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Griffin Mining Ltd.

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FY2005 Annual Report · Griffin Mining Ltd.
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R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

CONTENTS

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

HIGHLIGHTS

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Page

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48

Griffin Mining Limited is a mining and investment company whose principal asset is the Caijiaying zinc-gold
mine, where Griffin has constructed the first new foreign owned and operated mine and processing facilities
in the Peoples Republic of China. Further information on the Company is available on the Company’s 
web site: www.griffinmining.com.

Griffin Mining Limited’s shares are quoted on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) 
of the London Stock Exchange (symbol GFM).

Registered number: EC13667 Bermuda.
Registered Office: Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda
United Kingdom office: 60 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LE. UK

1

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

2

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

CAIJIAYING PROCESSING PLANT AUTUMN 2005

3

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

zinc  price  of  US$3,300  a  tonne  can  do  for  the

financial performance of the Company.

Of course, this is just the beginning.  With no debt on

the  balance  sheet,  no  hedging  commitments  and  a

fully  built  and  operating  processing  plant  at

Caijiaying located adjacent to a long life ore body, the

financial  future  of  the  Company  has  been  well

secured.    However,  the  Company  remains  fully

focused  on  generating  even  greater  returns  for  its

shareholders.    This  will  be  achieved  in  three 

major ways:

MLADEN NINKOV, CHAIRMAN, AT CAIJIAYING

1.

A  continuing  drive  to  expand  the  throughput

It gives me huge pride and pleasure to present to you,

the  shareholders  and  owners  of  Griffin  Mining

Limited  (“Griffin”  or  the  “Company”),  the  Annual

Report  and  Accounts  of  the  Company  for  the  2005

calendar year.  You can justifiably be proud of the year

the Company has had.

Against  popular  industry  opinion  and  against  most

financial  analysts’  views,  the  Company  successfully

developed,  built,  commissioned  and  now  operates

very profitably, the Caijiaying Zinc-Gold mine in the

People's  Republic  of  China  (the  “PRC”).    This  is  a

landmark achievement for the Company, the mining

industry and the PRC.

At Company level, the Caijiaying mining operations

guarantee the long term financial success of Griffin.

This  financial  success  has  been  even  further

enhanced  by  the  dramatic  rise  in  the  price  of

commodities,  and  in  particular,  the  extraordinary

rise in the price of zinc.  As you are well aware, the

Company's  feasibility  study  was  commissioned

using  a  US$760  a  tonne  zinc  price.    Knowing  that

mining is essentially a fixed cost business, next years

financial statements should admirably exhibit what a

4

and, ipso facto, the amount of zinc metal being

generated by the Caijiaying processing facilities.

The  plant  was  designed  and  built  to  process

200,000  tonnes  of  ore  per  annum.    Within  7

months,  the  Company  has  already  increased

throughput by 50% and is currently processing

approximately  300,000  tonnes  of  ore  on  an

annualized basis.  A striking achievement by the

Company.    Needless  to  say,  the  Company

continues  to  drive  to  increase  throughput 

even further.

2.

As  evidenced  by  the  announcements  made  by

the Company during the year and by the tables

contained  in  the  Review  of  Operations  herein,

the  exploration  potential  of  the  greater

Caijiaying area improves every day as we seek to

discover the mysteries that Mother Nature has

hidden  beneath  the  surface.    As  this  is  written

and  spring  rears  its  head,  an  RC  drill  rig  has

been  mobilized  at  Caijiaying  to  begin  drilling

the  epithermal  gold  targets  south  of  Zone  II.

Furthermore,  the  Company  has  approved  the

driving  of  another  decline  into  Zone  II,  from

the  base  of  which 

the  Company  has

commissioned  a 

significant  underground

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

drilling program to investigate further zinc and

Jonathan  Guy;  to  our  new  Group  Operations

gold  mineralisation.    The  Company  has  every

Manager, Dominic Claridge; and our new Caijiaying

hope  that  Zone  II  will  become  a  second  mine

Operations  Manager,  Dave  Pelchen.    They  have  all

for  the  Company  and  an  alternative  source  of

made wonderful contributions in the time they have

ore for the Caijiaying processing plant.

worked with the Company.

3. The  Company  continues  to  investigate  and

On  a  personal  level,  a  thank  you  is  insufficient  to

evaluate  further  potential  acquisitions.    That

repay the debt the Company owes to Rupert Crowe

process has become substantially more difficult

for  his  role  in  the  Company's  success.    He  has  now

by  the  buoyancy  of  the  commodities  market

ended his secondment to the Company and returned

which has filtered through to the financing of a

to  CSA  Australia  Pty  Ltd.    Rupert  will  continue  to

large  number  of  marginal  and  uneconomic

guide  the  Company's  exploration  program  and

mineral  deposits.    This  will,  inevitably,  end  in

evaluate the Company's acquisitions.

tears.  In the interim, it has made the acquisition

of  any  worthwhile  project,  of  which  there  are

Indulgently,  I  would  also  like  to  thank  my  fellow

very few, prohibitively expensive and incapable

directors  who  have  truly  performed  above  and

of being economically justified.   The Company

beyond  anyone's  reasonable  expectations. 

