only Executive Director has waived any entitlement to participate in the variable pay arrangements. Arrangements also 
differ from its pay policies for Group employees as necessary to reflect the appropriate market rate position for the 
relevant roles. In particular, Mr Glasenberg’s pension benefits are consistent with those provided to other Swiss-based 
employees and do not include any enhancement to reflect seniority.

3. 

 For 2016, all remuneration and fees were paid in US dollars except for pension contributions and the provision of 
benefits which were provided in Swiss francs. 

102 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Recruitment Remuneration Policy

The Company’s Recruitment Remuneration Policy aims to give the Committee sufficient flexibility to secure the 
appointment and promotion of high-calibre executives to strengthen the management team and secure the skill 
sets to deliver our strategic aims. 

• The starting point for the Committee will be to look to the 
general policy for Executive Directors as set out above and 
structure a package in accordance with that policy.
However, the policy was developed having regard to the 
specific circumstances of the current Executive Director 
and therefore (consistent with the UK regulations) for a 
newly appointed Executive Director the Committee is not 
constrained by the caps on fixed pay within the policy on 
a recruitment or at any subsequent annual review within 
the life of this policy as approved by shareholders. 
The Committee will not pay more than it considers to be 
necessary to secure the recruitment having regards to 
appropriate market rates and evolving best practice

• For an internal appointment, any variable pay element 

awarded in respect of the prior role may either continue 
on its original terms or be adjusted to reflect the new 
appointment as appropriate

• For external and internal appointments, the Committee 

may agree that the Company will meet certain relocation 
expenses as they consider appropriate and/or to make a 
contribution towards legal fees in connection with 
agreeing employment terms

• The Committee reserves the right to make awards of 

incentive pay that are necessary to secure a candidate, 
which may include either awards to compensate for the 
forfeiture of incentive awards in a previous employer or to 
provide appropriate incentives for a new recruit to the 
Group. Details of any such awards will be 
appropriately disclosed

• Where it is necessary to make a recruitment related pay 

award to an external candidate, the Company will not pay 
more than is, in the view of the Committee, necessary and 
will in all cases seek, in the first instance, to deliver any 
such awards under the terms of the existing incentive pay 
structure. It may, however, be necessary in some cases to 
make such awards on terms that are more bespoke than 
the existing annual and equity-based pay structures in the 
Group in order to secure a candidate

• All such awards for external appointments, whether 

under the annual bonus plan, Performance Share Plan or 
otherwise, to compensate for awards forfeited on leaving 
a previous employer will take account of the nature, 
time-horizons and performance requirements on those 
awards. In particular, the Committee’s starting point will 
be to ensure that any awards being forfeited which 
remain subject to outstanding performance requirements 
(other than where these are substantially complete) are 
bought-out with replacement requirements and any 
awards with service requirements are bought out with 
similar terms. However, exceptionally the Committee may 
relax those obligations where it considers it to be in the 
interests of shareholders and those factors are, in the view 
of the Committee, equally reflected in some other way, for 
example through a significant discount to the face value of 
the awards forfeited. It will only include guaranteed sums 
where the Committee considers that it is necessary to 
secure the recruitment

• For the avoidance of doubt, where recruitment related 

awards are intended to replace existing awards held by a 
candidate in an existing employer, the maximum amounts 
for incentive pay as stated in the general policies will not 
apply to such awards. The Committee has not placed a 
maximum limit on any such awards which it may be 
necessary to make as it is not considered to be in 
shareholders’ interests to set any expectations for 
prospective candidates regarding such awards. 
Any recruitment-related awards which do not replace 
awards with a previous employer will be subject to the 
limits on incentive awards as detailed in the 
general policy

The elements of any package for a new recruit and the 
approach taken by the Committee in relation to setting each 
element of the package will be consistent with the Executive 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy described in this report, as 
modified by the above statement of principles 
where appropriate. 

A new Non-executive Director would be recruited on the 
terms explained above in respect of the main policy for 
such directors.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

103

Governance

Directors’ remuneration report 
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Potential rewards under various scenarios

Executive Directors’ contracts

The table below summarises the key features of the service 
contract for Ivan Glasenberg, the only person who served as 
an Executive Director during 2016.

All Directors’ contracts and letters of appointment will be 
available for inspection on the terms to be specified in the 
Notice of 2017 AGM. 

Provision

Notice period

Contract date

Service contract terms

•  Twelve months’ notice by either party

•  28 April 2011 (as amended on 

30 October 2013)

Expiry date

•  Rolling service contract

Termination payment

•  No special arrangements or entitlements 

on termination. Any compensation would 
be limited to base salary only for any 
unexpired notice period (plus any 
accrued leave) 

Change in control

•  On a change of control of the Company, 

no provision for any enhanced payments, 
nor for any liquidated damages

External appointments

Any external appointments are noted on pages 81, 82 and 83. 
The Executive Director assigns to the Group any 
compensation received in relation to the appointment. 
The appropriateness of these appointments are 
considered as part of the annual review of Directors’ 
interests/potential conflicts.

Under the formal policy, consistent with other large FTSE 
companies, the total available variable pay (i.e. 
the maximum amount payable in respect of bonus and 
long-term incentives) available to Mr. Glasenberg would be 
approximately $5,790,000 (being four times base salary). 
As Mr Glasenberg has waived entitlement to all variable 
elements for 2016, including both bonus and long-term 
incentives, his base salary and all benefits are set at less than 
25% of the aggregate remuneration which would potentially 
have been available to him had he not waived participation 
in these aspects. These waivers are considered appropriate 
as the level of his personal shareholding is sufficient to 
provide a keen alignment of interest between him and of 
shareholders more generally without the need to add 
additional aspects to his package (and cost to other 
shareholders). His fixed remuneration set out below is set at 
a modestly below market level so the waivers do not reflect 
any element of an excessive bias to fixed pay in the 
traditional sense. Consistent with UK legislation, it has been 
prepared using the following assumptions. 

In 2016, Mr Glasenberg’s base salary was paid in US dollars 
and his benefits and pension contributions were paid in 
Swiss francs, as described above and in the single figure 
table below. 

Fixed

•  Consists of base salary, benefits and pension.

•  Base salary is that to be paid in 2017.

•  Benefits measured as benefits figure in the 

single figure table.

•  Pension measured as pension figure in the 

single figure table. 

Ivan Glasenberg

Base Salary
$’000

Benefits
$’000

Pension
$’000

Total Fixed
$’000

1,447

2

60

1,509

On-target and 
Maximum

Based on what the Director would receive if 
performance was on-target (excl. share price 
appreciation and dividends): 

•  STI: Mr Glasenberg currently waives any right 

to participate in the annual bonus plan

•  LTI: He does not currently participate in the 

Performance Share Plan

104 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Termination Policy Summary

In practice, the facts surrounding any termination do not 
always fit neatly into defined categories for good or bad 
leavers. Therefore, it is appropriate for the Committee to 
consider the suitable treatment on a termination having 
regard to all of the relevant facts and circumstances 
available at that time. Further, in practice no Executive 
Director has, to date, participated in the PSP so the policy 
remains to be tested. This policy applies both to any 
negotiations linked to notice periods on a termination and 
any treatment which the Committee may choose to apply 
under the discretions available to it under the terms of the 
annual bonus and LTI arrangements. The potential 
treatments on termination under these plans are 
summarised below. 

Incentives Good leaver 

Bad leaver

If a leaver is deemed to be a 
‘good leaver’; i.e. leaving 
through, serious ill health or 
death or otherwise at the 
discretion of the Committee

If a leaver is deemed to be 
a ‘bad leaver’; typically 
voluntary resignation or 
leaving for disciplinary 
reasons

Annual 
Bonus

LTIP

No awards made

All awards will 
normally lapse

Pro-rated bonus

Will receive a pro-rated 
award (if applicable, subject 
to the application of the 
performance conditions 
at the normal measurement  
date.)

Committee discretion to 
disapply pro-rating

The UK Remuneration Regulations do not require the 
inclusion of a cap or limit in relation to payments for loss of 
office. The Committee will take all relevant factors into 
account in deciding whether any discretion should be 
exercised in an individual’s favour in these circumstances, 
and the Committee will aim to ensure that any payments 
made are, in its view, appropriate having regard to 
prevailing best practice guidelines. The Committee may 
also, after taking appropriate legal advice, sanction the 
payment of additional sums in the settlement of potential 
legal claims. 

Non-Executive Directors’ Letters of 
appointment and re-election

All Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment 
with the Company for an initial period of three years from 
their date of appointment, subject to reappointment at each 
AGM. The Company may terminate each appointment by 
immediate notice and there are no special arrangements or 
entitlements on termination except that the Chairman is 
entitled to three months’ notice.

The fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors have been 
increased with effect from 1 January 2017. The annual fees 
are paid in accordance with a Non-Executive Director’s role 
and responsibilities. The fees payable for 2017 and those 
paid for 2016 are as follows:

US$ ‘000

Directors

Chairman

Senior Independent Director

Non-Executive Director

Remuneration Committee

Chairman

Member

Audit Committee

Chairman

Member

Nomination Committee

Chairman

Member

HSEC Committee

Chairman

Member

2017

2016

1,150

200

135

45

25

60

35

40

20

125

40

1,056

170

124

44

23

55

31

36

19

125

19

Consideration of employment conditions 
elsewhere in the Group

The Committee has not, since IPO, awarded a salary 
increase to any Executive Director. It has not, therefore, in 
practice had to take into account Group-wide pay and 
employment conditions in making any decisions but would 
do so as and when such issues arise.

In accordance with prevailing commercial practice, the 
Committee did not consult with employees in preparing the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

Consideration of shareholders’ views

Each year, the Committee takes into account the approval 
levels of remuneration related matters at our Annual 
General Meeting in determining that the current Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy remains appropriate for the Company.

The Committee also seeks to have a productive dialogue 
with investors on developments in the remuneration aspects 
of corporate governance generally and any changes to the 
Company’s executive pay arrangements in particular.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

105

Governance

Directors’ remuneration report 
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Part B – Implementation Report

Remuneration Committee meetings

Implementation Report – Unaudited Information

Remuneration Committee

Membership and experience of the Remuneration Committee 

We believe that the members of the Committee provide a 
useful balance of abilities, experience and perspectives to 
provide the critical analysis required in carrying out the 
Committee’s function. John Mack, the Chairman of the 
Committee, has had a long career in investment bank 
management and therefore provides considerable 
experience of remuneration analysis and implementation. 
William Macaulay has had a long tenure in private equity 
which has involved exposure to remuneration issues many 
times and in a variety of situations while Leonhard Fischer 
is a career banker who similarly has had considerable 
exposure to issues of pay and incentives. All members of the 
Remuneration Committee are considered to be independent. 
Further details concerning independence of the Non-
Executive Directors are contained on page 85 of the 
Annual Report. 

Role of the Remuneration Committee

The terms of reference of the Committee set out its role. 
They are available on the Company’s website at: 
www.glencore.com/who-we-are/corporate-governance/
board-committees 

Its principal responsibilities are, on behalf of the Board, to: 

• set the Company’s executive remuneration policy (and 
review its ongoing relevance and appropriateness);

• establish the remuneration packages for the Executive 

Director including the scope of pension benefits;

consultation with the Chief Executive;

• have responsibility for overseeing schemes of 

performance related remuneration (including share 
incentive plans) for, and determine awards for, the 
Executive Director (as appropriate);

• ensure that the contractual terms on termination for the 

Executive Director are fair and not excessive; and

• monitor senior management remuneration.

The Committee considers corporate performance on HSEC 
and governance issues when setting remuneration for the 
Executive Director. The Committee seeks to ensure that the 
incentive structure for the Group’s senior management does 
not raise HSEC or governance risks by inadvertently 
motivating irresponsible behaviour. 

106 Glencore Annual Report 2016

The Committee met two times during the year and 
considered, amongst other matters, the remuneration policy 
applicable to the Executive Director, senior management 
remuneration policy, including its level and structure, the 
form and structure of grants to employees under the 
Company’s Deferred Bonus Plan and Performance Share 
Plan, and the content and approval of the 
remuneration Report.

The Chairman, CEO and CFO are usually invited to attend 
some or all of the proceedings of Remuneration Committee 
meetings. They do not participate in any decisions 
concerning their own remuneration.

Advisers to the Remuneration Committee

The Committee appointed and received independent 
remuneration advice during the year from its external 
adviser, FIT Remuneration Consultants LLP (“FIT”). FIT is a 
member of the Remuneration Consultants Group (the UK 
professional body for these consultants) and adheres to its 
code of conduct. The Committee was satisfied that the 
advice provided by FIT was objective and independent. 
FIT’s fees for this advice in respect of 2016 were $10,410 (2015: 
$4,094). FIT’s fees were charged on the basis of the firm’s 
standard terms of business for advice provided. 
FIT provided no other services to the Group in the year.

The Committee also receives advice from John Burton, the 
Company Secretary. 

Relative importance of remuneration spend 

The table below illustrates the change in total remuneration, 
dividends paid and net profit from 2015 to 2016.

2016  
US$m

 _

1,379

4,245

2015  
US$m

2,898

(4,964)

5,287

Net income/(loss) attributable to 
equity holders

Total remuneration

The figures presented have been calculated on the 
following bases: 

• Dividends and buy-backs – dividends paid during the 

financial year plus the cost of shares bought back during 
the year. 

• Net income/(loss) attributable to equity holders – 

our reported net income in respect of the financial year. 
The Committee believes it is the most direct reflection 
of our financial performance. 

• Total remuneration – represents total personnel costs as 
disclosed in note 21 to the financial statements which 
includes salaries, wages, social security, other personnel 
costs and share-based payments.

• determine the remuneration package for the Chairman, in 

Dividends and buy-backs

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Performance graph and table 

Performance

This graph shows the value to 31 December 2016, on a total 
shareholder return (“TSR”) basis, of £100 invested in 
Glencore plc on 24 May 2011 (IPO date) compared with the 
value of £100 invested in the FTSE 350 Mining Index. 
The FTSE 350 Mining Index is considered to be an 
appropriate comparator for this purpose as it is an equity 
index consisting of companies listed in London in the same 
sector as Glencore. 

The UK reporting regulations also require that a TSR 
performance graph is supported by a table summarising 
aspects of CEO remuneration, as shown below for the same 
period as the TSR performance graph: 

100

80

60

40

20

0
18 May 
2011

31 Dec 
2011

31 Dec 
2012

31 Dec 
2013

31 Dec 
2014

31 Dec 
2015

31 Dec 
2016

FTSE 350 Mining Index

Glencore

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Ivan Glasenberg

Ivan Glasenberg

Ivan Glasenberg

Ivan Glasenberg

Ivan Glasenberg

Ivan Glasenberg

Single figure of 
total remuneration1
 (US$’000)

Annual variable element  
award rates against 
maximum opportunity2

Long-term incentive  
vesting rates against 
maximum opportunity2

1,509

1,510

1,513

1,509

1,533

1,483

 _

 _

–

–

–

–

_

_

–

–

–

–

1  The value of benefits and pension provision in the single figure vary as a result of the application of exchange rates although in the relevant local currency these parts of Mr Glasenberg’s 
remuneration have not altered since May 2011. In this table the figures are reported in US dollars, the currency in which Mr Glasenberg received his salary in 2016. The salary was 
payable in pounds sterling prior to 2014. Therefore those figures have been translated into US dollars at the exchange rates used for the preparation of the financial statements in those 
years. Mr Glasenberg’s pension and other benefits are charged to the Group in Swiss francs and these amounts are translated into US dollar on the same basis. 

2  The CEO has requested not to be considered for these potential awards. 

Percentage change in pay of Chief Executive Officer and comparative ratios 

The UK Remuneration Regulations provide for disclosure of percentage changes of the CEO’s remuneration against the 
average percentage change for employees generally or an appropriate group of employees. In addition, the UK Investment 
Association’s 2016 Remuneration Principles recommend disclosure as to how the out-turn for a Company’s CEO compares 
with that of a) its median employee and b) its Executive Committee. Given that the CEO has, since May 2011, waived any 
entitlement to any increase in salary (and given that his only other unwaived benefits are those provided to all employees 
at the Company’s head office in Baar) no such comparisons or ratios have been made. 

Most recent shareholder voting outcomes 

The votes cast (1) to approve the Directors’ remuneration report, for the year ended 31 December 2015, at the 2016 AGM held 
on 19 May 2016 and (2) to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2014 AGM on 20 May 2014, were: 

Votes “For”

Votes “Against”

Votes “Abstentions” (as a total of votes cast)

Directors’ Remuneration Report

99.14%

(9,213,244,369)

Directors’ Remuneration Policy

97.93%

(8,539,263,284)

0.86%

(80,083,116)

2.07%

(180,199,515)

0.00%

(9,725,264)

2.60%

(226,561,025)

While no changes will be made to the Directors’ Remuneration Policy for 2017 (other than as set out on page 105), as the 
Company reaches the end of the three-year policy period approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM, a resolution will be 
tabled to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2017 AGM.

The Committee continues to seek a productive and ongoing dialogue with investors on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, 
remuneration aspects of corporate governance, any changes to the Company’s executive pay arrangements and 
developments as to executive remuneration issues in general. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

107

 
Governance

Directors’ remuneration report 
For the year ended 31 December 2016

Implementation of policy in 2017

No change to any aspect of Directors’ remuneration is envisaged for 2017 except for the increase in the fees for 
Non-Executive Directors set out on page 105.

Implementation Report – Audited Information

Single Figure Table

US$’000

Ivan Glasenberg

Salary

2015

1,447

2016

1,447

Benefits

Annual 
Bonus

Long-term 
incentives

Pension

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2

2

–

–

–

2015

–

2016

60

2015

61

2016

1,509

Total

2015

1,510

The notes to the performance table above also apply in relation to the compilation of this table. As no bonuses or long-term 
incentives have been granted to Mr Glasenberg, there are no relevant performance measures to be disclosed although see 
the first page of this report as to the alignment of his position with that of other shareholders. 

Non-Executive fees

The emoluments of the Non-Executive Directors for 2016 were as follows: 

Name

Non-Executive Chairman

Anthony Hayward

Non-Executive Directors

Leonhard Fischer

William Macaulay

Peter Coates

Peter Grauer

John Mack

Patrice Merrin

Total 2016  
US$’000

Total 2015  
US$’000

1,056

1,056

221

178

249

237

187

143

221

178

249

237

187

143

The aggregate emoluments of all Directors for 2016 (including pension contributions) were $3,780,000 (2015: $3,781,000). 
The only Director participant in a pension plan was Mr Glasenberg.

Directors’ interests

The Directors’ interests in shares are set out in the Directors’ report which is set out after this report. Mr Glasenberg’s 
holding is considerably in excess of the formal share ownership guideline for Executive Directors of 300% of salary. 

Approval

This report in its entirety has been approved by the Committee and the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by: 

John Mack

Remuneration Committee Chairman 

1 March 2017

108 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Directors’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2016

Introduction

This Annual Report is presented by the Directors on the affairs 
of Glencore plc (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (the 
“Group” or “Glencore”), together with the financial statements 
and auditor’s report, for the year ended 31 December 2016. 
The Directors’ report includes details of the business, the 
development of the Group and likely future developments as set 
out in the Strategic Report, which together forms the 
management report for the purposes of the UK Financial 
Conduct Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rule (DTR) 
4.1.8R. The notice concerning forward-looking statements is set 
out at the end of the Annual Report. References to the Company 
may also include references to the Group or part of the Group.

Corporate structure

Glencore plc is a public company limited by shares, 
incorporated in Jersey and domiciled in Baar, Switzerland. 
Its shares are listed on the London, Johannesburg and Hong 
Kong Stock Exchanges.

Financial results and distributions 

The Group’s financial results are set out in the financial 
statements section of this Annual Report.

No distribution was declared or paid during the 2016 
financial year. 

The Board is recommending two distributions totalling 
US$0.07 per share in respect of the 2016 financial year 
(expected to be approximately $996 million in aggregate). 
It is proposed that these be payable in equal tranches of 
US$0.035 on 31 May and 26 September this year on the 
terms to be set out in, and subject to the passing of, a 
resolution to be put to shareholders at the Company’s AGM 
on 24 May 2017.

Review of business, future developments and post 
balance sheet events

A review of the business and the future developments of the 
Group is presented in the Strategic Report.

A description of acquisitions, disposals, and material 
changes to Group companies undertaken during the year, is 
included in the Financial review and in note 23 to the 
financial statements.

Financial instruments

Descriptions of the use of financial instruments and 
financial risk management objectives and policies, including 
hedging activities and exposure to price risk, credit risk, 
liquidity risk and cash flow risk are included in notes 24 and 
25 to the financial statements.

Corporate governance

A report on corporate governance and compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code is set out in the Corporate 
Governance report and forms part of this report by reference.

Health, safety, environment & communities (“HSEC”)

An overview of health, safety and environmental 
performance and community participation is provided in 
the Sustainable Development section of the Strategic report. 
The work of the HSEC Board committee is contained in the 
Corporate Governance report. 

Taxation policy

During 2016 we published our first payments to 
Governments report http://www.glencore.com/assets/
sustainability/doc/sd_reports/GLEN-Payments-to-
Government-2015.pdf which we shall issue annually. 
As well as disclosing the payments made by the Group on a 
country-by-country and project-by-project basis, the report 
sets out the Company’s approach to tax and transparency.

Exploration and research and development

The Group business units carry out exploration and 
research and development activities that are necessary to 
support and expand their operations.

Employee policies and involvement

Glencore operates an equal opportunities policy that aims to 
treat individuals fairly and not to discriminate on the basis 
of sex, race, ethnic origin, disability or on any other basis. 
Applications for employment and promotion are fully 
considered on their merits, and employees are given 
appropriate training and equal opportunities for career 
development and promotion.

Where disability occurs during employment, the Group 
seeks to accommodate that disability where reasonably 
possible, including with appropriate training. 

The Group places considerable value on the involvement of 
its employees which is reflected in the principles of its Code 
of Conduct and its related guidance, which requires regular, 
open, fair and respectful communication, zero tolerance for 
human rights violations, fair remuneration and, above all, a 
safe working environment. 

Employee communication is mainly provided by the 
Group’s intranet and corporate website. A range of 
information is made available to employees including all 
policies applicable to them as well as information on the 
Group’s financial performance and the main drivers of its 
business. Employee consultation depends upon the type 
and location of operation or office. 

Directors’ conflicts of interest

Under Jersey law and the Company’s Articles of Association 
(which mirror section 175 of the UK Companies Act 2006), a 
Director must avoid a situation in which the Director has, or 
can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or 
possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company. 
The duty is not infringed if the matter has been authorised 
by the Directors. Under the Articles, the Board has the 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

109

Governance

Directors’ report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

power to authorise potential or actual conflict situations. 
The Board maintains effective procedures to enable the 
Directors to notify the Company of any actual or potential 
conflict situations and for those situations to be reviewed 
and, if appropriate, to be authorised by the Board. Directors’ 
conflict situations are reviewed annually. A register of 
authorisations is maintained.

Share capital and shareholder rights

As at 1 March 2017, the issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company was $145,862,001 represented by 14,586,200,066 
ordinary shares of $0.01 each, of which 191,459,158 shares are 
held in treasury and 144,418,070 shares are held by Group 
employee benefit trusts. 

Directors’ liabilities and indemnities

The Company has granted third party indemnities to each 
of its Directors against any liability that attaches to them in 
defending proceedings brought against them, to the extent 
permitted by Jersey Law. In addition, Directors and Officers 
of the Company and its subsidiaries are covered by directors 
& officers liability insurance.

Directors and Officers

The names of the Company’s Directors and Officers who 
were in office at the end of 2016, together with their 
biographical details and other information, are shown on 
pages 81 to 83.

Directors’ interests

Details of interests in the ordinary shares of the Company of 
those Directors who held office during 2016 are given below:

Name 

Executive Directors

Ivan Glasenberg

Non-Executive Directors

Peter Coates 

Anthony Hayward 

Leonhard Fischer 

William Macaulay

Peter Grauer

John Mack 

Patrice Merrin 

Number of 
Glencore Shares

Percentage of 
Total Voting  
Rights

1,211,957,850

1,585,150 1

244,907

–

200,000

129,792

750,000

43,997

8.42

0.01

0.00

–

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

1  Peter Coates also has 206,172 options over shares arising from his prior employment 

with Xstrata which are not included in the above table. 

No Director has any other interest in the share capital of the 
Company whether pursuant to any share plan or otherwise.

No changes in Directors’ interests of those in office at the 
date of this report have occurred between 31 December 2016 
and 1 March 2017.

Mr Glasenberg executed a Lock-Up Deed in 2011, pursuant 
to which he agreed, subject to certain customary exceptions, 
that during the period from 24 May 2011 to 24 May 2016 he 
would not dispose of a certain percentage of the ordinary 
shares held by him at 24 May 2011. These disposal 
restrictions have now expired entirely. 

110 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Major interests in shares

As at 1 March 2017 Glencore had been notified of the 
following interests representing 3% or more of the issued 
ordinary share capital of the Company:

Name of holder

Qatar Holding

Ivan Glasenberg

BlackRock Inc

Harris Associates

Daniel Maté

Aristotelis Mistakidis

Norges Bank

Share capital

Number of 
shares

1,221,497,099

1,211,957,850

820,422,580

503,985,535

454,136,143

450,175,134

436,312,499

Percentage of  
Total Voting 
Rights 

8.49

8.42

5.70

3.50

3.15

3.13

3.03

The rights attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares, 
being the only share class of the Company, are set out in the 
Company’s Articles of Association (the “Articles”), which 
can be found at www.glencore.com. Subject to Jersey law, 
any share may be issued with or have attached to it such 
preferred, deferred or other special rights and restrictions as 
the Company may by special resolution decide or, if no such 
resolution is in effect, or so far as the resolution does not 
make specific provision, as the Board may decide. 

No such resolution is currently in effect. Subject to the 
recommendation of the Board, holders of ordinary shares 
may receive a dividend. On liquidation, holders of ordinary 
shares may share in the assets of the Company. Holders of 
ordinary shares are also entitled to receive the Company’s 
Annual Report and Accounts (or a summarised version) and, 
subject to certain thresholds being met, may requisition the 
Board to convene a general meeting (“GM”) or the proposal of 
resolutions at AGMs. None of the ordinary shares carry any 
special rights with regard to control of the Company.

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and speak 
at GMs of the Company and to appoint one or more proxies 
or, if the holder of shares is a corporation, a corporate 
representative. On a show of hands, each holder of ordinary 
shares who (being an individual) is present in person or 
(being a corporation) is present by a duly appointed 
corporate representative, not being himself a member, shall 
have one vote and on a poll, every holder of ordinary shares 
present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every 
share of which he is the holder. Electronic and paper proxy 
appointments and voting instructions must be received not 
later than 48 hours before a GM. A holder of ordinary shares 

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

can lose the entitlement to vote at GMs where that holder 
has been served with a disclosure notice and has failed to 
provide the Company with information concerning interests 
held in those shares. Except as (1) set out above and (2) 
permitted under applicable statutes, there are no limitations 
on voting rights of holders of a given percentage, number of 
votes or deadlines for exercising voting rights.

The Directors may refuse to register a transfer of a 
certificated share which is not fully paid, provided that the 
refusal does not prevent dealings in shares in the Company 
from taking place on an open and proper basis or where the 
Company has a lien over that share. The Directors may also 
refuse to register a transfer of a certificated share unless the 
instrument of transfer is: (i) lodged, duly stamped (if 
necessary), at the registered office of the Company or any 
other place as the Board may decide accompanied by the 
certificate for the share(s) to be transferred and/or such 
other evidence as the Directors may reasonably require as 
proof of title; or (ii) in respect of only one class of shares.

Transfers of uncertificated shares must be carried out using 
CREST and the Directors can refuse to register a transfer of 
an uncertificated share in accordance with the regulations 
governing the operation of CREST.

The Directors may decide to suspend the registration of 
transfers, for up to 30 days a year, by closing the register of 
shareholders. The Directors cannot suspend the registration 
of transfers of any uncertificated shares without obtaining 
consent from CREST.

There are no other restrictions on the transfer of ordinary 
shares in the Company except: (1) certain restrictions may 
from time to time be imposed by laws and regulations (for 
example insider trading laws); (2) pursuant to the Company’s 
share dealing code whereby the Directors and certain 
employees of the Company require approval to deal in the 
Company’s shares; and (3) where a shareholder with at least a 
0.25% interest in the Company’s issued share capital has been 
served with a disclosure notice and has failed to provide the 
Company with information concerning interests in those 
shares. There are no agreements between holders of ordinary 
shares that are known to the Company which may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights.

The rules for appointment and replacement of the Directors 
are set out in the Articles. Directors can be appointed by the 
Company by ordinary resolution at a GM or by the Board 
upon the recommendation of the Nomination Committee. 
The Company can remove a Director from office, including 
by passing an ordinary resolution or by notice being given 
by all the other Directors. The Company may amend its 
Articles by special resolution approved at a GM.

The powers of the Directors are set out in the Articles and 
provide that the Board may exercise all the powers of the 
Company including to borrow money. The Company may 
by ordinary resolution authorise the Board to issue shares, 

and increase, consolidate, sub-divide and cancel shares in 
accordance with its Articles and Jersey law. 

Purchase of own shares 

At the end of the year, the Directors had authority, under a 
shareholder’s resolution passed on 19 May 2016, to purchase 
through the market up to 10% of the Company’s issued 
ordinary shares. No purchase was made by the Company 
during 2016. The Directors will seek a similar authority at 
the Company’s AGM to be held in 2017. 

Going concern

The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity 
position and borrowing facilities are set out in the Strategic 
Report. Furthermore, notes 24 and 25 to the financial 
statements includes the Group’s objectives and policies for 
managing its capital, its financial risk management 
objectives, details of its financial instruments and hedging 
activities and its exposure to credit and liquidity risk. 
Significant financing activities that took place during the 
year are detailed in the Financial review section. 

The results of the Group, principally pertaining to its 
industrial asset base, are exposed to fluctuations in both 
commodity prices and currency exchange rates whereas 
the performance of marketing activities is primarily 
physical volume driven with commodity price risk 
substantially hedged.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation, having made 
appropriate enquiries that the Group has adequate resources 
to continue its operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis 
in preparing the financial statements. The Directors have 
made this assessment after consideration of the Group’s 
budgeted cash flows and related assumptions including 
appropriate stress testing of the identified uncertainties 
(being primarily commodity prices and currency exchange 
rates), assessment of asset disposal initiatives and undrawn 
credit facilities, monitoring of debt maturities, and after 
review of the Guidance on Risk Management, Internal 
Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting 2014 
as published by the UK Financial Reporting Council. 

Longer-term viability

In accordance with paragraph C2.2 of the Code, the 
Directors have assessed the prospects of the Group’s 
viability over a longer period than the 12 months required 
by the going concern assessment above. The Board has 
assessed the viability of the Group over a four-year period. 
This period is consistent with the Group’s established 
annual business planning and forecasting processes and 
cycle which is subject to review and approval each year by 
the Board. The four-year plan considers Glencore’s EBITDA, 
Capital Expenditure, Funds From Operations (“FFO”) and 
Net Debt, and the key financial ratios of Net Debt to EBITDA 
and FFO to Net Debt over the forecasted years and 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

111

Governance

Directors’ report
For the year ended 31 December 2016

incorporates stress tests to simulate the potential impacts of 
exposure to the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties as 
set out on pages 36 to 44. These scenarios included:

• a prolonged downturn in the price and demand of 
commodities most impacting Glencore’s operations;

• foreign exchange movements to which the Group is 

exposed as a result of its global operations; and

• consideration of the potential impact of adverse 

movements in macro-economic assumptions and their 
effect on certain key financial KPIs and ratios which could 
increase the Group’s access to or cost of funding. 

The scenarios were assessed taking into account current risk 
appetite and any mitigating actions Glencore could take, as 
required, in response to the potential realisation of any of 
the stressed scenarios. 

Based on the results of the related analysis, the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the four-year period of this assessment. They also 
believe that the review period of four years is appropriate 
having regard to the Group’s business model, strategy, 
principal risks and uncertainties, and viability.

Auditors

Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval 
of this Annual Report confirms that:

(a)   so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Company’s auditors are 
unaware; and

(b)   the Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have 
taken as a director in order to make himself aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

Deloitte LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in 
office as auditors and a resolution to reappoint them will be 
proposed at the forthcoming AGM.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the 
Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 
for use in the European Union (together “IFRS”). 
The financial statements are required by law to be properly 
prepared in accordance with the Companies (Jersey) Law 
1991. International Accounting Standard 1 requires that 
financial statements present fairly for each financial year the 

112 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Company’s financial position, financial performance and cash 
flows. This requires the faithful representation of the effects 
of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance 
with the definitions and recognition criteria for assets, 
liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International 
Accounting Standards Board’s “Framework for the 
preparation and presentation of financial statements”.

In virtually all circumstances, a fair presentation will be 
achieved by compliance with all applicable IFRSs. However, 
the Directors are also required to:

• properly select and apply accounting policies; 

• present information, including accounting policies, in a 
manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information; 

• provide additional disclosures when compliance with the 
specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable 
users to understand the impact of particular transactions, 
other events and conditions on the entity’s financial 
position and financial performance; and

• make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue 

as a going concern. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting 
records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Company and enable them to 
ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for 
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 
fraud and other irregularities. The Directors are responsible 
for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and 
financial information included on the Company’s website. 
Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

John Burton

Company Secretary 

1 March 2017

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Information required by Listing Rule LR 9.8.4C

In compliance with UK Listing Rule 9.8.4C the Company discloses the following information:

Listing Rule

Information required

Interest capitalised by the Group

Relevant disclosure

See note 7 to the financial statements 

9.8.4(1)

9.8.4(2)

9.8.4(5)

9.8.4(6)

9.8.4(12)

9.8.4(13)

9.8.4(14)

Unaudited financial information as required (LR 9.2.18)

See Chief Executive Officer’s review

Director waivers of emoluments

Director waivers of future emoluments

Waivers of dividends

Waivers of future dividends

See Directors’ remuneration report 

See Directors’ remuneration report 

See note 16 to the financial statements 

See note 16 to the financial statements 

Agreement with a controlling shareholder (LR 9.2.2A

Not applicable

There are no disclosures to be made in respect of the other numbered parts of LR 9.8.4.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the 
year ended 31 December 2016 were approved on the date 
below by the Board of Directors.

Signed on behalf of the Board:

Anthony Hayward 

Ivan Glasenberg

Chairman 

1 March 2017

Chief Executive Officer 

Confirmation of Directors’ responsibilities

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: 

• the consolidated financial statements, prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards and interpretations as adopted by the 
European Union, International Financial Reporting 
Standards and interpretations as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board and the 
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, give a true and fair view of 
the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss of the 
Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole;

• the management report, which is incorporated in the 

Strategic Report, includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position of the 
Group and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties they face; and

• the Annual Report and consolidated financial statements, 

taken as a whole, are fair and balanced and 
understandable and provide the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the performance, strategy and 
business model of the Company.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

113

 
Financial  
statements

“  Our robust financial 

performance during 2016 reflects 
the quality of our industrial asset 
portfolio and the resilience of our 
large scale diversified 
marketing business.”

  IVAN GLASENBERG
  Chief Executive Officer (see page 04)

116  Independent Auditor’s Report
126   Consolidated statement of income/(loss)
127   Consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(loss)
128   Consolidated statement of financial position
129  Consolidated statement of cash flows
131   Consolidated statement of changes of equity
132  Notes to the financial statements

114 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Glencore Annual Report 2016

115

Financial statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to  
the members of Glencore plc

Opinion on financial statements of Glencore plc

In our opinion the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2016 and of the Group’s income for the 

year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by 

the European Union; and

• have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

The financial statements that we have audited comprise:

• the Consolidated Statement of Income/(Loss); 

• the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss); 

• the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position; 

• the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; 

• the Consolidated Statement of Changes of Equity; and

• the related notes 1 to 33. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union.

Summary of our audit approach

Key risks

The key risks that we identified in the current year were:

• Capital preservation/Debt reduction plans;

• Impairments;

• Revenue recognition;

• Fair value measurements within the marketing operations;

• Classification of financial instruments;

• Credit and performance risk; and

• Taxation

Our assessment of the Group’s significant risks is consistent with 2015, except for 
Capital Projects and Commissioning which is no longer considered a significant risk 
as a result of the significant reduction in the Group’s expansionary capital projects 
and related capital expenditures in 2016.

We determined materiality for the Group to be $150 million, based on a normalised 
3-year average pre-tax profit.

We focused our Group audit scope primarily on the audit work at 45 components, 
representing the Group’s most material marketing operations and industrial assets. 
These 45 components account for 92% of the Group’s net assets, 95% of the Group’s 
revenue and 89% of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA.

There were no significant changes to our audit approach when compared to 2015.

Materiality

Scoping

Significant changes  
in our approach

116 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Independence

We are required to comply with the Financial Reporting 
Council’s Ethical Standards for Auditors and confirm that 
we are independent of the Group and we have fulfilled our 
other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
those standards.

We confirm that we are independent of the Group and we 
have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with those standards. We also confirm we have 
not provided any of the prohibited non-audit services 
referred to in those standards. 

Our assessment of risks of material 
misstatement

The assessed risks of material misstatement described 
below are those that had the greatest effect on our audit 
strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and 
directing the efforts of the engagement team. 

In arriving at our audit opinion on the financial statements, 
we have considered any significant changes in the Group’s 
operations and the broader market conditions that may 
influence the audit risk profile of the Group. 

Our assessment of the Group’s significant risks is consistent 
with 2015, except for Capital Projects and Commissioning 
which is no longer considered a significant risk as a result of 
the significant reduction in the Group’s expansionary capital 
projects and related capital expenditures in 2016.

The description of risks below should be read in conjunction 
with the significant issues considered by the Audit 
Committee discussed on page 95. These matters were 
addressed in the context of our audit of the financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Separate opinion in relation to IFRSs as issued 
by the IASB

As explained in note 1 to the financial statements, in 
addition to applying IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union, the Group has also applied IFRSs as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

In our opinion the financial statements comply with IFRSs 
as issued by the IASB.

Going concern and the Directors’ assessment 
of the principal risks that would threaten the 
solvency or liquidity of the Group

We have reviewed the Directors’ statement regarding the 
appropriateness of the going concern basis of accounting 
contained within note 1 to the financial statements and the 
Directors’ statement on the longer-term viability of the 
Group contained within the Governance section of the 
Annual Report. 

We are required to state whether we have anything material 
to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

• the Directors’ confirmation on page 89 that they have 
carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks 
facing the Group, including those that would threaten its 
business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;

• the disclosures on pages 36–44 and 89–93 that describe 
those risks and explain how they are being managed 
or mitigated;

• the Directors’ statement in note 1 to 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 Group’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 Director’s explanation on page 112 as to how they have 

assessed the prospects of the Group, 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 Group 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.

We confirm that we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in respect of these matters.

We agreed with the Directors’ adoption of the going 
concern basis of accounting and we did not identify any 
such material uncertainties. However, because not all 
future events or conditions can be predicted, this 
statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

117

Financial statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Glencore plc

Capital preservation/Debt reduction plans

Risk description

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

Following the September 2015 announcement of a number of 
measures to preserve capital and reduce debt by 
31 December 2016, the Group’s initiatives are now completed 
with Net Funding reduced to $32,619 million as at 
31 December 2016. Due to the bespoke nature of some of the 
specific reduction measures undertaken and the resultant 
market focus on them, we identified a heightened key audit 
risk relating to potential management override and earnings 
management with respect to fair presentation and 
disclosure of financial performance and position. 