  In

continues  to  move  forward  on  a  number  of

particular,  thanks  to  Roger  Goodwin  for  his

projects which will only be consummated if they

continuing ability to handle the job of three people in

display  the  risk  reward  profile  required  to

the London office.

generate 

the 

returns  expected  by 

the

shareholders of the Company.

Lastly,  and  most  importantly,  thank  you  to  you,  the

shareholders  and  owners  of  the  Company,  many  of

Traditionally I have made mention of the people who

you  who  have  been  shareholders  of  the  Company

throughout  the  year  have  made  an  extraordinary

since the earliest days of late 1997.   My hope is that

contribution  to  the  success  of  the  Company.

the  Company  has  repayed  the  loyalty,  patience  and

Unfortunately,  the  number  of  employees  and

financial  commitment  which  you  have  shown  over

contractors the Company now employs is far too large

the past 8 years.  Rest assured, the Company has, and

for  me  to  list  each  individual  who  deserves  such

will continue, to strive to do even better.

recognition.    For  that,  I  sincerely  apologise.    Simply

put, the Company owes all of them, whether they have

left our employ or whether they strive every day for the

Company's benefit, a huge debt.  That includes all of

Mladen Ninkov

the  on-site  Chinese  personnel,  our  expatriate

Chairman

employees, our Perth staff and our London staff.

16 May 2006

I would, however, like to make a special mention to

some  of  the  new  members  of  the  Griffin  team.

Welcome  to  our  new  Nominated  Advisor  and

Nominated Broker, Collins Stewart, and in particular

5

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

HIGHLIGHTS

• CAIJIAYING MINE COMMISSIONED

JULY 2005

• MINE AND PROCESSING FACILITIES

COMPLETED ON TIME AND

WITHIN BUDGET

• OPERATING PROFIT SINCE

COMMENCEMENT OF MINING

OPERATIONS OF $1,283,000

• 92,096 TONNES OF ORE

PROCESSED IN 2005

• 6,676 TONNES OF ZINC IN

CONCENTRATE PRODUCED

• PRODUCTION RATES STEADILY

INCREASING WITH NO DETRIMENTAL

EFFECT ON RECOVERY RATES

6

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

STOPING AT CAIJIAYING

7

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

throughput  was  estimated  to  produce  some  18,000

tonnes of zinc metal in concentrate.  Production rates

Griffin is a mining and investment company listed on

have been steadily increased since commissioning from

the  Alternative  Investment  Market  of  the  London

23 tonnes of ore per hour to 33 tonnes of ore per hour

Stock  Exchange.    Its  principal  asset  is  the  mine,

without  any  detrimental  effect  on  recovery  rates  and

processing facilities and extensive exploration ground

without  the  need  for  additional  capital  expenditure.

located  at  Caijiaying,  Hebei  Province  (“Caijiaying”)

Steps  continue  to  be  taken  by  the  Company’s

in  the  Peoples  Republic  of  China  (“China”  or 

management  to  further  increase  production  at

the “PRC”).

CAIJIAYING ZINC-GOLD MINE

Caijiaying.  A precious metals circuit has been included

in the processing facilities which will enable gold to be

produced on site when commissioned. 

The  Group  currently  has  neither  debt  nor  any

Griffin, through two joint ventures, has a controlling

hedging commitments.

interest  in  mining  and  exploration  licences  over  67

square kilometres at Caijiaying. 

Continuing  exploration  in  the  area  surrounding  the

mine  at  Caijiaying  and  within  Griffin’s  tenement

During  2005,  Griffin  successfully  commissioned  the

boundary  has  shown  the  area  to  be  highly

mine  and  processing  facilities  at  Caijiaying  with  an

prospective, 

indicating 

significant 

potential 

initial design production rate of 200,000 tonnes of ore

for  further  economic  base  and  precious  metals

per  annum  (23  tonnes  of  ore  per  hour).    This

mineralisation.

8

CAIJIAYING MINE LOCATION

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

CAIJIAYING AREA

Significantly,  for  the  first  three  years  of  commercial

production,  100%  of  the  net  cash  flows  from  the

Caijiaying is located approximately 200 km north-west

Caijiaying mine accrue to Griffin through its wholly

of Beijing in the Hebei Province of the PRC.  The site

owned subsidiary, China Zinc. 

is  easily  accessible  by  freeway  from  Beijing  to

Zhangjiakou and then via two alternative major sealed

In October 1998 Hebei Hua-Ao was the first foreign

roads from Zhangjiakou to site.  The site has significant

controlled  joint  venture  to  be  awarded  a  new

water  supplies  available  and  has  two  independent

exploration  licence  for  a  hard  rock  deposit  in  the

connections  to  the  electricity  grid  and  three  onsite

PRC when it received an exploration licence covering

back-up diesel generators. The site is also fully serviced

an area of 11.3 square kilometres at Caijiaying.

by  full  telecommunications  connectivity  including

broadband access for internet services.

On 21 March 2002, Hebei Hua-Ao became the first

foreign  controlled  joint  venture  to  be  granted  a

The Caijiaying area is on the south-east edge of the

mining licence over a base metals deposit in the PRC

Mongolian  Plateau.  Conditions  are  not  severe  with

when it was granted a mining licence over 1.56 square

warm summers and cold, dry winters.

LEGAL STRUCTURE

kilometres  of  the  original  11.3  square  kilometre

licence area at Caijiaying.  This is the area currently

being mined at Caijiaying.

In  January  2004  a  second  contractual  joint  venture

Griffin’s  initial  interest  in  Caijiaying  was  obtained

company, 

the  Hebei  Sino  Anglo  Mining

through the acquisition in 1997/98 of a 100% interest in

Development  Company  Limited  (“Hebei  Anglo”),

China  Zinc  Pty  Limited  (“China  Zinc”)  and  its  local

was formed to hold an exploration licence over 55.7

Chinese subsidiary company, the Hebei Hua-Ao Mining

square  kilometres  surrounding  the  original  11.3

Development Company Limited (“Hebei Hua-Ao”). 

square  kilometre  licence  area  at  Caijiaying  and  any

further  areas  of  interest  in  Hebei  Province.  Griffin,

Hebei  Hua-Ao  is  a  contractual  co-operative  joint

through  its  wholly  owned  UK  subsidiary  company

venture  entity  established  in  1994  in  which  Griffin,

Panda  Resources  Limited,  has  a  90%  interest  in

through China Zinc, holds a 60% equity interest and

Hebei  Anglo.    The  other  Chinese  shareholders

the Chinese joint venture partners (which include the

remain  the  same  as  in  Hebei  Hua-Ao.    Their  10%

Zhangjiakou  City  People’s  Government,  the  Hebei

interest remains free carried until the commissioning

Bureau  of  the  Ministry  of  Land  and  Resources  and

of a full feasibility study on any new mineral deposits

the  Third  Geological  Brigade)  have  a  40%  interest.

found by Hebei Anglo.

9

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

GENERAL LAYOUT CAIJIAYING MINE

CAIJIAYING OPERATIONAL

DEVELOPMENTS 2005/06

The  Caijiaying  mine  and  processing  facilitates  were

successfully  commissioned  in  July  2005  with  full

production,  as  outlined  in  the  feasibility  study,  being

achieved some three months later.  The commissioning

was achieved within budget and on time. 

With the exception of the gold circuit, the plant consists

almost  entirely  of  Chinese  manufactured  equipment.

This has a number of benefits including readily available

and  easily  accessible  spare  parts,  equipment  and  local

personnel  familiar  with  the  equipment  avoiding  the

need for expensive training and foreign staff. 

Unexpectedly, 

during  mine 

development,

mineralisation  was  found  at  shallower  levels  than

previously expected.  As a result, some 40,000 tonnes

of  ore  was  extracted  during  mine  development  and

stockpiled  in  advance  of  the  processing  plant  being

commissioned.  This ready supply of ore enabled the

plant to be tested to its specified design capacity at a

very early stage of its operation.

As  is  normal  industry  experience,  a  number  of

teething  problems  were  encountered  during

commissioning  which  were  rectified  quickly  due  to

the skilled on-site labour force and a ready source of

replacement equipment and spares. 

As  commissioning  of  the  plant  progressed,  steady

improvements  were  made 

in  plant  throughput,

recoveries,  concentrate  grade  and  residual  tailings

grades.  By the autumn of 2005, the process plant was

working  to  the  parameters  of  its  design  specifications

with recoveries in excess of 90% and production rates in

excess of 200,000 tonnes of ore on an annualised basis.

10

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

The  Company  continually  seeks  to  increase  the

In the period to 31 December 2005, 155,000 tonnes of

process plant’s production rates.  By February 2006,

ore were mined, 92,096 tonnes of ore were processed

throughput  had  reached  an  annualised  rate  of

and 6,321 tonnes of zinc metal in concentrate sold. 

275,000  tonnes  of  ore,  some  38%  over  design

capacity,  with  no  additional  capital  expenditure

Zinc concentrate is currently being sold to Chinese

required.    Mill  capacity  has  still  to  reach  is  upper

smelters  and  other  interested  parties  in  China  via

limit.  Plant  upgrades  are  planned  for  the  2006

an  auction  process  held  at  Caijiaying  each  month.

summer  period  to  further  increase  plant  and

The  price  is  calculated  via  a  three  round  auction

throughput capacity. 

process.  Payment from the successful bidder must

be  received  in  advance  prior  to  the  release  of  the

The  Company  has  taken  a  conscious  decision  to

concentrate from site.  

lower the head grade being fed into the mill from that

envisaged  in  the  feasibility  study  as  current  zinc

After  taking  due  account  of  indicative  smelter

prices  have  significantly  lowered  the  economic  cut-

charges  and  transportation  costs,  the  prices

off  grade  that  can  be  applied  to  the  orebody,  thus

received  by  Hua-Ao  for  zinc  concentrate  in  2005

significantly  prolonging  the  currently  known  mine

have been in excess of indicative prices overseas.    

life.  The head grade has been lowered from 11.6%

zinc to 8.5% zinc.