Key measures delivered in 2016 include:

To scope our audit and respond to the risks associated with 
the announced measures we have: 

• undertaken a detailed assessment of each of the measures 
to assess how it may impact the Group and therefore our 
audit response; 

• enhanced our Group and component audit approach and 

risk assessment to address the risk of material 
misstatement and potential management bias associated 
with transactions underlying these measures, particularly 
where significant judgements, estimates and assumptions 
are applied;

• sale of interests in the Agriculture Products business 

• for individually material transactions relating to the 

announced measures that were completed during the year 
ended 31 December 2016, reviewed and tested these with 
reference to supporting documentation (e.g. 
contractual agreements) and assessed the associated 
accounting treatment focusing on fair presentation 
and disclosure;

• reviewed long-term advances (including streaming 

transactions) received and working capital movements to 
understand significant non-routine transactions impacting 
the year-end financial position and reviewed the 
associated accounting for compliance with IFRS and for 
evidence of potential management override and earnings 
management; and 

• continued to monitor operations where production was 

curtailed or suspended through on-going focus on 
impairment of assets (see “Impairments” below).

(“Glencore Agri”) and the Ernest Henry Mining 
operations (“EHM”), disposal of Glencore Rail (NSW) Pty 
Ltd (“GRail”) and the Antapaccay streaming transaction; 

• reduction in capital expenditure to $3,497 million from 

$5,957 million in 2015; and

• working capital management.

Fair presentation and disclosure is achieved when the 
transactions underpinning the announced measures have 
been recorded: 

• when the transaction has occurred (occurrence 

and existence);

• in accordance with the substance of the transaction (rights 

and obligations and classification);

• in the correct amount in the appropriate accounting 

period (measurement and cut-off); and 

• in accordance with the requirements of IFRS including 
appropriate presentation and disclosure (presentation 
and disclosure). 

Refer to “Key judgements” within note 1 and additionally 
notes 10, 12, 19, 22 and 23. 

Our conclusion

Our testing noted no significant bias in the accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions made by management on 
each of the significant transactions underpinning the measures and we concur with the accounting positions adopted. 

We reviewed the disclosures of the sale of interests in Glencore Agri and EHM, the Antapaccay streaming transaction and 
the disposal of GRail transactions in notes 19 and 23 and found them to be in line with the relevant IFRS requirements. 

Significant sales and purchase transactions affecting working capital and containing a financing element have been 
accounted for in line with IFRS requirements and the Group accounting policies as stated in note 1 of the 
financial statements.

118 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Impairments

Risk description

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

The carrying value of the Group’s non-current assets, which 
includes intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, 
investments in associates and joint ventures, amounted to 
$81,188 million at 31 December 2016.

The volatility in expected future prices of certain 
commodities key to the Group (particularly oil, copper, zinc 
and coal) and foreign exchange rates, requires management 
to closely monitor non-current asset carrying values. 

We reviewed management’s assessment of the indicators of 
impairment and challenged the significant 
assumptions used.

Where significant indicators of impairment were identified, 
we utilised Deloitte mining valuation specialists to assess 
the appropriateness of management’s recoverable value 
models, which included the underlying model inputs and 
significant assumptions.

Given the nature of the Group’s industrial assets, 
developments concerning geology, production or 
distribution of the Group’s products may also trigger a need 
to consider impairment.

The outcome of impairment assessments could vary 
significantly were different assumptions applied. Refer to 
“Key estimates and assumptions” within note 1 and 
additionally notes 4, 5 and 9.

In total, impairments amounting to $1,268 million (note 5) 
and $345 million (note 9) were recognised in the year ended 
31 December 2016 relating to oil and coal assets primarily 
resulting from a reduction in management’s long-term oil 
price assumptions, specific production and reserve 
related issues.

We challenged the significant inputs and assumptions used 
in impairment testing for intangible assets, property, plant 
and equipment, associates and joint ventures, specifically 
the commodity price, foreign exchange, assumed production 
levels, operating costs and discount rate assumptions, 
including consideration of the risk of management bias. 

Our challenge included comparing inputs and significant 
assumptions, such as commodity price, foreign exchange, 
and discount rates, to third party forecasts, Deloitte 
developed discount rates, production to life of mine and 
hydrocarbon extraction plans and reserves and resources 
estimates, assessing whether macro assumptions had been 
applied on a consistent basis across the Group. 

Operating costs and production levels were compared to the 
current period actual results, management approved 
budgets and life of mine models. 

We challenged management’s sensitivity analysis by 
performing independent sensitivity analyses on selected 
assets, including those which were not identified as having 
indicators of impairment but have a higher risk of 
impairment due to lower available headroom in fair value 
models, volatility in key pricing assumptions or the 
existence of operational circumstances which may indicate 
potential for impairment. 

We also assessed the adequacy of impairment related 
disclosures in the financial statements, including the key 
assumptions used and the sensitivity of the financial 
statements to these assumptions.

Our conclusion

We concluded that management’s assessment of impairment indicators was appropriate. Where there were impairment 
indicators, our procedures found that the impairment models were in line with the underlying mine and hydrocarbon 
extraction plans and supported by appropriate inputs and assumptions. We concluded that the key pricing and discount 
rate assumptions were in line with third party evidence and our expert’s acceptable ranges. 

We reviewed management’s disclosures on key assumptions and impairment sensitivities and found them to 
be appropriate.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

119

Financial statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Glencore plc

Revenue recognition

Risk description

Revenue recognition has been identified as a risk primarily 
relating to the following: 

Marketing operations:

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

We have reviewed Glencore’s revenue recognition policies 
for compliance with the requirements of IAS 18 Revenue 
(“IAS 18”). 

• The completeness and accuracy of the capture of trades 

For marketing operations we: 

within the trade book and the timing of revenue 
recognition for commodity sales with deliveries occurring 
on or around year-end

• evaluated the design, implementation and operating 
effectiveness of key controls over revenue and the 
trade cycle;

• Judgement is required to determine when risks and 
rewards have transferred under certain contractual 
arrangements with third parties

• Due to the significant volume of transactions and the 
complexity of the supporting IT systems, minor errors 
could, in aggregate, have a material impact on the 
financial statements

Industrial assets:

• Substantially all output from industrial assets will be sold 
by the Group’s marketing divisions. For direct third party 
sales, a key risk relates to the consideration of embedded 
derivatives in sales contracts, particularly in commercial 
transactions with provisional pricing terms.

• assessed general IT controls surrounding major 

technology applications and critical interfaces over 
revenue recognition and completeness and accuracy of 
trade capture; and

• agreed, on a sample basis, deliveries occurring near 

31 December 2016 to supporting documentation to assess 
that the IFRS revenue recognition criteria were met for 
recognised sales and obtained third party confirmations 
where relevant to check completeness and accuracy of 
trade books.

For industrial assets we: 

• assessed the design and implementation of controls 

around the methodology adopted by management to 
identify the provisional pricing terms and the 
determination of estimates of metal in concentrate sold; 
and

• reviewed key new contracts for the existence of embedded 

derivatives and performed valuation testing 
as appropriate.

We also performed testing on journal entries using 
computer assisted profiling techniques to test for any 
management override of internal controls related to 
revenue recognition.

Our conclusion

Based on the results of our testing, we are satisfied that the revenue recognition policies are in line with IFRS and were 
appropriately applied throughout the period.

120 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Fair value measurements within the marketing operations

Risk description

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

Determination of fair values of marketing inventories, 
financial assets and liabilities is a complex and subjective 
area often requiring significant estimates, particularly 
where valuations utilise unobservable inputs (e.g. credit risk 
assessments, market volatility and forecast operational 
estimates). At 31 December 2016, total Level 3 Other financial 
assets and liabilities amounted to $558 million and 
$612 million respectively. 

As the Group’s marketing inventories and other financial 
assets and liabilities are measured at fair value at each 
reporting date, these fair value measurements significantly 
impact the Group’s results.

Refer to “Key estimates and assumptions” within note 1 and 
additionally notes 25 and 26.

Our conclusion

We performed internal control testing over management’s 
processes for determining inputs to fair value measurements 
and performed detailed substantive testing on a sample 
basis of the related fair value measurements. 

We specifically tested the evidence supporting significant 
unobservable inputs utilised in Level 3 measurements in the 
fair value hierarchy as outlined in note 26 to the financial 
statements, which included reviews of broker quotes, recent 
transactions and other supporting documentation.

Based on the results of our testing, we are satisfied that the Level 3 fair value measurements were supported by reasonable 
assumptions in line with externally verifiable information where possible. 

We have reviewed the financial statement disclosures on fair value measurements in note 26 and found them to be adequate.

Classification of financial instruments

Risk description

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

Glencore trades a diverse portfolio of commodities and 
utilises a wide variety of trading strategies in order to profit 
from volatility in market prices, differentials and spreads 
whilst maximising flexibility and optionality. 

The classification of contracts relating to the Group’s 
marketing operations is a judgemental area, particularly 
distinguishing sales contracts where the Group physically 
delivers its own production to a third party (“own use”), 
from those which form part of the Group’s 
marketing operations. 

Differences in classification affect recognition of associated 
gains and losses as contracts which are “own use” are 
exempt from mark-to-market accounting. 

Refer to notes 25 and 26.

Our conclusion

We obtained an understanding of the trading strategies and 
associated product flows within the Group’s marketing 
departments using financial instrument experts embedded 
within the audit team with experience in 
commodity trading. 

We analysed the trade books to identify incidents where 
contracts were not physically delivered (“net settled”), which 
may indicate tainting of the “own use” criteria. 

Where a contract had been net settled, we checked that the 
contract was appropriately ring-fenced from the “own use” 
trade book and mark-to-market reflecting the underlying 
facts and circumstances.

We assessed the adequacy of related disclosures in the 
financial statements in accordance with the requirements 
of IFRS. 

Based on the results of our testing, we are satisfied that all significant assumptions applied in respect of the classification of 
financial instruments are appropriate and disclosure given around financial instruments to be in accordance with the 
requirements of IFRS.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

121

Financial statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Glencore plc

Credit and performance risk

Risk description

The Group is exposed to credit and performance risk arising 
from the Group’s global marketing operations and trade 
advances, particularly in markets demonstrating significant 
price volatility with limited liquidity and terminal markets. 

This risk is heightened in times of increased price volatility, 
where suppliers may be incentivised to default on delivery 
and customers are unable to make payments.

At 31 December 2016, total Advances and loans and 
Accounts receivable amounted to $3,483 million and 
$20,066 million respectively. 

Refer to notes 10, 12 and 24.

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

We undertook internal control testing of the Group’s 
centralised and local credit and performance risk 
monitoring procedures. 

We challenged management’s assessment of the 
recoverability of aged and overdue receivables, loans and 
advance payments with delayed or overdue deliveries, 
considering historical patterns of trading and settlement as 
well as recent communications with the counterparties and 
other post balance sheet date evidence. 

In addition, we challenged the valuation of significant fixed 
price positions in commodities across the Group at year-end 
given the high price volatility during the year, particularly 
with respect to base metals and coal where the risk of 
non-performance is higher.

Our conclusion

We concluded that the Group’s provisioning in relation to counterparty and performance risk was appropriately assessed.

Taxation

Risk description

There is significant judgement around accounting for 
income taxes particularly in light of the number of 
jurisdictions in which the Group operates, including 
judgements concerning residency of key corporate 
operations and holding companies, provisioning for tax 
exposures, application of transfer pricing rules, the 
recognition of deferred income tax assets and the taxation 
impacts of any corporate restructurings.

This gives rise to complexity and uncertainty in respect of 
the calculation of income taxes and deferred tax assets and 
consideration of contingent liabilities associated with tax 
years open to audit.

As at 31 December 2016, the Group has recorded a tax 
expense of $638 million, $3,904 million of net deferred tax 
liabilities (see note 6) and has disclosed its assessment of 
tax-related provisions in note 20.

Our conclusion

How the scope of our audit responded to the risk

We undertook a specific assessment of the material 
components impacting the Group’s tax expense, balances 
and exposures and performed detailed audit procedures in 
relation to these.

We considered the appropriateness of management’s 
assumptions and estimates in relation to the likelihood of 
generating future taxable profits to support the recognition 
of deferred tax assets with reference to forecast taxable 
profits and consistency of these forecasts with the 
Group’s budgets. 

We reviewed and challenged management’s assessment of 
uncertain tax positions and conclusions on complex tax 
arrangements through discussions with the Group taxation 
department, reviewing correspondence with local tax 
authorities, reviewing third party expert tax opinions and 
utilising Deloitte tax specialists, where appropriate, to assess 
the adequacy of associated provisions and disclosures.

The results of our testing were satisfactory and we concur that the level of tax provisions and disclosures are appropriate.

122 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Our application of materiality

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic 
decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the 
scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group materiality

$150 million (2015: $210 million)

The applied materiality is approximately 6.7% of normalised 3-year average pre-tax 
profit (2015: 6.0%), and equates to less than 1% (2015: 1%) of equity. 

$m

2016

2016 Ind Asset

2016 Marketing

2015

210

150

100

90

75

10

10

Group materiality

Maximum allowed 
component materiality

Audit Committee 
reporting threshold

Basis for determining  
materiality

Consistent with the methodology in the prior year, we have determined materiality 
by using a percentage of normalised 3-year average (2014 – 2016) of pre-tax profits. 

Rationale for the  
benchmark applied

These normalising items are outlined in notes 3, 4 and 23 to the financial statements.

The pre-tax profits for the 2014 – 2016 years have been normalised in determining 
materiality to exclude items which, due to their nature and/or expected infrequency 
of the underlying events, are not considered indicative of continuing operations of 
the Group and so do not form part of the Group’s internally or externally monitored 
primary KPIs, and which if included, would distort materiality year-on-year. 

We consider this approach to be more appropriate given the nature of the mining 
industry which is exposed to cyclical commodity price fluctuations and to therefore 
provide a more stable base reflective of the scale of the Group’s size and operations.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report all individual audit differences in excess of $10 million 
(2015: $10 million) whilst retaining an internal aggregation threshold of $7.5 million, reported in aggregate to the Audit 
Committee, representing 5% of the Group materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified 
when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

123

Financial statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Glencore plc

Detailed audit instructions were sent to the auditors of these 
in-scope components. These detailed audit instructions 
specified areas of audit focus, identified the risks of material 
misstatement assessed by the Group audit team and set out 
the information to be reported back to the Group audit team.

The Group audit team continued to follow a programme of 
regular physical meetings with components that has been 
designed so that the Group Audit Partner or another senior 
member of the Group audit team periodically meets with 
local management and the component audit team on a 
rotational basis. In 2016, the Group audit team held meetings 
with 13 components (2015: 25 components).

Additionally for all in-scope components the Group audit 
team was involved in the audit work performed by the 
component auditors through a combination of our global 
planning conference call meetings, provision of referral 
instructions, review and challenge of related component 
inter-office reporting and of findings from their work 
(which included the audit procedures performed to respond 
to risks of material misstatement), attendance at component 
audit closing conference calls and regular interaction on any 
related audit and accounting matters which arose. 

At the parent entity level we also tested the consolidation 
process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm 
our conclusion that there were no significant risks of 
material misstatement of the aggregated financial 
information of the remaining components not subject 
to audit or audit of specified account balances. 

Matters on which we are required to report 
by exception

Adequacy of explanations received and 
accounting records

Under the Companies (Jersey) Law, 1991 we are required to 
report to you if, in our opinion: 

• we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit; or

• proper accounting records have not been kept by the 

parent company, or proper 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. 

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

An overview of the scope of our audit

Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an 
understanding of the Group and its environment, including 
group-wide controls, and assessing the risks of material 
misstatement at the Group level. Based on our continuing 
assessment, we focused our Group audit scope primarily on 
the audit work at 45 components (2015: 51 components), 
representing the Group’s most material marketing 
operations and industrial assets, and utilised 21 component 
audit teams (2015: 19 component audit teams) in 18 countries 
(2015: 17 countries).

• 29 of these were subject to a full scope audit 

(2015: 34 components); and 

• 16 were subject to specified audit procedures where 

the extent of our testing was based on our assessment 
of the risk of material misstatement and of the materiality 
of the Group’s operations at those locations 
(2015: 17 components). 

The reduction in the scoping compared to 2015 is primarily 
as a result of the restructuring of various Glencore Agri 
related components into one full scope component in the 
current year.

These 45 components account for 92% of the Group’s net 
assets (2015: 90%), 95% of the Group’s revenue (2015: 89%) 
and 89% of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA (2015: 88%). 
The above mentioned reduction in Group materiality from 
2015 did not significantly impact our assessment of audit 
coverage because of the significant number of marketing 
operations and industrial asset components already within 
Group audit scope. 

Net assets

Revenue

8

32

60

5

1

94

Adjusted EBITDA

Coverage percentages

Full scope audit

Specified audit procedures

Analytical procedures

11

6

83

124 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a 
body, in accordance with Article 113A of the Companies 
(Jersey) Law, 1991. 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/or those further matters we have expressly 
agreed to report to them on in our engagement letter 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. 

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. 

Matthew Sheerin, ACA CA (AUS)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditor 
London, UK

1 March 2017

Corporate Governance Statement 

Under the Listing Rules we are also required to review the 
part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the 
Company’s compliance with certain provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. 

We have nothing to report arising from our review. 

Our duty to read other information in the 
Annual Report

Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, 
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 of the Group acquired 
in the course of performing our audit; or

• otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have 
identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge 
acquired during the audit and the Directors’ statement 
that they consider the Annual Report is fair, balanced 
and understandable and whether the Annual Report 
appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated 
to the Audit Committee which we consider should have 
been disclosed. 

We confirm that we have not identified any such 
inconsistencies or misleading statements. 

Other matter

In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ remuneration 
report to be audited has been properly prepared in 
accordance with the provisions of the UK Companies Act 
2006 as if that Act had applied to the Company. 

Respective responsibilities of Directors 
and auditor

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement, 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). We also comply with 
International Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and 
Ireland). Our audit methodology and tools aim to ensure 
that our quality control procedures are effective, understood 
and applied. Our quality controls and systems include our 
dedicated professional standards review team and 
independent partner reviews.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

125

Financial statements

Consolidated statement of income/(loss)

For the year ended 31 December 2016

US$ million

Revenue

Cost of goods sold

Selling and administrative expenses

Share of income from associates and joint ventures

Gains/(losses) on disposals and investments 

Other expense – net

Dividend income

Interest income

Interest expense

Loss before income taxes 

Income tax (expense)/credit

Loss for the year from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Income/(loss) for the year

Attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Equity holders of the Parent

Loss per share – continuing operations:

Basic (US$)

Diluted (US$)

Earnings/(loss) per share – continuing and discontinued operations:

Basic (US$)

Diluted (US$)

Notes

2016

152,948

2015
Restated1

147,351

(149,763)

(144,533)

 9

3

4

6

23

15

15

15

15

(1,102)

11

452

(1,589)

27

155

(1,688)

(549)

(638)

(1,187)

2,123

936

(443)

1,379

(0.05)

(0.05)

0.10

0.10

(1,096)

99

(994)

(7,928)

25

179

(1,482)

(8,379)

9

(8,370)

256

(8,114)

(3,150)

(4,964)

(0.39)

(0.39)

(0.37)

(0.37)

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustment made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23), and therefore do not correspond to the consolidated statement of income/

(loss) for the year ended 31 December 2015.

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

126 Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Consolidated statement of comprehensive  
income/(loss) 

For the year ended 31 December 2016

US$ million

Income/(loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Notes

2016

936

2015
Restated1

(8,114)

Items not to be reclassified to the statement of income in subsequent periods:

Defined benefit plan actuarial (losses)/gains, net of tax of $14 million (2015: $29 million)

Discontinued operations – Actuarial (losses)/gains net of tax of $1 million (2015: $5 million)

Net items not to be reclassified to the statement of income in subsequent periods:

Items that are or may be reclassified to the statement of income in subsequent periods:

Exchange gain/(loss) on translation of foreign operations

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $5 million (2015: $42 million)

Share of comprehensive loss from associates and joint ventures

Unrealised gain/(loss) on available for sale financial instruments

Discontinued operations2

21

21

9

9

Items recycled to the statement of income upon disposal of subsidiaries

3/23

Net items that are or may be reclassified to the statement of income in subsequent periods:

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

Attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Equity holders of the Parent

(41)

(4)

(45)

472

99

–

365

43

602

1,581

1,536

2,472

76

16

92

(1,531)

(85)

(22)

(488)

(272)

311

(2,087)

(1,995)

(10,109)

(411)

2,883

(3,217)

(6,892)

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustment made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23), and therefore do not correspond to the consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income/(loss) for the year ended 31 December 2015.

2  Includes exchange gain on translation of foreign operations of $22 million (2015: loss of $264 million), gain on cash flow hedges net of tax of $21 million (2015: loss of $4 million) and 

share of comprehensive loss from associates and joint ventures of $Nil million (2015: $4 million).

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

Glencore Annual Report 2016

127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 31 December 2016

US$ million

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Other investments

Advances and loans

Inventories

Deferred tax assets

Current assets

Inventories

Accounts receivable

Other financial assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets

Marketable securities

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Capital and reserves – attributable to equity holders

Share capital

Reserves and retained earnings

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Deferred income 

Deferred tax liabilities

Other financial liabilities

Provisions

Current liabilities

Borrowings

Accounts payable

Deferred income 

Provisions

Other financial liabilities

Income tax payable

Total equity and liabilities

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

128 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Notes

2016

2015

7

8

9

9

10

11

6

11

12

26

13

14

31

18

19

6

26

20

18

22

19

20

26

53,826

6,716

13,086

1,753

3,483

564

1,760

81,188

18,347

20,066

2,212

269

10

2,508

43,412

124,600

146

44,097

44,243

(462)

43,781

23,188

2,266

5,664

403

5,931

37,452

10,030

26,176

138

458

6,386

179

60,774

7,516

11,337

1,305

3,005

504

1,846

86,287

18,303

17,001

3,701

447

39

2,707

42,198

128,485

146

41,108

41,254

89

41,343

32,932

1,452

5,777

186

5,923

46,270

11,117

24,088

87

474

4,931

175

43,367

124,600

40,872

128,485

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2016

US$ million

Operating activities

Loss before income taxes from continuing operations 

Income before income taxes from discontinued operations

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Share of income from associates and joint ventures

Decrease in employee benefit liabilities

(Gains)/losses on disposals and investments 

Unrealised mark-to-market movements on other investments

Impairments 

Other non-cash items – net2

Interest expense – net

Cash generated by operating activities before working capital changes

Working capital changes

(Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable3 

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable4

Proceeds from gold and silver streaming

Total working capital changes

Income taxes paid

Interest received

Interest paid

Net cash generated by operating activities

Investing activities

Net cash received/(used) in acquisition of subsidiaries

Net cash received from disposal of subsidiaries

Purchase of investments

Proceeds from sale of investments

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Payments for exploration and evaluation

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Dividends received from associates and joint ventures

Net cash generated/(used) by investing activities

1  Includes results from discontinued operations.

2  Includes certain non-cash items as disclosed in note 4.

3  Includes movements in other financial assets, prepaid expenses, long-term advances and loans and other assets.

4  Includes movements in other financial liabilities, provisions and deferred income.

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

Notes

20161

20151

23

9 

 3/23

4

5

19

23

23

9 

(549)

2,254

5,632

(26)

(17)

(2,384)

121

1,268

(34)

1,603

7,868

(5,005)

(2,707)

5,540

971

(1,201)

(584)

111

(1,376)

4,818

176

5,535

(15)

3

7/8 

(3,048)

7 

9

–

128

833

(8,379)

363

5,835

(101)

(202)

994

262

7,120

168

1,394

7,454

4,975

5,410

(3,572)

900

7,713

(865)

119

(1,203)

13,218

(318)

212

(236)

41

(5,372)

(147)

115

428

3,612

(5,277)

Glencore Annual Report 2016

129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2016

US$ million

Financing activities2

Proceeds from issuance of capital market notes3

Repayment of capital market notes

Repurchase of capital market notes

Repayment of other non-current borrowings

Margin payments in respect of financing related hedging activities

Proceeds from/(repayment of) current borrowings

Acquisition of additional interests in subsidiaries

Return of capital/distributions to non-controlling interests

Disposal/(repurchase) of own shares

Share issuance3

Distributions paid to equity holders of the Parent

Net cash used by financing activities 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

1  Includes results from discontinued operations.

2  Presented net of directly attributable issuance costs where applicable. 

Notes

20161

20151

18

18

16

1,366

(4,748)

(2,629)

(2,848)

(695)

1,020

(7)

(91)

3

–

–

(8,629)

(199)

2,707

2,508

4,901

(4,459)

(529)

(5,176)

(618)

(1,926)

–

(95)

(272)

2,444

(2,328)

(8,058)

(117)

2,824

2,707

3  Net of issuance costs relating to capital market notes and shares of $9 million (2015: $16 million) and $Nil million (2015: $64 million) respectively.

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

130 Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Consolidated statement of changes of equity

For the year ended 31 December 2016

(Deficit)/ 
retained 
earnings

Share 
 premium

Other 
reserves 
(Note 14)

Total 
reserves and 
(deficit)/ 
retained 
earnings

Own 
shares

Total equity 
attributable 
to equity 
holders

Non- 
controlling 
interests 
(Note 31)

Share 
capital

(222)

52,533

(2,409)

(1,493)

48,409

133

48,542

(4,964)

66

(4,898)

–

–

(45)

66

–

–

–

–

(5,099)

(5,099)

1,379

(45)

1,334

(9)

75

–

(40)

–

–

–

–

2,431

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2,626)

52,338

52,338

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,994)

(1,994)

–

–

–

–

(16)

–

–

–

(4,419)

(4,419)

–

1,549

1,549

–

–

68

–

–

–

–

–

–

(281)

62

–

–

–

–

–

(1,712)

(1,712)

–

–

–

12

–

–

–

–

(4,964)

(1,928)

(6,892)

2,431

(281)

17

66

(16)

–

–

(2,626)

41,108

41,108

1,379

1,504

2,883

3

75

68

(40)

–

–

–

–

13

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

146

146

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
equity

51,480

(8,114)

(1,995)

(4,964)

(1,928)

2,938

(3,150)

(67)

(6,892)

(3,217)

(10,109)

2,444

(281)

17

66

(16)

–

–

(2,626)

41,254

41,254

1,379

–

–

–

–

35

(257)

685

(95)

89

89

(443)

2,444

(281)

17

66

19

(257)

685

(2,721)

41,343

41,343

936

1,504

32

1,536

2,883

(411)

2,472

3

75

68

(40)

–

–

–

17

(66)

(91)

3

75

85

(106)

(91)

(3,739)

52,338

(2,802)

(1,700)

44,097

146

44,243

(462)

43,781

US$ million

1 January 2015

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss

Shares issued1

Own share purchases1

Own share disposal1

Equity-settled share-based 
expenses2

Change in ownership interest 
in subsidiaries

Disposal of business3

Cancellation of put option4

Distributions paid5 

At 31 December 2015

1 January 2016

Income for the year

Other comprehensive  
(loss)/income

Total comprehensive  
income/(loss)

Own share disposal1

Equity-settled share-based 
expenses2

Change in ownership interest 
in subsidiaries

Disposal of business3

Distributions paid5 

At 31 December 2016

1  See note 14.

2  See note 17.

3  See note 23.

4  See note 26.

5  See note 16.

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

Glencore Annual Report 2016

131

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Corporate information

Glencore plc (the “Company”, “Parent”, the “Group” or 
“Glencore”), is a leading integrated producer and marketer of 
natural resources, with worldwide activities in the production, 
refinement, processing, storage, transport and marketing of 
metals and minerals, energy products and agricultural products. 
Glencore operates on a global scale, marketing and distributing 
physical commodities sourced from third party producers and 
own production to industrial consumers, such as those in the 
automotive, steel, power generation, oil and food processing 
industries. Glencore also provides financing, logistics and other 
services to producers and consumers of commodities. In this 
regard, Glencore seeks to capture value throughout the commodity 
supply chain. Glencore’s long experience as a commodity producer 
and merchant has allowed it to develop and build upon its 
expertise in the commodities which it markets and cultivate long-
term relationships with a broad supplier and customer base across 
diverse industries and in multiple geographic regions. 

Glencore plc is a publicly traded limited company incorporated in 
Jersey and domiciled in Switzerland. Its ordinary shares are traded 
on the London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg stock exchanges.

These consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue 
in accordance with a Directors’ resolution on 1 March 2017.

Statement of compliance

The accounting policies adopted in this preliminary announcement 
are based on the Company’s financial statements which are 
prepared in accordance with:

•  International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and 
interpretations as adopted by the European Union (“EU”) 
effective as of 31 December 2016; and

•  IFRS and interpretations as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) effective as of 
31 December 2016.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as 
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the 
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions 
are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience 
and other factors, including expectations of future events that are 
believed to be reasonable and relevant under the circumstances, 
independent estimates, quoted market prices and common, 
industry standard modelling techniques. Actual outcomes could 
result in a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or 
liabilities affected in future periods.

Glencore has identified the following areas as being critical 
to understanding Glencore’s financial position as they 
require management to make complex and/or subjective 
judgements, estimates and assumptions about matters that are 
inherently uncertain:

Key judgements

In the process of applying Glencore’s accounting policies, 
management has made the following judgements based on the 
relevant facts and circumstances including macro-economic 
circumstances and, where applicable, interpretation of underlying 
agreements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the consolidated financial statements. 

Determination of control of subsidiaries and joint arrangements (note 33)

Judgement is required to determine when Glencore has control of 
subsidiaries or joint control of joint arrangements. This requires an 
assessment of the relevant activities (those relating to the operating 
and capital decisions of the arrangement, such as: the approval of 
the capital expenditure programme for each year, and appointing, 
remunerating and terminating the key management personnel 
or service providers of the operations) and when the decisions 
in relation to those activities are under the control of Glencore or 
require unanimous consent. 

Judgement is also required in determining the classification of 
a joint arrangement between a joint venture or a joint operation 
through an evaluation of the rights and obligations arising from 
the arrangement and in particular, if the joint arrangement has 
been structured through a separate vehicle, further consideration is 
required of whether:

(1)  the legal form of the separate vehicle gives the parties rights to 

the assets and obligations for the liabilities;

(2)  the contractual terms and conditions give the parties rights to 

the assets and obligations for the liabilities; and

(3)  other facts and circumstances give the parties rights to the 

assets and obligations for the liabilities.

Joint arrangements in which the primary activity is the provision 
of output to the shareholders, typically convey substantially all 
the economic benefits of the assets to the parties and judgement is 
required in assessing whether the terms of the offtake agreements 
and any other obligations for liabilities of the arrangement result 
in the parties being substantially the only source of cash flows 
contributing to the continuity of the operations of the arrangement. 

Certain joint arrangements that are structured through separate 
vehicles including Collahuasi and Glencore Agri are accounted 
for as joint ventures. The Collahuasi arrangement is primarily 
designed for the provision of output to the shareholders sharing 
joint control, the offtake terms of which are at prevailing market 
prices and the parties are not obligated to cover any potential 
funding shortfalls. In management’s judgement, Glencore is not 
the only possible source of funding and does not have a direct or 
indirect obligation to the liabilities of the arrangement, but rather 
shares in its net assets and, therefore, such arrangements have been 
accounted for as joint ventures. 

Differing conclusions around these judgements, may materially 
impact how these businesses are presented in the consolidated 
financial statements – under the full consolidation method, 
equity method or recognition of Glencore’s share of assets, 
liabilities, revenue and expenses, including any assets or liabilities 
held jointly.

132 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Credit and performance risk (note 24)

Valuation of derivative instruments (note 26)

The Group’s global marketing operations expose it to credit 
and performance (the risk that counterparties fail to sell or 
purchase physical commodities on agreed terms) risks; these arise 
particularly in markets demonstrating significant price volatility 
with limited liquidity and terminal markets and when global and/
or regional macro-economic conditions are weak.

Continuously, but particularly during such times, judgement is 
required to determine whether receivables, loans and advances are 
recoverable and if contracted product deliveries will be received. 
Judgements about recoverability and contractual performance 
may materially impact both non-current and current assets as 
recognised in the statement of financial position.

Recognition of deferred tax assets (note 6)

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent it is 
considered probable that those assets will be recoverable. 
This involves an assessment of when those deferred tax assets 
are likely to reverse, and a judgement as to whether there will be 
sufficient taxable income available to offset the tax assets when they 
do reverse. These judgements are subject to risk and uncertainty 
and therefore, to the extent assumptions regarding future 
profitability change, there can be a material increase or decrease in 
the amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of income 
in the period in which the change occurs. The recoverability of 
deferred tax assets including the estimates and assumptions 
contained therein are reviewed regularly by management.

Classification of transactions which contain a financing element (notes 18, 
19 and 22)

Transactions for the sale or purchase of commodities may contain 
a financing element such as extended payment term agreements. 
Judgement is required to determine the most appropriate 
classification and presentation of these transactions within the 
statements of cash flows and financial position. In determining the 
appropriate classification, management considers the underlying 
economic substance of the transaction and the significance of 
the financing element to the transaction. Typically the economic 
substance of the transaction is determined to be operating in 
nature, i.e. predominantly related to the sale or purchase of 
commodities as the financing element is insignificant and the entire 
cash flow will therefore be presented as operating in the statement 
of cash flow with a corresponding trade receivable or payable in the 
statement of financial position. 

Key estimates and assumptions

In the process of applying Glencore’s accounting policies, 
management has made key estimates and assumptions concerning 
the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty. 
The key assumptions and estimates at the reporting date that have 
a significant impact on the financial position and the results of 
operations, are described below. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates under different assumptions and conditions and 
may materially affect financial results or the financial position 
reported in future periods.

Derivative instruments are carried at fair value and Glencore 
evaluates the quality and reliability of the assumptions and data 
used to measure fair value in the three hierarchy levels, Level 
1, 2 and 3, as prescribed by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. 
Fair values are determined in the following ways: externally 
verified via comparison to quoted market prices in active markets 
(Level 1); by using models with externally verifiable inputs (Level 
2); or by using alternative procedures such as comparison to 
comparable instruments and/or using models with unobservable 
market inputs requiring Glencore to make market-based 
assumptions (Level 3). Level 3 inputs therefore include the highest 
level of estimation uncertainty.

Depreciation and amortisation of mineral and petroleum rights, deferred 
mining costs and plant and equipment (note 7)

Mineral and petroleum rights, deferred mining costs and certain 
plant and equipment are depreciated/amortised using the Units 
of Production basis (“UOP”). The calculation of the UOP rate 
of depreciation/amortisation, and therefore the annual charge 
to operations, can fluctuate from initial estimates. This could 
generally result when there are significant changes in any of the 
factors or assumptions used in estimating mineral or petroleum 
reserves and resources, notably changes in the geology of the 
reserves and resources and assumptions used in determining 
the economic feasibility of the reserves. Such changes in reserves 
and resources could similarly impact the useful lives of assets 
depreciated on a straight-line basis, where those lives are limited 
to the life of the project, which in turn is limited to the life of 
the underlying reserves and resources. Estimates of proven 
and probable reserves and resources are prepared by experts in 
extraction, geology and reserve determination. Assessments of 
UOP rates against the estimated reserve and resource base and the 
operating and development plan are performed regularly.

Impairments (notes 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9)

Investments in associates and joint ventures, other investments, 
advances and loans, property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully 
recoverable or at least annually for goodwill and other indefinite 
life intangible assets. If an asset’s recoverable amount is less than 
the asset’s carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised in 
the consolidated statement of income. Future cash flow estimates 
which are used to calculate the asset’s fair value are discounted 
using asset specific discount rates and are based on expectations 
about future operations, primarily comprising estimates about 
production and sales volumes, commodity prices (considering 
current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), 
reserves and resources, operating, rehabilitation and restoration 
costs and capital expenditures. Estimates are reviewed regularly 
by management. Changes in such estimates and in particular, 
deterioration in the pricing outlook, could impact the recoverable 
values of these assets, whereby some or all of the carrying amount 
may be impaired or the impairment charge reduced (if pricing 
outlook improves significantly) with the impact recorded in the 
statement of income.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

133

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

New and revised standards not yet effective

Restoration, rehabilitation and decommissioning costs (note 20)

A provision for future restoration, rehabilitation and 
decommissioning costs requires estimates and assumptions 
to be made around the relevant regulatory framework, the 
magnitude of the possible disturbance, the timing, extent 
and costs of the required closure and rehabilitation activities. 
Most of these rehabilitation and decommissioning events are 
expected to take place many years in the future and the currently 
estimated requirements and costs that will have to be met when 
the restoration event occurs are inherently uncertain and could 
materially change over time. 

At the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial 
statements, the following new and revised IFRS standards, which 
are applicable to Glencore, were issued but are not yet effective:

Amendments to IAS 12 – Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised 
losses – effective for year ends beginning on or after 1 January 2017

The amendments to IAS 12 clarify the requirement on recognition 
of deferred tax assets related to debt instruments measured at fair 
value. The Group is assessing the potential impact of the change on 
its consolidated financial statements and so far, it does not expect 
any significant impact.

In calculating the appropriate provision for the expected 
restoration, rehabilitation or decommissioning obligations, 
static cost estimates of the future potential cash outflows based 
on, current studies of the expected rehabilitation activities and 
timing, assuming third party contractor rates and existing lives of 
operations are prepared. These static/deterministic forecasts are 
then discounted to their present value using a rate specific to the 
liability which is comprised of an estimate of the country specific 
risk free rate and adjustments based on management’s judgements 
and experience for potential prolongation of the underlying timing 
assumptions and an anticipated benefit of eventually realising 
costs lower than those estimated. 

Any changes in the expected future costs are initially reflected 
in both the provision and the asset and subsequently in the 
consolidated statement of income over the remaining economic life 
of the asset. As the actual future costs can differ from the estimates 
due to changes in laws, regulations, technology, costs and timing, 
the provisions including the estimates and assumptions contained 
therein are reviewed regularly by management.

Fair value measurements (notes 9, 11, 24, 25 and 26)

In addition to recognising derivative instruments at fair value, 
as discussed above, an assessment of the fair value of assets and 
liabilities is also required in accounting for other transactions, most 
notably, business combinations and marketing inventories and 
disclosures related to fair values of financial assets and liabilities. 
In such instances, fair value measurements are estimated based on 
the amounts for which the assets and liabilities could be exchanged 
at the relevant transaction date or reporting period end, and are 
therefore not necessarily reflective of the likely cash flow upon 
actual settlements. Where fair value measurements cannot be 
derived from publicly available information, they are estimated 
using models and other valuation methods. To the extent possible, 
the assumptions and inputs used take into account externally 
verifiable inputs. However, such information is by nature subject 
to uncertainty, particularly where comparable market-based 
transactions often do not exist.

Amendments to IFRS 2 – Classification and measurement of share-based 
payment transactions – effective for year ends beginning on or after 
1 January 2018

The amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based payments clarify 
the classification and measurement of share-based payments 
transactions with respect to accounting for cash-settled share-
based payment transactions that include a performance obligation, 
the classification of share-based payment transactions with net 
settlement features and the accounting for modifications of share-
based payment transactions from cash-settled to equity-settled. 
The Group is assessing the potential impact of the change on its 
consolidated financial statements and so far, it does not expect any 
significant impact.

IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments – effective for year ends beginning on or 
after 1 January 2018

IFRS 9 modifies the classification and measurement of certain 
classes of financial assets and liabilities. The most significant 
change is to rationalise from four to two primary categories of 
financial assets, reflecting the business model in which assets 
are managed and their cash flow characteristics. The Group’s 
implementation activities to date have principally focussed on 
gaining an understanding of the likely effects of IFRS 9 given 
the nature of financial instruments currently held by the Group. 
The Group is assessing the potential impact of the change on its 
consolidated financial statements and so far, it does not expect any 
significant impact. 

IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers – effective for year 
ends beginning on or after 1 January 2018

IFRS 15 applies to revenue from contracts with customers and 
replaces all of the revenue standards and interpretations in 
IFRS. The standard outlines the principles an entity must apply 
to measure and recognise revenue and the related cash flows. 
The Group is currently in the process of completing its review 
of the potential impact of adopting IFRS 15 with the primary 
focus being to understand whether the timing and amount of 
revenue recognised could differ under IFRS 15. As the majority 
of the Group’s revenue is derived from arrangements in which 
the transfer of risks and rewards coincides with the fulfilment 
of performance obligations, no material changes in respect of 
timing and amount of revenue currently recognised by the Group 
are expected. 

134 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

IFRS 16 – Leases – effective for year ends beginning on or after 
1 January 2019

IFRS 16 provides a comprehensive model for identification of 
lease arrangements and their treatment (on-balance sheet) in the 
financial statements of both lessees and lessors. It supersedes IAS 
17 Leases and its associated interpretative guidance. Under the 
new standard, a lessee is required to recognise all lease assets 
and liabilities (including those currently classified as operating 
leases) on the statement of financial position at the present value 
of the unavoidable lease payments and an amortisation charge on 
the leased assets and an interest charge on the leased liabilities. 
Although the Group is still evaluating the potential impact of 
IFRS 16 on the financial statements and performance measures, 
including an assessment of whether any arrangements the Group 
enters into will be considered a lease under IFRS 16, it is expected 
IFRS 16 will increase the Group’s recognised assets and liabilities 
and affect the presentation and timing of related depreciation 
and interest charges in the consolidated statement of income/loss. 
Upon adoption of IFRS 16, the most significant impact is likely to 
be the present value of the operating lease commitments currently 
disclosed in note 28 being shown as a liability on the statement 
of financial position together with an asset representing the right 
of use.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost 
convention except for the revaluation of certain financial assets, 
liabilities and marketing inventories that are measured at revalued 
amounts or fair values at the end of each reporting period as 
explained in the accounting policies below. Historical cost is 
generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in 
exchange for goods and services. The principal accounting policies 
adopted are set out below.

The Directors have assessed that they have, at the time of 
approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation 
that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the 12 months from the date of approval of the 2016 
Annual Report and Accounts. Therefore they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial 
statements. Also see page 112. Further information on Glencore’s 
objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital and 
financial risks are detailed in note 24.

All amounts are expressed in millions of United States Dollars, 
unless otherwise stated, consistent with the predominant 
functional currency of Glencore’s operations.

Comparative information

Certain comparative information for the year ended 31 December 
2015 has been restated for the effects of the application of IFRS 
5 Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations, 
see note 23. The nature of each change reflected in the restated 
financial statements is as follows:

•  All income and expense items relating to the Agricultural 

products business segment (“Glencore Agri”) have been removed 
from the individual line items in the statement of income and 
the statement of other comprehensive income. The net income 
of Glencore Agri, until close of transaction on 1 December 2016, 
is presented as a single amount in the line item – “Income from 
discontinued operations – net of tax”.

The statement of financial position, statement of changes in equity 
and cash flow have not been restated as there is no requirement to 
do so. 

Inventory with a net carrying value of $504 million disclosed under 
deferred mining cost within property, plant and equipment in 2015 
were reclassified to non-current inventories to better reflect the 
nature of these items.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial 
statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company 
and its subsidiaries. 

Control is achieved when Glencore 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. 
Specifically, Glencore controls an investee if, and only if, Glencore 
has all of the following:

•  power over the investee (i.e. existing rights that give it the 

current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);

•  exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with 

the investee; and

•  the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.

When Glencore has less than a majority of the voting rights of an 
investee or similar rights of an investee, it considers all relevant 
facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over the 
investee including:

•  the size of Glencore’s holding of voting rights relative to the size 

and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders;

•  potential voting rights held by Glencore, other vote holders or 

other parties;

•  rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and

•  any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that 

Glencore has, or does not have, the current ability to direct the 
relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made, 
including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

135

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee 
if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes 
to one or more of the three elements of control listed above. 
Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when Glencore obtains 
control over the subsidiary and ceases when Glencore loses control 
of the subsidiary. Specifically, income and expenses of a subsidiary 
acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the 
consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income 
from the date Glencore gains control until the date when Glencore 
ceases to control the subsidiary.

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income 
are attributed to the owners of the Company and to the non-
controlling interests. Total comprehensive income of subsidiaries is 
attributed to the owners of the Company and to the non-controlling 
interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having 
a deficit balance.

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements 
of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with 
the Group’s accounting policies. All intragroup assets and 
liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to 
transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full 
on consolidation.

Changes in Glencore’s interests in subsidiaries that do not result 
in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions with 
any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling 
interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid 
or received being recognised directly in equity and attributed to 
equity holders of Glencore.

When Glencore loses control of a subsidiary, a gain or loss 
is recognised in the consolidated statement of income and is 
calculated as the difference between (i) the aggregate of the fair 
value of the consideration received and the fair value of any 
retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of the assets 
(including goodwill), and liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-
controlling interests. All amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income in relation to that subsidiary are accounted 
for as if Glencore had directly disposed of the related assets or 
liabilities of the subsidiary (i.e. reclassified to profit or loss or 
transferred to another category of equity as specified/permitted by 
applicable IFRSs). The fair value of any investment retained in the 
former subsidiary at the date when control is lost is regarded as the 
fair value on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under 
IAS 39, when applicable, or the cost on the initial recognition of an 
investment in an associate or a joint venture.

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Associates and joint ventures (together “Associates”) in which 
Glencore exercises significant influence or joint control are 
accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is the 
power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions 
of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies. 
Significant influence is presumed if Glencore holds between 20% 
and 50% of the voting rights, unless evidence exists to the contrary. 
A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have 
joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the 
joint arrangement. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing 
of control over an arrangement, which exists only when decisions 
about relevant strategic and/or key operating decisions require 
unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

136 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Equity accounting involves Glencore recording its share of the 
Associate’s net income and equity. Glencore’s interest in an 
Associate is initially recorded at cost and is subsequently adjusted 
for Glencore’s share of changes in net assets of the Associate, 
less any impairment in the value of individual investments. 
Where Glencore transacts with an Associate, unrealised profits 
and losses are eliminated to the extent of Glencore’s interest in 
that Associate.

Changes in Glencore’s interests in Associates are accounted for as 
a gain or loss on disposal with any difference between the amount 
by which the carrying value of the Associate is adjusted and the 
fair value of the consideration received being recognised directly in 
the consolidated statement of income.

Joint operations

A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that 
have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, and 
obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. 

When Glencore undertakes its activities under joint operations, 
Glencore recognises in relation to its interest in a joint operation:

•  its assets, including its share of any assets held jointly; 

•  its liabilities, including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly; 

•  its revenue from the sale of its share of the output arising from 

the joint operation; 

•  its share of the revenue from the sale of the output by the joint 

operation; and 

•  its expenses, including its share of any expenses incurred jointly. 

The Group accounts for the assets, liabilities, revenues and 
expenses relating to its interest in a joint operation in accordance 
with the IFRSs applicable to the particular assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses.

Where Glencore transacts with a joint operation, unrealised profits 
and losses are eliminated to the extent of Glencore’s interest in that 
joint operation. 

Business combinations and goodwill

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for 
using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of the 
acquisition is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the 
sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred, 
liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and the 
equity interests issued in exchange for control of the acquiree. 
The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities 
(“identifiable net assets”) are recognised at their fair value at the 
date of acquisition. Acquisition related costs are recognised in the 
consolidated statement of income as incurred.

Where a business combination is achieved in stages, Glencore’s 
previously held interests in the acquired entity are remeasured 
to fair value at the acquisition date (i.e. the date Glencore attains 
control) and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognised in the 
consolidated statement of income.

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration 
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in 
the acquiree, and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously 
held equity interest in the acquire (if any) over the net of the 
acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the 
liabilities assumed. 

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 the cash-generating units 
(“CGU”) that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the 
combination. CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are 
tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there 
is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable 
amount of the CGU is less than its carrying amount, the 
impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount 
of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets 
of the unit pro-rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in 
the unit. Any impairment loss is recognised directly in profit or 
loss. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not able to be 
reversed in subsequent periods. 

On disposal of the relevant CGU, the attributable amount of 
goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss 
on disposal.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by 
the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, 
Glencore reports provisional amounts for the items for which the 
accounting is incomplete. Those provisional amounts are adjusted 
for additional information obtained during the “measurement 
period” (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date) 
about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date 
that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognised at 
that date.

Non-controlling interests that are present ownership interests 
and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of the entity’s 
net assets in the event of liquidation may be initially measured 
either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate 
share of the recognised amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net 
assets. The choice of measurement basis is made on a transaction-
by-transaction basis. Other types of non-controlling interests are 
measured at fair value or, when applicable, on the basis specified in 
another IFRS.

Similar procedures are applied in accounting for the purchases of 
interests in Associates and joint operations. Any goodwill arising 
from such purchases is included within the carrying amount of the 
investment in Associates, but not amortised thereafter. Any excess 
of Glencore’s share of the net fair value of the Associate’s 
identifiable net assets over the cost of the investment is included in 
the consolidated statement of income in the period of the purchase.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognised when Glencore has transferred to the buyer 
all significant risks and rewards of ownership of the assets sold. 
Revenue excludes any applicable sales taxes and is recognised 
at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable to 
the extent that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to 
Glencore and the revenues and costs can be reliably measured. 
In most instances sales revenue is recognised when the product 
is delivered to the destination specified by the customer, which is 
typically the vessel on which it is shipped, the destination port or 
the customer’s premises.

For certain commodities, the sales price is determined on a 
provisional basis at the date of sale as the final selling price 
is subject to movements in market prices up to the date of 
final pricing, normally ranging from 30 to 90 days after initial 
booking. Revenue on provisionally priced sales is recognised 
based on the estimated fair value of the total consideration 
receivable. The revenue adjustment mechanism embedded within 
provisionally priced sales arrangements has the character of a 
commodity derivative. Accordingly, the fair value of the final sales 
price adjustment is re-estimated continuously and changes in fair 
value are recognised as an adjustment to revenue. In all cases, fair 
value is estimated by reference to forward market prices.

Royalty, interest and dividend income is recognised when the 
right to receive payment has been established, it is probable that 
the economic benefits will flow to Glencore and the amount of 
income can be measured reliably. Royalty revenue is recognised 
on an accrual basis in accordance with the substance of the 
relevant agreement. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by 
reference to the principal outstanding and the applicable effective 
interest rate. 

Foreign currency translation

Glencore’s reporting currency and the functional currency of the 
majority of its operations is the US dollar as this is assessed to 
be the principal currency of the economic environment in which 
it operates.

Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are converted into the functional 
currency of each entity using the exchange rate prevailing at the 
transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities outstanding at 
year end are converted at year-end rates. The resulting exchange 
differences are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.

Translation of financial statements

For the purposes of consolidation, assets and liabilities of group 
companies whose functional currency is in a currency other 
than the US dollar are translated into US dollars using year-end 
exchange rates, while their statements of income are translated 
using average rates of exchange for the year.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from the acquisition 
of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of 
the foreign operation and are translated at the closing rate. 
Translation adjustments are included as a separate component of 
shareholders’ equity and have no consolidated statement of income 
impact to the extent that no disposal of the foreign operation 
has occurred.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

137

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Cash-settled share-based payments

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred except where they relate 
to the financing of construction or development of qualifying 
assets in which case they are capitalised up to the date when the 
qualifying asset is ready for its intended use.

Retirement benefits

Glencore operates various pension schemes in accordance with 
local requirements and practices of the respective countries. 
The annual costs for defined contribution plans that are funded 
by payments to separate trustee administered funds or insurance 
companies equal the contributions that are required under the 
plans and accounted for as an expense. 

Glencore uses the Projected Unit Credit Actuarial method to 
determine the present value of its defined benefit obligations and 
the related current service cost and, where applicable, past service 
cost. Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the 
beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset.

The cost of providing pensions is charged to the consolidated 
statement of income so as to recognise current and past service 
costs, interest cost on defined benefit obligations, and the effect 
of any curtailments or settlements, net of expected returns on 
plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised directly 
in other comprehensive income and will not be reclassified to 
the consolidated statement of income. The retirement benefit 
obligation/asset recognised in the consolidated statement of 
financial position represents the actual deficit or surplus in 
Glencore’s defined benefit plans. Any surplus resulting from this 
calculation is limited to the present value of any economic benefits 
available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in 
future contributions to the plans.

Glencore also provides post-retirement healthcare benefits to 
certain employees in Canada, South Africa and the United States. 
These are accounted for in a similar manner to the defined benefit 
pension plans, however are unfunded.

Share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at the fair value 
of the awards based on the market value of the shares at the grant 
date. Fair value excludes the effect of non-market-based vesting 
conditions. The fair value is charged to the consolidated statement 
of income and credited to retained earnings on a straight-line basis 
over the period the estimated awards are expected to vest.

At each balance sheet date, the Company revises its estimate of 
the number of equity instruments expected to vest as a result of 
the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. The impact of 
the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in the 
consolidated statement of income such that the cumulative expense 
reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to 
retained earnings.

For cash-settled share-based payments, a liability is initially 
recognised at fair value based on the estimated number of awards 
that are expected to vest, adjusting for market and non-market-
based performance conditions. Subsequently, at each reporting 
period until the liability is settled, it is remeasured to fair value 
with any changes in fair value recognised in the consolidated 
statement of income.

Income taxes

Income taxes consist of current and deferred income taxes. 
Current taxes represent income taxes expected to be payable based 
on enacted or substantively enacted tax rates at the period end 
on expected current taxable income, and any adjustment to tax 
payable in respect of previous years. Deferred taxes are recognised 
for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding 
tax bases used in the computation of taxable income, using enacted 
or substantively enacted income tax rates which are expected to 
be effective at the time of reversal of the underlying temporary 
difference. Deferred tax assets and unused tax losses are only 
recognised to the extent that their recoverability is probable. 
Deferred tax assets are reviewed at reporting period end and 
amended to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related 
benefit will be realised. To the extent that a deferred tax asset not 
previously recognised but which subsequently fulfils the criteria 
for recognition, an asset is then recognised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate 
to income taxes levied by the same authority and Glencore has 
both the right and the intention to settle its current tax assets 
and liabilities on a net or simultaneous basis. The tax effect of 
certain temporary differences is not recognised principally with 
respect to the initial recognition of an asset or liability (other 
than those arising in a business combination or in a manner that 
initially impacted accounting or taxable profit) and temporary 
differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and Associates 
to the extent that Glencore can control the timing of the reversal 
of the temporary difference and it is probable the temporary 
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax 
is provided in respect of fair value adjustments on acquisitions. 
These adjustments may relate to assets such as extraction rights 
that, in general, are not eligible for income tax allowances.

Current and deferred tax are recognised as an expense or income 
in the consolidated statement of income, except when they relate 
to items that are recognised outside the consolidated statement 
of income (whether in other comprehensive income or directly 
in equity) or where they arise from the initial accounting for a 
business combination.

138 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Royalties, extraction taxes and other levies/taxes are treated 
as taxation arrangements when they have the characteristics 
of an income tax including being imposed and determined 
in accordance with regulations established by the respective 
government’s taxation authority and the amount payable is based 
on taxable income – rather than physical quantities produced 
or as a percentage of revenues – after adjustment for temporary 
differences. For such arrangements, current and deferred tax is 
provided on the same basis as described above for other forms of 
taxation. Obligations arising from royalty arrangements that do 
not satisfy these criteria are recognised as current provisions and 
included in cost of goods sold.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, being the fair 
value of the consideration given to acquire or construct the asset, 
including directly attributable costs required to bring the asset to 
the location or to a condition necessary for operation and the direct 
cost of dismantling and removing the asset, less accumulated 
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated to their estimated 
residual value over the estimated useful life of the specific asset 
concerned, or the estimated remaining life of the associated mine 
(“LOM”), field or lease. 

Depreciation commences when the asset is available for use. 
The major categories of property, plant and equipment are 
depreciated/amortised on a UOP and/or straight-line basis 
as follows:

Buildings

Freehold land

Plant and equipment

Mineral and petroleum rights

Deferred mining costs

10 – 45 years

not depreciated

3 – 30 years/UOP

UOP

UOP

Assets under finance leases, where substantially all the risks 
and rewards of ownership transfer to the Group as lessee, are 
capitalised and amortised over their expected useful lives on 
the same basis as owned assets or, where shorter, the term of the 
relevant lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases, 
the expenditures for which are charged against income over the 
accounting periods covered by the lease term.

Mineral and petroleum rights

Mineral and petroleum reserves, resources and rights (together 
“Mineral and petroleum rights”) which can be reasonably valued, 
are recognised in the assessment of fair values on acquisition. 
Mineral and petroleum rights for which values cannot be 
reasonably determined are not recognised. Exploitable Mineral 
and petroleum rights are amortised using the UOP basis over the 
commercially recoverable reserves and, in certain circumstances, 
other mineral resources. Mineral resources are included in 
amortisation calculations where there is a high degree of 
confidence that they will be extracted in an economic manner.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Exploration and evaluation expenditure relates to costs incurred in 
the exploration and evaluation of potential mineral and petroleum 
resources and includes costs such as exploration and production 
licences, researching and analysing historical exploration data, 
exploratory drilling, trenching, sampling and the costs of pre-
feasibility studies. Exploration and evaluation expenditure for 
each area of interest, other than that acquired from another entity, 
is charged to the consolidated statement of income as incurred 
except when the expenditure is expected to be recouped from 
future exploitation or sale of the area of interest and it is planned 
to continue with active and significant operations in relation to the 
area, or at the reporting period end, the activity has not reached 
a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of 
commercially recoverable reserves, in which case the expenditure 
is capitalised. As the intangible component (i.e. licences) represents 
an insignificant and indistinguishable portion of the overall 
expected tangible amount to be incurred and recouped from future 
exploitation, these costs along with other capitalised exploration 
and evaluation expenditure are recorded as a component of 
property, plant and equipment. Purchased exploration and 
evaluation assets are recognised at their fair value at acquisition.

As the capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure 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, an assessment is performed for each area of interest or 
at the CGU level. To the extent that capitalised expenditure is not 
expected to be recovered it is charged to the consolidated statement 
of income.

Administration costs that are not directly attributable to a specific 
exploration area are charged to the consolidated statement of 
income. 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.

Development expenditure
When commercially recoverable reserves are determined and 
such proposed development receives the appropriate approvals, 
capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is transferred 
to construction in progress, a component within the plant and 
equipment asset sub-category. All subsequent development 
expenditure is similarly capitalised, provided commercial viability 
conditions continue to be satisfied. Proceeds from the sale of 
product extracted during the development phase are netted against 
development expenditure. Upon completion of development and 
commencement of production, capitalised development costs 
are further transferred, as required, to the appropriate plant 
and equipment asset category and depreciated using the unit of 
production method (“UOP”) or straight-line basis.

Deferred mining costs

Mainly comprises certain capitalised costs related to underground 
mining as well as pre-production and in-production stripping 
activities as outlined below. Deferred mining costs are amortised 
using the UOP basis over the life of the ore body to which those 
costs relate. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

139

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Intangible assets

Deferred stripping costs
Stripping costs incurred in the development of a mine (or pit) 
before production commences are capitalised as part of the cost of 
constructing the mine (or pit) and subsequently amortised over the 
life of the mine (or pit) on a UOP basis. 

In-production stripping costs related to accessing an identifiable 
component of the ore body to realise benefits in the form of 
improved access to ore to be mined in the future (stripping activity 
asset), are capitalised within deferred mining costs provided all the 
following conditions are met:

(a)  it is probable that the future economic benefit associated with 

the stripping activity will be realised;

(b)  the component of the ore body for which access has been 

improved can be identified; and

(c)  the costs relating to the stripping activity associated with the 

improved access can be reliably measured. 

If all of the criteria are not met, the production stripping costs 
are charged to the consolidated statement of income as they 
are incurred.

The stripping activity asset is subsequently depreciated on a UOP 
basis over the life of the identified component of the ore body 
that became more accessible as a result of the stripping activity 
and is then stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any 
accumulated impairment losses.

Biological assets

Biological assets are carried at their fair value less estimated selling 
costs. Any changes in fair value less estimated selling costs are 
included in the consolidated statement of income in the period in 
which they arise.

Restoration, rehabilitation and decommissioning

Restoration, rehabilitation and decommissioning costs arising from 
the installation of plant and other site preparation work, discounted 
using a risk adjusted discount rate to their net present value, are 
provided for and capitalised at the time such an obligation arises. 
The costs are charged to the consolidated statement of income over 
the life of the operation through depreciation of the asset and the 
unwinding of the discount on the provision.

Costs for restoration of subsequent site disturbance, which is 
created on an ongoing basis during production, are provided for at 
their net present values and charged to the consolidated statement 
of income as extraction progresses.

Changes in the estimated timing of the rehabilitation or changes 
to the estimated future costs are accounted for prospectively by 
recognising an adjustment to the rehabilitation liability and a 
corresponding adjustment to the asset to which it relates, provided 
the reduction in the provision is not greater than the depreciated 
capitalised cost of the related asset, in which case the capitalised 
cost is reduced to Nil and the remaining adjustment recognised in 
the consolidated statement of income. In the case of closed sites, 
changes to estimated costs are recognised immediately in the 
consolidated statement of income.

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial 
recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a 
business combination is their fair value at the date of acquisition. 
Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost 
less any accumulated amortisation (calculated on a straight-line 
basis over their useful lives) and accumulated impairment losses, 
if any.

Internally generated intangibles are not capitalised. Instead, the 
related expenditure is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
income and other comprehensive income in the period in which the 
expenditure is incurred.

Identifiable intangible assets with a finite life are amortised on a 
straight-line basis over their expected useful life. The amortisation 
method and period are reviewed annually and impairment 
testing is undertaken when circumstances indicate the carrying 
amount may not be recoverable. Other than goodwill which is not 
depreciated, Glencore has no identifiable intangible assets with an 
indefinite life.

The major categories of intangibles are amortised on a straight-line 
basis as follows:

Port allocation rights

Licences, trademarks and software

Royalty arrangements

Acquired offtake arrangements

30 – 40 years

3 – 20 years

30 – 40 years

5 – 10 years

Other investments

Equity investments, other than investments in Associates, 
are recorded at fair value unless such fair value is not reliably 
determinable in which case they are carried at cost. Changes in fair 
value are recorded in the consolidated statement of income unless 
they are classified as available for sale, in which case fair value 
movements are recognised in other comprehensive income and are 
subsequently recognised in the consolidated statement of income 
when realised by sale or redemption, or when a reduction in fair 
value is judged to be a significant or prolonged decline.

Impairment

Glencore conducts, at least annually, an internal review of asset 
values which is used as a source of information to assess for any 
indications of impairment. Formal impairment tests are carried out, 
at least annually, for cash-generating units containing goodwill 
and for all other non-current assets when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

A formal impairment test involves determining whether the 
carrying amounts are in excess of their recoverable amounts. 
An asset’s recoverable amount is determined as the higher of its 
fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. Such reviews 
are undertaken on an asset-by-asset basis, except where assets do 
not generate cash flows independent of other assets, in which case 
the review is undertaken at the CGU level.

If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, 
an impairment loss is recorded in the consolidated statement of 
income to reflect the asset at the lower amount.

140 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

An impairment loss is reversed in the consolidated statement of 
income if there is a change in the estimates used to determine 
the recoverable amount since the prior impairment loss was 
recognised. The carrying amount is increased to the recoverable 
amount but not beyond the carrying amount net of depreciation 
or amortisation which would have arisen if the prior impairment 
loss had not been recognised. Goodwill impairments and 
impairments of available for sale equity investments cannot be 
subsequently reversed.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when Glencore has a present obligation 
(legal or constructive), as a result of past events, and it is probable 
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits that can 
be reliably estimated will be required to settle the liability.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of 
the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the 
balance sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties 
surrounding the obligation, including interpretation of specific 
laws and likelihood of settlement. Where a provision is measured 
using the cash flow estimated to settle the present obligation, its 
carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (when the 
effect of the time value of money is material).

Onerous contracts

An onerous contract is considered to exist where Glencore has 
a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the 
obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits 
expected to be received from the contract. Present obligations 
arising under onerous contracts are recognised and measured 
as provisions.

Unfavourable contracts

An unfavourable contract is considered to exist when Glencore, 
in a business combination, acquires a contract under which the 
terms of the contract require Glencore to sell products or purchase 
services on terms which are economically unfavourable compared 
to current market terms at the time of the business combination. 
Unfavourable contracts are recognised at the present value of 
the economic loss and amortised into income over the term of 
the contract.

Inventories

The vast majority of inventories held by the marketing activities 
(“marketing inventories”) are valued at fair value less costs of 
disposal with the remainder valued at the lower of cost or net 
realisable value. Unrealised gains and losses from changes in fair 
value are reported in cost of goods sold.

Inventories held by the industrial activities (“production 
inventories”) are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable 
value. Cost is determined using the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) 
or the weighted average method and comprises material costs, 
labour costs and allocated production related overhead costs. 
Financing and storage costs related to inventory are expensed 
as incurred.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held at bank, cash in 
hand and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity 
of three months or less. The carrying amount of these assets 
approximates their fair value.

Financial instruments

Financial assets are classified as either financial assets at fair value 
through profit or loss, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity 
investments or available for sale financial assets depending 
upon the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. 
Financial assets are initially recognised at fair value on the trade 
date, including, in the case of instruments not recorded at fair 
value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction 
costs. Subsequently, financial assets are carried at fair value (other 
investments, derivatives and marketable securities) or amortised 
cost less impairment (accounts receivable and advances and loans). 
Financial liabilities other than derivatives are initially recognised 
at fair value of consideration received net of transaction costs as 
appropriate and subsequently carried at amortised cost.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for 
indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. 
Financial assets are considered to be impaired when there is 
objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that 
occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the 
estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the 
impairment loss recognised is the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash 
flows. The amount of the loss is recognised in the statement 
of income.

For financial assets that are carried at cost, the amount of the 
impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future 
cash flows discounted at the current market rate of return for a 
similar financial asset. Such impairment loss will not be reversed in 
subsequent periods.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual 
rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers 
the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards 
of ownership of the asset to another party. If the Group neither 
transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards 
of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, 
the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an 
associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group 
retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a 
transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the 
financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for 
the proceeds received.

On derecognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference 
between the asset’s carrying amount and the sum of the 
consideration received and receivable and the cumulative gain or 
loss that had been recognised in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in equity is recognised in profit or loss.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

141

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Own shares

The cost of purchases of own shares is deducted from equity. 
Where they are purchased, issued to employees or sold, no 
gain or loss is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
income. Such gains and losses are recognised directly in equity. 
Any proceeds received on disposal of the shares or transfers to 
employees are recognised in equity. 

Derivatives and hedging activities

Derivative instruments, which include physical contracts to sell or 
purchase commodities that do not meet the own use exemption, are 
initially recognised at fair value when Glencore becomes a party to 
the contractual provisions of the instrument and are subsequently 
remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period. 
Fair values are determined using quoted market prices, dealer price 
quotations or using models and other valuation techniques, the key 
inputs for which include current market and contractual prices for 
the underlying instrument, time to expiry, yield curves, volatility of 
the underlying instrument and counterparty risk.

Gains and losses on derivative instruments for which hedge 
accounting is not applied, other than the revenue adjustment 
mechanism embedded within provisionally priced sales, are 
recognised in cost of goods sold.

Those derivatives qualifying and designated as hedges are either 
(i) a Fair Value Hedge of the change in fair value of a recognised 
asset or liability or an unrecognised firm commitment, or (ii) 
a Cash Flow Hedge of the change in cash flows to be received 
or paid relating to a recognised asset or liability or a highly 
probable transaction.

A change in the fair value of derivatives designated as a Fair Value 
Hedge is reflected together with the change in the fair value of the 
hedged item in the consolidated statement of income.

A change in the fair value of derivatives designated as a Cash 
Flow Hedge is initially recognised as a cash flow hedge reserve 
in shareholders’ equity. The deferred amount is then released to 
the consolidated statement of income in the same periods during 
which the hedged transaction affects the consolidated statement 
of income. Hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in the consolidated 
statement of income when it occurs.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge 
no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative 
gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in shareholders’ 
equity and is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
income when the committed or forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in the consolidated statement of income. However, 
if a forecast or committed transaction is no longer expected to 
occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was recognised in equity is 
immediately transferred to the consolidated statement of income.

A derivative may be embedded in a “host contract”. Such combinations 
are known as hybrid instruments and at the date of issuance, the 
embedded derivative is separated from the host contract and 
accounted for as a standalone derivative if the criteria for separation 
are met. The host contract is accounted for in accordance with its 
relevant accounting policy.

142 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Glencore is organised and operates on a worldwide basis in three 
core business segments – Metals and minerals, Energy products and 
Agricultural products, with each business segment responsible for 
the marketing, sourcing, hedging, logistics and industrial investment 
activities of their respective products and reflecting the structure used 
by Glencore’s management to assess the performance of Glencore.

The business segments’ contributions to the Group are primarily 
derived from the net margin or premium earned from physical 
marketing activities (net sale and purchase of physical commodities), 
provision of marketing and related value-add services and the 
margin earned from industrial asset activities (net resulting from the 
sale of physical commodities over the cost of production and/or cost 
of sales) and comprise the following underlying key commodities:

•  Metals and minerals: Zinc, copper, lead, alumina, aluminium, 
ferroalloys, nickel, cobalt and iron ore, including smelting, 
refining, mining, processing and storage related operations of 
the relevant commodities;

•  Energy products: Crude oil, oil products, steam coal and 

metallurgical coal, including investments in coal mining and oil 
production operations, ports, vessels and storage facilities; and

•  Agriculture products: Wheat, corn, canola, barley, rice, oil 

seeds, meals, edible oils, biofuels, cotton and sugar supported 
by investments in farming, storage, handling, processing and 
port facilities.

Corporate and other: consolidated statement of income amount 
represents unallocated Group related expenses (including variable 
pool bonus charges). Statement of financial position amounts 
represent Group related balances.

The financial performance of the segments is principally evaluated 
with reference to Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA which is the net result 
of revenue less cost of goods sold and selling and administrative 
expenses, plus share of income from other associates and joint 
ventures, dividend income and the attributable share of underlying 
Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA of certain associates and joint ventures which 
are accounted for internally by means of proportionate consolidation, 
excluding significant items. In addition, the segment information 
includes Glencore Agri, which has been disclosed as a discontinued 
operation until close of transaction on 1 December 2016, see note 23.

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as 
those described in note 1 with the exception of certain associates and 
joint ventures. Under IFRS 11, Glencore’s investments in the Antamina 
copper/zinc mine (34% owned) and the Cerrejón coal mine (33% 
owned) are considered to be associates as they are not subject to joint 
control and the Collahuasi copper mine (44% owned) and Glencore 
Agri (50% owned) are considered to be joint ventures. Associates and 
joint ventures are required to be accounted for in Glencore’s financial 
statements under the equity method. For internal reporting and 
analysis, Glencore evaluates the performance of these investments 
under the proportionate consolidation method reflecting Glencore’s 
proportionate share of the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities 
of the investments. Under IFRS 5, the Agricultural business segment 
is required to be presented as a discontinued operation following 
the agreed sale of a 50% interest in Glencore Agri, which completed 
on 1 December 2016 (see note 23). Prior to completion of the sale, 
Glencore evaluated the performance of this segment under the full 
consolidation method, consistent with prior periods. The balances 
presented for internal reporting purposes are reconciled to Glencore’s 
statutory disclosures as outlined in the following tables.

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Glencore accounts for intra-segment sales and transfers where applicable as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, i.e. at arm’s 
length commercial terms.

2016  
US$ million

Revenue – Marketing activities2

Revenue – Industrial activities

Revenue

Marketing activities

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Adjusted EBIT

Industrial activities

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation3

Adjusted EBIT

Total Adjusted EBITDA 

Depreciation and amortisation

Total Adjusted EBIT 

Metals and 
minerals

Energy  
products

Agricultural 
products1

Corporate  
and other

42,142

24,196

66,338

1,586

(24)

1,562

6,030

(3,848)

2,182

7,616

(3,872)

3,744

81,872

7,149

89,021

959

(50)

909

1,503

(2,345)

(842)

2,462

(2,395)

67

18,678

3,292

21,970

454

(36)

418

138

(34)

104

592

(70)

522

–

22

22

(74)

–

(74)

(328)

(1)

(329)

(402)

(1)

(403)

Share of associates’ significant items4,5

Unrealised intergroup profit elimination adjustments4,6

Mark-to-market valuation on certain coal hedging contracts4,7

Gains on disposals and investments8

Other expense – net9

Interest expense – net10

Income tax expense11

Income for the year from continuing and discontinued operations

Total

142,692

34,659

177,351

2,925

(110)

2,815

7,343

(6,228)

1,115

10,268

(6,338)

3,930

(477)

(374)

(225)

2,333

(1,615)

(1,619)

(1,017)

936

1  Includes Glencore’s proportionate share of the Agricultural products business (50%) since the disposal of Glencore Agri on 1 December 2016, see note 23.

2  Balance is net of intra-segment sales arising from transactions between the Industrial and Marketing activities. Metals and minerals segment: $16,602 million, Energy products 

segment: $2,263 million and Agricultural products: $2,253 million.

3  Includes an adjustment of $705 million to depreciation and amortisation expenses related to presenting certain associates and joint ventures on a proportionate consolidation basis. 

Metals and minerals segment: $517 million, Energy products segment $178 million and Agricultural products $10 million, see reconciliation table below.

4  Refer to Glossary for definition of significant items. 

5  Share of associates’ significant items comprise Glencore’s share of significant charges booked directly by various associates, primarily impairment charges recognised within coal 

shipping investments and $345 million of impairment related to Cerrejón, see reconciliation table below.

6  Represents the required adjustment to eliminate unrealised profit or losses arising on intergroup transactions. For Glencore, such adjustments arise on the sale of product, in the 

ordinary course of business, from its Industrial to Marketing operations. Management assesses segment performance prior to any such adjustments, as if the sales were to third parties.

7  Represents an accounting measurement mismatch between the fair value of coal derivative positions in respect of portfolio risk management/hedging activities initiated in Q2 2016 and 
the anticipated future revenue to be generated from the sale of future unsold coal production. The derivative positions manage forward sales price exposure relating to some 11 million 
tonnes of future attributable coal production, which is expected to be settled before 31 December 2017. The derivative positions include pre-existing trading contracts, for which mark-
to-market movements, up until the time of them being ring-fenced for hedging activities, were included in trading results. These transactions were not able to be designated as hedging 
instruments under IFRS, which would have allowed for the deferment of any income statement effect until performance of the underlying future sale transactions. The fair value 
movements in the derivative portfolio will be offset against future revenue in the segment information as the related sales (of production) are realised.

8  Gains on disposals and investments of $452 million as disclosed in note 3, $33 million gains on disposals and investments as reported by discontinued operations and $1,848 million 

gain on disposal of discontinued operations, see note 23.

9  Other expense – net of $1,589 million as disclosed in note 4 and $26 million of other expenses related to discontinued operations, see note 23.

10 Includes an adjustment for net finance costs of $70 million related to discontinued operations, see note 23, and $16 million related to presenting certain associates and joint ventures on 
a proportionate consolidation basis. Metals and minerals segment: net finance costs of $12 million, Energy products segment: net finance costs of $5 million and Agricultural products 
segment: net finance income of $1 million, see reconciliation table below.

11 Includes an adjustment for income tax expenses of $131 million related to discontinued operations, see note 23, and $248 million related to presenting certain associates and joint 

ventures on a proportionate consolidation basis. Metals and minerals segment: $216 million, Energy products segment: $16 million and Agricultural products segment: $16 million, see 
reconciliation table below.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

143

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

Metals and 
minerals

41,151

24,782

65,933

Energy 
products

75,206

8,406

83,612

1,280

(25)

1,255

4,030

(3,882)

148

5,310

(3,907)

1,403

826

(48)

778

2,269

(2,357)

(88)

3,095

(2,405)

690

Agricultural 
products
(Discontinued)

Corporate  
and other

20,617

2,529

23,146

584

(123)

461

150

(87)

63

734

(210)

524

–

4

4

(30)

–

(30)

(415)

–

(415)

(445)

–

(445)

2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

2015  
US$ million

Revenue – Marketing activities1

Revenue – Industrial activities

Revenue

Marketing activities

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Adjusted EBIT

Industrial activities

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation2

Adjusted EBIT

Total Adjusted EBITDA 

Depreciation and amortisation

Total Adjusted EBIT 

Share of associates’ significant items3,4

Unrealised intergroup loss elimination adjustments3,5

Losses on disposals and investments6

Other expense – net7

Interest expense – net8

Income tax expense9

Loss for the year from continuing and discontinued operations

Total

136,974

35,721

172,695

2,660

(196)

2,464

6,034

(6,326)

(292)

8,694

(6,522)

2,172

(88)

445

(994)

(7,998)

(1,391)

(260)

(8,114)

1  Balance is net of intra-segment sales arising from transactions between the Industrial and Marketing activities. Metals and minerals segment: $17,843 million, Energy products 

segment: $2,318 million and Agricultural products segment: $1,847 million.

2  Includes an adjustment of $687 million to depreciation and amortisation expenses related to presenting certain associates and joint ventures on a proportionate consolidation basis. 

Metals and minerals segment: $501 million and Energy products segment: $186 million, see reconciliation table below.

3  Refer to Glossary for definition of significant items.

4  Share of associates’ significant items comprise Glencore’s share of significant charges booked directly by various associates, predominantly Century.

5  Represents the required adjustment to eliminate unrealised profit or losses arising on intergroup transactions. For Glencore, such adjustments arise on the sale of product, in the 

ordinary course of business, from its Industrial to Marketing operations. Management assesses segment performance prior to any such adjustments, as if the sales were to third parties.

6  See note 3.

7  Other expense – net items of $7,928 million as disclosed in note 4 and $70 million of other expenses related to discontinued operations, see note 23.

8  Includes an adjustment for net finance costs of $91 million related to discontinued operations, see note 23, and net finance income of $3 million related to presenting certain associates 

and joint ventures on a proportionate consolidation basis. Metals and minerals segment: net finance income of $9 million and Energy products segment: net finance costs of $6 million, 
see reconciliation table below.

9  Includes an adjustment for income tax expenses of $107 million related to discontinued operations, see note 23, and $162 million to income tax expenses related to presenting certain 

associates and joint ventures on a proportionate consolidation basis. Metals and minerals segment: $103 million and Energy products segment: $59 million, see reconciliation 
table below.

144 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

2016  
US$ million

Current assets 

Current liabilities

Allocatable current capital employed

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments in associates and other investments

Non-current advances and loans

Inventory

Metals and 
minerals

Energy 
products

Agricultural 
products

Corporate  
and other

23,904

(13,853)

10,051

32,635

3,671

7,963

1,737

564

17,456

(18,902)

(1,446)

20,795

3,028

3,721

1,737

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,155

–

–

Allocatable non-current capital employed

46,570

29,281

3,155

Other assets1

Other liabilities2

Total net assets

Capital expenditure – Marketing activities

Capital expenditure – Industrial activities3

Capital expenditure

–

–

56,621

27,835

3,155

14

2,695

2,709

27

571

598

96

44

140

1  Other assets include deferred tax assets, marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents.

2  Other liabilities include borrowings, non-current deferred income, deferred tax liabilities, non-current provisions and non-current financial liabilities.

3  Includes an adjustment to capital expenditure of $407 million related to presenting certain associates and joint ventures on a proportionate consolidation basis. Metals and minerals 

segment: $359 million Energy products segment: $33 million and Agricultural products segment: $15 million, see reconciliation table below.