In  view  of  the  current  high  zinc  prices  and  the

ready  availability  of  zinc  ore  at  shallower  levels,

During  2005,  the  main  production  decline  was

management  has  focused  on  the  extraction  and

developed  to  a  depth  of  200  vertical  metres  from

processing  of  zinc  ore  without  extracting  and

surface  (1300  metres  above  sea  level  “the  1300

processing gold rich ore.  

level”).    The  production  and  ventilation  drive  at

the  1400  level  was  completed  linking  the  main

As  the  mine  is  developed  further  and  access  is

decline  with  the  northern  ventilation  shaft.    A

obtained  to  lower  levels  through  scheduled

number  of  cross  cuts  and  sub  inclines  have  been

mining,  gold  rich  ore  will  begin  to  be  extracted,

driven  from  this  level.    Development  into  a

particularly at the southern end of Zone III where

number of lodes has been completed on the 1355,

higher  grade  gold  is  located.    Griffin  expects  to

1358 and 1368 levels. 

produce gold doré bars on site.

This development work has given access to the Fu

Long,  Jin  Long  and  Chang  Long  lodes  allowing

stoping to commence at each of these areas.  Access

has also been gained to the Hong Long lode to the

west  and  more  recently,  a  start  has  been  made  in

accessing  the  main  Ju  Long  lode  at  a  lower  level 

to  the  north,  which  is  expected  to  provide  a

significant  portion  of  production  in  future  years.

Further lodes have been identified for future access

and development.  

11

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

CAIJIAYING GEOLOGY

With  the  development  of  the  Caijiaying  Mine  the

The  base  metal  and  minor  gold  mineralisation  has

geological understanding of the orebody has improved

replaced suitable horizons in the metamorphic rocks,

considerably. 

  Essentially, 

the 

pre-mining

particularly calcareous parts.  Structural mapping has

interpretations of the origin of the orebody have been

showed  that  the  pre-existing  rocks  were  complexly

largely confirmed by mapping and detailed thin-section

folded  and  faulted  before  the  mineralisation  was

studies  of  the  rocks.    The  belief  that  the  zinc

introduced  and  that,  after  being  mineralised,  the

mineralisation was emplaced during a 131-204 million

whole sequence was intruded by a set of porphyry sills

year-old volcanic episode that affected the 2.3 billion-

and  dykes,  which  have  cut  across  the  sequence,

year-old metamorphic basement rock is now accepted.  

particularly along previous fault lines. 

12

CAIJIAYING REGIONAL GEOLOGY

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

Underground  drilling  in  the  Mine  at  Zone  III  has

RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND RECONCILIATION

gradually confirmed the mineralised lodes as trending

north-south as previously believed.

Griffin has also been trying to ascertain the controls on

the distribution of high-grade gold within the Zone III

orebody.    Interestingly,  the  zinc  mineralisation  that

contains  high  gold  is  identical  with  non-gold  bearing

zinc ore.  Griffin has conducted some detailed studies on

this  issue  and  is  now  being  assisted  by  a  grant-funded

academic research program organised by consultant Dr

Noel White, which is being conducted at the University

of Tasmania.

The  pre-mining  resource  estimate  as  compiled  by

Micromine Consulting Pty Ltd was as follows:

Category

Cut-off
Tonnes

Million 
Grade 

Zinc %
Grade g/t

Gold 

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Indicated

Inferred

Total

4%

4%

4%

7%

7%

7%

16.9

6.68

23.6

6.95

3.60

10.56

7.84

8.69

8.08

11.58

11.73

11.63

0.75

0.5

0.68

0.64

0.49

0.59

Since the start of mining at Caijiaying, the emphasis

By  maintaining  the  effort  to  understand  the  gold

has  been  on  converting  this  resource  to  measured

mineralisation in the mine, it is hoped that the studies

status  to  enable  detailed  mine  design  and  forward

will  also  help  explain  the  distribution  of  the  later

planning  to  be  compiled.    This  is  being  achieved

epithermal  mineralising  event  of  gold/silver

primarily  by  underground  core  drilling  but

mineralisation  that  has  been  identified  in  the  area

augmented by mapping of drives and cross cuts.  The

along the major F45 Fault system.  The latter is one

initial lodes have been drilled out in detail at 10 metre

of the major exploration targets in the area.

x  10  metre  spacing  but,  as  the  understanding  of  the

ILLUSTRATION OF THE UNDERGROUND DRILL DEFINED LODES AT THE END OF 2005 
IN COMPARISON WITH THE TOTAL ZONE III ABOVE GROUND DRILL GRID

13

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

mineralisation  improves,  this  drill  spacing  is  being

increased.  Up until the end of 2005, 23,000 metres of

underground drilling had been completed in the Fu

Long, Chang Long, Hong Long and parts of the Jin

Long Lodes.

It  is  estimated  that  the  amount  of  the  total  pre-

mining  resource  that  has  been  tested  by  the

underground drilling program to date is only 10% of

the  total  resource  estimate.    This  is  illustrated

graphically in the preceding figure.  

EMERGING ZINC/GOLD RESOURCE

As part of the ongoing underground drilling program

there  has  been  a  very  encouraging  increase  in  the

number  of  significant  gold  results  emerging  from

within  the  Lower  Fu/Jin  Long  Lode  system.    This

has  been  the  first  area  contemplated  for  defining  a

mineable gold resource within Zone III. 

The  majority  of  the  high  gold  values  sit  below  the

level  of  current  mining  activity  (the  1355  level)  and

will not be mined until later in the mining schedule.

Significant  intersections  from  underground  drilling

Hole
UGCY

- 005

- 008

- 015

- 040

- 079

- 090

- 105

- 120

- 123

- 134

- 154

From

To Interval Au g/t

Zn% Pb% Ag g/t

76.0

81.0

5.00 3.86

7.26

0.01

77.6

81.17

3.57 7.16 13.43

0.02

27.3

38.26

10.96 4.92

3.76

0.14

21.0

30.0

40.0

68.9

25.2

34.3

46.0

71.9

4.20 6.54

5.47

0.04

4.30 3.24

5.46

0.02

6.00 5.32

5.82

0.19

3.00 4.00

6.15

0.01

29.0

34.05

5.05 6.74

7.73

0.05

38.0

36.0

48.2

39.5

10.20 8.65

5.04

0.02

3.50 4.45

7.56

0.66

143

17.0

20.45

3.45 3.72

5.45

0.01

- 167

45.25

- 168

60.55

- 170

57.25

- 190

72.75

- 192

- 200

- 202

- 213

47.0

42.7

35.5

40.0

54.9

66.0

61.5

76.7

59.0

49.5

45.0

45.0

9.65 10.08 10.11

0.21

5.45 8.92 10.17

0.14

4.25 5.29

4.72

0.09

3.95 3.59

5.88

0.02

12.00 3.58

2.75

0.01

6.80 6.55

2.60

0.22

9.50 7.81

6.97

0.04

5.00 11.15

4.67

0.13

- 214

109.0

117.8

8.80 19.20

7.35

0.05

- 214

134.9

141.1

6.20 14.27 13.96

0.04

- 219

- 223

58.1

63.2

5.10 6.29

7.98

0.65

82.3

105.0

22.70 8.36

6.44

0.20

in Jin Long Lode (of greater than 3 metres at 3 grams

- 223

76.15

80.05

3.90 5.28

2.13

0.15

per tonne gold) are shown in the following table:

- 223

70.5

74.0

3.50 4.56

2.25

0.02

- 228

102.0

109.0

7.00 3.11

6.39

0.02

- 231

- 262

- 268

- 272

- 272

34.0

57.8

22.8

37.0

65.0

26.0

3.00 3.25

2.18

0.04

7.15 4.44 10.39

0.01

3.20 3.51

8.06

2.89

22.0

33.55

11.55 7.38

8.34

0.16

36.0

50.1

14.10 3.02

3.49

0.03

- 274

38.00

45.20

7.20 4.71

2.49

0.01

- 275

34.90

43.10

8.20 3.93

6.19

0.04

- 276

42.80

47.00

4.20 8.79

4.61

0.02

- 294

41.00

45.55

4.55 4.70 13.12

0.02

- 295

31.50

36.40

4.90 4.24

1.81

0.03

- 313

52.95

57.00

4.05 3.20

3.04

0.01

14

- 379

66.70

71.00

4.30 6.65

5.88

0.46

126

11

15

15

25

18

46

6

28

21

6

71

47

44

17

12

44

22

27

37

13

42

62

40

11

15

7

5

75

37

25

12

16

17

13

10

25

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

MINE DEVELOPMENT

mining method.  The mixture of mining techniques

available  will  enhance  the  productivity  of  mining

During 2005, mining activities were focused on access

operations.    Non  mechanised  mining  will  enable

development to the various lodes for immediate mining

controlled  mining  on  the  orebody  fringes,  thus

of ore and the installation of capital infrastructure. 

keeping  dilution  to  a  minimum  and  maximising  ore

recovery,  while  mechanised  mining  will  allow  for

Capital development centred on the main production

lower cost bulk mining in the main orebody cores.

decline which was continued to the 1300 level, with

development  of  cross  cuts  to  the  lodes  at  various

levels.  Although not an immediate mining level, the

development  of  the  decline  to  the  1300  level  will

enable diamond drilling to be completed on the large

Ju Long lode system. 

The primary ventilation system was established with

the  development  of  a  3  metre  diameter  shaft  being

sunk, which was connected through a series of drives

to  the  stoping  areas  and  connected  to  the  main

decline.  The  primary  ventilation  system  is  now

established for the life of the mine.