2015  
US$ million

Current assets 

Current liabilities

Allocatable current capital employed

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments in associates and other investments

Non-current advances and loans

Inventory

Metals and 
minerals

Energy 
products

Agricultural 
products

Corporate  
and other

21,707

(10,848)

10,859

34,161

3,695

8,088

1,414

504

12,131

(15,913)

(3,782)

23,443

2,915

3,926

1,369

–

5,720

(2,685)

3,035

2,836

889

628

114

–

Allocatable non-current capital employed

47,862

31,653

4,467

Other assets1

Other liabilities2

Total net assets

Capital expenditure – Marketing activities

Capital expenditure – Industrial activities3

Capital expenditure

58,721

27,871

7,502

81

4,149

4,230

17

1,303

1,320

146

98

244

(466)

(582)

(1,048)

396

17

–

9

–

422

4,278

(47,482)

(43,830)

1

49

50

(106)

(309)

(415)

334

17

–

108

–

459

4,592

(57,387)

(52,751)

–

163

163

Total

40,894

(33,337)

7,557

53,826

6,716

14,839

3,483

564

79,428

4,278

(47,482)

43,781

138

3,359

3,497

Total

39,452

(29,755)

9,697

60,774

7,516

12,642

3,005

504

84,441

4,592

(57,387)

41,343

244

5,713

5,957

1  Other assets include deferred tax assets, marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents.

2  Other liabilities include borrowings, non-current deferred income, deferred tax liabilities, non-current provisions and non-current financial liabilities.

3  Includes an adjustment to capital expenditure of $244 million related to discontinued operations and $328 million related to presenting certain associates and joint ventures on 
a proportionate consolidation basis. Metals and minerals segment: $292 million, Energy products segment: $36 million and Agricultural products segment: $244 million, see 
reconciliation table below.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

145

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

The reconciliation of revenue, certain associates’ and joint ventures’ Adjusted EBIT to “Share of net income from associates and joint 
ventures” and capital expenditure for the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

Metals and 
minerals

Energy 
products

Agricultural 
products

Corporate  
and other

2016  
US$ million

Revenue

Revenue

Impact of:

Presenting certain associates and joint ventures on a 
proportionate consolidation basis

Discontinued operations

Revenue – reported measure

Share of income from certain associates and joint ventures

Associates’ and joint ventures’ Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Associates’ and joint ventures’ Adjusted EBIT

Impairment, net of tax1

Net finance costs

Income tax expense

Share of income/(loss) from certain associates and 
joint ventures

Share of loss from other associates

Share of income/(loss) from associates and joint ventures2

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure

Impact of:

66,338

89,021

21,970

(1,826)

–

64,512

(607)

–

88,414

1,144

(517)

627

–

(12)

(216)

(228)

399

(113)

286

240

(178)

62

(345)

(5)

(16)

(366)

(304)

(9)

(313)

(1,085)

(20,885)

–

63

(10)

53

–

1

(16)

(15)

38

–

38

2,709

598

140

Total

177,351

(3,518)

(20,885)

152,948

1,447

(705)

742

(345)

(16)

(248)

(609)

133

(122)

11

3,497

(407)

3,090

22

–

–

22

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

50

–

50

Presenting certain associates and joint ventures on a 
proportionate consolidation basis

Capital expenditure – reported measure

(359)

2,350

(33)

565

(15)

125

1  Energy products segment comprises an impairment of $345 million, net of taxes of $176 million relating to Cerrejón, resulting from reduced near term production estimates due to 

increased risk related to the possibility of delays in sourcing approvals as a result of the continued social and environmental challenges to current mine plans.

2  Comprises share in earnings of $12 million from marketing activities and losses of $1 million from industrial activities.

146 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

2015  
US$ million

Revenue

Revenue

Impact of:

Presenting certain associates and joint ventures on a 
proportionate consolidation basis

Discontinued operations

Revenue – reported measure

Share of income from certain associates and joint ventures

Associates’ and joint ventures’ Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Associates’ and joint ventures’ Adjusted EBIT

Net finance costs

Income tax expense

Share of income/(loss) from certain associates and 
joint ventures

Share of (loss)/income from other associates

Discontinued operations

Share of income/(loss) from associates and joint ventures2

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure

Impact of:

Metals and 
minerals

Energy  
products

Agricultural 
products
(Discontinued)

Corporate  
and other

Total
Restated1

65,933

83,612

23,146

(1,578)

–

64,355

(620)

–

82,992

806

(501)

305

9

(103)

(94)

211

(35)

–

176

189

(186)

3

(6)

(59)

(65)

(62)

(15)

–

(77)

–

(23,146)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

(2)

–

4

–

–

4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

172,695

(2,198)

(23,146)

147,351

995

(687)

308

3

(162)

(159)

149

(48)

(2)

99

4,230

1,320

244

163

5,957

Presenting certain associates and joint ventures on a 
proportionate consolidation basis

Discontinued operations

Capital expenditure – reported measure

(292)

–

3,938

(36)

–

1,284

–

(244)

–

–

–

163

(328)

(244)

5,385

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustments made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23).

2  Comprises share in earnings of $80 million from industrial activities and $19 million from marketing activities.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

147

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

2. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Adjusted EBIT is revenue less cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses plus share of income from associates and 
joint ventures, dividend income and the attributable share of underlying Adjusted EBIT of certain associates and joint ventures and the 
discontinued Agricultural products segment, excluding significant items. Adjusted EBITDA consists of Adjusted EBIT plus depreciation 
and amortisation. The reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA to the reported measures is as follows:

US$ million

Reported measures

Revenue

Cost of goods sold

Selling and administrative expenses

Share of income from associates and joint ventures

Dividend income

Adjustments to reported measures

Share of associates’ significant items

Unrealised intergroup profit/(loss) elimination

Mark-to-market valuation on certain coal hedging contracts

Net finance and income tax expense impact of presenting certain associates 
and joint ventures on a proportionate consolidation basis 

Adjusted EBIT from discontinued operations

Adjusted EBIT from continuing and discontinued operations 

Depreciation and amortisation from continuing operations

Depreciation impact of presenting certain associates and joint ventures 
on a proportionate consolidation basis 

Depreciation from discontinued operations

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing and discontinued operations

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustments made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23).

Geographical information

US$ million

Revenue from third parties2

The Americas

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania

Non-current assets3

The Americas

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania

2016

2015
Restated1

152,948

(149,763)

(1,102)

11

27

2,121

477

374

225

264

469

3,930

5,573

705

60

10,268

2016

22,401

55,021

61,060

3,934

10,532

147,351

(144,533)

(1,096)

99

25

1,846

88

(445)

–

159

524

2,172

5,625

687

210

8,694

2015
Restated1

29,422

46,758

55,879

4,824

10,468

152,948

147,351

18,713

10,434

4,895

19,596

20,554

74,192

22,663

8,447

5,416

19,841

23,764

80,131

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustments made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23).

2  Revenue by geographical destination is based on the country of incorporation of the sales counterparty, however this may not necessarily be the country of the counterpart’s ultimate 

parent and/or final destination of product.

3  Non-current assets are non-current assets excluding other investments, advances and loans and deferred tax assets.

148 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

3. GAINS/(LOSSES) ON DISPOSALS AND INVESTMENTS
US$ million

Gain on sale of GRail

Loss on cessation of control of Optimum

Loss on distribution of interest in Lonmin

Gain on sale of other operations

Total

GRail

2016 

430

–

–

22

452

2015

–

(1,034)

(256)

296

(994)

In December 2016, Glencore disposed its New South Wales’ coal rail haulage business, resulting in a gain of $430 million (see note 23).

Optimum

In August 2015, the directors of Optimum Coal placed the company under the control and supervision of business rescue practitioners, 
resulting in the Group ceasing to have control over Optimum. In December 2015, the business rescue practitioners reached agreement to 
sell the business, which closed in 2016. Due to cessation of control of Optimum, the net assets were deconsolidated, with the fair value 
of such determined to be $Nil, being the amount to be received. As a result, a loss of $1,034 million was recognised, which includes 
$311 million of foreign currency translation losses previously recognised in equity and $152 million of related impairments (see note 23). 

Lonmin

On 9 June 2015, following approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, Glencore completed the in specie distribution of its 
23.9% stake in Lonmin plc. Based on the closing Lonmin share price (a Level 1 valuation technique) at the time of distribution, its fair value 
was determined to be $298 million and as a result, a $256 million loss on disposal of the investment was recognised (see notes 9 and 16).

Other

In 2015, the gain on sale of other operations arose primarily from the disposals of the Tampakan and Falcondo operations in August 2015, 
which resulted in a net gain of $192 million and $87 million respectively (see note 23). 

4. OTHER EXPENSE – NET

US$ million

Impairments

Net changes in mark-to-market valuations on investments held for trading

Net foreign exchange losses

Legal settlement

Loss on metal leak

Gain on bond buy-backs

Other expense – net2

Total

Notes

5

2016

(1,268)

(121)

(70)

(92)

–

–

(38)

(1,589)

2015
Restated1

(7,104)

(265)

(128)

(89)

(235)

35

(142)

(7,928)

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustment made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23).

2  “Other expense – net” for the year ended 31 December 2016 comprised of $37 million gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment offset by restructuring and closure costs 
of $47 million and a settlement of a financial guarantee in relation to Optimum of $28 million. “Other expense – net” for the year ended 31 December 2015 mainly comprises 
restructuring and closure costs.

Together with foreign exchange movements and mark-to-market movements on investments held for trading, other expense – net includes 
other significant items of income and expense which due to their non-operational nature or expected infrequency of the events giving rise 
to them are reported separately from operating segment results. Other expense – net includes, but is not limited to, impairment charges 
and restructuring and closure costs.

Changes in mark-to-market valuations on investments held for trading – net

Primarily relates to movements on interests in investments classified as held for trading (see note 9) and the ARM Coal non-discretionary 
dividend obligation (see note 26) carried at fair value. In 2016, positive fair value movements in Glencore’s interest in Volcan Compania 
Minera S.A.A. and Century Aluminum cash-settled equity swaps were offset by the movement in the ARM Coal derivative (see note 26), 
accounting for the majority of the net expense.

Legal settlement

In September 2016, a subsidiary of the Group reached a settlement with U.S. agencies to pay a penalty of $27 million and retire around 
$65 million of credits in relation to compliance with a U.S. biofuels programme in the years 2011/12.

In April 2015, OMV Petrom was awarded $89 million related to a dispute over oil deliveries in the early 1990s. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

149

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

4. OTHER EXPENSE – NET (continued)

Loss from metal leak

In December 2014, a metal leak in Line 1 of the metallurgical plant at Koniambo was detected and the related production suspended. 
Following an extensive investigation during H1 2015, it was determined that the furnace would need to be rebuilt/repaired at a cost of 
approximately $60 million and incremental net operating costs of an additional $175 million were incurred in relation to this incident. 

Gain on bond buy-backs

In 2015, Glencore acquired $564 million of outstanding bonds, at a discount to their carrying values, realising a gain of $35 million 
(see note 18).

5. IMPAIRMENTS

US$ million

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Investments

Advances and loans – non-current

Trade advances and deposits

Non-current inventory and other2

Total impairments3

Notes

7/8

9

12

2016

(1,268)

–

–

–

–

2015
Restated1

(6,028)

(193)

(455)

(359)

(69)

(1,268)

(7,104)

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustment made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23).

2  These items, if classified by function of expense would be recognised in cost of goods sold.

3  Impairments recognised during the year are allocated to Glencore’s operating segments as follows: Metals and minerals $50 million (2015: $5,135 million) and Energy products 

$1,218 million (2015: $1,969 million).

As part of a regular portfolio review, Glencore carries out an assessment of whether there is an indication of asset impairment or whether a 
previously recorded impairment may no longer be required.

The recoverable amounts of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets were measured based on fair value less costs of 
disposal (“FVLCD”), determined by discounted cash flow techniques based on the most recent approved financial budgets and three-year 
business plans, which are underpinned and supported by life of mine plans of the respective operations. The valuation models use the 
most recent reserve and resource estimates, relevant cost assumptions generally based on past experience and where possible, market 
forecasts of commodity price and foreign exchange rate assumptions discounted using operation specific discount rates ranging from 7% – 
11% (2015: 6% – 12%). The valuations remain sensitive to price and further deterioration/improvements in the pricing outlook may result in 
additional impairments/reversals. The determination of FVLCD uses Level 3 valuation techniques for both years.

As a result of the regular impairment assessment, the following significant impairment charges resulted:

2016

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

•  Due to changes in estimated reserve life and revised mining plans, the estimated mine life of Tahmoor in Australia (Energy products 

segment) was reduced from 2020 to 2017. As a result, the carrying value of this operation was impaired by $168 million, to its estimated 
recoverable amount of $100 million, which is expected to be depleted over the following year as the mine approaches its completion.

•  As a result of a write down of appraisal expenditure and certain operational challenges at the Equatorial Guinea oil operations (Energy 

products segment), an impairment charge of $311 million has been recognised resulting in a remaining recoverable value of $194 million. 
The valuation remains sensitive to price and further deterioration in the pricing outlook may result in additional impairment. The short- 
to long-term Brent crude oil price assumptions used in the valuation were between $50 – $75 per barrel and should these fall by 10%, a 
further $46 million of impairment would be recognised.

•  During 2016, Glencore’s long-term oil price assumptions were revised downwards, which together with delayed work programmes, 
resulted in a $622 million impairment of the onshore Chad oil operations (Energy products segment), to their estimated recoverable 
amount of $1,480 million. The valuation remains sensitive to price and further deterioration in the pricing outlook may result in 
additional impairment. The short to long-term Brent crude oil price assumptions used in the valuation were between $50 – $75 per barrel 
and should these fall by 10%, a further $695 million of impairment would be recognised.

•  The balance of property, plant and equipment related impairment charges (none of which were individually material) arose due to 

changes in production and development plans and resulted in impairments of $50 million and $117 million being recognised in our 
Metals and minerals and Energy products segments respectively.

150 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

2015

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

•  Following the sharp decline in oil prices in 2015, significant amendments were made to Chad’s work programme, with the objective 
of preserving value for the long term, while reducing cash outlays in the near term. This included changes to the fields’ capex and 
production profiles and significantly reducing the number of drilling rigs in operation. As a result, the carrying value of these fields/
blocks (Energy products segment) was impaired by $1,031 million, to their estimated recoverable amount of $2,012 million. The valuation 
remains sensitive to price and further deterioration in the pricing outlook may result in additional impairment. The short- to long-term 
oil price assumptions used in the valuation were between $40 – $80 per barrel. 

•  Upon further review and evaluation of the exploration activities on the Tilapia licence in Cameroon (Energy product segment) it was 
determined that the technical risk of continuing to evaluate/develop the field was unacceptably high and as a result, the full carrying 
value of $27 million was impaired.

•  As a result of the current subdued coking coal market and resulting weak shorter-term price outlook, the Oaky Creek coking coal 
operations (Energy products segment) were determined to be impaired by $240 million, to their estimated recoverable amount of 
$959 million, given the relatively short life of one of the relevant mines. The valuation remains sensitive to coking coal prices and further 
deterioration in the pricing outlook may result in additional impairment. The short- to long-term coking coal price assumptions used in 
the valuation were between $81 – $135 per metric tonne.

•  In Q4 2015, it was determined, for the foreseeable future, to defer the Blakefield North coal project and place the Ravensworth 

underground coal operations (Energy products segment) on care and maintenance. As a result, the full carrying value of these projects 
($82 million) was impaired. 

•  Due to continued subdued current and long-term nickel prices and the ongoing operational and technical challenges at the Koniambo 

processing plant, it was determined, post significant line one furnace redesign/repair work, to operate only one processing line (of two) 
for an extended period of time until it proves itself to be technically robust. As a result of this updated plan and reflecting the lower 
nickel price environment, Koniambo (Metal and minerals segment) was written down to its recoverable value of $917 million, resulting 
in a $3,989 million impairment. The valuation remains sensitive to price and further deterioration in the pricing outlook may result in 
additional impairment. The short- to long-term nickel prices used in the valuation were between $12,500 – $16,000 per metric tonne.

•  Sherwin Alumina (Metal and minerals segment) is an alumina production facility located in Corpus Christi, USA. Adverse market 

conditions resulted in a decrease in its valuation to an estimated recoverable value of $Nil and, as a result, an impairment of $128 million 
was recognised. Since January 2016, Sherwin has been under United States Chapter 11 proceedings.

•  Kabanga (Metal and minerals segment) is an undeveloped nickel deposit in Tanzania, in which Glencore has a 50% interest. 

During 2015, a sales process was undertaken to find a potential buyer. No acceptable bids were received and as a result the project was 
written down to $Nil, reflective of the lower nickel price environment noted above, resulting in an impairment of $115 million. 

•  Following a strategic review of the Komarovskoe (within Kazzinc) gold mining deposit (Metal and minerals segment) it was determined 

to cease further development and, as a result, the full carrying value of $70 million was impaired.

•  Following the placing of Eland Platinum (Metal and minerals segment) on care and maintenance in October 2015 and a further deterioration 

in platinum prices, it was determined that its recoverable value was $Nil and, as a result, an impairment of $77 million was recognised.

•  The London Metal Exchange (“LME”) proposed changes to its warehousing regulations in a further attempt to reduce metal queues 
via increasing load-out rates and capping longer-term rental income streams. As a result, the goodwill of $169 million relating to the 
Pacorini metals warehousing business (Metals and minerals segment) was impaired by $119 million to a recoverable value of $50 million 
(see notes 8 and 9).

•  The balance of the property, plant and equipment related impairment charges (none of which were individually material) arose due 

to changes in production and development plans and resulted in impairments of $85 million and $65 million being recognised in our 
Metals and minerals and Energy products segments respectively.

Investments

Based on lower mid- to long-term aluminium price assumptions, it was determined that the recoverable value of our investment in 
Century Aluminum Company was $592 million with a resulting impairment of $162 million. The recoverable amount was determined 
using similar valuation techniques and inputs described above. The valuation remains sensitive to price and further deterioration in the 
pricing outlook may result in additional impairment. The short- to long-term aluminium prices used in the valuation were between $1,550 
– $1,790 per metric tonne.

Advances and loans – non-current

•  In November 2015, Glencore and Russneft effected a debt to equity conversion which resulted in Glencore exchanging its loan balance of 
$984 million and investments in operating subsidiaries carried at $Nil for a 46% interest in Russneft. The fair value of the equity received 
was determined to be $685 million, resulting in a $300 million impairment recognised upon settlement of the loan.

•  In December 2015, an impairment of $155 million was recognised reflecting non-performance of contractual terms and rescheduling of 

the timing in product supply and a recoverable value provision in respect of other advances and loans.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

151

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

6. INCOME TAXES

Income taxes consist of the following:

US$ million

Current income tax expense

Adjustments in respect of prior year income tax

Deferred income tax credit

Adjustments in respect of prior year deferred income tax

Total tax (expense)/credit reported in the statement of income/(loss)

Current income tax (expense)/credit recognised directly in other comprehensive income

Deferred income tax credit/(expense) recognised directly in other comprehensive income

Total tax credit/(expense) recognised directly in other comprehensive income

2016

(765)

3

117

7

(638)

–

24

24

2015
Restated1

(365)

30

354

(10)

9

–

(77)

(77)

The effective Group tax rate is different from the statutory Swiss income tax rate applicable to the Company for the following reasons:

US$ million

Loss before income taxes and attribution from continuing operations

Income before income taxes and attribution from discontinued operations

Income/(loss) before income taxes and attribution from continuing and discontinued operations

Less: Share of income from associates and joint ventures from continuing operations

Less: Share of income from associates and joint ventures from discontinued operations

Parent Company’s and subsidiaries’ income/(loss) before income tax and attribution from continuing and 
discontinued operations

Income tax (expense)/credit calculated at the Swiss income tax rate of 15% (2015: 15%)

Tax effects of:

Different tax rates from the standard Swiss income tax rate

Tax exempt income ($160 million (2015: $326 million) from recurring items and $283 million (2015: $15 million) 
from non-recurring items)

Items not tax deductible ($365 million (2015: $618 million) from recurring items and $269 million 
(2015: $424 million) from non-recurring items)

Foreign exchange fluctuations

Changes in tax rates

Utilisation and changes in recognition of tax losses and temporary differences

Tax losses not recognised

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Other

Income tax expense

Income tax (expense)/credit reported in the statement of income/(loss)

Income tax expense attributable to discontinued operations

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustments made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23).

2016

(549)

2,254

1,705

(11)

(15)

1,679

(252)

205

443

(634)

(19)

3

(41)

(483)

10

(1)

(769)

(638)

(131)

2015
Restated1

(8,379)

363

(8,016)

(99)

(2)

(8,117)

1,218

(154)

341

(1,042)

(307)

24

(24)

(175)

20

1

(98)

9

(107)

The non-tax deductible items of $634 million (2015: $1,042 million) primarily relate to non-deductible exploration charges, financing costs, 
impairments and various other expenses. The impact of tax exempt income of $443 million (2015: $341 million) primarily relates to non-
taxable intra-group dividends, income that is not effectively connected to the taxable jurisdiction, and various other items.

The tax impact of foreign exchange fluctuations relates to the foreign currency movements on deferred tax balances where the underlying 
tax balances are denominated in a currency different to the functional currency determined for accounting purposes. In 2016, in relation to 
our Australian tax group, an election was finalised to change the tax functional currency to align with the accounting functional currency.

152 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Notes

2016

2015

Deferred taxes as at 31 December 2016 and 2015 are attributable to the items in the table below:

US$ million

Deferred tax assets1

Tax losses carried forward

Other

Total 

Deferred tax liabilities1

Depreciation and amortisation

Mark-to-market valuations

Other

Total 

Total Deferred tax – net

Reconciliation of deferred tax – net

1 January

Recognised in income for the year from continuing and discontinued operations

Recognised in other comprehensive income from continuing and discontinued operations

Business combination

Disposal of subsidiaries

Effect of foreign currency exchange movements

Other

31 December

23

23

1,653

107

1,760

(5,546)

(76)

(42)

(5,664)

(3,904)

1,680

166

1,846

(5,483)

(238)

(56)

(5,777)

(3,931)

(3,931)

(4,768)

52

24

–

100

(130)

(19)

345

(77)

17

205

349

(2)

(3,904)

(3,931)

1  Asset and liability positions in the same category reflect the impact of tax assets and liabilities arising in local tax jurisdictions that cannot be offset against tax assets and liabilities 

arising in other tax jurisdictions.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses carried forward only to the extent that realisation of the related tax benefit is probable. 
As at 31 December 2016, $2,898 million (2015: $3,736 million) of deferred tax assets related to available loss carry forwards have been 
brought to account, of which $1,653 million (2015: $1,680 million) are disclosed as deferred tax assets with the remaining balance being 
offset against deferred tax liabilities arising in the same respective entity. $1,241 million (2015: $1,149 million) of net deferred tax assets 
arise in entities, primarily domiciled in Switzerland and the DRC that have been loss making for tax purposes in either 2016 or 2015. 
In evaluating whether it is probable that taxable profits will be earned in future accounting periods prior to any tax loss expiry as may be 
the case, all available evidence was considered, including approved budgets, forecasts and business plans and, in certain cases, analysis of 
historical operating results. These forecasts are consistent with those prepared and used internally for business planning and impairment 
testing purposes. Following this evaluation, it was determined there would be sufficient taxable income generated to realise the benefit of 
the deferred tax assets and that no reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions would result in a material reduction in forecast 
headroom of tax profits so that the recognised deferred tax asset would not be realised. 

The recognised losses carried forward in Switzerland primarily relate to non-recurring events in 2011 and 2012. Based on the core business 
activities conducted in Switzerland, sufficient taxable profits are expected to fully utilise the recognised tax losses prior to expiration.

The losses carried forward in the DRC have an unlimited carry forward period, subject to an annual utilisation limitation. The DRC entity 
has temporarily ceased operations to complete facility improvements. 

Available gross tax losses carried forward and deductible temporary differences, for which no deferred tax assets have been recognised in 
the consolidated financial statements, are detailed below and will expire as follows:

US$ million

1 year

2 years

3 years

Thereafter

Unlimited 

Total

2016

34

320

2,408

13,507

2,149

18,418

2015

153

69

534

16,266

1,444

18,466

As at 31 December 2016, unremitted earnings of $40,088 million (2015: $41,285 million) have been retained by subsidiaries for reinvestment. 
No provision is made for income taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of such earnings.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

153

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Notes

Freehold land  
and buildings

Plant and 
equipment

Mineral and 
petroleum rights

Exploration and 
evaluation

Deferred 
mining costs

20,579

2,337

2,393

US$ million

Gross carrying amount:

1 January 2016

Business combination

Disposal of subsidiaries

Additions

Disposals

Effect of foreign currency 
exchange movements

Other movements

31 December 2016

Accumulated depreciation 
and impairment:

1 January 2016

Disposal of subsidiaries

Depreciation

Disposals

Impairments

Effect of foreign currency 
exchange movements

Other movements

31 December 2016

Net book value 31 December 2016

23

23

23

5

5,326

22

(694)

62

(85)

28 

149

4,808 

995

(137)

263

(44)

–

3

(19)

1,061

3,747

56,037

37

(4,012)

2,606 

(409)

401

(38)

–

(712)

110

(14)

303

66

–

–

–

–

–

6

54,622

20,332

2,343

19,067

(1,284)

4,063

(404)

807

85

58

22,392

32,230

4,324

(224)

978

(3)

105

50

(11)

5,219

15,113

784

–

–

–

351

–

3

1,138

1,205

Total

86,672

59

(5,513)

3,074

(522)

733

(36)

84,467

25,898

(1,725)

5,537

(453)

1,263

138

(17)

30,641

53,826

–

(95)

296

(14)

1

(219)

2,362

728

(80)

233

(2)

–

–

(48)

831

1,531

154 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

US$ million

Gross carrying amount:

1 January 2015 

Business combination

Disposal and cessation of 
control of subsidiaries

Additions

Disposals

Effect of foreign currency 
exchange movements

Reclassification to non-
current inventory1

Other movements

31 December 2015

Accumulated depreciation 
and impairment:

1 January 2015

Depreciation

Disposal and cessation of 
control of subsidiaries

Disposals

Impairments

Effect of foreign currency 
exchange movements

Reclassification to non- 
current inventory1

Other movements

31 December 2015

Net book value 31 December 2015

Notes

Freehold land  
and buildings

Plant and 
equipment

Mineral and 
petroleum rights

Exploration and 
evaluation

Deferred 
mining costs

23

23

23

5

5,568

85

(125)

121

(34)

(131)

–

(158)

5,326

775

251

(22)

(6)

18

(16)

–

(5)

995

4,331

52,840

201

(597)

4,534

(476)

(1,300)

–

835

22,505

–

(541)

428

(14)

(843)

–

(956)

56,037

20,579

10,405

4,168

(166)

(416)

5,147

(227)

–

156

19,067

36,970

2,887

1,028

(89)

(5)

641

(102)

–

(36)

4,324

16,255

2,196

2,330

–

–

147

–

–

–

(6)

2,337

681

–

–

–

74

–

–

29

784

1,553

–

–

355

(4)

–

(607)

319

2,393

581

259

–

–

–

–

(103)

(9)

728

1,665

Total

85,439

286

(1,263)

5,585

(528)

(2,274)

(607)

34

86,672

15,329

5,706

(277)

(427)

5,880

(345)

(103)

135

25,898

60,774

1  Represents a net reclassification of $504 million, including net realisable value adjustments of $103 million, from deferred mining costs to non-current inventory to better reflect the 

nature of these items (see note 11).

Plant and equipment includes expenditure for construction in progress of $4,599 million (2015: $5,011 million) and a net book value of 
$592 million (2015: $596 million) of obligations recognised under finance lease agreements. Mineral and petroleum rights include biological 
assets of $21 million (2015: $71 million). Depreciation expenses included in cost of goods sold are $5,457 million (2015: $5,683 million), in 
selling and administrative expenses $20 million (2015: $23 million) and in discontinued operation $60 million (2015: $Nil). 

During 2016, $49 million (2015: $163 million) of interest was capitalised. With the exception of project specific borrowings, the rate used to 
determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation was 3% (2015: 2.9%).

As at 31 December 2016, no property, plant or equipment was pledged as security for borrowings (2015: $Nil).

Glencore Annual Report 2016

155

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

Notes

Goodwill

Port allocation 
rights 

Licences, 
trademarks and 
software

Royalty and 
acquired offtake 
arrangements

23

23

5

14,122

(829)

–

–

–

–

1,252

(15)

–

(1) 

166

6

13,293

1,408

8,243

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

67

 (9)

 28

 – 

 –

 14

 –

 8,243

 5,050

 100

 1,308

394

(8) 

13

(15)

2

(1)

385

156

 (5)

 31

 5

 (15)

 1

 (10)

 163

 222

318

(98)

3

–

2

33

258

104

 (20)

 36

 –

 –

 –

 2

 122

 136

Notes

Goodwill

Port allocation 
rights 

Licences, 
trademarks  
and software

Royalty and 
acquired offtake 
arrangements

14,122

–

–

–

–

–

14,122

8,124

–

–

119

–

–

–

8,243

5,879

2,369

(670)

–

–

(479)

32

1,252

94

(46)

42

–

–

(23)

–

67

1,185

365

–

26

(2)

(10)

15

394

111

–

29

29

(2)

(7)

(4)

156

238

485

(116)

18

(73)

(9)

13

318

146

(28)

58

–

(70)

(5)

3

104

214

Total

16,086

(950)

16

(16)

170

38

15,344

8,570

 (34)

 95

 5

 (15)

 15

 (8)

 8,628

 6,716

Total

17,341

(786)

44

(75)

(498)

60

16,086

8,475

(74)

129

148

(72)

(35)

(1)

8,570

7,516

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

US$ million

Cost:

1 January 2016

Disposal of subsidiaries

Additions

Disposals

Effect of foreign currency exchange movements

Other movements

31 December 2016

Accumulated amortisation and impairment:

1 January 2016

Disposal of subsidiaries

Amortisation expense1

Impairments

Disposals

Effect of foreign currency exchange movements

Other movements

31 December 2016

Net carrying amount 31 December 2016

1  Recognised in cost of goods sold.

US$ million

Cost:

1 January 2015

Disposal and cessation of control of subsidiaries

23

Additions

Disposals

Effect of foreign currency exchange movements

Other movements

31 December 2015

Accumulated amortisation and impairment:

1 January 2015

Disposal and cessation of control of subsidiaries

Amortisation expense1

Impairments

Disposals

Effect of foreign currency exchange movements

Other movements

31 December 2015

Net carrying amount 31 December 2015

1  Recognised in cost of goods sold.

23

5

156 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to cash-generating units (“CGUs”), or groups of CGUs as follows:

US$ million

Grain marketing business

Metals and minerals marketing businesses

Coal marketing business

Metals warehousing business

Total

Grain marketing business

2016

–

3,326

1,674

50

5,050

2015

829

3,326

1,674

50

5,879

Goodwill of $829 million was recognised in previous business combinations attributable to synergies associated with the grain marketing 
division CGU, which was derecognised as a result of the disposal of Glencore Agri (see note 23).

Metals and minerals and coal marketing businesses

Goodwill of $3,326 million and $1,674 million was recognised in connection with previous business combinations and was allocated to the 
metals and minerals marketing and coal marketing CGUs respectively, based on the annual synergies expected to accrue to the respective 
marketing departments as a result of increased volumes, blending opportunities and freight and logistics arbitrage opportunities. 

Metals warehousing business

Goodwill of $50 million (2015: $50 million) relates to the Pacorini warehousing business CGU.

Port allocation rights

Port allocation rights represent contractual entitlements to export certain amounts of coal on an annual basis from Richard Bay Coal 
Terminal in South Africa recognised as part of previous business combinations. The rights are amortised on a straight-line basis over the 
estimated economic life of the port of 40 years.

Licences, trademarks and software

Intangibles related to internally developed technology and patents were recognised in previous business combinations and are amortised 
over the estimated economic life of the technology which ranges between 10 – 15 years. 

Royalty and acquired offtake arrangements

The fair value of a royalty income stream related to output from the Antamina copper mine was recognised as part of a previous business 
combination. This amount is amortised on a unit of production basis through to 2027, the expected mine life. 

Acquired offtake arrangements represent contractual entitlements acquired from third parties to provide marketing services and receive 
certain products produced from a mining or processing operation over a finite period of time. These rights are amortised on a straight-line 
basis over the contractual term which currently ranges between 10 – 15 years.

Goodwill impairment testing

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill has been allocated to the CGUs, or groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from 
the synergies of the business combination and which represent the level at which management monitors and manages the goodwill. 
In assessing whether an impairment is required, the carrying value of the CGU is compared with its recoverable amount. The recoverable 
amount is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) and its value in use (“VIU”). If the recoverable amount of the CGU is 
less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to 
the unit and then to the other assets of the unit on a pro-rata basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any impairment loss 
for goodwill is recognised directly in the consolidated statement of income. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in 
subsequent periods.

Given the nature of each CGU’s activities, information on its fair value is usually difficult to obtain unless negotiations with potential 
purchasers or similar transactions are taking place. Consequently,

•  the recoverable amount for each of the marketing CGUs is determined by reference to the FVLCD (compared against a VIU cash flow 
projection) which utilises a price to earnings multiple approach based on the 2016 approved financial budget which includes factors 
such as marketing volumes handled and operating, interest and income tax charges, generally based on past experience. The price to 
earnings multiple of 13.5 times (2015: 11.0 times) is derived from observable market data for broadly comparable businesses; and

•  Glencore believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the above key assumptions would cause the recoverable amount to fall 
below the carrying value of the CGU. The determination of FVLCD for each of the marketing CGUs uses Level 3 valuation techniques 
in both years.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

157

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

9. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES, JOINT VENTURES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Investments in associates and joint ventures

US$ million

1 January

Additions

Disposals

Share of income from associates and joint ventures

Share of income from associates and joint ventures from discontinued operations

Share of other comprehensive income from associates and joint ventures

Fair value of retained interest in Glencore Agri

Disposal of equity accounted investments within Glencore Agri

Dividends received

Impairments

Discontinued operations share of impairments

Reclassification

Other movements

31 December

Of which:

Investments in associates

Investments in joint ventures

Notes

23

23

23

5

5

2016

11,337

15

(9)

11

15

–

3,125

(624)

(833)

–

–

46

3

2015
Restated1

12,274

236

(612)

99

2

(26)

–

–

(428)

(193)

(16)

46

(45)

13,086

11,337

6,910

6,176

8,166

3,171

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustments made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23). 

As at 31 December 2016, the fair value of listed associates and joint ventures, which have a carrying value of $555 million (2015: 
$681 million), using published price quotations (a Level 1 fair value measurement) was $424 million (2015: $255 million). The 2016 and 2015 
balance mainly comprises Century Aluminum which has a carrying value of $460 million (2015: $592 million).

Additions

In June 2015, Glencore completed the acquisition of a 50% stake in the Barcarena grain terminal in northern Brazil for $115 million. 
With this acquisition, Glencore now owns two key ports in the Northern corridor of Brazil which is expected to give access to fast growing 
origination areas like Mato Grosso and Matopiba, enabling the Group to increase its marketing of corn and soya beans.

Disposals

2015 disposals mainly relate to the in specie distribution of the stake in Lonmin plc (see notes 3 and 16).

158 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Details of material associates and joint ventures

Summarised financial information in respect of Glencore’s associates and joint ventures, reflecting 100% of the underlying associates’ and 
joint ventures’ relevant figures, is set out below.

US$ million

2016

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

The above assets and liabilities include 
the following:

Cash and cash equivalents

Current financial liabilities1

Non-current financial liabilities1

Net assets 31 December 2016

Glencore’s ownership interest

Acquisition fair value and other adjustments

Carrying value

1  Financial liabilities exclude trade, other payables and provisions.

Cerrejón

Antamina

Total material 
associates

Collahuasi Glencore Agri

Total material 
joint ventures

Total material 
associates and 
joint ventures

2,487

670

(604)

(291)

108

(1)

–

2,262

33.3%

1,028

1,781

4,313

952

(1,064)

(470)

90

(77)

(135)

3,731

33.8%

2,021

3,282

6,800

1,622

(1,668)

(761)

198

(78)

(135)

5,993

3,049

5,063

4,504

1,164

(1,032)

(442)

127

(2)

(77)

4,194

44.0%

1,176

3,021

4,461

6,354

(841)

(6,286)

147

(3,420)

(603)

3,688

50.0%

1,311

3,155

8,965

7,518

(1,873)

(6,728)

274

(3,422)

(680)

7,882

2,487

6,176

15,765

9,140

(3,541)

(7,489)

472

(3,500)

(815)

13,875

5,536

11,239

Summarised profit and loss in respect of Glencore’s associates and joint ventures, reflecting 100% of the underlying associates’ and joint 
ventures’ relevant figures for the year ended 31 December 2016, including group adjustments relating to alignment of accounting policies 
or fair value adjustments, is set out below.

US$ million

2016

Revenue

(Loss)/income for the year

Other comprehensive (loss)/income

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

Glencore’s share of dividends paid

The above profit for the year includes the following:

Depreciation and amortisation

Interest income1 

Interest expense2 

Impairment, net of tax3

Income tax expense

1  Includes foreign exchange gains and other income of $37 million. 

2  Includes foreign exchange losses of $49 million.

Cerrejón

Antamina

Total material 
associates

Collahuasi Glencore Agri

Total material 
joint ventures

Total material 
associates and 
joint ventures

1,822

(913)

–

(913)

105

(534)

–

(14)

(1,036)

(49)

2,429

584

–

584

338

4,251

(329)

–

(329)

443

(774)

(1,308)

28

(31)

–

(420)

28

(45)

(1,036)

(469)

2,285

2,170

4,455

459

(11)

448

352

(581)

1

(25)

–

(168)

76

10

86

–

(20)

12

(11)

–

(32)

535

(1)

534

352

(601)

13

(36)

–

(200)

8,706

206

(1)

205

795

(1,909)

41

(81)

(1,036)

(669)

3  Glencore’s attributable share of impairments relating to Cerrejón amounts to $345 million, net of taxes of $176 million, resulting from reduced near term production estimates due to 

increased risks related to delays in securing approvals as a result of continued social and environmental challenges to current mine plans. The valuation remains sensitive to price and a 
10% decrease of the price assumptions would result in a further impairment of $293 million.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

159

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

9. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES, JOINT VENTURES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS (continued)

US$ million

2015

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

The above assets and liabilities include 
the following:

Cash and cash equivalents

Current financial liabilities1

Non-current financial liabilities1

Net assets 31 December 2015

Glencore’s ownership interest

Acquisition fair value and other adjustments

Carrying value

1  Financial liabilities exclude trade, other payables and provisions.

Cerrejón

Antamina

Total material 
associates

Collahuasi

Total material 
joint ventures

Total material 
associates and 
joint ventures

2,744

595

(859)

(202)

150

(5)

–

2,278

33.3%

1,431

2,190

4,279

951

(948)

(286)

133

(61)

(167)

3,996

33.8%

2,073

3,422

7,023

1,546

(1,807)

(488)

283

(66)

(167)

6,274

3,504

5,612

4,609

1,144

(986)

(273)

166

(3)

(75)

4,494

44.0%

1,194

3,171

4,609

1,144

(986)

(273)

166

(3)

(75)

11,632

2,690

(2,793)

(761)

449

(69)

(242)

4,494

10,768

1,194

3,171

4,698

8,783

Summarised profit and loss in respect of Glencore’s associates and joint ventures, reflecting 100% of the underlying associates’ and joint 
venture’s relevant figures for the year ended 31 December 2015, is set out below.

Cerrejón

Antamina

Total material 
associates

Collahuasi

Total material 
joint ventures

Total material 
associates and 
joint ventures

US$ million

2015

Revenue

(Loss)/income for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

Glencore’s share of dividends paid

The above profit for the year includes the following:

Depreciation and amortisation

Interest income1 

Interest expense2 

Income tax expense

1  Includes foreign exchange gains and other income of $37 million.

2  Includes foreign exchange losses of $7 million.

1,859

(187)

–

(187)

53

(557)

–

(18)

(178)

2,080

3,939

411

–

411

206

(721)

2

(9)

(233)

224

–

224

259

(1,278)

2

(27)

(411)

1,991

166

(9)

157

110

(586)

36

(10)

(54)

Aggregate information of associates that are not individually material:

US$ million

The Group’s share of loss

The Group’s share of other comprehensive income/(loss)

The Group’s share of total comprehensive income/(loss)

Aggregate carrying value of the Group’s interests

1,991

166

(9)

157

110

(586)

36

(10)

(54)

2016 

(122)

–

(122)

1,847

5,930

390

(9)

381

369

(1,864)

38

(37)

(465)

2015

(48)

(22)

(70)

2,554

Glencore’s share of total comprehensive income did not include joint ventures other than the material joint ventures discussed above.

The amount of corporate guarantees in favour of associates and joint ventures as at 31 December 2016 was $470 million (2015: $337 million). 
In addition, there still exist guarantees amounting to $7,339 million in favour of Glencore Agri and, following release of its 2016 
consolidated financial results (expected by end of Q1 2017), as part of post-completion matters, Glencore expects to terminate these, 
with the exception of $400 million related to legacy Viterra 2020 bonds outstanding. No amounts have been claimed or provided as at 
31 December 2016. Glencore’s share of joint ventures’ capital commitments amounts to $154 million (2015: $176 million).

160 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Other investments
US$ million

Available for sale

United Company Rusal plc 

OAO NK Russneft

Fair value through profit and loss

Volcan Compania Minera S.A.A.

Century Aluminum Company cash-settled equity swaps

Other

Total 

Available for sale investments

2016

2015

562

895

1,457

124

78

94

296

1,753

407

685

1,092

95

40

78

213

1,305

Glencore accounts for its interests in United Company Rusal plc and OAO NK Russneft (“Russneft”) as available for sale investments at fair 
value with mark-to-market movements recognised in other comprehensive income. Although Glencore holds a 25% interest in Russneft, it 
does not exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of Russneft.

10. ADVANCES AND LOANS
US$ million

Loans to associates1

Rehabilitation trust fund

Other non-current receivables and loans2

Total 

1  Loans to associates generally bear interest at applicable floating market rates plus a premium.

2  Includes advances, net of $2,284 million (2015: $1,427 million) provided by various banks.

Rehabilitation trust fund

2016

526

193

2,764

3,483

2015

436

152

2,417

3,005

Glencore makes contributions to controlled funds that were established to meet the costs of its restoration and rehabilitation liabilities, 
primarily in South Africa. These funds are not available for the general purposes of the Group, and there is no present obligation to make 
any further contributions.

Other non-current receivables and loans comprise the following:

US$ million

Counterparty

Secured marketing related financing arrangements1

Société Nationale d’Electricité (“SNEL”) power advances

Chad State National Oil Company

Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo

Iron ore prepayment

Other

Total

2016

2015

1,043

1,004

295

389

292

89

656

266

544

165

–

438

2,764

2,417

1  Various marketing related financing facilities, generally secured against certain assets and/or payable from the future sale of production of the counterparty. The advances and loans are 

interest-bearing and on average are to be repaid over a three-year period.

SNEL power advances

In early 2012, a joint agreement with Société Nationale d’Électricité (“SNEL”), the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (“DRC”) national 
electricity utility, was signed whereby Glencore’s operations will contribute $386 million to a major electricity infrastructure refurbishment 
programme, including transmission and distribution systems. This is expected to facilitate a progressive increase in power availability to 
450 megawatts by the end of 2017. Funding commenced in the second quarter of 2012 and will continue until the end of 2017. The loans are 
being repaid via discounts on electricity purchases, which will accelerate upon completion of the refurbishment programme.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

161

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

10. ADVANCES AND LOANS (continued)

Chad State National Oil Company

Glencore has provided a net $418 million (2015: $544 million) to the Chad State National Oil Company (“SHT”) to be repaid through future 
oil deliveries over seven years. As at 31 December 2016, the advance is net of $972 million (2015: $905 million) provided by a syndicate of 
banks, the repayment terms of which are contingent upon and connected to the receipt of oil due from SHT under the prepayment. Of the 
net amount advanced, $389 million (2015: $544 million) is receivable after 12 months and is presented within Other non-current receivables 
and loans and $29 million (2015: $Nil) is due within 12 months, such amounts included within Accounts receivable.

Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (“SNPC“)

In 2016, Glencore advanced an additional $118 million to SNPC, repayable through future oil deliveries over five years. As at 31 December 
2016, the total advance of $336 million (2015: $218 million) is recorded net of $512 million (2015: $522 million) provided by the bank market, 
the repayment terms of which are contingent upon and connected to the future receipt of oil contractually due from SNPC. Of the net 
amount advanced, $292 million (2015: $165 million) is due after 12 months and is presented within Other long-term receivables and loans 
and $44 million (2015: $53 million) is due within 12 months and included within Accounts receivable.

Iron ore prepayment

In 2016, Glencore advanced $160 million to iron ore suppliers to be repaid through future iron ore deliveries over two years. As at 
31 December 2016, the total advance of $1,571 million is recorded net of $1,414 million provided by the bank market, the repayment terms 
of which are contingent upon and connected to the future receipt of iron ore contractually due from the counterpart. Of the net amount 
advanced, $89 million is due after 12 months and presented within Other long-term receivables and loans and $68 million is due within 
12 months and included within Accounts receivable.

11. INVENTORIES

Current inventory 

Inventories of $18,347 million (2015: $18,303 million) comprise $11,323 million (2015: $10,928 million) of inventories carried at fair value less 
costs of disposal and $7,024 million (2015: $7,375 million) valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. The amount of inventories and 
related ancillary costs recognised as an expense during the year approximates the cost of goods sold balance.

Fair value of inventories is a Level 2 fair value measurement (see note 26) using observable market prices obtained from exchanges, traded 
reference indices or market survey services adjusted for relevant location and quality differentials. There are no significant unobservable 
inputs in the fair value measurement of such inventories.

Glencore has a number of dedicated financing facilities, which finance a portion of its inventories. In each case, the inventory has not 
been derecognised as the Group retains the principal risks and rewards of ownership. The proceeds received are recognised as current 
borrowings (see note 18). As at 31 December 2016, the total amount of inventory secured under such facilities was $1,632 million (2015: 
$1,649 million). The proceeds received and recognised as current borrowings were $1,320 million (2015: $1,607 million) and $61 million 
(2015: $Nil) were recognised as non-current borrowings. 

Non-current inventory

$564 million (2015: $504 million) of inventories valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value are not expected to be utilised or sold 
within 12 months and are therefore classified as non-current inventory. 

12. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
US$ million

Trade receivables1

Trade advances and deposits1,2,3

Associated companies1

Income tax receivable

Other receivables

Total

2016

10,482

7,053

444

201

1,886

20,066

2015

10,175

4,206

414

306

1,900

17,001

1  Collectively referred to as receivables presented net of allowance for doubtful debts.

2  Includes advances, net of $614 million (2015: $180 million) provided by banks, the repayment terms of which are contingent upon and connected to the future delivery of contractual 

production over the next 12 months.

3  In December 2015, impairments of $359 million were recognised reflecting non-performance of contractual terms and a recoverable value provision in respect of trade advances and 

deposits (see note 5).

The average credit period on sales of goods is 25 days (2015: 27 days).

As at 31 December 2016, 7% (2015: 6%) of receivables were between 1 to 60 days overdue, and 4% (2015: 5%) were greater than 60 days 
overdue. Such receivables, although contractually past their due dates, are not considered impaired as there has not been a significant 
change in credit quality of the relevant counterparty, and the amounts are still considered recoverable taking into account customary 
payment patterns and in many cases, offsetting accounts payable balances. 

162 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

The movement in allowance for doubtful accounts is detailed below:

US$ million

1 January 

Released during the year

Charged during the year

Utilised during the year 

Disposal of subsidiaries

31 December

2016

269

(58)

232

(46)

(102)

295

2015

293

(62)

80

(42)

–

269

Glencore has a number of dedicated financing facilities, which finance a portion of its receivables. The receivables have not been 
derecognised, as the Group retains the principal risks and rewards of ownership. The proceeds received are recognised as current 
borrowings (see note 18). As at 31 December 2016, the total amount of trade receivables secured was $1,917 million (2015: $2,205 million) 
and proceeds received and classified as current borrowings amounted to $1,670 million (2015: $1,937 million).

13. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
US$ million

Bank and cash on hand

Deposits and treasury bills

Total

As at 31 December 2016, $22 million (2015: $22 million) was restricted.

14. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Authorised:

31 December 2016 and 2015 Ordinary shares with a par value of $0.01 each 

Issued and fully paid up:

1 January 2015 

Share issuance

Distributions paid (see note 16)

31 December 2015 – Ordinary shares

31 December 2016 – Ordinary shares

2016

2,050

458

2,508

2015

2,059

648

2,707

Number of 
shares 
(thousand)

50,000,000

13,278,405

1,307,795

–

14,586,200

14,586,200

Share capital 
(US$ million)

Share premium 
(US$ million)

–

133

13

–

146

146

–

52,533

2,431

(2,626)

52,338

52,338

In September 2015, a total of 1,307,794,600 new ordinary shares in Glencore were placed at a price of 125 pence per share, raising gross 
proceeds of approximately $2.5 billion. The new shares issued represented approximately 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital prior to the placing.

Treasury Shares

Trust Shares

Total

Number  
of shares 
(thousand)

Share  
premium  
(US$ million)

Number  
of shares 
(thousand)

Share  
premium 
 (US$ million)

Number  
of shares 
(thousand) 

Share 
premium  
(US$ million)

Own shares:

1 January 2015 

Own shares purchased during the year

Own shares transferred to satisfy employee 
share awards

Own shares disposed during the year

31 December 2015

1 January 2016 

Own shares purchased during the year

Own shares transferred to satisfy employee 
share awards

Own shares disposed during the year

143,278

58,050

(9,869)

–

191,459

191,459

–

–

–

(758)

(240)

50

–

(948)

(948)

–

–

–

31 December 2016

191,459

(948)

150,462

28,843

9,869

(14,770)

174,404

174,404

–

–

(7,474)

166,930

(735)

(41)

(50)

62

(764)

(764)

–

–

12

(752)

293,740

86,893

–

(14,770)

365,863

365,863

–

–

(7,474)

358,389

Glencore Annual Report 2016

(1,493)

(281)

–

62

(1,712)

(1,712)

–

–

12

(1,700)

163

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

14. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)

Own shares

Own shares comprise shares acquired under the Company’s previous share buy-back programme and shares of Glencore plc held by 
Group employee benefit trusts (“the Trusts”) to satisfy the potential future settlement of the Group’s employee stock plans, primarily 
assumed as part of previous business combinations.

The Trusts also coordinate the funding and manage the delivery of ordinary shares and free share awards under certain of Glencore’s 
share plans. The shares have been acquired by either stock market purchases or share issues from the Company. The Trusts are permitted 
to sell the shares and may hold up to 5% of the issued share capital of the Company at any one time. The Trusts have waived the right to 
receive distributions from the shares that they hold. Costs relating to the administration of the Trust are expensed in the period in which 
they are incurred.

As at 31 December 2016, 358,389,443 shares (2015: 365,863,517 shares), equivalent to 2.5% (2015: 2.5%) of the issued share capital were held at 
a cost of $1,700 million (2015: $1,712 million) and market value of $1,227 million (2015: $488 million). 

Translation 
adjustment

Cash flow hedge 
reserve

Net unrealised 
gain/(loss)

(2,163)

(1,727)

–

–

–

311

(3,579)

(3,579)

440

–

–

(31)

–

22

595

(2,553)

58

–

(89)

–

–

–

(31)

(31)

–

99

–

30

–

21

(3)

116

Net ownership 
changes in 
subsidiaries

(815)

–

–

–

(16)

–

(831)

(831)

–

–

–

1

68

–

10

Other reserves 

10

–

–

–

–

–

10

10

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

(2,409)

(1,727)

(89)

(489)

(16)

311

(4,419)

(4,419)

440

99

365

–

68

43

602

501

–

–

(489)

–

–

12

12

–

–

365

–

–

–

–

377

(752)

10

(2,802)

Other reserves

US$ million

1 January 2015

Exchange loss on translation of foreign 
operations

Loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax

Loss on available for sale financial instruments

Change in ownership  
interest in subsidiaries

Foreign currency translation losses recycled to 
the statement of income

31 December 2015

1 January 2016

Exchange gain on translation of foreign 
operations

Gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

Gain on available for sale financial 
instruments

Reclassifications

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

Discontinued operations

Items recycled to the statement of income 
upon disposal of subsidiaries (see note 23)

31 December 2016

164 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

15. EARNINGS PER SHARE

US$ million

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the Parent

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the Parent for basic earnings per share

2016

(744)

2,123

1,379

2015
Restated1

(5,220)

256

(4,964)

Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share (thousand)

14,224,100

13,317,970

Effect of dilution:

Equity-settled share-based payments (thousand)2

Weighted average number of shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share (thousand)2

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (US$)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total basic earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (US$)2

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total diluted earnings/(loss) per share

134,179

14,358,279

(0.05)

0.15

0.10

(0.05)

0.15

0.10

–

–

(0.39)

0.02

(0.37)

(0.39)

0.02

(0.37)

1  Certain amounts shown here reflect the adjustments made relating to discontinued operations (see note 23).

2  As both the result attributable to equity holders and to Headline results is a loss in 2015, the effect has not been presented as this would be anti-dilutive.

Headline earnings:

Headline earnings is a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”) defined performance measure. The calculation of basic and diluted earnings 
per share, based on headline earnings as determined by the requirements of the Circular 2/2015 as issued by the South African Institute of 
Chartered Accountants (“SAICA”), is reconciled using the following data:

US$ million

2016

2015

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the Parent from continuing and discontinued operations for basic 
earnings per share

Net (gain)/loss on disposals2

Net loss on disposals – non-controlling interest

Net loss/(gain) on disposals – tax

Impairments3

Impairments – non-controlling interest

Impairments – tax

Headline and diluted earnings/(loss) for the year

Headline earnings/(loss) per share (US$)

Diluted headline earnings/(loss) per share (US$)1

1,379

(2,370)

–

148

1,789

(16)

(573)

357

0.03

0.03

(4,964)

1,061

(31)

(263)

6,692

(2,611)

(316)

(432)

(0.03)

(0.03)

1  In 2016 equity-settled share-based payments are only dilutive with respect to Headline earnings per share calculation. As both the result attributable to equity holders and to Headline 

results is a loss in 2015, the effect has not been presented as this would be anti-dilutive.

2  2016 comprises gain on disposals and investments of $452 million, gain on disposals of property, plant and equipment of $37 million, gain on disposal of Glencore Agri of 

$1,848 million and gain on disposals and investments as reported in discontinued operations of $33 million (see notes 3, 4 and 23). 2015 comprises losses on disposals and investments 
of $994 million, loss from metal leak of $60 million and loss on vessel charter contract and net other expenses of $7 million (see notes 3 and 4). 

3  Comprises impairments of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (see note 5) and impairments related to Cerrejón of $521 million.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

165

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

16. DISTRIBUTIONS
US$ million

Paid during the year:

Final distribution for 2015 – $Nil per ordinary share (2014: $0.12 per ordinary share)

Interim distribution for 2016 – $Nil per ordinary share (2015: $0.06 per ordinary share)

In specie distribution of Group’s 23.9% in Lonmin plc

Total

2016

2015

–

–

–

–

1,551

777

298

2,626

As announced on 7 September 2015, the final distribution for 2015 and the interim distribution for 2016 were suspended.

The proposed distribution of $7 cents per ordinary share amounting to $996 million is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. Distributions declared in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2016 are expected to be paid equally ($3.5 cents each) in May 2017 and September 2017.

17. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Number of 
awards granted 
(thousand) 

Fair value at  
grant date  
(US$ million)

Number of 
awards 
outstanding  
2016  
(thousand)

Number of 
awards 
outstanding  
2015  
(thousand)

Expense 
recognised  
2016  
(US$ million)

Expense 
recognised  
2015  
(US$ million)

Deferred Bonus Plan

2014 Series

2015 Series

2016 Series

Performance Share Plan

2013 Series

2014 Series

2015 Series

2016 Series

Total

Deferred Bonus Plan

3,633

15,634

14,177

33,444

12,048

20,908

77,062

6,835

116,853

150,297

20

35

34

65

115

106

24

–

14,315

14,177

28,492

–

10,485

75,316

6,835

92,636

121,128

2,455

15,634

–

18,089

4,075

11,035

44,475

–

59,585

77,674

–

–

34

34

6

21

48

–

75

109

–

35

–

35

20

46

–

–

66

101

Under the Glencore Deferred Bonus Plan (“DBP”), the payment of a portion of a participant’s annual bonus is deferred for a period of one 
to two years as an award of either ordinary shares (a ‘‘Bonus Share Award’’) or cash (a “Bonus Cash Award”). The awards are vested at 
grant date with no further service conditions, however they are subject to forfeiture for malus events. The Bonus Share Awards may be 
satisfied, at Glencore’s option, in shares by the issue of new ordinary shares, by the transfer of ordinary shares held in treasury or by the 
transfer of ordinary shares purchased in the market or in cash, with a value equal to the market value of the award at settlement, including 
distributions paid between award and settling. Glencore currently intends to settle these awards in shares. The associated expense is 
recorded in the statement of income/loss as part of the expense for performance bonuses.

Performance Share Plan

Under the Glencore Performance Share Plan (“PSP”), participants are awarded PSP awards which vest in annual tranches over a specified 
period, subject to continued employment and forfeiture for malus events. At grant date, each PSP award is equivalent to one ordinary 
share of Glencore. The awards vest in three or five equal tranches on 30 June, 31 December or 31 January of the years following the year 
of grant, as may be the case. The fair value of the awards is determined by reference to the market price of Glencore’s ordinary shares at 
grant date. The PSP awards may be satisfied, at Glencore’s option, in shares by the issue of new ordinary shares, by the transfer of ordinary 
shares held in treasury or by the transfer of ordinary shares purchased in the market or in cash, with a value equal to the market value of 
the award at vesting, including distributions paid between award and vesting. Glencore currently intends to settle these awards in shares.

166 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Share-based awards assumed in previous business combinations

1 January 2015

Forfeited

Lapsed

Exercised¹

31 December 2015

1 January 2016

Dilution due to share issue

Forfeited

Lapsed

Exercised¹

31 December 2016

Total options 
outstanding 
(thousands)

Weighted 
average exercise 
price (GBP)

148,562

–

–

(1,960)

146,602

146,602

322

–

(5,424)

(228)

141,272

3.83

–

–

1.69

3.89

–

–

2.85

1.10

1  The weighted average share price at date of exercise of the share based awards was GBP2.80 (2015: GBP2.89).

As at 31 December 2016, a total of 141,271,783 options (2015: 146,601,834 options) were outstanding and exercisable, having a range 
of exercise prices from GBP1.095 to GBP6.87 (2015: GBP1.098 to GBP6.880) and a weighted average exercise price of GBP3.8941 (2015: 
GBP3.853). These outstanding awards have expiry dates ranging from March 2017 to February 2022 (2015: March 2016 to February 2022) 
and a weighted average contractual life of 3.6 years (2015: 2.8 years). The awards may be satisfied at Glencore’s option, by the issue of 
new ordinary shares, by the transfer of ordinary shares held in treasury or by the transfer of ordinary shares purchased in the market. 
Glencore currently intends to settle these awards, when exercised, by the transfer of ordinary shares held in treasury.

18. BORROWINGS
US$ million

Non-current borrowings

Capital market notes

Committed syndicated revolving credit facilities

Finance lease obligations

Other bank loans 

Total non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

Secured inventory/receivables facilities

U.S. commercial paper

Capital market notes

Finance lease obligations

Other bank loans1

Total current borrowings

Notes

2016

2015

28

11/12

28

21,968

476

326

418

28,938

2,994

376

624

23,188

32,932

2,990

–

4,388

75

2,577

10,030

3,544

15

4,474

88

2,996

11,117

1  Comprises various uncommitted bilateral bank credit facilities and other financings.

Committed syndicated revolving credit facilities

In February 2016, fully syndicated and effective from May 2016, Glencore signed a new one-year revolving credit facility for a total amount 
of $7.7 billion. This facility refinanced the $8.45 billion one-year revolving credit facility signed in May 2015. Funds drawn under the 
facilities bear interest at US$LIBOR plus a margin of 50/60 basis points per annum.

As at 31 December 2016, the active facilities comprise:

•  a $7.7 billion short-term revolving credit facility with a 12 month borrower’s term-out option (to May 2018) and 12 month extension 

option; and

•  a $6.8 billion medium-term revolving credit facility (to May 2020) with one 12 month extension option or 24 month extension option.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

167

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

18. BORROWINGS (continued) 

Capital Market Notes
US$ million

AUD 500 million 4.500% coupon bonds

Euro 1,250 million 5.250% coupon bonds

Euro 500 million 5.250% coupon bonds

Euro 1,250 million 4.625% coupon bonds

Euro 1,000 million 2.625% coupon bonds

Euro 750 million 3.375% coupon bonds

Euro 1,250 million 1.250% coupon bonds

Euro 600 million 2.750% coupon bonds

Euro 700 million 1.625% coupon bonds

Euro 1,000 million 1.875% coupon bonds

Euro 400 million 3.700% coupon bonds

Euro 750 million 1.750% coupon bonds

Euro 500 million 3.750% coupon bonds

Eurobonds

JPY 10 billion 1.075% coupon bonds

GBP 650 million 6.500% coupon bonds

GBP 500 million 7.375% coupon bonds

GBP 500 million 6.000% coupon bonds

Sterling bonds

CHF 450 million 2.625% coupon bonds

CHF 175 million 2.125% coupon bonds

CHF 500 million 1.250% coupon bonds

CHF 250 million 2.250% coupon bonds

Swiss Franc bonds

US$ 700 million 3.600% coupon bonds

US$ 250 million 5.500% coupon bonds

US$ 1,750 million 2.700% coupon bonds

US$ 250 million LIBOR plus 1.06% coupon bonds

US$ 500 million 2.125% coupon bonds

US$ 200 million LIBOR plus 1.200% coupon bonds

US$ 500 million LIBOR plus 1.360% coupon bonds

US$ 1,500 million 2.500% coupon bonds

US$ 1,000 million 3.125% coupon bonds

US$ 1,000 million 2.875% coupon bonds

US$ 400 million 5.950% coupon bonds

US$ 1,000 million 4.950% coupon bonds

US$ 250 million LIBOR plus 1.650% coupon bonds

US$ 1,000 million 4.250% coupon bonds

US$ 1,500 million 4.125% coupon bonds

US$ 1,000 million 4.625% coupon bonds

US$ 500 million 4.000% coupon bonds

US$ 250 million 6.200% coupon bonds

US$ 500 million 6.900% coupon bonds

US$ 500 million 6.000% coupon bonds

US$ 500 million 5.550% coupon bonds

US$ bonds

Total non-current bonds

168 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Maturity

Sep 2019

Mar 2017

Jun 2017

Apr 2018

Nov 2018

Sep 2020

Mar 2021

Apr 2021

Jan 2022

Sep 2023

Oct 2023

Mar 2025

Apr 2026

May 2022

Feb 2019

May 2020

Apr 2022

Dec 2018

Dec 2019

Dec 2020

May 2021

Jan 2017

Jun 2017

Oct 2017

Apr 2018

Apr 2018

May 2018

Jan 2019

Jan 2019

Apr 2019

Apr 2020

Aug 2020

Nov 2021

May 2022

Oct 2022

May 2023

Apr 2024

Apr 2025

Jun 2035

Nov 2037

Nov 2041

Oct 2042

2016

370

–

–

1,296

1,055

781

1,294

617

733

1,048

420

784

524

8,552

86

798

689

621

2015

374

1,281

556

1,337

1,086

801

1,330

633

753

–

432

804

539

9,552

83

948

821

747

2,108

2,516

443

172

492

246

1,353

–

–

–

48

159

200

279

690

451

416

–

1,056

250

1,013

1,536

1,034

484

273

597

540

473

9,499

21,968

449

174

498

–

1,121

707

262

1,753

233

463

200

499

1,474

1,006

990

400

1,066

250

1,016

1,553

1,046

485

274

600

541

474

15,292

28,938

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Capital Market Notes

US$ million

Euro 1,250 million 1.750% coupon bonds

Euro 1,250 million 5.250% coupon bonds

Euro 500 million 5.250% coupon bonds

Eurobonds

US$ 500 million LIBOR plus 1.16% coupon bonds

US$ 1,000 million 1.700% coupon bonds

US$ 1,000 million 5.800% coupon bonds

US$ 700 million 3.600% coupon bonds

US$ 250 million 5.500% coupon bonds

US$ 1,750 million 2.700% coupon bonds

US$ bonds

CHF 825 million 3.625% coupon bonds

Total current bonds

2016 Bond activities

Maturity

May 2016

Mar 2017

Jun 2017

May 2016

May 2016

Nov 2016

Jan 2017

Jun 2017

Oct 2017

Apr 2016

2016

–

1,244

514

1,758

–

–

–

660

254

1,716

2,630

–

4,388

•  In May, issued a 5 year CHF 250 million, 2.25% coupon bond.

•  In September, issued a 7 year Euro 1,000 million, 1.875% coupon bond.

•  In October, repurchased bonds with a nominal value of $1,492 million, comprising primarily 2018 and 2019 maturities.

•  In December, repurchased bonds with a nominal value of $1,137 million, comprising primarily 2019 and 2020 maturities.

Secured facilities
US$ million

Syndicated committed metals 
inventory/receivables facilities

Syndicated uncommitted metals 
inventory/receivables facilities 

Syndicated uncommitted oil 
receivables facilities

Syndicated uncommitted agricultural 
products inventory/receivables facilities

Total

Maturity

Borrowing base

Mar 2017

Jan1/Mar/Apr/Oct 2017

Oct 2017

Jan/Oct 2016

100

2,936

550

–

3,586

Interest 

US$ LIBOR  
+ 160 bps

US$ LIBOR 
+ 50/95/110/160 bps

US$ LIBOR 
+ 95 bps

US$ LIBOR 
+ 70 bps

2016

100

2,340

550

–

2,990

1  Since year-end, in the ordinary course of business, these maturities have been rolled/extended as required.

2015

1,228

–

–

1,228

489

1,000

934

–

–

–

2,423

823

4,474

2015

350

2,161

550

483

3,544

Glencore Annual Report 2016

169

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

19. DEFERRED INCOME

US$ million

1 January 2015

Additions

Utilised in the year

Disposals and loss of control of subsidiaries

Effect of foreign currency exchange difference

23

31 December 2015

Current

Non-current

1 January 2016

Additions

Utilised in the year

Effect of foreign currency exchange difference

31 December 2016

Current

Non-current

Unfavourable contracts

Notes

Unfavourable 
contracts

Prepayments

1,138

–

(146)

(212)

(127)

653

53

600

653

–

(74)

38

617

56

561

135

900

(149)

–

–

886

34

852

886

971

(70)

–

1,787

82

1,705

Total

1,273

900

(295)

(212)

(127)

1,539

87

1,452

1,539

971

(144)

38

2,404

138

2,266

In previous business combinations, Glencore recognised liabilities related to various assumed contractual agreements to deliver tonnes 
of coal and zinc concentrates over periods ending between 2017 and 2034 at fixed prices lower than the prevailing market prices on the 
respective acquisition dates.

These amounts are released to revenue as the underlying commodities are delivered to the buyers over the life of the contracts at rates 
consistent with the implied forward price curves at the time of the acquisitions.

Prepayments

Antapaccay

In February 2016, Glencore entered into a long-term streaming agreement with Franco-Nevada, for the delivery of gold and silver calculated 
by reference to copper produced by the Antapaccay mine in Peru. Glencore will deliver 300 ounces of gold per 1,000 tonnes of copper in 
concentrate until 630,000 ounces of gold have been delivered and 30% of gold production thereafter, and 4,700 ounces of silver per 1,000 
tonnes of copper in concentrate until 10,000,000 ounces of silver have been delivered and 30% of silver production thereafter. In consideration, 
Franco-Nevada made an advance payment of $500 million and pays an ongoing amount of 20% of the spot gold and silver price per ounce 
delivered, increasing to 30% of the respective spot prices after 750,000 ounces of gold and 12,800,000 ounces of silver have been delivered 
under the streaming agreement. The arrangement has been accounted for as an executory contract whereby the advance payment has been 
recorded as deferred revenue. The revenue from the advance payment is being recognised as the silver and gold is delivered to Franco-
Nevada at an amount consistent with the implied forward price curve at the time of the transaction along with the ongoing cash payments. 
An accretion expense, representing the time value of the upfront deposit on the deferred revenue balance, is also being recognised.

Ernest Henry

In October 2016, Glencore entered into an agreement with Evolution Mining Limited (“Evolution”), whereby Glencore received 
$669 million cash in return for a 30% economic interest in the Ernest Henry Mine mining operation (“EHM”) and an entitlement to 100% of 
the gold produced from Glencore’s remaining 70% interest in EHM. The consideration received was allocated between the two elements of 
the transaction (sale of the 30% interest and the 70% gold prepaid streaming arrangement) by estimating the fair value of the gold stream 
by reference to the net present value of the anticipated gold to be delivered over the life of mine ($471 million) with the residual amount 
representing the consideration for the 30% interest ($198 million, see note 23). The gold streaming element of the arrangement has been 
accounted for as an executory contract whereby the advance payment ($471 million) has been recorded as deferred revenue. The revenue 
from the advance payment is being recognised as the gold is delivered to Evolution at an amount consistent with the implied forward 
price curve at the time of the transaction. An accretion expense, representing the time value of the upfront deposit on the deferred revenue 
balance, is also being recognised. 

170 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Antamina

In December 2015, effective 1 October 2015, Glencore entered into a long-term streaming agreement with Silver Wheaton Corporation 
(“Silver Wheaton”), for the delivery of the equivalent of 33.75% of the silver produced by the Antamina mine (“Antamina”) until 
140 million ounces of silver is delivered, at which time, the designated percentage reduces to 22.50% of the silver production from 
Antamina over the remaining life of mine. In consideration, Silver Wheaton made an up-front advance payment of $900 million and pays 
an ongoing amount of 20% of the spot silver price for each ounce of silver delivered under the streaming agreement. The arrangement 
has been accounted for as an executory contract whereby the advance payment has been recorded as deferred revenue. The revenue from 
the advance payment is being recognised as the silver is delivered to Silver Wheaton at an amount consistent with the implied forward 
price curve at the time of the transaction along with the ongoing cash payments. An accretion expense, representing the time value of the 
upfront deposit on the deferred revenue balance, is also being recognised. 

20. PROVISIONS

US$ million

1 January 2015

Provision utilised in the year

Accretion in the year

Assumed in business combination1

Disposals and cessation of control 
of subsidiaries1

Additional provision in the year

Effect of foreign currency exchange 
difference

31 December 2015

Current

Non-current

1 January 2016

Provision utilised in the year

Accretion in the year

Assumed in business combination1

Disposals of subsidiaries1

Additional provision in the year

Effect of foreign currency exchange 
difference

31 December 2016

Current

Non-current

1  See note 23. 

Post-retirement employee benefits

Post-retirement 
employee  
benefits

Other employee 
entitlements

Rehabilitation  
costs 

1,070

(249)

–

–

(2)

102

(118)

803

–

803

803

(92)

–

–

(6)

160

(5)

860

 –

860

308

(137)

–

–

–

52

(2)

221

–

221

221

(34)

–

 5

(6)

 32

 –

 218

 –

 218

3,836

(448)

178

–

(241)

(302)

(118)

2,905

89

2,816

2,905

(140)

 181

 154

 (107)

 164

 37

 3,194

 144

 3,050

Onerous  
contracts

1,730

(447)

6

–

–

189

–

1,478

155

1,323

1,478

(381)

2

84

–

122

 –

1,305

178

1,127

Other

1,187

(457)

–

21

(18)

268

(11)

990

230

760

990

(555)

 –

 4

 (78)

 448

 3

 812

 136

 676

Total

8,131

(1,738)

184

21

(261)

309

(249)

6,397

474

5,923

6,397

(1,202)

183

 247

 (197)

926

35

6,389

458

5,931

The provision for post-retirement employee benefits includes pension plan liabilities of $428 million (2015: $346 million) and post-
retirement medical plan liabilities of $432 million (2015: $457 million), see note 21.

Other employee entitlements

The employee entitlement provision represents the value of governed employee entitlements due to employees upon their termination of 
employment. The associated expenditure will occur in a pattern consistent with when employees choose to exercise their entitlements.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

171

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

20. PROVISIONS (continued) 

Rehabilitation costs

Rehabilitation provision represents the accrued cost required to provide adequate restoration and rehabilitation upon the completion 
of production activities. These amounts will be settled when rehabilitation is undertaken, generally at the end of a project’s life, which 
ranges from two to in excess of 50 years with an average for all sites, weighted by closure provision, of some 16 years. As outlined in note 1, 
significant estimates are required in determining the rehabilitation provisions, one of which is the determination of appropriate discount 
rates. Decreasing the rates used for active mining and processing operations by 2% would result in an increase in the overall rehabilitation 
provision by $288 million, with a resulting equal movement in property, plant and equipment. In the following year, the depreciation 
expense would increase by some $23 million, with an opposite direction interest expense adjustment of $8 million. The resulting net 
impact in the statement of income would be a decrease of $15 million, eventually netting to $Nil over the weighted average settlement date 
of the provision.

Onerous contracts

Onerous contracts represent liabilities related to contractual take or pay commitments for securing coal logistics capacity at fixed prices 
and quantities higher than the acquisition date forecasted usage and prevailing market price. The provision is released to costs of goods 
sold as the underlying commitments are incurred.

Other

Other comprises provisions for possible demurrage, mine concession, tax and construction related claims.

Tax disputes

Glencore assesses its liabilities and contingencies for all tax years open to audit based upon the latest information available. 
Inherent uncertainties exist in estimates of tax contingencies due to complexities of interpretation and changes in tax laws. For those 
matters where it is probable that an adjustment will be made, the Group records its best estimate of these tax liabilities, including related 
interest charges. The current open tax matters are spread across numerous jurisdictions and consist primarily of legacy transfer pricing 
matters that have been open for a number of years and may take several more years to resolve, none of which are individually material. 
Accordingly, management does not anticipate a significant risk of material change in estimates within the next financial year. 

21. PERSONNEL COSTS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Total personnel costs, which include salaries, wages, social security, other personnel costs and share-based payments, incurred for the 
years ended 31 December 2016 and 2015, were $4,245 million and $5,287 million, respectively. Personnel costs related to consolidated 
industrial subsidiaries of $3,355 million (2015: $4,344 million) are included in cost of goods sold. Other personnel costs, including the 
deferred bonus and performance share plans, are included in selling and administrative expenses. 

The Company and certain subsidiaries sponsor various pension schemes in accordance with local regulations and practices. Eligibility for 
participation in the various plans is either based on completion of a specified period of continuous service, or date of hire. Among these 
schemes are defined contribution plans as well as defined benefit plans.

Defined contribution plans

Glencore’s contributions under these plans amounted to $118 million in 2016 (2015: $199 million).

Post-retirement medical plans

The Company participates in a number of post-retirement medical plans, principally in Canada, which provide coverage for prescription 
drugs, medical, dental, hospital and life insurance to eligible retirees. Almost all of the post-retirement medical plans in the Group 
are unfunded.

Defined benefit pension plans

The Company operates defined benefit plans in various countries, the main locations being Canada, Switzerland, UK and the US. 
Approximately 72% of the present value of obligations accrued to date relates to the defined benefit plans in Canada, which are pension 
plans that provide benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed level of pension payable for life. Contributions to the Canadian 
plans are made to meet or exceed minimum funding requirements based on provincial statutory requirements and associated federal 
taxation rules.

The majority of benefit payments are from trustee-administered funds; however, there are also a number of unfunded plans where 
Glencore meets the benefit payments as they fall due. Plan assets held in trusts are governed by local regulations and practices in each 
country. Responsibility for governance of the plans – overseeing all aspects of the plans including investment decisions and contribution 
schedules – lies with Glencore. Glencore has set up committees to assist in the management of the plans and has also appointed 
experienced, independent professional experts such as investment managers, actuaries, custodians, and trustees.

172 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

The movement in the defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical plans over the year is as follows:

US$ million

1 January 2016

Current service cost

Past service cost – plan amendments

Settlement

Termination benefit

Interest expense/(income)

Total expense recognised in consolidated statement of income

Gain on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest expense – net

Gain from change in demographic assumptions

Loss from change in financial assumptions

Gain from actuarial experience

Change in asset ceiling, excluding amounts included in interest expense

Actuarial losses/(gains) recognised in consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Benefits paid directly by the Company

Benefits paid from plan assets

Net cash (outflow)/inflow

Disposal of subsidiaries1

Exchange differences

Other

31 December 2016

1  See note 23.

Post-retirement 
medical plans

Present value of 
defined benefit 
obligation

Fair value of  
plan assets

Net liability for 
defined benefit 
pension plans

Defined benefit pension plans

457

3,405

(3,059)

7

1

–

–

18

26

–

–

5

(3)

–

2

–

–

(20)

–

(20)

(48)

15

(33)

67

 (3)

 (94)

4

126

100

–

 (13)

 137

 (3)

 (4)

 117

–

1

(9)

(192)

(200)

(487)

11

(476)

–

–

90

–

(116)

(26)

(59)

–

–

–

–

(59)

(72)

(1)

9

192

128

529

(31)

498

 432

 2,946

(2,518)

346

67

(3)

(4)

4

10

74

(59)

(13)

137

(3)

(4)

58

(72)

–

–

–

(72)

42

 (20)

22

428

The Group expects to make a contribution of $101 million to the defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical plans during the next 
financial year.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

173

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

21. PERSONNEL COSTS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (continued)

US$ million

1 January 2015

Current service cost

Past service cost – plan amendments

Settlement

Termination benefit

Interest expense/(income)

Total expense recognised in consolidated statement of income

Gain on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest expense – net

Loss from change in demographic assumptions

Loss/(gain) from change in financial assumptions

(Gain)/loss from actuarial experience

Change in asset ceiling, excluding amounts included in interest expense

Actuarial gains recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Employer contributions

Employee contributions

Benefits paid directly by the Company

Benefits paid from plan assets

Net cash (outflow)/inflow

Disposal of subsidiaries1

Exchange differences

Other

31 December 2015

1  See note 23.

Post-retirement 
medical plans

Present value of 
defined benefit 
obligation

Fair value of  
plan assets

Net liability for 
defined benefit 
pension plans

Defined benefit pension plans

(3,654)

531

539

9

(1)

–

–

20

28

–

(1)

2

(5)

–

(4)

–

–

(24)

–

(24)

–

(82)

(82)

457

4,185

72

1

(183)

–

139

29

–

(3)

(39)

10

(4)

(36)

–

2

(10)

(217)

(225)

(3)

(545)

(548)

–

–

177

–

(123)

54

(86)

–

–

–

–

(86)

(108)

(2)

10

217

117

1

509

510

72

1

(6)

–

16

83

(86)

(3)

(39)

10

(4)

(122)

(108)

–

–

–

(108)

(2)

(36)

(38)

346

3,405

(3,059)

The defined benefit obligation accrued in Canada represents the majority for the Company. The breakdown below provides details of 
the Canadian plans for both the statement of financial position and the weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation as at 
31 December 2016 and 2015. The defined benefit obligation of any other of the Group’s defined benefit plans as at 31 December 2016 does not 
exceed $227 million (2015: $195 million).