Although  the  feasibility  study  had  anticipated  high

water  inflows  to  the  underground  workings,  water

ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Griffin, in combination with the Beijing Engineering

Non-Ferrous Institute, has structured the Caijiaying

mine and processing facilities to be constructed in a

flexible  and  cost  effective  manner,  maintaining

management control for the benefit of Griffin whilst

at  the  same  time  accessing  Chinese  expertise  in

designing  and  installing  their  equipment.    This

system  has  helped  keep  costs  under  control  and

maintain vital timetables.  With the benefit of these

relationships  and  its  experience  in  developing

Caijiaying,  Griffin  is  uniquely  placed  to  develop

additional projects in China. 

flows  have  been  steady  at  a  rate,  approximately  one

Nearly 200 people are now employed by Hebei Hua-

quarter of pumping design rates.

Ao  at  Caijiaying,  with  an  additional  200  people

working on site via a number of local contractors for

All  mining  to  date  has  been  in  line  with  feasibility

the  provision  of  mining  services,  ore  haulage  and

study proposals. All development and stoping is being

other supporting services. 

carried  out  using  non  mechanised  techniques.  Mine

haulage  is  the  only  area  where  mechanisation  has

It is Company policy to employ local people and use

been implemented.  Locally manufactured trucks and

local  contractors  wherever  possible.  This,  together

loaders are being used by the mine contractors. 

with  improvements  in  infrastructure  by  the  local

authorities,  is  already  bringing  significant  economic

23,000  metres  of  stope  definition  drilling  was

benefits to Caijiaying and the surrounding area.

completed in 2005 and, with conversion of resources

continuing  to  be  successful,  drilling  will  continue

throughout 2006 to enable the mining ore reserves to

be updated and hence enable a life-of-mine plan to be

developed for the operation.

Given the ore bodies have been seen to be amenable

to mechanisation, the decision was made late in 2005

to convert suitable areas to a long-hole open stoping

In addition to local staff, a number of expatriate staff

have been employed to assist in the technical aspects

of  the  operation.    Foreign  staff  currently  include  a

mine  manager, 

accountant, 

two  geologists,

metallurgist,  mine  superintendent  and  two  alternate

underground  diamond  drill  supervisors.    As  more

experienced  local  staff  are  employed  and  existing

local personnel become fully trained, Griffin hopes to

reduce the number of expatriate staff at Caijiaying.

15

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

CAIJIAYING EXPLORATION PROGRAM

program  were  defined  using 

the  previously

completed ground magnetic and IP surveys.

With the Caijiaying mine in production, Griffin is re-

setting  its  policy  for  long-term  exploration  of  the

The majority of the RC program was centred on the

Caijiaying  area.    The  understanding  gained  from

attractive  targets  at  Zone  II,  1.2  km  south  of  the

developing the Caijiaying mine will, with careful and

mine.    These  comprised  epithermal  gold  targets

systematic  work,  greatly  improve  the  chances  of

associated with the north-east trending F45 Fault and

further discoveries in the region.  

also  north-south  zinc  lodes  and  targets  defined  by

previous Chinese drilling as well as induced polarity

As previously indicated, the first priority has been to

(“IP”) targets defined by Griffin.

systematically  explore  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the

Zone  III  Mine.    Regional  exploration  has  only

Zone II

recently been gradually expanded further afield.  

A new zinc deposit was discovered at Zone II East by

Following these principles, a regional reverse circulation

drilling an IP target 200 metres east of the previously

(“RC”)  drilling  exploration  program  of  the  area

known  main  zone.    Two  RC  drill  holes  yielded

surrounding  the  Caijiaying  mine  was  undertaken  in

intersections of:

2005.    This  was  designed  to  test  the  main  targets

• 52  metres  @  5.45%  zinc  from  72  metres  depth

outlined in the Company’s previous annual reports.

including 

12 metres @ 12.35% zinc from 72 metres and 

The  program  was  conducted  by  Drillcorp  Western

4 metres @ 7.61% zinc from 92 metres

Deephole  of  Western  Australia  using  a  specially

and

imported Hydco rig with auxiliary booster.  A total of

• 12 metres @ 5.82% zinc including 

16,211  metres  were  drilled  in  82  days  between  July

and  November  2005.    Targets  for  the  RC  drilling

8 metres @ 9.82% zinc and 

8 metres @ 116 g/t silver

16

RC DRILL RIG ON ZONE II SUMMER 2005 

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

Follow-up  work,  including  a  trial  decline  with  an

Area between Zone II & III

underground  drilling  program,  is  planned  in  2006 

to  delineate 

this  deposit  and  assess 

it 

for 

It was not possible to test the 1 kilometre long area in

possible mining.

the valley between Zone II and the mine at Zone III in

2005  due  to  what  the  Chinese  authorities  define  as  a

The  main  part  of  Zone  II,  200  metres  to  the  west  of

newly  planted  “forest”.    A  long  lead  time  has  been

Zone  II  East,  was  also  confirmed  as  a  precious  metals

required for forestry permitting and land clearance to

prospect with significant gold and silver intersections of:

drill  in  this  area.    It  has  therefore  been  decided  to

• 10 metres @ 2.21 g/t gold and

• 8 metres @ 228 g/t silver from 171 metres

This 

suggests  much  more  precious  metal

enhancement than was obvious from previous work.  