2016  
US$ million

Post-retirement medical plans

Present value of defined benefit obligation

of which: amounts owing to active members

of which: amounts owing to pensioners

Defined benefit pension plans

Present value of defined benefit obligation

of which: amounts owing to active members

of which: amounts owing to non-active members

of which: amounts owing to pensioners

Fair value of plan assets

Net defined benefit liability at 31 December 2016

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation – years

174 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Canada

Other

Total

402

123

279

2,112

545

44

1,523

(1,981)

131

12

30

4

26

834

383

241

210

(537)

297

18

432

127

305

2,946

928

285

1,733

(2,518)

428

14

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

2015  
US$ million

Post-retirement medical plans

Present value of defined benefit obligation

of which: amounts owing to active members

of which: amounts owing to pensioners

Defined benefit pension plans

Present value of defined benefit obligation

of which: amounts owing to active members

of which: amounts owing to non-active members

of which: amounts owing to pensioners

Fair value of plan assets

Net defined benefit liability at 31 December 2015

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation – years

Canada

Other

Total

395

121

274

2,534

571

102

1,861

(2,454)

80

13

62

21

41

871

457

197

217

(605)

266

18

457

142

315

3,405

1,028

299

2,078

(3,059)

346

14

The actual return on plan assets in respect of defined benefit pension plans amounted to a gain of $206 million (2015: loss of $300 million).

The plan assets consist of the following:

US$ million

Cash and short-term investments

Fixed income

Equities

Other1

Total

2016

105

1,210

1,076

127

2,518

2015

88

1,605

1,180

186

3,059

1  Includes securities in non-active markets in the amount of $18 million (2015: $58 million).

The fair value of plan assets includes none of Glencore’s own financial instruments and no property occupied by or other assets used 
by Glencore. For many of the plans, representing a large portion of the global plan assets, asset-liability matching strategies are in place, 
where the fixed-income assets are invested broadly in alignment with the duration of the plan liabilities, and the proportion allocated to 
fixed-income assets is raised when the plan funding level increases.

Through its defined benefit plans, Glencore is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below:

Asset volatility: The plan liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if plan assets 
underperform this yield, this will create a deficit. The funded plans hold a significant proportion of equities, which are expected to 
outperform bonds in the long term while contributing volatility and risk in the short term. Glencore believes that due to the long-term 
nature of the plan liabilities, a level of continuing equity investment is an appropriate element of Glencore’s long-term strategy to manage 
the plans efficiently.

Change in bond yields: A decrease in bond yields will increase plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the 
value of the plans’ bond holdings.

Inflation risk: Some of the plans’ benefit obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities, although, 
in most cases, caps on the level of inflationary increases are in place to protect the plan against extreme inflation.

Life expectancy: The majority of the plans’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy 
will result in an increase in the plans’ liability.

Salary increases: Some of the plans’ benefit obligations related to active members are linked to their salaries. Higher salary increases will 
therefore tend to lead to higher plan liabilities.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

175

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

21. PERSONNEL COSTS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (continued)

The principal weighted-average actuarial assumptions used were as follows:

Discount rate

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

Ultimate medical cost trend rate

Post-retirement medical plans

Defined benefit pension plans

2016

4.1%

2.8%

–

4.2%

2015

4.2%

2.8%

–

4.3%

2016

3.5%

2.8%

0.3%

–

2015

3.7%

2.7%

0.4%

–

Mortality assumptions are based on the latest available standard mortality tables for the individual countries concerned. As at 
31 December 2016, these tables imply expected future life expectancy, for employees aged 65, 19 to 24 years for males (2015: 19 to 24) and 
22 to 25 years for females (2015: 23 to 26). The assumptions for each country are reviewed each year and are adjusted where necessary to 
reflect changes in fund experience and actuarial recommendations.

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes in principal assumptions as at 31 December 2016 is set out below, assuming that 
all other assumptions are held constant and the effect of interrelationships is excluded.

Increase/(decrease) in pension obligation

US$ million

Discount rate

Increase by 100 basis points

Decrease by 100 basis points

Rate of future salary increase

Increase by 100 basis points

Decrease by 100 basis points

Rate of future pension benefit increase

Increase by 100 basis points

Decrease by 100 basis points

Medical cost trend rate

Increase by 100 basis points

Decrease by 100 basis points

Life expectancy

Increase in longevity by one year

22. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
US$ million

Trade payables

Trade advances from buyers

Associated companies

Other payables and accrued liabilities

Total

Post-retirement 
medical plans

Defined benefit 
pension plans

(58)

66

–

–

–

–

56

(45)

13

(352)

422

41

(38)

33

(29)

–

–

68

2016

22,438

1,071

635

2,032

26,176

Total

(410)

488

41

(38)

33

(29)

56

(45)

81

2015

19,424

1,684

467

2,513

24,088

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services. Trade payables typically have maturities up to 90 days depending on the type 
of material and the geographic area in which the purchase transaction occurs and the agreed terms. The carrying value of trade payables 
approximates fair value.

176 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

23. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES

2016 Acquisitions

In 2016, Glencore acquired controlling interests in Newlands Collinsville Abbot Point Joint Venture (“NCA”). The net cash received 
in the acquisition of subsidiaries and the provisional fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date are 
detailed below:

US$ million

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Advances and loans

Current assets

Inventories

Accounts receivable1 

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Current liabilities

Borrowings

Accounts payable

Provisions

Other financial liabilities

Total fair value of net (liabilities)/assets acquired

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired

Net cash (received)/used in acquisition of subsidiaries

NCA

Other

Total

39

2

41

41

24

11

76

(242)

(242)

–

(33)

(1)

(8)

(42)

(167)

(11)

(178)

20

–

20

7

6

–

13

(4)

(4)

(10)

(17)

–

–

(27)

2

–

2

59

2

61

48

30

11

89

(246)

(246)

(10)

(50)

(1)

(8)

(69)

(165)

(11)

(176)

1  There is no material difference between the gross contractual amounts for loans and advances and accounts receivable and their fair value.

NCA

In September 2016, Glencore completed the acquisition of the remaining 45% interest in NCA, for cash consideration received of 
$167 million. This increased Glencore’s ownership from 55% to 100%, providing the ability to exercise control over NCA.

If the acquisition had taken place effective 1 January 2016, the operation would have contributed additional revenue of $173 million and an 
additional attributable loss of $21 million. From the date of acquisition, the operation contributed $72 million and $25 million of revenue 
and attributable income, respectively.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

177

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

23. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

2015 Acquisitions

In 2015, Glencore acquired controlling interests in Prokon Pflanzenöl GmbH, subsequently renamed Glencore Magdeburg GmbH 
(“Magdeburg”) and Twin Rivers Technologies Enterprises De Transformation De Graines Oléagineuses Du Québec Inc. (“TRT”). 
These operations are part of the Glencore Agri Group, which was disposed on 1 December 2016, see below. The net cash used in 
the acquisition of subsidiaries and the provisional fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition dates are 
detailed below:

US$ million

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax assets

Current assets

Inventories

Accounts receivable1 

Other financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Total fair value of net assets acquired

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired

Net cash used in acquisition of subsidiaries

Magdeburg

178

–

178

5

6

1

4

16

(22)

(21)

(43)

(14)

(3)

(17)

134

(4)

130

TRT

108

39

147

44

22

3

5

74

–

–

–

(23)

(5)

(28)

193

(5) 

188

Total

286

39

325

49

28

4

9

90

(22)

(21)

(43)

(37)

(8)

(45)

327

(9)

318

1  There is no material difference between the gross contractual amounts for loans and advances and accounts receivable and their fair value.

Magdeburg

In March 2015, Glencore completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in Magdeburg for a cash consideration of $134 million. The acquisition 
of Magdeburg, an integrated oilseeds crushing and biodiesel plant located in Germany, adds further value to and enlarges our crushing 
portfolio in Europe, allowing Glencore to further optimise around this business sector.

If the acquisition had taken place effective 1 January 2015, the operation would have contributed additional revenue of $15 million and an 
additional attributable loss of $2 million. From the date of acquisition the operation contributed $161 million and $10 million of revenue 
and attributable loss, respectively.

TRT

In November 2015, Glencore completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in TRT for a cash consideration of $193 million. TRT owns the 
largest oilseed crushing and refining plant in Quebec, Canada with a capacity of 1.05 million tonnes per year.

If the acquisition had taken place effective 1 January 2015, the operation would have contributed additional revenue of $237 million and an 
additional attributable loss of $20 million. From the date of acquisition the operation contributed $65 million and $1 million of revenue and 
attributable income, respectively. 

The acquisition accounting for Magdeburg and TRT have now been finalised, with no adjustments to the previously reported provisional 
fair values.

178 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

2016 Disposals

In 2016, Glencore disposed of its controlling interest in the Glencore Agricultural products business (“Glencore Agri”), Ernest Henry 
mining operation (“EHM”) and its New South Wales’ coal rail haulage business (“GRail”).

The carrying value of the assets and liabilities over which control was lost and the net cash received from these disposals are 
detailed below:

US$ million

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments in associates

Advances and loans

Deferred tax assets

Current assets

Inventories

Accounts receivable

Other financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-controlling interest

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

Current liabilities

Borrowings

Accounts payable

Provisions

Other financial liabilities

Carrying value of net assets disposed

Cash and cash equivalents received

Future consideration

Items recycled to the statement of income

Reclassified to investment in joint venture1

Transaction fees

Net gain on disposal

Cash and cash equivalents received

Less: Cash and cash equivalents disposed

Settlement of debt due from Glencore Agri

Net cash received from disposal

Glencore Agri

EHM

GRail

Others

Total

2,919

892

624

116

103

4,654

2,725

2,774

746

469

6,714

(37)

(602)

(138)

(111)

(851)

(3,751)

(2,315)

(36)

(629)

(6,731)

3,749

(3,125)

–

602

(3,125)

51

(1,848)

3,125

(469)

1,670

4,326

244

413

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

244

413

6

1

–

–

7

–

–

(36)

(9)

(45)

–

(7)

(1)

–

(8)

198

(198)

–

–

–

–

–

198

–

–

198

–

2

–

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5)

–

–

(5)

410

(840)

–

–

–

–

(430)

840

–

–

840

212

24

–

13

1

250

57

77

2

27

163

(29)

(1)

(30)

(40)

(71)

(35)

(54)

–

(2)

(91)

222

(198)

(46)

–

–

–

(22)

198

(27)

–

171

3,788

916

624

129

104

5,561

2,788

2,854

748

496

6,886

(66)

(603)

(204)

(160)

(967)

(3,786)

(2,381)

(37)

(631)

(6,835)

4,579

(4,361)

(46)

602

(3,125)

51

(2,300)

4,361

(496)

1,670

5,535

1  Includes a gain of $1,252 million attributable to the remeasurement of the retained Glencore Agri investment to its fair value upon change in control.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

179

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

23. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

Glencore Agri

On 6 April 2016, Glencore announced that it had entered into an agreement with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board for the sale 
of a 40% equity interest in Glencore Agri and on 9 June 2016, entered into an agreement with British Columbia Investment Management 
Corporation for the sale of a 10% equity interest in Glencore Agri. The aggregate equity consideration for the combined 50% interest, 
including the indirect assumption of certain levels of net working capital and debt, amounted to $3.125 billion, payable in cash 
upon closing.

Glencore Agri represents the entire Agricultural products operating segment and was determined to be a discontinued operation prior 
to the close of transaction on 1 December 2016, and has been disclosed as such. Upon closing of the sale, Glencore is no longer able to 
unilaterally direct the key strategic, operating and capital decisions of Glencore Agri and was deemed to dispose of its controlling interest 
at fair value. The difference to the net carrying value was recognised through the statement of income, with Glencore subsequently 
accounting for its share of the resulting joint venture using the equity method in accordance with IFRS 11 and IAS 28 (see note 9).

The results of Glencore Agri included in the consolidated statement of income until loss of control are detailed below:

US$ million

Revenue

Cost of goods sold

Selling and administrative expenses

Share of income from associates

Gain on disposals and investments

Other expense – net

Interest income

Interest expense

Income before income taxes from discontinued operations

Income tax expense

Gain on disposal of Glencore Agri, including items recycled to the statement of income of $602 million 

Income for the year from discontinued operations

Attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Equity holders of the Parent

Earnings per share – discontinued operations:

Basic (US$)

Diluted (US$)

The net cash flows incurred by Glencore Agri are as follows:

US$ million

Net cash (used)/generated from operating activities, after working capital changes

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash generated/(used) in financing activities

Net cash (used)/generated in discontinued operations

2016

20,885

(20,256)

(175)

2015

23,146

(22,449)

(175)

15

33

(26)

9

(79)

406

(131)

275

1,848

2,123

–

2,123

0.15

0.15

2016

(855)

(11)

671

(195)

2

–

(70)

12

(103)

363

(107)

256

–

256

–

256

0.02

0.02

2015

1,276

(677)

(579)

20

180 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

EHM

In October 2016, Glencore entered into an agreement with Evolution Mining Limited (“Evolution”), whereby Glencore received 
$669 million cash in return for a 30% economic interest in the Ernest Henry Mine mining operation (“EHM”) and an entitlement to 100% of 
the gold produced from Glencore’s remaining 70% interest in EHM. The consideration received was allocated between the two elements of 
the transaction (sale of the 30% interest and the 70% gold prepaid streaming arrangement) by estimating the fair value of the gold stream 
by reference to the net present value of the anticipated gold to be delivered over the life of mine ($471 million) with the residual amount 
representing the consideration for the 30% interest ($198 million). Also see note 19. As part of the transaction, Glencore and Evolution 
entered into a 70/30 joint venture agreement governing the operations of EHM. As Glencore is no longer able to unilaterally direct the key 
strategic, operating and capital decisions of EHM, it is deemed to have lost control of EHM and, together with Evolution, jointly controls 
it. As the new arrangement is an unincorporated joint venture, Glencore derecognised 30% of the identified assets and liabilities of EHM 
against the proceeds received as noted above.

GRail

In December 2016, Glencore disposed of its New South Wales’ coal rail haulage business to Genesee & Wyoming for cash consideration of 
$840 million (A$1.1 billion). 

2015 Disposals

In 2015, Glencore disposed of its controlling interest in Tampakan and Falcondo. Furthermore, upon Optimum Coal commencing business 
rescue proceedings, Glencore ceased having control over Optimum in August 2015. As a result of such loss of control, Optimum was no 
longer accounted for as a subsidiary and has been deconsolidated (see note 3).

The carrying value of the assets and liabilities over which control was lost and net cash received from these disposals are detailed below:

US$ million

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Loans and advances

Current assets

Inventories

Accounts receivable

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-controlling interest

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Deferred income

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

Deferred income

Provisions

Carrying value of net assets/(liabilities) disposed

Less: Cash and cash equivalents received

Add: Foreign currency translation losses recycled 
to the statement of income

Net (gain)/loss on disposal

Cash and cash equivalents received

Less: Cash and cash equivalents disposed

Net cash received from disposal

1  Includes associated impairments of $152 million (see note 3).

Tampakan

Falcondo

Optimum1

Other

Total

161

–

1

162

–

21

–

21

(14)

(142)

–

–

(8)

(150)

(3)

–

–

(3)

16

(208)

–

(192)

208

–

208

11

–

–

11

45

12

1

58

–

–

–

(1)

(110)

(111)

(5)

–

–

(5)

(47)

(40)

–

(87)

40

(1)

39

809

712

256

1,777

39

34

15

88

(243)

(277)

(150)

(203)

(137)

(767)

(64)

(62)

(6)

(132)

723

–

311

1,034

–

(15)

(15)

5

–

–

5

12

12

22

46

–

–

–

(1)

–

(1)

(42)

–

–

(42)

8

(2)

–

6

2

(22)

(20)

986

712

257

1,955

96

79

38

213

(257)

(419)

(150)

(205)

(255)

(1,029)

(114)

(62)

(6)

(182)

700

(250)

311

761

250

(38)

212

Glencore Annual Report 2016

181

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

24. FINANCIAL AND CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial risks arising in the normal course of business from Glencore’s operations comprise market risk (including commodity price 
risk, interest rate risk and currency risk), credit risk (including performance risk) and liquidity risk. It is Glencore’s policy and practice to 
identify and, where appropriate and practical, actively manage such risks (for management of “margin” risk within Glencore’s extensive 
and diversified industrial portfolio, refer net present value at risk below) to support its objectives in managing its capital and future 
financial security and flexibility. Glencore’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and 
seeks to protect its financial security and flexibility by using derivative financial instruments where possible to substantially hedge these 
financial risks. Glencore’s finance and risk professionals, working in coordination with the commodity departments, monitor, manage and 
report regularly to senior management and the Board of Directors on the approach and effectiveness in managing financial risks along 
with the financial exposures facing the Group.

Glencore’s objectives in managing its “capital attributable to equity holders” include preserving its overall financial health and strength 
for the benefit of all stakeholders, maintaining an optimal capital structure in order to provide a high degree of financial flexibility at an 
attractive cost of capital and safeguarding its ability to continue as a going concern, while generating sustainable long-term profitability. 
Central to meeting these objectives is maintaining an investment grade credit rating status. Glencore’s current credit ratings are Baa3 
(stable) from Moody’s and BBB- (positive outlook) from S&P.

Distribution policy and other capital management initiatives

In September 2015, the Board determined that no cash distributions would be made in 2016, in an effort to preserve capital and investment 
grade credit ratings. In December 2016, Glencore announced the reinstatement of distributions to shareholders. Initially Glencore will 
return approximately $1 billion to shareholders in two equal tranches in 2017, to be paid following preliminary full-year results and 
half-year results. In 2018, the new cash distribution policy, in respect of 2017 cash flows, comprises the fixed $1 billion component and 
a variable element representing a minimum 25% of free cash flow attributable to our industrial assets. The actual variable distribution 
component (minimum 25% pay-out guidance) will reflect prevailing market conditions and outlook and be confirmed annually in respect 
of prior period’s cash flows. Distributions are expected to be formally declared by the Board semi-annually (with the preliminary full-year 
results and half-year results). Distributions, when declared, will be paid in US dollars, although shareholders will be able to elect to receive 
their distribution payments in Pounds Sterling, Euros or Swiss Francs based on the exchange rates in effect around the date of payment. 
Shareholders on the Hong Kong branch register will receive their distributions in Hong Kong dollars, while shareholders on the JSE will 
receive their distributions in South African Rand.

Commodity price risk

Glencore is exposed to price movements for the inventory it holds and the products it produces which are not held to meet priced forward 
contract obligations and forward priced purchase or sale contracts. Glencore manages a significant portion of this exposure through 
futures and options transactions on worldwide commodity exchanges or in over the counter (“OTC”) markets, to the extent available. 
Commodity price risk management activities are considered an integral part of Glencore’s physical commodity marketing activities and 
the related assets and liabilities are included in other financial assets from and other financial liabilities to derivative counterparties, 
including clearing brokers and exchanges. Whilst it is Glencore’s policy to substantially hedge its commodity price risks, there remains 
the possibility that the hedging instruments chosen may not always provide effective mitigation of the underlying price risk. The hedging 
instruments available to the marketing businesses may differ in specific characteristics to the risk exposure to be hedged, resulting in 
an ongoing and unavoidable basis risk exposure. Residual basis risk exposures represent a key focus point for Glencore’s commodity 
department teams who actively engage in the management of such.

Value at risk

One of the tools used by Glencore to monitor and limit its primary market risk exposure, principally commodity price risk related to its 
physical marketing activities, is of a value at risk (“VaR”) computation. VaR is a risk measurement technique which estimates a threshold 
for potential loss that could occur on risk positions as a result of movements in risk factors over a specified time horizon, given a specific 
level of confidence and based on a specific price history. The VaR methodology is a statistically defined, probability-based approach 
that takes into account market volatilities, as well as risk diversification by recognising offsetting positions and correlations between 
commodities and markets. In this way, risks can be measured consistently across markets and commodities and risk measures can be 
aggregated to derive a single risk value. Glencore’s Board has set a consolidated VaR limit (one day 95% confidence level) of $100 million 
representing less than 0.5% of total equity, which the Board reviews annually. In Q2 2016, this limit was technically breached for 1 day 
by $1 million as the VaR calculation did not account for the future physical coal production that was economically hedged with the 
corresponding captured and reported on coal derivatives. If such underlying hedged exposure had been included in the VaR calculation, 
the actual VaR number would have been substantially lower, with no resulting technical breach. Much of this hedge book has now 
been realised.

Glencore uses a VaR approach based on Monte Carlo simulations computed at a 95% confidence level and utilising a weighted data history 
for a one-day time horizon.

Position sheets are regularly distributed and monitored and daily Monte Carlo simulations are applied to the various business groups’ net 
marketing positions to determine potential losses. 

182 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Market risk VaR (one-day 95% confidence level) ranges and year-end positions were as follows:

US$ million

Year-end position

Average during the year

High during the year

Low during the year

2016

31

42

101

16

2015

18

35

52

17

VaR does not purport to represent actual gains or losses in fair value on earnings to be incurred by Glencore, nor does Glencore claim that 
these VaR results are indicative of future market movements or representative of any actual impact on its future results. VaR should always 
be viewed in the context of its limitations; notably, the use of historical data as a proxy for estimating future events, market illiquidity risks 
and tail risks. Glencore recognises these limitations, and thus complements and continuously refines its VaR analysis by analysing forward 
looking stress scenarios, benchmarking against an alternative VaR computation based on historical simulations and back testing calculated 
VaR against the hypothetical portfolio returns arising in the next business day.

Glencore’s VaR computation currently covers its business in the key base metals (including aluminium, nickel, zinc, copper and lead), 
coal, iron ore and oil/natural gas and assesses the open priced positions which are subject to price risk, including inventories of these 
commodities. Due to the lack of a liquid terminal market, Glencore does not include a VaR calculation for products such as alumina, 
molybdenum, cobalt, freight and some risk associated with concentrates as it does not consider the nature of these markets to be suited to 
this type of analysis. Alternative measures are used to monitor exposures related to these products.

Net present value at risk

Glencore’s future cash flows related to its forecast energy, metals and minerals and agricultural production activities are also exposed to 
commodity price movements. Glencore manages this exposure through a combination of portfolio diversification, occasional shorter-term 
hedging via futures and options transactions, insurance products and continuous internal monitoring, reporting and quantification of the 
underlying operations’ estimated cash flows and valuations.

Interest rate risk

Glencore is exposed to various risks associated with the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing levels of market interest rates on its assets 
and liabilities and cash flows. Matching of assets and liabilities is utilised as the dominant method to hedge interest rate risks; other 
methods include the use of interest rate swaps and similar derivative instruments. Floating rate debt which is predominantly used to fund 
fast turning working capital (interest is internally charged on the funding of this working capital) is primarily based on US$ LIBOR plus 
an appropriate premium. Accordingly, prevailing market interest rates are continuously factored into transactional pricing and terms.

Assuming the amount of floating rate liabilities at the reporting period end were outstanding for the whole year, interest rates were 50 
basis points higher/lower and all other variables held constant, Glencore’s income and equity for the year ended 31 December 2016 would 
decrease/increase by $100 million (2015: $134 million).

Currency risk

The US dollar is the predominant functional currency of the Group. Currency risk is the risk of loss from movements in exchange rates 
related to transactions and balances in currencies other than the US dollar. Such transactions include operating expenditure, capital 
expenditure and to a lesser extent purchases and sales in currencies other than the functional currency. Purchases or sales of commodities 
concluded in currencies other than the functional currency, apart from certain limited domestic sales at industrial operations which act 
as a hedge against local operating costs, are ordinarily hedged through forward exchange contracts. Consequently, foreign exchange 
movements against the US dollar on recognised transactions would have an immaterial financial impact. Glencore enters into currency 
hedging transactions with leading financial institutions.

Glencore’s debt related payments (both principal and interest) are overwhelmingly denominated in or swapped using hedging 
instruments into US dollars. Glencore’s operating expenses, being a small portion of its revenue base, are incurred in a mix of currencies of 
which the US dollar, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Euro, Kazakhstan Tenge, Colombian Peso and South 
African Rand are the predominant currencies.

Glencore has issued Euro, Swiss Franc, Sterling, Yen and Australian dollar denominated bonds (see note 18). Cross currency swaps were 
concluded to hedge the currency risk on the principal and related interest payments of these bonds. These contracts were designated as 
cash flow hedges of the foreign currency risks associated with the bonds. The fair value of these derivatives is as follows:

US$ million

Cross currency swap agreements – 2016

Cross currency swap agreements – 2015

1  Refer to note 18 for details.

Notional amounts

Recognised fair values

Buy

–

–

Sell

14,179

15,905

Assets

Liabilities

26

34

2,873

2,418

Average
maturity¹

2020

2020

Glencore Annual Report 2016

183

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

24. FINANCIAL AND CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

Credit risk

Credit risk arises from the possibility that counterparties may not be able to settle obligations due to Glencore within their agreed payment 
terms. Financial assets which potentially expose Glencore to credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and 
advances, derivative instruments and non-current advances and loans. Glencore’s credit management process includes the assessment, 
monitoring and reporting of counterparty exposure on a regular basis. Glencore’s cash and cash equivalents are placed overnight with a 
diverse group of highly credit rated financial institutions. Credit risk with respect to receivables and advances is mitigated by the large 
number of customers comprising Glencore’s customer base, their diversity across various industries and geographical areas, as well as 
Glencore’s policy to mitigate these risks through letters of credit, netting, collateral and insurance arrangements where appropriate. 
Additionally, it is Glencore’s policy that transactions and activities in trade related financial instruments be concluded under master 
netting agreements or long form confirmations to enable offsetting of balances due to/from a common counterparty in the event of default 
by the counterparty. Glencore actively and continuously monitors the credit quality of its counterparties through internal reviews and a 
credit scoring process, which includes, where available, public credit ratings. Balances with counterparties not having a public investment 
grade or equivalent internal rating are typically enhanced to investment grade through the extensive use of credit enhancement products, 
such as letters of credit or insurance products. Glencore has a diverse customer base, with no customer representing more than 2.9% 
(2015: 1.9%) of its trade receivables (on a gross basis taking into account credit enhancements) or accounting for more than 3.9% of its 
revenues over the year ended 31 December 2016 (2015: 4.7%).

The maximum exposure to credit risk (including performance risk – see below), without considering netting agreements or without taking 
account of any collateral held or other credit enhancements, is equal to the carrying amount of Glencore’s financial assets (see note 25).

Performance risk

Performance risk (part of the broader credit risk subject matter, discussed above) is inherent in contracts, with agreements in the future, to 
physically purchase or sell commodities with fixed price attributes, and arises from the possibility that counterparties may not be willing 
or able to meet their future contractual physical sale or purchase obligations to/from Glencore. Glencore undertakes the assessment, 
monitoring and reporting of performance risk within its overall credit management process. Glencore’s market breadth, diversified 
supplier and customer base as well as the standard pricing mechanism in the vast majority of Glencore’s commodity portfolio which does 
not fix prices beyond three months, with the main exception being coal, where longer-term fixed price contracts are common, ensure that 
performance risk is adequately mitigated. The commodity industry has trended towards shorter-term fixed price contract periods, in part 
to mitigate against such potential performance risk, but also due to the development of more transparent and liquid spot markets, e.g. 
coal and iron ore and associated derivative products and indexes.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that Glencore is unable to meet its payment obligations when due, or that it is unable, on an ongoing basis, 
to borrow funds in the market on an unsecured or secured basis at an acceptable price to fund actual or proposed commitments. 
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents and availability of adequate committed 
funding facilities. Glencore has set itself an internal minimum liquidity target to maintain at all times, including via available committed 
undrawn credit facilities of $3 billion (2015: $3 billion), which has purposely been substantially exceeded in recent years, accounting for the 
more volatile market backdrop. Glencore’s credit profile, diversified funding sources and committed credit facilities, ensure that sufficient 
liquid funds are maintained to meet its liquidity requirements. As part of its liquidity management, Glencore closely monitors and plans 
for its future capital expenditure and proposed investments, as well as credit facility refinancing/extension requirements, well ahead 
of time.

As at 31 December 2016, Glencore had available committed undrawn credit facilities, cash and marketable securities amounting to 
$16,740 million (2015: $15,155 million). The maturity profile of Glencore’s financial liabilities based on the contractual terms is as follows:

US$ million  
2016

Borrowings

Expected future interest payments

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Total

Current assets

After 5 years

Due 3 – 5 years

Due 2 – 3 years

Due 1 – 2 years

Due 0 – 1 year

10,687

3,318

–

403

14,408

5,726

1,018

–

–

2,937

616

–

–

3,838

650

–

–

6,744

3,553

4,488

10,030

635

26,176

6,386

43,227

43,412

Total

33,218

6,237

26,176

6,789

72,420

43,412

184 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

US$ million  
2015

Borrowings

Expected future interest payments

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Total

Current assets

25. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value of financial instruments

After 5 years

Due 3 – 5 years

Due 2 – 3 years

Due 1 – 2 years

Due 0 – 1 year

11,401

3,965

–

186

10,949

1,515

–

–

2,823

796

–

–

7,759

814

–

–

15,552

12,464

3,619

8,573

11,117

935

24,088

4,931

41,071

42,198

Total

44,049

8,025

24,088

5,117

81,279

42,198

The following tables present the carrying values and fair values of Glencore’s financial instruments. Fair value is the price that would 
be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction in the principal (most advantageous) market at 
the measurement date under current market conditions. Where available, market values have been used to determine fair values. 
When market values are not available, fair values have been calculated by discounting expected cash flows at prevailing market interest 
and exchange rates. The estimated fair values have been determined using market information and appropriate valuation methodologies, 
but are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Glencore could realise in the normal course of business.

The financial assets and liabilities are presented by class in the tables below at their carrying values, which generally approximate 
the fair values with the exception of $33,218 million (2015: $44,049 million) of borrowings, the fair value of which at 31 December 
2016 was $33,673 million (2015: $39,406 million) based on observable market prices applied to the borrowing portfolio (a Level 2 fair 
value measurement).

US$ million  
2016 

Assets

Other investments3

Advances and loans

Accounts receivable

Other financial assets (see note 26)

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities4

Total financial assets

Liabilities

Borrowings

Non-current other financial liabilities (see note 26)

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities (see note 26)

Total financial liabilities

Carrying
value1

Available  
for sale

 FVtPL2

Total

–

3,483

20,066

–

–

1,457

–

–

–

–

23,549

1,457

33,218

–

26,176

–

59,394

–

–

–

–

–

296

–

–

2,212

2,518

5,026

–

403

–

6,386

6,789

1,753

3,483

20,066

2,212

2,518

30,032

33,218

403

26,176

6,386

66,183

1  Carrying value comprises investments, loans, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities measured at amortised cost.

2  FVtPL – Fair value through profit and loss – held for trading.

3  Other investments of $1,715 million are classified as Level 1 measured using quoted market prices with the remaining balance of $38 million being investments in private companies 
whose fair value cannot be reliably measured and therefore carried at cost. The movement in Level 1 measured investments compared to prior year (see below), mainly relates to the 
Group’s share in Russneft, which after the listing on the Moscow stock exchange in November 2016, is measured at fair value.

4  Classified as Level 1, measured using quoted exchange rates and/or market prices.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

185

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

25. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
US$ million  
2015 

Assets

Other investments3

Advances and loans

Accounts receivable

Other financial assets (see note 26)

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities4

Total financial assets

Liabilities

Borrowings

Non-current other financial liabilities (see note 26)

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities (see note 26)

Total financial liabilities

Carrying
value1

Available  
for sale

FVtPL2

Total

–

3,005

17,001

–

–

1,092

–

–

–

–

20,006

1,092

44,049

–

24,088

–

68,137

–

–

–

–

–

213

–

–

3,701

2,746

6,660

–

186

–

4,931

5,117

1,305

3,005

17,001

3,701

2,746

27,758

44,049

186

24,088

4,931

73,254

1  Carrying value comprises investments, loans, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities measured at amortised cost.

2  FVtPL – Fair value through profit and loss – held for trading.

3  Other investments of $568 million are classified as Level 1 measured using quoted market prices with the remaining balance of $737 million being investments in private companies 

whose fair value cannot be reliably measured and therefore carried at cost. 

4  Classified as Level 1, measured using quoted exchange rates and/or market prices.

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities

In accordance with IAS 32 the Group reports financial assets and liabilities on a net basis in the consolidated statement of financial position 
only if there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise the 
asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting and similar 
agreements as at 31 December 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Amounts eligible for set off  
under netting agreements

Related amounts not set off 
under netting agreements

US$ million  
2016 

Derivative assets1

Derivative liabilities1

Gross  
amount

10,679

(14,288)

Amounts  
offset

Net  
amount 

Financial 
instruments

Financial 
collateral

(9,834)

9,834

845

(4,454)

(288)

288

(171)

3,784

1  Presented within current other financial assets and current other financial liabilities.

Amounts  
not subject  
to netting 
agreements

1,367

(1,932)

Net  
amount

386

(382)

Amounts eligible for set off  
under netting agreements

Related amounts not set off 
under netting agreements

US$ million  
2015 

Derivative assets1

Derivative liabilities1

Gross  
amount

6,164

(6,799)

Amounts  
offset

(4,282)

4,282

Net  
amount 

1,882

(2,517)

Financial 
instruments

Financial 
collateral

(406)

406

(494)

1,674

Net  
amount

982

(437)

1  Presented within current other financial assets and current other financial liabilities.

Amounts  
not subject  
to netting 
agreements

1,819

(2,414)

Total as  
presented  
in the 
consolidated 
statement  
of financial 
position

2,212

(6,386)

Total as  
presented  
in the 
consolidated 
statement  
of financial 
position

3,701

(4,931)

For the financial assets and liabilities subject to enforceable master netting or similar arrangements above, each agreement between the 
Group and the counterparty allows for net settlement of the relevant financial assets and liabilities when both elect to settle on a net basis. 
In the absence of such an election, financial assets and liabilities may be settled on a gross basis, however, each party to the master netting 
or similar agreement will have the option to settle all such amounts on a net basis in the event of default of the other party. Per the terms 
of each agreement, an event of default includes failure by a party to make payment when due, failure by a party to perform any obligation 
required by the agreement (other than payment) if such failure is not remedied within periods of 30 to 60 days after notice of such failure is 
given to the party or bankruptcy.

186 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

26. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair values are primarily determined using quoted market prices or standard pricing models using observable market inputs where 
available and are presented to reflect the expected gross future cash in/outflows. Glencore classifies the fair values of its financial 
instruments into a three level hierarchy based on the degree of the source and observability of the inputs that are used to derive the fair 
value of the financial asset or liability as follows:

Level 1  

 Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Glencore can assess at the 
measurement date; or

Level 2  

Inputs other than quoted inputs included in Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; or

Level 3   Unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities, requiring Glencore to make market-based assumptions.

Level 1 classifications primarily include futures with a tenor of less than one year and options that are exchange traded, whereas Level 
2 classifications primarily include futures with a tenor greater than one year, over the counter options, swaps and physical forward 
transactions which derive their fair value primarily from exchange quotes and readily observable broker quotes. Level 3 classifications 
primarily include physical forward transactions which derive their fair value predominantly from models that use broker quotes and 
applicable market-based estimates surrounding location, quality and credit differentials and financial liabilities linked to the fair value of 
certain mining operations. In circumstances where Glencore cannot verify fair value with observable market inputs (Level 3 fair values), it 
is possible that a different valuation model could produce a materially different estimate of fair value.

It is Glencore’s policy that transactions and activities in trade related financial instruments be concluded under master netting agreements 
or long form confirmations to enable balances due to/from a common counterparty to be offset in the event of default, insolvency or 
bankruptcy by the counterparty.

The following tables show the fair values of the derivative financial instruments including trade related financial and physical forward 
purchase and sale commitments by type of contract and non-current other financial liabilities as at 31 December 2016 and 2015. 
Other assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are marketing inventories, other investments, cash and 
cash equivalents and marketable securities. Refer to notes 11 and 25 for disclosures in connection with these fair value measurements. 
There are no non-recurring fair value measurements.

Other financial assets
US$ million  
2016 

Commodity related contracts

Futures

Options

Swaps

Physical forwards

Financial contracts

Cross currency swaps

Foreign currency and interest rate contracts

Total

US$ million  
2015 

Commodity related contracts

Futures

Options

Swaps

Physical forwards

Financial contracts

Cross currency swaps

Foreign currency and interest rate contracts

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

207

31

166

–

–

–

154

37

146

763

26

124

404

1,250

–

–

–

558

–

–

558

361

68

312

1,321

26

124

2,212

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

889

30

112

–

–

–

1,031

246

15

556

1,299

34

296

2,446

–

–

–

224

–

–

224

1,135

45

668

1,523

34

296

3,701

Glencore Annual Report 2016

187

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

26. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued) 

Other financial liabilities

US$ million  
2016 

Commodity related contracts

Futures

Options

Swaps

Physical forwards

Financial contracts

Cross currency swaps

Foreign currency and interest rate contracts

Current other financial liabilities

Non-current other financial liabilities

Non-discretionary dividend obligation1

Non-current other financial liabilities

Total

US$ million  
2015 

Commodity related contracts

Futures

Options

Swaps

Physical forwards

Financial contracts

Cross currency swaps

Foreign currency and interest rate contracts

Current other financial liabilities

Non-current other financial liabilities

Non-discretionary dividend obligation1

Non-current other financial liabilities

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

1,068

5

846

–

–

–

1,919

–

–

150

12

321

859

2,873

43

4,258

–

–

1,919

4,258

–

6

–

203

–

–

209

403

403

612

1,218

23

1,167

1,062

2,873

43

6,386

403

403

6,789

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

414

40

197

–

–

3

654

–

–

654

33

4

323

1,156

2,418

137

4,071

–

–

4,071

–

1

–

205

–

–

206

186

186

392

447

45

520

1,361

2,418

137

4,931

186

186

5,117

1  A ZAR denominated derivative liability payable to ARM Coal, one of the Group’s principal coal joint operations based in South Africa. The liability arises from ARM Coal’s rights as 
an investor to a share of agreed free cash flows from certain coal operations in South Africa and is valued based on those cash flows using a risk adjusted discount rate. The derivative 
liability is settled over the life of those operations (modelled mine life of 20 years as at 31 December 2016) and has no fixed repayment date and is not cancellable within 12 months.

188 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

The following table shows the net changes in fair value of Level 3 other financial assets and other financial liabilities:

US$ million 

1 January 2015

Total gain/(loss) recognised in cost of goods sold

Cancellation of put option over non-controlling interest

Non-discretionary dividend obligation

Realised

31 December 2015

1 January 2016

Total gain/(loss) recognised in cost of goods sold

Non-discretionary dividend obligation

Realised

31 December 2016

Physical 
forwards

75

36

–

–

(92)

19

19

258

–

78

355

Options

(724)

(1)

685

–

39

(1)

(1)

(6)

–

1

(6)

Other

(295)

–

–

109

–

(186)

(186)

–

(217)

–

(403)

Total  
Level 3

(944)

35

685

109

(53)

(168)

(168)

252

(217)

79

(54)

During the year no amounts were transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and no amounts were transferred 
into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for either other financial assets or other financial liabilities. 

Some of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The following 
table provides information about how the fair values of these financial assets and financial liabilities are determined, in particular, the 
valuation techniques and inputs used.

Fair value of financial assets/financial liabilities
US$ million 

Futures – Level 1

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Quoted bid prices in an active market

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Futures – Level 2

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Discounted cash flow model

Assets

Liabilities

Assets 

Liabilities

2016

207

(1,068)

154

(150)

2015

889

(414)

246

(33)

Inputs include observable quoted prices sourced from exchanges or traded reference indices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities. Prices are adjusted by a discount rate which captures the 
time value of money and counterparty credit considerations, as required.

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Options – Level 1

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Quoted bid prices in an active market

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Options – Level 2

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Discounted cash flow model

Assets 

Liabilities

Assets 

Liabilities

31

(5)

37

(12)

30

(40)

15

(4)

Inputs include observable quoted prices sourced from exchanges or traded reference indices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities. Prices are adjusted by a discount rate which captures the 
time value of money and counterparty credit considerations, as required.

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Options – Level 3

Assets 

Liabilities

–

(6)

–

(1)

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Standard option pricing model

Significant unobservable inputs:

Prices are adjusted by volatility differentials. This significant unobservable input generally represents 
2% – 20% of the overall value of the instruments. A change to a reasonably possible alternative 
assumption would not result in a material change in the underlying value.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

189

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

26. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued) 

Fair value of financial assets/financial liabilities
US$ million 

Swaps – Level 1

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Quoted bid prices in an active market

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Swaps – Level 2

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Discounted cash flow model

Assets 

Liabilities

Assets 

Liabilities

2016

166

(846)

146

(321)

2015

112

(197)

556

(323)

Inputs include observable quoted prices sourced from exchanges or traded reference indices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities. Prices are adjusted by a discount rate which captures the 
time value of money and counterparty credit considerations, as required.

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Physical Forwards – Level 2

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Discounted cash flow model

Assets

Liabilities

763

(859)

1,299

(1,156)

Inputs include observable quoted prices sourced from exchanges or traded reference indices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities. Prices are adjusted by a discount rate which captures the 
time value of money and counterparty credit considerations, such as history of non-performance, 
collateral held and current market developments, as required.

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Physical Forwards – Level 3

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Discounted cash flow model

Assets

Liabilities

558

(203)

224

(205)

Valuation of the Group’s commodity physical forward contracts categorised within this level is based 
on observable market prices that are adjusted by unobservable differentials, as required, including:

– Quality;

– Geographic location;

– Local supply & demand;

– Customer requirements; and

– Counterparty credit considerations.

These significant unobservable inputs generally represent 2% – 30% of the overall value of the 
instruments. These differentials are generally symmetrical with an increase/decrease in one 
input resulting in an opposite movement in another input, resulting in no material change in the 
underlying value.

190 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Fair value of financial assets/financial liabilities
US$ million 

Cross currency swaps – Level 2

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Discounted cash flow model

Assets

Liabilities

2016

26

2015

34

(2,873)

(2,418)

Inputs include observable quoted prices sourced from exchanges or traded reference indices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities. Prices are adjusted by a discount rate which captures the 
time value of money and counterparty credit considerations, as required.

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Foreign currency and interest rate contracts – Level 1

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Quoted bid prices in an active market

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Foreign currency and interest rate contracts – Level 2

Valuation techniques and key inputs:

Discounted cash flow model

Assets

Liabilities

Assets 

Liabilities

–

–

124

(43)

–

(3)

296

(137)

Inputs include observable quoted prices sourced from exchanges or traded reference indices in active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities. Prices are adjusted by a discount rate which captures the 
time value of money and counterparty credit considerations, as required.

Significant unobservable inputs:

None

Non-discretionary dividend obligation – Level 3

Valuation techniques:

Discounted cash flow model

Significant observable inputs:

– Forecast commodity prices;

Assets

Liabilities

–

(403)

–

(186)

–  Discount rates using weighted average cost of 

capital methodology;

– Production models;

– Operating costs; and

– Capital expenditures.

The resultant liability is essentially a discounted cash flow valuation of the underlying mining 
operation. Increases/decreases in forecast commodity prices will result in an increase/decrease 
to the value of the liability though this will be partially offset by associated increases/decreases 
in the assumed production levels, operating costs and capital expenditures which are inherently 
linked to forecast commodity prices. The valuation remains sensitive to price and a 10% increase/
decrease in commodity price assumptions would result in an $127 million adjustment to the current 
carrying value.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

191

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

27. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION
US$ million

Remuneration in respect of the audit of Glencore’s consolidated financial statements

Other audit fees, primarily in respect of audits of accounts of subsidiaries

Audit-related assurance services1

Total audit and related assurance fees

Transaction services

Taxation compliance services

Other taxation advisory services

Other assurance services

Total non-audit fees

Total professional fees

2016

2015

3

17

2

22

3

3

2

1

9

31

3

19

3

25

–

3

2

1

6

31

1  Audit-related assurance services primarily related to interim reviews of the Group’s half-year accounts and quarterly accounts of the Group’s publicly listed subsidiaries.

28. FUTURE COMMITMENTS

Capital expenditure for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment is generally funded through the cash flow generated by the 
respective industrial entities. As at 31 December 2016, $776 million (2015: $1,088 million), of which 81% (2015: 77%) relates to expenditure to 
be incurred over the next year, was contractually committed for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment.

Certain of Glencore’s exploration tenements and licences require it to spend a minimum amount per year on development activities, a 
significant portion of which would have been incurred in the ordinary course of operations. As at 31 December 2016, $177 million (2015: 
$144 million) of such development expenditures are to be incurred, of which 20% (2015: 29%) are for commitments to be settled over the 
next year.

Glencore procures seagoing vessels/chartering services to meet its overall marketing objectives and commitments. As at 31 December 2016, 
Glencore has committed to future hire costs to meet future physical delivery and sale obligations and expectations of $217 million (2015: 
$894 million), of which $105 million (2015: $145 million) are with associated companies. 46% (2015: 60%) of the total charters are for services 
to be received over the next two years.

As part of Glencore’s ordinary sourcing and procurement of physical commodities and other ordinary marketing obligations, the 
selling party may request that a financial institution act as either a) the paying party upon the delivery of product and qualifying 
documents through the issuance of a letter of credit or b) the guarantor by way of issuing a bank guarantee accepting responsibility for 
Glencore’s contractual obligations. Similarly, Glencore is required to post rehabilitation and pension guarantees in respect of some of 
these future, primarily industrial, long-term obligations. As at 31 December 2016, $17,358 million (2015: $15,385 million) of procurement 
and $2,972 million (2015: $2,642 million) of rehabilitation and pension commitments have been issued on behalf of Glencore, which will 
generally be settled simultaneously with the payment for such commodity and rehabilitation and pension obligations.

Glencore has entered into various operating leases mainly as lessee for office and warehouse/storage facilities. Rental expenses for these 
leases totalled respectively $157 million and $237 million for the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2015. Future net minimum lease 
payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

US$ million

Within 1 year

Between 2 – 5 years

After 5 years

Total

2016

106

245

97

448

2015

143

346

170

659

192 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Glencore has entered into finance leases for various plant and equipment items, primarily vessels and machinery. Future net minimum 
lease payments under finance leases together with the future finance charges are as follows:

US$ million

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After 5 years

Total minimum lease payments

Less: amounts representing finance lease charges

Present value of minimum lease payments

29. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Undiscounted minimum  
lease payments

Present value of minimum  
lease payments

2016

99

259

222

580

179

401

2015

116

267

277

660

196

464

2016

75

172

154

401

–

401

2015

88

193

183

464

–

464

The amount of corporate guarantees in favour of third parties as at 31 December 2016 was $Nil (2015: $Nil). Also see note 9.

The Group is subject to various claims which arise in the ordinary course of business as detailed below. These contingent liabilities are 
reviewed on a regular basis and where practical an estimate is made of the potential financial impact on the Group. As at 31 December 2016 
and 2015 it was not practical to make such an assessment.

Litigation

Certain legal actions, other claims and unresolved disputes are pending against Glencore. Whilst Glencore cannot predict the results of 
any litigation, it believes that it has meritorious defences against those actions or claims. Glencore believes the likelihood of any material 
liability arising from these claims to be remote and that the liability, if any, therefore resulting from any litigation will not have a material 
adverse effect on its consolidated income, financial position or cash flows.

Environmental contingencies

Glencore’s operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations. Glencore is in material compliance with those laws 
and regulations. Glencore accrues for environmental contingencies when such contingencies are probable and reasonably estimable. 
Such accruals are adjusted as new information develops or circumstances change. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from 
insurance companies and other parties are recorded as assets when the recoveries are virtually certain. At this time, Glencore is unaware 
of any material environmental incidents at its locations. Any potential liability arising from these allegations is not expected to have a 
material adverse effect on its consolidated income, financial position or cash flows.

30. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the normal course of business, Glencore enters into various arm’s length transactions with related parties, including fixed price 
commitments to sell and to purchase commodities, forward sale and purchase contracts, agency agreements and management service 
agreements. Outstanding balances at period end are unsecured and settlement occurs in cash (see notes 10, 12, and 22). There have been no 
guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables or payables.

All transactions between Glencore and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation along with any unrealised profits and losses 
between its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. In 2016, sales and purchases with associates and joint ventures amounted to 
$1,570 million (2015: $1,196 million) and $3,194 million (2015: $3,562 million) respectively. 

Remuneration of key management personnel

Glencore’s key management personnel are the members of the Board of Directors, CEO, CFO and the heads of the operating segments. 
The remuneration of Directors and other members of key management personnel recognised in the consolidated statement of income 
including salaries and other current employee benefits amounted to $13 million (2015: $10 million). There were no other long-term benefits 
or share-based payments to key management personnel (2015: $Nil). Further details on remuneration of Directors are set out in the 
Director’s remuneration report on page 99.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

193

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

31. PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES WITH MATERIAL NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Non-controlling interest is comprised of the following:

US$ million

Kazzinc

Koniambo

Katanga

Mutanda

Alumbrera

Other1

Total 

2016

1,396

(2,653)

(511)

767

118

421

(462)

2015

1,316

(2,460)

(196)

713

126

590

89

1  Other comprises various subsidiaries in which no individual balance attributable to non-controlling interests is material.

Summarised financial information in respect of Glencore’s subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interest as at 31 December 2016, 
reflecting 100% of the underlying subsidiary’s relevant figures, is set out below. 

US$ million 

31 December 2016

Non-current assets

Current assets

Total assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests in %

2016

Revenue

Expenses

Net profit/(loss) for the year

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company

Other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

Total net cash inflow/(outflow)

Kazzinc

Koniambo

Katanga

Mutanda

4,703

1,014

5,717

719

391

1,110

4,607

3,211

1,396

30.3%

2,602

(2,211)

 391

 273

 118

 –

 –

 391

(38)

856

(122)

(567)

167

1,226

294

1,520

9,494

101

9,595

(8,075)

(5,422)

(2,653)

51.0%

152

(529)

(377)

(184)

(193)

–

–

(377)

–

–

(263)

210

(53)

4,424

652

5,076

3,380

1,848

5,228

(152)

359

(511)1

24.7%

–

(625)

(625)

(310)

(315)1

–

–

(625)

–

(161)

(213)

338

(36)

4,763

549

5,312

1,885

281

2,166

3,146

2,379

767

31.0%

1,322

(1,147)

175

121

54

–

–

175

–

428

(234)

(195)

(1)

1  Glencore has a 75.3% interest in Katanga Mining Limited, which in turn has a 75% interest in Kamoto Copper Company (“KCC”) the entity engaged in copper mining activities. 

The “non-controlling interests” balance includes negative $629 million and the “profit attributable to non-controlling interests” balance includes negative $214 million related to non-
controlling interests arising at the KCC level.

194 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

US$ million

31 December 2015

Non-current assets

Current assets

Total assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests in %

2015

Revenue

Expenses

Net (loss)/profit for the year

Profit attributable to owners of the Company

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company

Other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

Total net cash inflow/(outflow)

Kazzinc

Koniambo

Katanga

Mutanda

4,796

872

5,668

975

344

1,319

4,349

3,033

1,316

30.3%

2,244

(2,494)

(250)

(174)

(76)

–

–

(250)

(10)

591

(262)

(319)

10

958

337

1,295

8,878

114

8,992

(7,697)

(5,237)

(2,460)

51.0%

–

(4,824)

(4,824)

(2,364)

(2,460)

–

–

(4,824)

–

–

(360)

404

44

4,468

639

5,107

3,072

1,562

4,634

473

669

(196)1

24.7%

691

(1,357)

(666)

(347)

(319)1

–

–

(666)

–

(600)

(542)

1,190

48

4,814

440

5,254

2,028

255

2,283

2,971

2,258

713

31.0%

1,315

(1,232)

83

57

26

–

–

83

–

330

(261)

(170)

(101)

1  Glencore has a 75.3% interest in Katanga Mining Limited, which in turn has a 75% interest in Kamoto Copper Company (“KCC”) the entity engaged in copper mining activities. 
The “non-controlling interests” balance includes negative $416 million and the “profit attributable to non-controlling interests” balance includes negative $205 million related to 
non-controlling interests arising at the KCC level.

32. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

•  Further to the announcements in December 2016, Glencore and Qatar Investment Authority (“QIA”) entered into various agreements 
establishing a 50:50 consortium that would acquire 19.5% of OSJC Rosneft Oil (“Rosneft”), enter into a five year offtake agreement 
with Rosneft on market terms and collectively evaluate and potentially enter into additional opportunities related to infrastructure, 
logistics and global trading. As at 31 December 2016, only the establishment of the 50:50 consortium and payment of Glencore’s funding 
commitment of EUR 300 million were finalised. The balance of the funding and purchase of the 19.5% interest in Rosneft by the 50:50 
consortium and completion of the five year offtake agreement was finalised on 3 January 2017.

•  In February 2017, Glencore announced that it had acquired the remaining 31% stake in Mutanda Mining Sarl (“Mutanda”), which it did 
not previously own, and an additional 10.25% stake in Katanga Mining Limited (“Katanga”) for a cash outlay of $534 million, including 
settlement of loan balances. Following the acquisition, Glencore owns 100% of the shares in Mutanda and approximately 86.3% of the 
shares in Katanga.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

195

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

33. PRINCIPAL OPERATING, FINANCE AND INDUSTRIAL SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTMENTS

Country  
of incorporation

% interest  
2016

% interest  
2015

Main activity

Principal subsidiaries

Metals and minerals

Minera Alumbrera Limited1

Cobar Group

Compania Minera Lomas Bayas

Complejo Metalurgico Altonorte S.A.

Minera Altos de Punitaqui Limitada

Compania Minera Antapaccay S.A.

Pasar Group

Glencore Recycling Inc.

Mopani Copper Mines plc

Sable Zinc Kabwe Limited

Katanga Mining Limited2

Mutanda Group

Mount Isa Mines Limited

Kazzinc Ltd.

Zhairemsky GOK JSC

Vasilkovskoye Gold

Energia Austral Joint Venture

African Carbon Producers (Pty) Ltd

African Fine Carbon (Pty) Ltd

Char Technology (Pty) Ltd

Sphere Minerals Limited

Britannia Refined Metals Limited

Glencore Manganese Group

Access World Group (formerly Pacorini Group)

Murrin Murrin Group

Koniambo Nickel S.A.S.3

Glencore Nikkelverk AS

Eland Platinum Mines (Pty) Limited

McArthur River Mining Pty Ltd

Perkoa Group

Nordenhammer Zinkhütte GmbH

Asturiana de Zinc S.A.

Antigua

Australia

Chile

Chile

Chile

Peru

Philippines

USA

Zambia

Zambia

Canada

DRC

Australia

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Chile

South Africa 

South Africa

South Africa 

Australia

UK

France/Norway

Switzerland

Australia

New Caledonia

Norway

South Africa

Australia

Burkina Faso

Germany

Spain

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

78.2

100.0

73.1

100.0

75.3

69.0

100.0

69.7

69.7

69.7

66.6

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

49.0

100.0

74.0

100.0

90.0

100.0

100.0

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

78.2

100.0

73.1

100.0

75.3

69.0

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper production

Copper/Cobalt production

Copper/Cobalt production

100.0 Copper/Zinc/Lead production

69.7 Copper/Zinc/Lead production

69.7 Copper/Zinc/Lead production

69.7

66.6

100.0

100.0

100.0

97.5

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

49.0

100.0

74.0

100.0

90.0

100.0

100.0

Gold production

Hydroelectric project

Char production

Char production

Char production

Iron Ore production

Lead production

Manganese furnace

Metals warehousing

Nickel production

Nickel production

Nickel production

Platinum production

Zinc production

Zinc production

Zinc production

Zinc production

1  This investment is treated as a subsidiary as the Group is entitled to elect the chairman of the Board who has the casting vote where any vote is split equally between the four board 

positions. Minera Alumbrera Limited’s principal place of business is Argentina.

2  Publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol KAT.TO and principal place of business is DRC. Glencore owns 1,435,848,228 shares.

3  The Group has control of Koniambo Nickel S.A.S. as a result of the ability to direct the key activities of the operation and to appoint key management personnel provided by the terms of 

the financing arrangements underlying the Koniambo project.

196 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Country  
of incorporation

% interest  
2016

% interest  
2015

Main activity

Argentina

Italy

Namibia

Peru

Bolivia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Colombia

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

B.V.I.

Bermuda

Bermuda

Bermuda

Hong Kong

Germany

Switzerland

Argentina

Czech Republic

Hungary

Poland

Canada/Australia 

Brazil

Brazil

100.0

100.0

80.1

97.6

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

78.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

90.0

95.0

100.0

0.0

49.9

48.7

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

100.0

100.0

80.1

97.6

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

78.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

55.0

100.0

100.0

90.0

95.0

100.0

67.6

49.9

48.7

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Zinc/Lead production

Zinc/Lead production

Zinc/Lead production

Zinc/Lead production

Zinc/Tin production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Ship owner

Oil production

Oil production

Oil exploration/production

Oil storage and bunkering

Biofuel production

Biofuel production

Edible oil production

Edible oil production

Edible oil production

Edible oil production

Grain handling

100.0

Sugar cane/ethanol production

100.0

Wheat flour milling

Metals and minerals (continued)

AR Zinc Group

Portovesme S.r.L.

Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation (Pty) Limited

Empresa Minera Los Quenuales S.A.

Sinchi Wayra Group 

Energy products

Cumnock No. 1 Colliery Pty Ltd

Enex Foydell Limited 

Enex Liddell Pty Ltd

Oakbridge Pty Ltd

Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Limited

Jonsha Pty Limited

Mangoola Coal Operations Pty Limited

Newlands, Collinsville

Oceanic Coal Australia Pty Limited

Ravensworth Operations Pty Ltd

Ulan Coal Mines Limited

United Collieries Pty Ltd

Prodeco Group

Optimum Coal Holdings (Pty) Limited4

Izimbiwa Coal (Pty) Ltd5

Umcebo Mining (Pty) Ltd6

Tavistock Collieries (Pty) Limited

Topley Corporation

Glencore Exploration Cameroon Ltd.

Glencore Exploration (EG) Ltd.

Petrochad (Mangara) Limited

Chemoil Energy Limited

Agricultural products7

Glencore Magdeburg GmbH

Glencore Biofuels AG

Moreno Group

Usti Oilseed Group

Pannon Vegetable Oil Manufacturing LLC

Zaklady Tluszczowe w Bodaczowie Sp.z.o.o.

Viterra Group (incl. TRT)

Glencane Bioenergia S.A.

Correcta Industria e Comercio Ltdo.

4  Although Glencore held 67.6% of the voting rights in Optimum at 31 December 2015, it was not able to exercise control from August 2015, see note 3.

5  Although Glencore holds less than 50% of the voting rights, it has the ability to exercise control over Izimbiwa (previously Shanduka Coal) through the ability to direct the key activities 

of the operation and to appoint key management personnel provided by the terms of the shareholders agreement.

6  Although Glencore holds less than 50% of the voting rights, it has the ability to exercise control over Umcebo as a result of shareholder agreements which provide Glencore the ability to 

control the Board of Directors.

7  In 2016, Glencore disposed of its controlling interest in the Agricultural products business segment and retained a 49.9% interest, see note 23. 

Glencore Annual Report 2016

197
197

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

33. PRINCIPAL OPERATING, FINANCE AND INDUSTRIAL SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTMENT (continued)

Country  
of incorporation

% interest  
2016

% interest  
2015

Main activity

Other operating and finance

Xstrata Limited

Glencore Australia Investment Holdings Pty Ltd

Glencore Operations Australia Pty Limited

Glencore Queensland Limited 

Glencore Investment Pty Ltd

Glencore Australia Holdings Pty Ltd

Glencore Finance (Bermuda) Ltd

Glencore Canada Financial Corp

Glencore Finance (Europe) S.A.

Finges Investment B.V.

Glencore (Schweiz) AG

Glencore Group Funding Limited

Glencore Funding LLC

Glencore Canada Corporation

Glencore Agriculture B.V.7

Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd

ST Shipping & Transport Pte Ltd

Glencore AG

Glencore International AG

Glencore Commodities Ltd

Glencore Energy UK Ltd

Glencore UK Ltd

Principal joint ventures8

Glencore Agriculture Limited7

Clermont Coal Mines Limited9

Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi

El Aouj Joint Venture

Principal joint operations10

Pentland Joint Venture

Redrock Joint Venture

Togara North Joint Venture

Wandoan Joint Venture

Bulga Joint Venture

Cumnock Joint Venture

Foybrook Joint Venture

Liddell Joint Venture

Oaky Creek Coal Joint Venture

Ravensworth Underground Mine Joint Venture

Rolleston Joint Venture

Ulan Coal Mines Joint Venture

United Joint Venture

UK

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Bermuda

Canada

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Switzerland

UAE

USA

Canada

Netherlands

Singapore

Singapore

Switzerland

Switzerland

UK

UK

UK

Jersey

Australia

Chile

Mauritania

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

0.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

49.9

25.1

44.0

50.0

75.0

75.0

70.0

75.0

68.3

90.0

67.5

67.5

55.0

70.0

75.0

90.0

95.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

0.0

25.1

44.0

44.0

75.0

75.0

70.0

75.0

68.3

90.0

67.5

67.5

55.0

70.0

75.0

90.0

95.0

Holding

Holding

Holding

Holding

Holding

Finance

Finance

Finance

Finance

Finance

Finance

Finance

Finance

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Operating

Agriculture business

Coal production

Copper production

Iron Ore production

Coal exploration

Coal exploration

Coal exploration

Coal exploration

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

Coal production

8  The principal joint arrangements are accounted for as joint ventures as the shareholder agreements do not provide the Group the ability to solely control the entities.

9  The Group’s effective 25.05% economic interest in Clermont Coal is held through GS Coal Pty Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation.

10 Classified as joint operations under IFRS 11, as these joint arrangements are not structured through separate vehicles.

198
198 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Country  
of incorporation

% interest  
2016

% interest  
2015

Main activity

Principal joint operations (continued)

ARM Coal (Pty) Ltd.

Goedgevonden Joint Venture

Ernest Henry Mining Pty Ltd.

Merafe Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture

Kabanga Joint Venture

Mototolo Joint Venture

Rhovan Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture

Principal associates

Renova S.A.7

Carbones del Cerrejon LLC

Port Kembla Coal Terminal Limited

Port Waratah Coal Services Ltd

South Africa

South Africa

Australia

South Africa

Tanzania

South Africa

South Africa

Argentina

Colombia

Australia

Australia

Richards Bay Coal Terminal Company Limited

South Africa

Polymet Mining Corp.

Century Aluminum Company11

Terminal de Grãos Ponta da Montanha (Barcarena)7

Noranda Income Fund

Compania Minera Antamina S.A.

Recylex S.A.

Other investments

United Company Rusal plc

OAO NK Russneft12

Volcan Compania Minera S.A.A.

Canada

USA

Brazil

Canada

Peru

France

Jersey

Russia

Peru

49.0

74.0

70.0

79.5

50.0

37.0

74.0

0.0

33.3

29.7

15.5

26.7

28.4

47.5

0.0

25.0

33.8

32.2

8.8

25.0

7.3

49.0

74.0

100.0

79.5

50.0

37.0

74.0

50.0

33.3

29.7

15.5

26.7

28.4

47.5

49.9

25.0

33.8

32.2

8.8

46.0

7.3

Coal production

Coal production

Copper production

Ferroalloys production

Nickel production

Platinum production

Vanadium production

Biofuel production

Coal production

Coal terminal

Coal terminal

Coal terminal

Copper production

Diversified production

Grain terminal

Zinc production

Zinc/Copper production

Zinc/Lead production

Aluminium production

Oil production

Zinc production

11 Represents the Group’s economic interest in Century, comprising 42.9% (2015: 42.9%) voting interest and 4.6% non-voting interest (2015: 4.6%). Century is publicly traded on 

NASDAQ under the symbol CENX.

12 Although the Group holds more than 20% of the voting rights in Russneft, it is unable to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of Russneft.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

199
199

Additional 
information

201  Glossary
206   Production by quarter – Q4 2015 to Q4 2016
213  Resources and reserves
222 Shareholder information
IBC Forward looking statements

200 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Glossary

Available committed liquidity1

US$ million

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities – reported

Cash and cash equivalents of certain associates and joint ventures

Headline committed syndicated revolving credit facilities

Amount drawn under syndicated revolving credit facilities

Amounts drawn under U.S. commercial paper programme

Total

1  Presented on an adjusted measured basis.

Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA

2016

2,518

198

14,500

(476)

–

2015

2,746

168

15,250

(2,994)

(15)

16,740

15,155

Adjusted EBIT/EBITDA, as defined in note 2 of the financial statements, provide insight into our overall business 
performance (a combination of cost management, seizing market opportunities and growth), and are the corresponding 
flow drivers towards our objective of achieving industry-leading returns. Adjusted EBIT is the net result of revenue less cost 
of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses, plus share of income from associates and joint ventures, dividend 
income and the attributable share of underlying Adjusted EBIT of certain associates and joint ventures which are accounted 
for internally by means of proportionate consolidation, excluding significant items. In addition, the segment information 
includes Glencore Agri, which has been disclosed as a discontinued operation until close of transaction on 1 December 2016, 
see note 23 of the financial statements.

Adjusted EBITDA consists of Adjusted EBIT plus depreciation and amortisation, including the related adjustment for 
Proportionate Consolidation. In addition, the relationships Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net 
interest (interest expense less interest income disclosed on the face of the consolidated statement of income/(loss)) are an 
indication of our financial flexibility and ability to service debt. 

Adjustment for Proportionate Consolidation

For internal reporting and analysis, management evaluates the performance of Antamina copper/zinc mine (34% owned), 
Cerrejón coal mine (33% owned), Collahuasi copper mine (44% owned) and Glencore Agri (50% owned) under the 
proportionate consolidation method reflecting Glencore’s proportionate share of the revenues, expenses, assets and 
liabilities of these investments.

Current capital employed (“CCE”)

Current capital employed is current assets less accounts payable, current deferred income, current provisions, current other 
financial liabilities and income tax payable.

Funds from operations (“FFO”)

FFO is a measure that reflects our ability to generate cash for investment, debt servicing and distributions to shareholders. 
It comprises cash provided by operating activities before working capital changes, less tax and net interest payments plus 
dividends received, related adjustments for Proportionate Consolidation and certain other one-off (Significant items) 
identified expenses, comprising unrealised coal related hedging costs and a legal settlement in 2016 and a legal settlement 
and net incremental metal leak costs incurred in 2015. See reconciliation table below.

Net funding/debt and FFO to net debt

Net funding/debt demonstrates how our debt is being managed and is an important factor in insuring we maintain an 
investment grade rating status and an attractive cost of capital. In addition, the relationship of FFO to net debt is an 
indication of our financial flexibility and strength. Net debt is defined as total current and non-current borrowings less cash 
and cash equivalents, marketable securities, readily marketable inventories and related adjustments for Proportionate 
Consolidation. See reconciliation table below. 

Net income attributable to equity shareholders pre-significant items

Net income attributable to equity shareholders pre-significant items is a measure of our ability to generate shareholder 
returns. For 2016, calculation of tax items to be excluded from Net income, includes tax significant items and the tax effect of 
non-tax significant items themselves. Previously, the calculation was driven by estimated notional effective tax rates; refer to 
the reconciliation of tax expense below.

Glencore Annual Report 2016

201

Additional information

Glossary

Readily marketable inventories (“RMI”)

RMI comprising the core inventories which underpin and facilitate Glencore’s marketing activities, represent inventories, 
that in Glencore’s assessment, are readily convertible into cash in the short term due to their liquid nature, widely available 
markets and the fact that price risk is covered either by a forward physical sale or hedge transaction. Glencore regularly 
assesses the composition of these inventories and their applicability, relevance and availability to the marketing activities. 
As at 31 December 2016, $17,093 million (2015: $15,356 million) of inventories were considered readily marketable. 
This comprises $12,707 million (2015: $10,928 million) of inventories carried at fair value less costs of disposal and 
$4,386 million (2015: $4,428 million) carried at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Total readily marketable inventories 
includes $1,718 million related to certain associates and joint ventures (see note 2) accounted under the proportionate 
consolidation method, comprising $1,384 million of inventory carried at fair value less cost of disposal and $334 million 
carried at lower of cost or net realisable value. Given the highly liquid nature of these inventories, which represent a 
significant share of current assets, the Group believes it is appropriate to consider them together with cash equivalents in 
analysing Group net debt levels and computing certain debt coverage ratios and credit trends.

Significant items

Significant items of income and expense which, due to their financial impact and nature or the expected infrequency of the 
events giving rise to them, are separated for internal reporting and analysis of Glencore’s results to provide a better 
understanding and comparative basis of the underlying financial performance.

Reconciliation of selected reported financial information to those applying the proportionate  
consolidation method to certain associates and joint ventures

Cash flow related adjustments 2016

US$ million

Cash generated by operating activities before working capital changes

Addback EBITDA of certain associates and joint ventures

Cash generated by operating activities before working capital changes

Coal related hedging and legal costs included above (via statement of income – refer to note 2)

Income taxes paid

Interest received 

Interest paid

Dividend received from associates and joint ventures

Funds from operations (“FFO”)

Working capital changes (excluding gold and silver streaming proceeds)

Gold and silver streaming proceeds

Net cash received in acquisitions of subsidiaries

Net cash received from disposal of subsidiaries

Purchase of investments

Proceeds from sale of investments

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Margin calls in respect of financing related hedging activities

Acquisition of additional interests in subsidiaries

Return of capital/distributions to non-controlling interests

Proceeds from own shares

Coal related hedging and legal costs (refer above)

Cash movement in net funding

202 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Reported 
measure

Adjustment for 
proportionate 
consolidation

Adjusted 
measure

7,868

–

7,868

368

(584)

111

(1,376)

833

7,220

(2,172)

971

176

5,535

(15)

3

(3,048)

128

(695)

(7)

(91)

3

(368)

7,640

–

1,447

1,447

–

(96)

–

(6)

(795)

550

7,868

1,447

9,315

368

(680)

111

(1,382)

38

7,770

(214)

(2,386)

–

–

971

176

233

5,768

(1)

–

(16)

3

(394)

(3,442)

8

–

–

–

–

–

182

136

(695)

(7)

(91)

3

(368)

7,822

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Cash flow related adjustments 2015

US$ million

Cash generated by operating activities before working capital changes

Addback EBITDA of certain associates and joint ventures

Cash generated by operating activities before working capital changes

Legal settlement and incremental metal leak costs included above (via statement of income – refer to note 4)

Income taxes paid

Interest received 

Interest paid

Dividend received from associates and joint ventures

Funds from operations (“FFO”)

Net working capital changes (excluding silver streaming proceeds)

Silver streaming proceeds

Net cash used in acquisition of subsidiaries

Net cash received from disposal of subsidiaries

Purchase of investments

Proceeds from sale of investments

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Payments for exploration and evaluation

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Margin calls in respect of financing related hedging activities

Return of capital/distributions to non-controlling interests

Purchases of own shares

Share issuance

Distributions paid to equity holders of the Parent

Legal settlement and incremental metal leak costs (refer above)

Cash movement in net funding

Reported 
measure

Adjustment for 
proportionate 
consolidation

Adjusted 
measure

7,454

–

7,454

264

(865)

119

(1,203)

428

6,197

6,813

900

(318)

212

(236)

41

(5,372)

(147)

115

(618)

(95)

(272)

2,444

(2,328)

(264)

7,072

–

995

995

–

7,454

995

8,449

264

(207)

(1,072)

–

(1)

(369)

418

119

(1,204)

59

6,615

(127)

6,686

–

–

–

–

–

900

(318)

212

(236)

41

(298)

(5,670)

–

14

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

(147)

129

(618)

(95)

(272)

2,444

(2,328)

(264)

7,079

Glencore Annual Report 2016

203

Additional information

Glossary

Net funding/debt at 31 December 2016

US$ million

Non-current borrowings 

Current borrowings 

Total borrowings 

Less: cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities 

Net funding 

Less: Readily marketable inventories

Net debt 

Net funding/debt at 31 December 2015

US$ million

Non-current borrowings 

Current borrowings 

Total borrowings 

Less: cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities 

Net funding 

Less: Readily marketable inventories

Net debt 

Reconciliation of tax expense 2016

US$ million

Adjusted EBIT, pre-significant items1

Net finance costs 

Adjustments for:

Net finance costs from certain associates and joint ventures1 

Net finance costs from discontinued operations2

Share of income from other associates pre-significant items1

Share of income from associates from discontinued operations2

Profit on a proportionate consolidation basis before tax and pre-significant items

Income tax expense, pre-significant items

Adjustments for:

Tax expense from certain associates and joint ventures1

Tax expense from discontinued operations2

Tax expense on a proportionate consolidation basis

Applicable tax rate

1  See note 2 of the financial statements.

2  See note 23 of the financial statements.

US$ million

Tax expense on a proportionate consolidation basis

Adjustment in respect of certain associates and joint ventures tax

Adjustment in respect of discontinued operations

Tax expense on the basis of the income statement

204 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Reported 
measure

Adjustment for 
proportionate 
consolidation

Adjusted 
measure

23,188

10,030

33,218

(2,518)

30,700

(15,375)

15,325

380

23,568

1,737

2,117

11,767

35,335

(198)

(2,716)

1,919

32,619

(1,718)

(17,093)

201

15,526

Reported 
measure

Adjustment for 
proportionate 
consolidation

Adjusted 
measure

32,932

11,117

44,049

(2,746)

41,303

(15,356)

25,947

89

21

110

33,021

11,138

44,159

(168)

(2,914)

(58)

41,245

–

(15,356)

(58)

25,889

Total

3,930

(1,533)

(16)

(70)

(10)

(15)

2,286

(362)

(248)

(131)

(741)

32.4%

Pre-
significant 
tax expense

741

(248)

(131)

362

Significant 
items tax

Total tax 
expense

276

1,017

–

–

276

(248)

(131)

638

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Reconciliation of tax expense 2015

US$ million

Adjusted EBIT, pre-significant items

Interest expense allocation 

Adjustments for:

Certain associates and joint ventures’ net finance costs

Share of income in associates and dividend income

Allocated profit before tax for the basis of tax calculation

Applicable tax rate

Pre-significant tax expense/(credit)

US$ million

Tax (credit)/expense on a proportionate consolidation basis

Adjustment in respect of certain associates and joint ventures’ tax

Adjustment in respect of discontinued operations

Tax (credit)/expense on the basis of the income statement

Reconciliation of net significant items 2016

US$ million

Share of Associates’ significant items1

Mark-to-market valuation on certain coal hedging contracts1

Unrealised intergroup profit elimination1

Gains on disposals and investments2

Other expense – net3

Other expense – net related to discontinued operations4

Gain on disposal of discontinued operations4

Income tax expense

Total significant items

1  See note 2 of the financial statements.

2  See note 3 of the financial statements.

3  See notes 4 and 5 of the financial statements.

4  See note 23 of the financial statements.

Reconciliation of net significant items 2015

US$ million

Share of Associates’ significant items1

Unrealised intergroup loss elimination1

Losses on disposals and investments2

Other expense – net3

Other expense – net related to discontinued operations4

Income tax expense

Total significant items

1  See note 2 of the financial statements.

2  See note 3 of the financial statements.

3  See notes 4 and 5 of the financial statements.

4  See note 23 of the financial statements. 

Marketing 
activities

Industrial 
activities

2,464

(292)

Total

2,172

(153)

(1,432)

(1,585)

–

(110)

2,201

10.0%

220

(3)

45

(1,682)

(3)

(65)

519

25.0%

(38.5%)

(420)

(200)

Pre-
significant 
tax expense

Significant 
items tax

Total tax 
expense

(200)

(162)

(107)

(469)

460

–

–

460

260

(162)

(107)

(9)

Gross 
significant 
charges

Non-
controlling 
interests’ 
share

Equity 
holders’ 
share

(477)

(225)

(374)

452

(1,589)

7

1,848

(276)

(634)

–

–

–

–

21

–

–

–

21

(477)

(225)

(374)

452

(1,568)

7

1,848

(276)

(613)

Gross 
significant 
charges

Non-
controlling 
interests’ 
share

(88)

445

(994)

–

–

–

Equity 
holders’ 
share

(88)

445

(994)

(7,928)

2,789

(5,139)

(70)

(460)

–

–

(70)

(460)

(9,095)

2,789

(6,306)

Glencore Annual Report 2016

205

Additional information

Production by quarter – Q4 2015 to Q4 2016

Metals and minerals

Production from own sources – Total1

Copper

Zinc

Lead

Nickel

Gold

Silver

Cobalt

Ferrochrome

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

Vanadium Pentoxide 

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

mlb

374.7

317.7

69.2

27.5

275

335.0

257.1

71.0

27.6

215

368.0

249.4

74.3

29.5

257

358.2

282.7

74.3

25.3

273

364.6

304.9

74.6

32.7

282

1,425.8

1,502.2

1,094.1

1,444.8

294.2

115.1

1,027

297.7

96.2

964

9,979

9,009

9,804

10,177

10,079

39,069

36,592

6.2

390

33

45

3

5.5

5.8

400

35

47

4

5.6

6.9

362

46

73

4

4.5

8.3

344

35

44

5

5.5

7.3

417

32

45

3

5.5

28.3

1,523

148

209

16

21.1

23.0

1,462

158

202

18

20.9

(5)

(24)

(1)

20

7

7

23

4

(6)

3

(11)

1

(3)

(4)

8 

19 

3 

1 

18 

7 

(3)

– 

– 

–

Production from own sources – Copper assets1

Q4 
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

Change
2016 vs
2015
 %

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
%

African Copper (Katanga, Mutanda, Mopani)

Katanga

Copper metal2

Cobalt

Mutanda

Copper metal2

Cobalt3

Mopani

Copper metal

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

–

–

55.1

5.3

12.8

–

–

54.7

4.9

10.7

–

–

54.2

6.0

10.6

–

–

53.4

7.3

9.3

–

–

51.0

6.3

10.5

–

–

213.3

24.5

41.1

113.7

2.9

216.1

16.5

92.1

(100)

(100)

(1)

48

(55)

n.m.

n.m.