The zinc intersections from this zone are mainly in 4

metre  composites  and  are  in  line  with  the  previous

Chinese results including:

• 4 metres @ 9.23% zinc from 116 metres

• 4 metres @ 8.16% zinc from 116 metres and

• 8  metres  @  5.06%  zinc  from  120  metres

including 4 metres at 8.96% zinc

• 4 metres @ 5.89% zinc from 136 metres

conduct  further  deeper  looking  IP  surveys  over  this

area to better define the targets beneath the overburden

before drilling more holes as soon as practicable.

The  unknown  potential  of  the  Caijiaying  area  was

further exemplified by an 8 metre wide zone of zinc

mineralisation  that  was  unexpectedly  intersected  in

the mine access decline beneath the Zone III valley.

It is planned to test this target to the north and south

with  underground  drilling.    If  it  proves  extensive,  it

can  easily  be  accessed  by  a  branch  off  the  main

production decline.

SATELLITE IMAGERY OF THE CAIJAIYING AREA SHOWING EXISTING AND APPLIED FOR LICENCES

17

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

F45 Fault

The primary target of the major F45 Fault zone, 1 to

1.3 kilometres south of the Caijiaying mine, has been

confirmed  with  significant  gold  intercepts  recorded

in  two  holes  900  metres  apart  at  approximately  150

metres depth.  The two intersections recorded were:

• 4 metres @ 3.96 g/t gold and

• 3 metres @ 4.24 g/t gold

As  both  of  the  positive  results  are  from  a  similar

depth and some distance apart, they indicate the level

of  gold  precipitation  in  this  target  area  is  similar  to

the level where gold is currently being proved in the

mine  in  the  south  Jin/Fu  Long  Lode  system.

Defining  the  level  of  gold  precipitation  is  an

important step in targeting epithermal gold deposits

and was a major aim of the survey.

As  gold  results  continue  to  emerge  from  the  mine

underground  drilling  program,  the  geometry  and

nature of the gold mineralisation is becoming clearer

and this knowledge is expected to impact favourably on

the ongoing gold exploration program in the region.

Follow-up  work  planned  for  this  target  in  2006

comprises  a  first  stage  of  further  RC  drilling  along

the  now  defined  target.    This  will  be  undertaken  in

the Spring of 2006.

Regional Targets

Two western targets were also tested by RC drilling.

The  holes  that  were  drilled  intersected  Proterozoic

basement (similar host rocks as in the Zone III mine)

and so have potential for base metals.  As the controls

of  base  metals  mineralisation  become  better

understood, this area will need further work.

18

ZINC CONCENTRATE

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

THE FUTURE

FINANCIAL

With the successful commissioning of the Caijiaying

The Group recorded a profit for the year of $311,000

mine  and  processing  facilities,  Griffin  has  gained  a

(2004 loss restated $111,000).

well  earned  reputation  as  a  mine  developer,  builder

and  operator  in  China.    The  Company  is  now

Since  commissioning  the  Caijiaying  mine  in  July

uniquely placed to further expand its influence in the

2005,  the  group  has  achieved  an  operating  profit

mining sector of the world’s largest mineral producer.

from  mining  operations  of  $1,283,000  in  the 

With  this  enhanced  status,  Griffin  is  being  offered

6 months to 31 December 2005.

other  high  class  mining  projects  by  various  arms  of

the PRC’s local, provincial and central governments

The  Company  has  applied  International  Financial

for development, modernisation and/or operation. It

Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  to  its  2005  accounts  in

is  the  Company’s  intention  to  acquire  further

full.  The adoption of revised IFRS2, covering share

economically  robust  mining  projects  to  expand

based payments, has resulted in a charge to profit in

operations should they become available and should

2005  of  $333,000  and  an  adjustment  to  the  2004

they  meet  the  rigorous  mining  and  economic

results for a charge to profit and loss of $509,000.  

standards demanded by the Company. 

Griffin  will  continue  to  initiate  and  investigate

recorded  in  2005  (2004  gains  $939,000)  on  foreign

Foreign  exchange 

losses  of  $411,000  were 

transactions both within its traditional mining base and

currency deposits.

other areas where its staff and consultants have particular

expertise, in order to add further value to the Company.

Following  commissioning  of  the  mine  Griffin  has

been able to repatriate funds from the PRC including

inter company charges, interest and loan repayments.

ZINC CONCENTRATE IN SUSPENSION AT CAIJAIYING

19

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

20

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

CAIJIAYING PROCESSING PLANT AT COMMISSIONING

21

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES

DIRECTORS:

Mladen  Ninkov,  Chairman,  Australian,  aged  44,

Dal  Brynelsen,  Director,  Canadian,  aged  59, is a

holds  a  Masters  of  Law  Degree  from  Trinity  Hall,

graduate  of  the  University  of  British  Columbia  in

Cambridge  and  Bachelor  of  Laws  (with  Honours)

Urban  Land  Economics.    Mr.  Brynelsen  has  been

and  Bachelor  of  Jurisprudence  Degree  from  the

involved  in  the  resource  industry  for  over  30  years.