(7)

19

(18)

30.9

26.7

27.8

27.1

28.4

110.0

184.8

(40)

African Copper – total production including third party feed

Mopani

Copper metal

Total Copper metal2

Total Cobalt3

Collahuasi4

Copper metal

Copper in concentrates

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

67.9

5.3

1.4

60.2

Silver in concentrates

koz

1,086

Antamina5

Copper in concentrates

Zinc in concentrates

kt

kt

38.6

19.6

65.4

4.9

0.8

50.3

774

36.8

14.1

64.8

6.0

0.7

55.5

876

40.1

7.7

62.7

7.3

0.3

56.7

865

35.4

18.3

61.5

6.3

0.3

58.3

761

33.2

26.7

254.4

24.5

2.1

220.8

3,276

145.5

66.8

6,778

421.9

19.4

9.8

190.6

2,828

131.8

79.3

5,987

Silver in concentrates

koz

1,818

1,945

1,732

1,494

1,607

Other South America (Alumbrera, Lomas Bayas, Antapaccay, Punitaqui)

Alumbrera

Copper in concentrates

kt

25.8

20.1

17.2

20.1

24.5

81.9

61.8

Gold in concentrates  
and in doré

Silver in concentrates  
and in doré

Lomas Bayas

Copper metal

koz

koz

kt

68

68

53

64

71

256

196

190

19.5

161

18.4

154

20.9

165

19.7

268

21.0

748

80.0

498

71.1

206 Glencore Annual Report 2016

(8)

(9)

19

(79)

(3)

(30)

(14)

36

(12)

(5)

4

41

8

(40)

26

(79)

16

16

10

(16)

13

33

31

50

13

Production from own sources – Copper assets1

Antapaccay

Copper in concentrates

Gold in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

Punitaqui

Copper in concentrates

Gold in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

Punitaqui – total production including third party feed

Copper in concentrates

Gold in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

Total Copper metal

Total Copper in 
concentrates

Total Gold in  
concentrates and in doré

Total Silver in  
concentrates and in doré

kt

koz

koz

kt

koz

koz

kt

koz

koz

kt

kt

koz

koz

Australia (Mount Isa, Ernest Henry, Townsville, Cobar)

Mount Isa, Ernest

Copper metal

Henry, Townsville

Gold

Silver

kt

koz

koz

Copper metal

Gold

Silver

Cobar

Copper in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

Total Copper

Total Copper in 
concentrates

Total Gold

Total Silver

Total Copper department

Copper

Cobalt

Zinc

Gold

Silver

kt

koz

koz

kt

koz

kt

kt

koz

koz

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

Mount Isa, Ernest Henry, Townsville – total production including third party feed

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

49.9

36

357

2.0

–

25

2.6

–

28

48.0

19

334

1.9

1

24

2.9

2

34

57.3

27

381

1.6

3

13

2.5

3

23

Q3 
2016 

59.0

32

419

1.7

3

21

2.7

3

29

Q4 
2016 

55.6

37

402

1.8

4

24

2.4

4

32

2016 

2015 

219.9

115

1,536

7.0

11

82

10.5

12

118

202.1

122

1,315

8.1

–

105

10.3

–

123

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

9

(6)

17

11

3

13

(14)

(10)

n.m.

n.m.

(22)

(4)

2

n.m.

(4)

(8)

n.m.

14

19.5

18.4

20.9

19.7

21.0

80.0

71.1

77.7

70.0

76.1

80.8

81.9

308.8

272.0

88

83

99

112

382

318

519

548

605

694

2,366

1,918

104

572

55.0

24

412

41.0

17

181

72.5

37

455

13.7

133

70.2

28

556

11.9

114

57.3

19

309

71.2

31

657

14.4

145

50.7

25

418

69.5

42

533

12.2

130

56.1

25

343

64.6

34

525

15.4

154

205.1

205.6

86

90

1,251

1,227

275.5

288.7

135

2,271

147

2,140

53.9

543

50.8

496

55.0

41.0

57.3

50.7

56.1

205.1

205.6

13.7

24

545

11.9

17

295

14.4

19

454

12.2

25

548

15.4

25

497

53.9

86

50.8

90

1,794

1,723

334.0

294.6

329.8

318.5

327.7

1,270.6

1,353.6

5.3

19.6

128

4.9

14.1

105

6.0

7.7

102

7.3

18.3

124

6.3

26.7

137

24.5

66.8

468

19.4

79.3

408

4,021

3,533

3,610

3,512

3,559

14,214

12,456

13

14

20

23

–

(4)

2

(5)

(8)

6

6

9

–

6

(4)

4

(6)

26

(16)

15

14

8

5

8

21

2

4

(17)

(11)

(8)

15

12

16

2

12

4

(9)

(2)

19

36

7

(11)

Glencore Annual Report 2016

207

Additional information

Production by quarter – Q4 2015 to Q4 2016

Metals and minerals

Production from own sources – Zinc assets1

Kazzinc

Zinc metal

Lead metal

Lead in concentrates

Copper metal2

Gold

Silver

Silver in concentrates

Kazzinc – total production including third party feed

Zinc metal

Lead metal

Lead in concentrates

Copper metal

Gold

Silver

Silver in concentrates

Australia (Mount Isa, McArthur River)

Mount Isa

Zinc in concentrates

Lead in concentrates

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

kt

kt

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

46.3

11.9

7.8

12.4

142

47.4

8.1

5.9

16.4

141

51.0

11.8

1.5

12.4

137

187.6

44.0

15.2

53.9

521

193.4

26.3

(3)

67

(1)

46

–

n.m.

n.m.

51.9

520

4

–

23

(15)

(1)

22

1,212

1,135

1,277

4,510

3,653

202

238

29

469

–

n.m.

n.m.

76.1

35.0

7.8

16.9

178

76.0

33.2

5.9

19.3

181

77.4

32.3

1.5

15.3

175

305.5

133.6

15.2

68.2

658

304.5

119.8

–

62.2

674

–

12

–

(7)

n.m.

n.m.

10

(2)

(9)

(13)

(2)

(19)

7,839

6,060

8,495

6,507

6,346

27,408

30,049

–

–

202

238

29

469

–

n.m.

n.m.

51.4

8.1

–

14.6

138

1,046

–

77.3

34.6

–

17.6

179

42.9

12.2

–

12.7

101

886

–

76.0

33.1

–

16.7

124

96.3

34.6

80.3

35.9

62.2

30.9

70.4

37.0

75.3

39.5

Silver in concentrates

koz

1,427

1,760

1,643

1,891

2,038

McArthur River

Zinc in concentrates

Lead in concentrates

Silver in concentrates

Total Zinc in concentrates

Total Lead in concentrates

kt

kt

koz

kt

kt

Total Silver in concentrates koz

54.0

12.3

428

150.3

46.9

1,855

North America (Matagami, Kidd, Brunswick, CEZ Refinery)

Matagami

Zinc in concentrates

Copper in concentrates

Kidd

Zinc in concentrates

Copper in concentrates

kt

kt

kt

kt

Silver in concentrates

koz

14.4

2.7

14.8

11.9

569

43.7

11.1

395

124.0

47.0

2,155

14.2

3.0

12.8

10.2

359

45.5

10.5

374

107.7

41.4

2,017

11.8

2.4

19.5

8.4

520

48.1

9.7

347

118.5

46.7

2,238

14.6

2.5

24.0

9.8

739

62.9

10.8

293

138.2

50.3

2,331

11.0

1.8

22.2

9.9

674

288.2

143.3

7,332

200.2

42.1

1,409

488.4

185.4

8,741

51.6

9.7

78.5

38.3

478.2

163.0

6,524

272.7

53.0

1,724

750.9

216.0

8,248

52.0

8.2

63.2

40.1

2,292

2,368

(40)

(12)

12

(27)

(21)

(18)

(35)

(14)

6

(1)

18

24

(4)

(3)

(22)

14

43

16

(12)

(32)

(8)

7

26

(24)

(33)

50

(17)

18

Total Zinc in concentrates

Total Copper in 
concentrates

kt

kt

Total Silver in concentrates koz

29.2

27.0

31.3

38.6

33.2

130.1

115.2

13

14

14.6

569

13.2

359

10.8

520

12.3

739

11.7

48.0

48.3

674

2,292

2,368

(1)

(3)

(20)

18

208 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Production from own sources – Zinc assets1

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

North America – total production including third party feed

Brunswick Smelter

Lead metal

CEZ Refinery6

Silver metal

Zinc metal

kt

koz

kt

20.9

5,157

18.0

19.8

5,122

16.9

13.7

4,299

17.3

19.6

6,295

17.0

16.4

69.5

70.8

5,048

20,764

21,354

18.1

69.3

68.2

Other Zinc (Aguilar, Los Quenuales, Sinchi Wayra, Rosh Pinah, Perkoa)

Zinc metal

Zinc in concentrates

Lead metal

Lead in concentrates

Copper in concentrates

Silver metal

Silver in concentrates

Total Zinc department

Zinc

Lead

Copper

Gold

Silver

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

5.7

61.5

3.5

10.7

0.6

210

–

49.1

2.8

9.0

0.4

120

–

56.4

3.3

9.9

0.5

186

–

59.9

3.1

10.5

0.7

154

–

–

55.8

221.2

3.5

7.5

0.5

206

12.7

36.9

2.1

666

26.1

279.9

12.7

42.7

2.4

691

2,127

1,746

1,861

2,041

1,905

7,553

8,566

298.1

243.0

241.7

264.4

278.2

1,027.3

1,365.5

69.2

29.8

138

71.0

26.3

101

74.3

23.7

142

74.3

29.4

141

74.6

24.6

137

294.2

104.0

521

297.7

102.6

520

5,807

5,266

5,998

6,545

6,422

24,231

23,526

(2)

(3)

2

(100)

(21)

–

(14)

(13)

(4)

(12)

(25)

(1)

1

–

3

(22)

(2)

1

(100)

(9)

–

(30)

(17)

(2)

(10)

(7)

8

(17)

(1)

11

Glencore Annual Report 2016

209

Additional information

Production by quarter – Q4 2015 to Q4 2016

Metals and minerals

Production from own sources – Nickel assets1

Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury, Raglan, Nikkelverk)

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
%

15.5

15.7

17.8

0.1

3.6

10.9

0.3

12

196

30

63

2

22.8

0.2

6.5

13.0

0.9

17

322

43

95

2

8.4

0.6

0.2

4.8

9.3

0.2

9

210

20

38

1

23.3

0.2

7.6

10.7

0.9

12

336

27

55

2

9.3

0.7

0.1

3.9

7.0

0.2

9

151

17

35

1

23.2

0.1

7.9

8.8

0.9

13

253

26

59

1

10.5

0.7

12.8

0.9

12.0

0.8

10.9

0.7

1.4

2.4

3.2

27.5

10.9

0.9

9

151

17

35

1

27.6

14.1

0.9

9

210

20

38

1

29.5

14.5

0.9

12

196

30

63

2

13.8

18.3

0.1

3.6

6.7

0.2

8

120

21

36

2

0.2

4.6

7.7

0.3

8

98

19

36

1

23.3

23.3

0.2

6.9

9.1

1.0

11

141

25

52

2

10.1

0.7

13.2

0.8

0.1

7.1

7.8

0.7

10

195

28

52

2

7.5

0.8

9.9

0.9

3.9

25.3

10.3

1.0

8

120

21

36

2

65.6

0.6

16.6

34.6

1.0

37

624

90

173

6

92.7

0.7

28.1

40.6

3.5

50

994

123

254

8

35.3

2.8

46.0

3.2

49.1

0.5

14.9

31.1

0.8

35

610

76

157

5

91.2

0.6

35.5

38.2

3.1

50

1,046

106

242

6

37.5

2.8

46.7

3.3

34

20

11

11

25

6

2

18

10

20

2

17

(21)

6

13

–

(5)

16

5

33

(6)

–

(1)

(3)

18

100

18

10

50

(11)

(35)

12

3

–

–

100

(13)

3

11

(15)

(44)

(4)

(12)

100

(4)

–

3

(11)

4.1

13.6

9.1

49

193

32.7

12.3

1.0

8

98

19

36

1

115.1

51.2

3.8

37

624

90

173

6

96.2

46.0

3.6

35

610

76

157

5

20

11

6

6

2

18

10

20

19

13

11

(11)

(35)

12

3

–

Integrated Nickel Operations – total production including third party feed

Nickel metal

Nickel in concentrates

Copper metal

Copper in concentrates

Cobalt metal

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

koz

koz

Nickel metal

Nickel in concentrates

Copper metal

Copper in concentrates

Cobalt metal

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

Total Nickel metal

Total Cobalt metal

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

koz

koz

kt

kt

Murrin Murrin

Murrin Murrin – total production including third party feed

Total Nickel metal

Total Cobalt metal

Koniambo

Nickel in ferronickel

Total Nickel department

Nickel

Copper

Cobalt

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

koz

koz

koz

koz

koz

210 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Production from own sources – Ferroalloys assets1

Ferrochrome7

PGM8

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

kt

390

400

362

344

417

1,523

1,462

4

7

Platinum

Palladium

Rhodium

Gold

4E

koz

koz

koz

koz

koz

16

10

2

–

28

15

9

3

–

27

16

10

2

1

29

14

8

3

–

25

13

9

2

–

24

58

36

10

1

82

45

13

1

105

141

(29)

(20)

(23)

–

(26)

(19)

(10)

–

n.m.

(14)

Vanadium Pentoxide

mlb

5.5

5.6

4.5

5.5

5.5

21.1

20.9

1

–

Total production – Custom metallurgical assets1

Copper (Altonorte, Pasar, Horne, CCR)

Copper metal

Copper anode

kt

kt

121.7

123.1

113.9

136.1

127.7

129.0

122.5

98.9

125.0

158.5

489.1

522.5

433.7

502.8

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

Zinc (Portovesme, San Juan de Nieva, Nordenham, Northfleet)

200.8

50.9

3,342

197.6

55.5

3,058

197.3

54.8

4,247

199.4

56.4

3,270

195.5

49.9

789.8

216.6

788.8

199.2

4,270

14,845

11,220

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

13

4

–

9

32

3

29

(3)

(2)

28

Ferroalloys

Zinc metal

Lead metal

Silver

Ferromanganese

Silicon Manganese

kt

kt

koz

kt

kt

44

18

45

19

28

25

30

23

33

15

136

82

146

98

(7)

(16)

(25)

(17)

1  Controlled industrial assets and joint ventures only. Production is on a 100% basis, except as stated.

2  Copper metal includes copper contained in copper concentrates and blister.

3  Cobalt contained in concentrates and hydroxides.

4  The Group’s pro-rata share of Collahuasi production (44%).

5  The Group’s pro-rata share of Antamina production (33.75%).

6  The Group’s pro-rata share of CEZ production (25%).

7  The Group’s attributable 79.5% share of the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture.

8  Consolidated 50% of Mototolo and 100% of Eland (placed on care and maintenance from October 2015).

Glencore Annual Report 2016

211

 
Additional information

Production by quarter – Q4 2015 to Q4 2016

Energy products

Production from own sources – Coal assets1

Australian coking coal

Australian semi-soft coal

Australian thermal coal (export)

Australian thermal coal (domestic)

South African thermal coal (export)

South African thermal coal (domestic)

Prodeco

Cerrejón2

Total Coal department

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

mt

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

1.7

0.9

13.6

1.0

3.5

1.7

3.7

2.7

1.2

1.0

11.6

1.7

4.1

3.2

4.3

2.6

Q2 
2016 

0.8

1.2

12.5

1.5

4.3

2.5

4.0

2.3

Q3 
2016 

1.6

0.9

13.7

1.4

4.5

3.3

4.7

3.0

Q4 
2016 

1.7

1.1

14.7

1.0

4.3

3.1

4.3

2.8

2016 

2015 

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

5.3

4.2

52.5

5.6

17.2

12.1

17.3

10.7

5.9

3.6

52.4

3.9

19.7

17.3

17.6

11.1

(10)

17

–

44

(13)

(30)

(2)

(4)

(5)

–

22

8

–

23

82

16

4

15

28.8

29.7

29.1

33.1

33.0

124.9

131.5

1  Controlled industrial assets and joint ventures only. Production is on a 100% basis except for joint ventures, where the Group’s attributable share of production is included.

2  The Group’s pro-rata share of Cerrejón production (33.3%).

Production from own sources – Oil assets

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

1,238

1,297

2,535

1,147

1,253

2,400

953

997

821

855

708

777

1,950

1,676

1,485

3,629

3,882

7,511

4,937

5,632

10,569

5,651

1,773

7,424

5,177

1,713

6,890

4,464

1,363

5,827

3,959

1,169

5,128

3,309

1,063

16,909

22,939

5,308

7,699

4,372

22,217

30,638

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

kbbl

Q4  
2015 

Q1 
2016 

Q2 
2016 

Q3 
2016 

Q4 
2016 

2016 

2015 

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

kt

124

1,627

6

1,826

62

144

32

236

776

141

119

56

239

219

3,001

2,606

183

1,935

214

158

59

241

461

142

1,586

2,333

436

200

113

262

13

210

46

247

746

792

7,680

804

687

274

989

704

6,069

284

556

206

976

3,259

2,751

1,046

3,836

1,248

4,306

3,737

14,485

11,546

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

(26)

(31)

(29)

(26)

(31)

(27)

(43)

(40)

(41)

(41)

(40)

(41)

Change
2016 vs
2015
%

Change
Q4 16 vs
Q4 15
 %

13

27

183

24

33

1

18

25

15

43

(79)

46

44

5

(4)

25

Glencore entitlement interest basis

Equatorial Guinea

Chad

Total Oil department

Gross basis

Equatorial Guinea

Chad

Total Oil department

Agricultural products

Processing/production data

Farming

Crushing

Long-term toll agreement

Biodiesel

Rice milling

Wheat milling

Sugarcane processing

Total Agricultural products

212 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Resources and reserves

The resource and reserve data in the following tables is a summary of the Glencore Resources and Reserves report as at 
31 December 2016, as published on the Glencore website on 2 February 2017. The Glencore Resources and Reserves report 
was publicly reported, as appropriate for individual components, in accordance with the 2012 edition of the Australasian 
Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code), the 2007 edition (as amended 
July 2009) of the South African Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC), the Canadian 
Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves (2014 edition) and the 
Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS) for reporting of oil and natural gas reserves and resources.

Data is reported as at 31 December 2016, unless otherwise noted. For comparison purposes, data for 2015 has been included. 
Metric units are used throughout, and all data is presented on a 100% asset basis with the exception of Oil assets which are 
shown on a working interest basis. All tonnage information has been rounded to reflect the relative uncertainty in the 
estimates; there may therefore be small differences in the totals. 

Metals and minerals: Copper

Copper mineral resources

Name of operation

Commodity

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Measured Mineral 
Resources

Indicated Mineral  
Resources

Measured and Indicated 
Resources

Inferred  
Mineral Resources 

African copper 

Katanga

Mutanda

Mopani

Collahuasi

Antamina

Other South 
America

Australia

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Molybdenum (%) 

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Zinc (%)

Silver (g/t)

16

3.58

0.57

245

1.52

0.60

202

2.11

0.08

859

0.80

0.02

239

0.91

0.72

10

14

3.53

0.49

242

1.57

0.63

199

2.11

0.08

791

0.81

0.02

256

0.93

0.70

11

259

3.66

0.54

194

1.10

0.40

74

2.00

0.08

4,263

0.79

0.02

846

0.88

0.79

11

194

3.53

0.52

197

1.06

0.39

71

1.99

0.09

4,310

0.82

0.02

841

0.90

0.82

11

Molybdenum (%)

0.025

0.027

0.019

0.020

276

3.66

0.55

439

1.33

0.51

277

2.08

0.08

5,122

0.80

0.02

1,085

0.89

0.78

11

0.021

207

3.53

0.52

439

1.34

0.52

270

2.08

0.08

5,102

0.82

0.02

1,097

0.91

0.79

11

0.021

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Gold (g/t)

Silver (g/t)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Gold (g/t)

Silver (g/t)

701

0.41

0.09

0.6

122

1.89

0.08

0.6

673

0.39

0.11

0.5

119

1.89

0.10

0.6

2,195

0.37

0.04

0.6

182

1.37

0.23

0.4

2,104

0.40

0.04

0.7

182

1.36

0.24

0.3

2,896

2,777

0.38

0.05

0.6

304

1.58

0.17

0.5

0.40

0.06

0.6

301

1.57

0.18

0.5

168

3.78

0.44

235

0.81

0.24

77

2.06

0.10

4,853

0.76

0.01

1,247

0.88

0.62

10

0.018

886

0.33

0.05

0.4

162

1.1

0.03

0.8

200

3.81

0.43

221

0.79

0.23

80

2.08

0.09

4,876

0.80

0.02

1,273

0.90

0.68

11

0.017

870

0.37

0.05

0.6

161

1.1

0.03

0.8

Glencore Annual Report 2016

213

Additional information

Resources and reserves

Metals and minerals: Copper

Copper mineral resources (continued)

Name of operation

Commodity

Other projects

(El Pachon, 
West Wall)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Gold (g/t)

Silver (g/t)

Molybdenum (%)

Measured Mineral 
Resources

Indicated Mineral  
Resources

Measured and Indicated 
Resources

Inferred  
Mineral Resources 

2016

534

0.67

–

2.4

0.01

2015

534

0.67

–

2.4

0.01

2016

1,551

0.51

0.02

1.4

0.01

2015

1,549

0.51

0.02

1.4

0.01

2016

2,085

0.55

0.01

1.7

0.01

2015

2,083

0.55

0.01

1.7

0.01

2016

2,537

0.44

0.02

1.1

0.01

2015

2,479

0.44

0.02

1.1

0.01

Proved Ore Reserves

Probable Ore Reserves

Total Ore Reserves

Commodity

2016

 2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Molybdenum (%) 

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Zinc (%)

Silver (g/t)

10

3.63

0.41

116

1.88

0.74

112

1.90

0.08

419

1.08

0.03

174

1.01

0.82

11

10

3.62

0.41

114

2.14

0.85

114

1.90

0.08

516

0.99

0.02

191

1.04

0.79

11

114

3.50

0.53

43

1.53

0.65

30

1.95

0.08

2,669

0.87

0.02

378

0.92

1.10

11

88

3.94

0.49

43

1.77

0.69

30

1.92

0.07

2,607

0.82

0.02

407

0.91

1.06

11

125

3.51

0.52

159

1.79

0.72

142

1.91

0.08

3,088

0.90

0.02

552

0.95

1.01

11

99

3.91

0.48

157

2.04

0.81

144

1.90

0.08

3,123

0.85

0.02

598

0.95

0.97

11

Molybdenum (%)

0.028

0.028

0.020

0.020

0.022

0.023

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Gold (g/t)

Silver (g/t)

(Mt)

Copper (%)

Gold (g/t)

Silver (g/t)

531

0.42

0.08

0.7

26

2.25

0.20

2.2

490

0.42

0.07

0.6

34

2.17

0.19

1.6

834

0.46

0.05

1.1

80

1.38

0.31

0.5

740

0.35

0.05

0.7

59

1.30

0.42

0.8

1,365

1,230

0.45

0.07

0.9

106

1.59

0.28

0.9

0.37

0.06

0.6

93

1.63

0.34

1.1

Copper ore reserves

Name of operation

African copper 

Katanga

Mutanda

Mopani

Collahuasi

Antamina

Other South America

Australia

214 Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Metals and minerals: Zinc

Zinc mineral resources

Name of operation

Commodity

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Measured Mineral 
Resources

Indicated Mineral  
Resources

Measured and Indicated 
Resources

Inferred  
Mineral Resources 

Kazzinc

Kazzinc Polymetallic

Kazzinc Gold 
(Vasilkovskoye)

Australia

Mount Isa

McArthur River

North America

Zinc North America

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Copper (%)

Silver (g/t)

Gold (g/t)

(Mt)

Gold (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Silver (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Silver (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Copper (%)

Silver (g/t)

Gold (g/t)

Copper North America

(Mt)

Other Zinc

Copper (%)

Gold (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Copper (%)

Silver (g/t)

87.2

3.98

1.54

0.33

19.5

0.43

87.0

2.2

118

7.20

4.49

87.5

123

9.94

4.64

46.9

24.0

4.32

0.44

1.56

47.7

0.38

75.0

0.39

0.16

16.6

9.27

2.19

0.18

163

27.7

3.42

0.89

1.20

36.0

1.42

61.5

2.2

141

6.86

4.26

80.3

118

10.2

4.81

48.6

25.8

4.42

0.41

1.62

48.2

0.35

75.0

0.39

0.16

10.6

9.78

2.65

0.06

88.0

100

1.9

0.6

0.3

17

0.9

40

2.1

340

5.9

3.1

59

64

8.9

4.1

43

36

4.7

0.5

0.7

107

0.4

255

0.4

0.2

31

5.9

1.7

0.3

150

152

2.8

1.1

0.2

17

0.6

22

2.2

330

5.2

2.9

57

60

9.4

4.4

46

36

4.9

0.5

0.7

107

0.4

255

0.4

0.2

37

6.1

1.0

0.2

80

190

2.9

1.0

0.3

18

0.7

127

2.2

460

6.2

3.5

66

190

9.6

4.5

46

60

4.6

0.5

1.0

83

0.4

330

0.4

0.2

48

7.1

1.8

0.2

154

180

2.9

1.1

0.3

20

0.7

83

2.2

470

5.7

3.3

64

180

9.9

4.7

48

62

4.7

0.5

1.1

83

0.4

330

0.4

0.2

48

6.9

1.4

0.1

82

97

2

1

0.3

31

1

26

1.7

200

5

3

60

–

–

–

–

60

4

0.5

0.5

140

0.2

120

0.4

0.1

58

7

1

0.1

24

94

3

0.7

0.3

28

2

7.6

1.9

210

5

3

50

–

–

–

–

60

4

0.5

0.5

140

0.2

120

0.4

0.1

59

7

1

0.1

20

Glencore Annual Report 2016

215

Additional information

Resources and reserves

Metals and minerals: Zinc

Zinc ore reserves

Name of operation

Kazzinc

Kazzinc Polymetallic

Kazzinc Gold
(Vasilkovskoye)

Australia

Mount Isa

McArthur River

North America

Other Zinc

216 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Proved Ore Reserves

Probable Ore Reserves

Total Ore Reserves

Commodity

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Copper (%)

Silver (g/t)

Gold (g/t)

(Mt)

Gold (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Silver (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Silver (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Copper (%)

Silver (g/t)

Gold (g/t)

(Mt)

Zinc (%)

Lead (%)

Copper (%)

Silver (g/t)

70.7

3.88

1.57

0.14

16.1

0.20

70.6

2.3

22.4

9.08

4.78

92.1

71.2

10.6

5.00

50.1

7.66

4.21

1.84

44.9

0.06

7.34

8.99

1.96

0.08

120

14.4

2.80

0.72

0.95

32.3

1.15

64.2

2.0

30.5

8.27

4.49

77.9

49.4

12.1

5.66

57.5

8.20

4.38

1.91

45.1

0.05

3.46

11.4

3.28

0.02

79.5

20

4.8

0.8

0.6

20

0.6

30

2.2

55

7.9

3.8

69

45

7.4

3.6

37

4.8

6.2

1.4

35

0.4

14

6.2

1.4

0.2

96

15

5.5

0.6

0.8

27

0.8

23

2.0

47

7.1

3.7

64

53

8.3

4.0

41

7.5

5.9

1.4

35

0.4

16

7.4

1.1

0.1

69

91

4.1

1.4

0.2

17

0.3

101

2.3

78

8.2

4.1

75

117

9.4

4.5

45

12

5.0

1.7

41

0.2

22

7.1

1.6

0.1

104

30

4.2

0.7

0.9

29

1.0

87

2.0

78

7.5

4.0

69

102

10

4.8

49

16

5.1

1.7

40

0.2

20

8.1

1.5

0.1

71

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Metals and minerals: Nickel

Nickel mineral resources

Name of operation

Commodity

INO

Murrin Murrin

Koniambo

Other Nickel

(Kabanga)

(Mt)

Nickel (%)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

Platinum (g/t)

Palladium (g/t)

(Mt)

Nickel (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Nickel (%)

(Mt)

Nickel (%)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

Platinum (g/t)

Palladium (g/t)

Nickel ore reserves

Name of operation

INO

Murrin Murrin 

Koniambo

Measured Mineral 
Resources

Indicated Mineral  
Resources

Measured and Indicated 
Resources

2016

14.9

2.58

1.44

0.06

0.98

1.60

186.1

0.97

0.071

13.1

2.50

13.8

2.49

0.34

0.21

0.16

0.19

2015

15.6

2.59

1.56

0.05

1.00

1.54

167.3

1.01

0.071

18.1

2.48

13.8

2.49

0.34

0.21

0.16

0.19

2016

29.9

2.75

0.99

0.06

0.71

1.33

88.3

0.98

0.078

46.3

2.44

23.4

2.72

0.36

0.19

0.42

0.28

2015

31.4

2.76

1.08

0.06

0.69

1.30

79.0

0.99

0.083

29.1

2.42

23.4

2.72

0.36

0.19

0.42

0.28

2016

44.8

2.70

1.14

0.06

0.80

1.42

274.4

0.97

0.073

59.6

2.46

37.2

2.63

0.35

0.20

0.32

0.25

2015

47.0

2.70

1.24

0.06

0.79

1.37

246.3

1.00

0.075

47.2

2.44

37.2

2.63

0.35

0.20

0.32

0.25

Inferred  
Mineral Resources 

2016

2015

38

2.1

2.4

0.1

1.1

1.9

21

0.9

0.06

88

2.5

21

2.6

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.3

33

2.5

1.8

0.1

1.0

1.8

18

0.9

0.07

95

2.5

21

2.6

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.3

Proved Ore Reserves

Probable Ore Reserves

Total Ore Reserves

Commodity

(Mt)

Nickel (%)

Copper (%)

Cobalt (%)

Platinum (g/t)

Palladium (g/t)

(Mt)

Nickel (%)

Cobalt (%)

(Mt)

Nickel (%)

2016

9.8

2.02

1.46

0.04

0.95

1.40

183.7

0.94

0.064

9.7

2.30

2015

10.9

1.95

1.60

0.04

1.02

1.44

151.6

0.97

0.070

14.2

2.33

2016

9.3

2.59

0.73

0.06

0.66

1.47

54.2

0.92

0.061

26.2

2.28

2015

10.6

2.47

0.78

0.05

0.67

1.40

39.9

0.96

0.069

20.9

2.29

2016

19.1

2.29

1.10

0.05

0.81

1.44

237.9

0.94

0.064

35.9

2.29

2015

21.4

2.21

1.20

0.04

0.85

1.43

191.6

0.97

0.069

35.1

2.30

Glencore Annual Report 2016

217

Additional information

Resources and reserves

Metals and minerals: Ferroalloys

Ferroalloys mineral resources

Name of operation

Commodity

Chrome

Vanadium

PGM

Silica

(Mt)

Cr2O3 (%)

(Mt)

V2O5 (%)

 (Mt)

3PGE + Gold (g/t)

(Mt)

SiO2 (%)

Ferroalloys ore reserves

Name of operation

Chrome

Vanadium

PGM

Silica

Measured Mineral 
Resources

Indicated Mineral  
Resources

Measured and Indicated 
Resources

Inferred  
Mineral Resources 

2016

115

41.2

49.18

0.48

80

4.31

–

–

2015

118

41.1

48.85

0.48

85

4.37

–

–

2016

83

41.0

39.4

0.5

26

3.1

2015

83

40.9

38.7

0.5

26

3.1

2016

197

41.1

88.5

0.5

106

4.0

2015

201

41.0

87.6

0.5

111

4.1

23.27

91

23.81

91

23.27

91

23.81

91

2016

297

40

95

0.5

83

4.3

–

–

2015

297

40

95

0.5

83

4.3

–

–

Proved Ore Reserves

Probable Ore Reserves

Total Ore Reserves

Commodity

(Mt)

Cr2O3 (%)

(Mt)

V2O5 (%)

 (Mt)

3PGE + Gold (g/t)

2016

43

32.7

26.83

0.47

2015

47

34.0

26.66

0.48

12.795

3.58

18.731

3.82

(Mt)

SiO2 (%)

–

–

–

–

2016

17

31.1

13.0

0.5

–

–

2.05

91

2015

17

32.6

12.9

0.5

–

–

2.15

91

2016

59

32.2

39.8

0.5

12.80

3.6

2.05

91

2015

63

33.6

39.6

0.5

18.73

3.8

2.15

91

218 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Metals and minerals: Iron Ore

Iron ore mineral resources

Name of operation

Commodity

(Mt)

Iron (%)

(Mt)

Iron (%)

(Mt)

Iron (%)

(Mt)

Iron (%)

El Aouj Mining  
Company S.A.

Sphere Mauritania 
S.A.

(Askaf)

Sphere Lebtheinia 
S.A.

Jumelles Limited

(Zanaga)

Iron ore reserves

Name of operation

El Aouj Mining  
Company S.A.

Jumelles Limited

(Zanaga)

Measured Mineral 
Resources

Indicated Mineral  
Resources

Measured and Indicated 
Resources

Inferred  
Mineral Resources 

2016

470

36

215

36

–

–

2015

470

36

215

36

–

–

2,300

34

2,300

34

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

1,435

36

190

35

2,180

32

2,500

30

1,435

36

190

35

2,180

32

2,500

30

1,905

36

405

36

2,180

32

4,800

32

1,905

36

405

36

2,180

32

4,800

32

2,520

35

2,520

35

251

35

560

32

251

35

560

32

2,100

31

2,100

31

Proved Ore Reserves

Probable Ore Reserves

Total Ore Reserves

Commodity

2016

(Mt)

Iron (%)

(Mt)

Iron (%)

380

35

770

37

2015

380

35

770

37

2016

551

35

1,290

32

2015

551

35

1,290

32

2016

2015

931

35

2,070

34

931

35

2,070

34

Glencore Annual Report 2016

219

 
 
Additional information

Resources and reserves

Energy products: Coal

Coal resources

Name of operation

Australia

New South Wales

Queensland

Measured 
Coal Resources

Indicated 
Coal Resources

Inferred 
Coal Resources

Commodity

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Coking/Thermal Coal (Mt)

Coking/Thermal Coal (Mt)

3,145

3,033

3,170

3,028

2,943

3,685

2,869

3,373

5,211

8,030

5,271

8,269

South Africa

Thermal Coal (Mt)

2,895

2,914

1,136

1,151

Thermal Coal (Mt)

175

185

210

220

Thermal Coal (Mt)

3,000

2,950

1,250

1,150

Coking/Thermal Coal (Mt)

45

45

113

113

435

70

650

130

435

70

800

130

Coal Reserves

Marketable 
Coal Reserves

Proved

Probable

Proved

Probable

Total Marketable 
Coal Reserves

Commodity

2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

2015

Thermal Coal (Mt)

Coking Coal (Mt)

Thermal Coal (Mt)

Coking Coal (Mt)

926

18

890

83

756

100

490

155

42

401

42

307

80

70

671

11

799

55

468

100

470

109

28

353

28

179

80

70

780

39

1,152

83

646

180

540

839

40

1,220

108

670

200

610

Prodeco

Cerrejón

Canada projects

(Suska, Sukunka)

Coal reserves

Name of operation

Australia

New South Wales

Queensland

South Africa

Thermal Coal (Mt)

Prodeco

Cerrejón

Thermal Coal (Mt)

Thermal Coal (Mt)

220 Glencore Annual Report 2016

Strategic report | Governance | Financial statements | Additional information

Energy products: Oil

Oil net reserves (Proven and Probable)1

Equatorial Guinea

Chad

Cameroon

Working Interest Basis

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

31 December 2015

Revisions

Production

31 December 2016

19

(2)

(4)

13

–

–

–

–

166

(9)

(5)

152

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

185

(11)

(9)

165

–

–

–

–

Net contingent resources (2C)1

Equatorial Guinea

Chad

Cameroon

Working Interest Basis

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

Oil mmbbl

Gas bcf

31 December 2015

Revisions

Divestments

31 December 2016

23

2

–

25

562

(32)

–

530

9

–

–

9

–

–

–

–

47

–

(29)

18

595

–

(595)

–

79

2

(29)

52

1,157

(32)

(595)

530

1  “Net” reserves or resources are equivalent to Glencore’s working interest in the asset/property.

Total

Combined 
mmboe

185

(11)

(9)

165

Total

Combined 
mmboe

278

(3)

(132)

143

Glencore Annual Report 2016

221

Additional information

Shareholder information

Glencore plc is registered in Jersey, with headquarters in Switzerland and operations around the world.

Headquarters

Registered Office

Baarermattstrasse 3
P.O. Box 777 
CH-6341 Baar 
Switzerland

Queensway House
Hilgrove Street 
St Helier 
Jersey 
JE1 1ES

The Company has a primary quote on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and a secondary quote on both the 
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx).

Share registrars
Jersey:

Johannesburg:

Hong Kong:

Enquiries

Computershare Investor Services (Jersey) Limited 
Queensway House 
Hilgrove Street 
St Helier, Jersey 
JE1 1ES 
Channel Islands 
Tel.: +44 (0) 870 707 4040

Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Ltd 
70 Marshall Street 
Johannesburg 
2001 South Africa 
Tel.: +27 (0) 11 370 5000

Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited 
Hopewell Centre 46th Floor 
183 Queen’s Road East 
Wan Chai 
Hong Kong 
Tel.: +852 2862 8628

Company Secretary 
John Burton 
john.burton@glencore.com
Glencore plc 
Baarermattstrasse 3 
CH-6340 Baar 
Switzerland 
Tel.: +41 41 709 2000 
Fax: +41 41 709 3000 
Email: info@glencore.com

222 Glencore Annual Report 2016

 
 
Forward looking statements

This document contains statements that are, or may be 
deemed to be, “forward looking statements” which are 
prospective in nature. These forward looking statements 
may be identified by the use of forward looking 
terminology, or the negative thereof such as “plans”, 
“expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “continues”, 
“assumes”, “is subject to”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, 
“aims”, “forecasts”, “risks”, “intends”, “positioned”, 
“predicts”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or 
“believes”, or variations of such words or comparable 
terminology and phrases or statements that certain actions, 
events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “shall”, “would”, 
“might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. 
Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the 
inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future 
expectations. Forward-looking statements are not based on 
historical facts, but rather on current predictions, 
expectations, beliefs, opinions, plans, objectives, goals, 
intentions and projections about future events, results of 
operations, prospects, financial condition and discussions 
of strategy. 

By their nature, forward looking statements involve known 
and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are 
beyond Glencore’s control. Forward looking statements are 
not guarantees of future performance and may and often do 
differ materially from actual results. Important factors that 
could cause these uncertainties include, but are not limited 
to, those discussed in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
section on pages 36 to 44. 

Neither Glencore nor any of its associates or directors, 
officers or advisers, provides any representation, assurance 
or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or 
implied in any forward-looking statements in this document 
will actually occur. You are cautioned not to place undue 
reliance on these forward-looking statements which only 
speak as of the date of this document. Other than in 
accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations 
(including under the UK Listing Rules and the Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority 
and the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the 
Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the Listing 
Requirements of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited), 
Glencore is not under any obligation and Glencore and its 
affiliates expressly disclaim any intention, obligation or 
undertaking to update or revise any forward looking 
statements, whether as a result of new information, future 
events or otherwise. This document shall not, under any 
circumstances, create any implication that there has been no 
change in the business or affairs of Glencore since the date 
of this document or that the information contained herein is 
correct as at any time subsequent to its date.

No statement in this document is intended as a profit 
forecast or a profit estimate and no statement in this 
document should be interpreted to mean that earnings per 
Glencore share for the current or future financial years 
would necessarily match or exceed the historical published 
earnings per Glencore share. 

This document does not constitute or form part of any offer 
or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to 
purchase or subscribe for any securities. The making of this 
document does not constitute a recommendation regarding 
any securities.

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com
This report is printed on Cocoon Offset paper, made from 100% genuine
de-inked post-consumer waste which is FSC® Certified and manufactured 
at a mill that is certified to the ISO 14001 environmental standard.
Printed by Principal Colour.
Principal Colour are ISO 14001 certified, Alcohol Free and FSC® Chain 
of Custody certified.
The inks used are vegetable oil based.

Glencore plc 
Baarermattstrasse 3 
CH-6340 Baar 
Switzerland 
Tel:  +41 41 709 2000 
Fax: +41 41 709 3000 
E-mail: info@glencore.com

www.glencore.com