University of Western Australia.  He is a principal of

He  has  been  responsible 

for  the  discovery,

Keynes  Capital.    He  has  a  mining,  legal,  fund

development  and  operation  of  several  underground

management  and  investment  banking  background

gold  mines  during  his  career.  Mr.  Brynelsen  is  the

and  is  admitted  as  a  barrister  and  solicitor  of  the

President  and  a  director  of  Vangold  Resources

Supreme  Court  of  Western  Australia.    He  was  a

Limited  and  provides 

independent  consulting

director  and  Head  of  International  Corporate

services to private clients and institutions. 

Finance  at  ANZ  Grindlays  Bank  Plc  in  London,  a

managing  director  of  Maxwell  Central  and  East

William Mulligan, Director, USA, aged 62, has a

European  Partners  plc  in  London  and  a  Vice

BSc  from  Thomas  Clarkson  University,  an  MS  in

President of Prudential-Bache Securities Inc. in New

Geological  Engineering  from  the  University  of

York. He also worked at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher

Connecticut  and  an  MBA  from  NYU  Bernard

&  Flom  in  New  York  and  Freehill  Hollingdale  &

Baruch  School  of  Business  Administration.    He  is

Page  in  Australia.    He  was  Chairman  of  Westgold

currently the Managing Director for Global Projects

Resources NL and a director of Ramsgate Resources

and Political Risk at AIG Global Trade and Political

NL,  both  companies  listed  on  the  Australian  Stock

Risk Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary

Exchange,  and  was  also  a  director  of  Mt  Monger

of American International Group Inc., and a director

Gold Project Pty Ltd, Castle Hill Resources NL and

of  AIG  Investment  Bank  (ZAO)  Ltd  based  in

Matu Mining Pty Ltd.

Moscow.  From 1994 to 1996 he was Executive Vice

President  for  Corporate  Development  at  Latin

Roger Goodwin, Finance Director, British, aged

American Gold Limited. He was a director of Arcon

51, is a Chartered Accountant.  He has been with the

International  Plc,  the  Dublin  based  company  which

Company  since  1996  having  previously  held  senior

operates the Galmoy zinc mine in Ireland.  

positions  in  a  number  of  public  and  private

companies within the natural resources sector. He has

a strong professional background, including that as a

manager  with  KPMG,  with  considerable  public

company  and  corporate  finance  experience,  and

experience  of  emerging  markets  particularly  in

Africa,  the  CIS  and  Eastern  Europe.  Roger  was

named as one of the top 100 UK finance directors of

2004 by Finance Week magazine. 

22

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

SENIOR EXECUTIVES:

Dominic  Claridge,  Project  Manager,  Australian,

David  Pelchen,  Mine  Manager,  Australian,  aged

aged 43 holds a degree in mining engineering from the

47, holds  a  degree  in  mining  engineering  from

University of Sydney (Australia). He has been involved

Ballarat C.A.E. He has worked in the mining industry

in the mining industry for over 20 years having worked

for  over  20  years  primarily  in  Australia  and  New

predominately with Australian mining companies, with

Zealand. Prior to his being appointed Mine Manager

short  interludes  in  South  Africa  and  Finland.  He  has

at  Caijiaying  he  was  General  Manager  for  over  10

worked  in  a  variety  of  operations  encompassing  both

years of Mineral Hill Mine, an underground copper

underground  and  open  cut  mining,  from  small  to

gold mine in Australia. 

medium sized mines. More recently he has worked in

China as deputy general manager for an underground

gold operation and was project manager for a start up

gold operation in Australia.

Jeff Haitian Sun, General Manager China, Chinese,

aged 46, is a Professor of Geology based in Beijing. He

holds  a  PhD  and  MSc  in  mineral  deposits  from  the

Chinese University of Geosciences and has undertaken

postdoctoral  research  in  geology  at  the  Norwegian

University of Technology. Jeff has worked on a number

of mineral projects both in China and overseas. Prior to

joining  Griffin  he  was  engaged  by  Mundoro  Mining

Inc of Canada as a senior geologist.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SITTING MR PEI XIAODONG, DIRECTOR 3RD GEOLOGICAL BRIGADE AND JV DIRECTOR;
MR ZHAO QUANLE,  DEPUTY DIRECTOR MLR  AND JV  DIRECTOR (RETIRED);  MR ZHANG BAOYI,  CHAIRMAN
ZHANGJIAKOU CITY GOVERNMENT AND JV  DIRECTOR (RETIRED);  MR QI CHENGXIAO,  JV  DEPUTY GENERAL
MANAGER (RETIRED); MR JIN SHENGCHANG, JV DIRECTOR AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER; MR REN PINGJUN,
JV  DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER;  STANDING MR JEFF HAITIAN SUN,  GENERAL MANAGER CHINA,  GRIFFIN
MINING;    MR MLADEN NINKOV,  CHAIRMAN GRIFFIN MINING AND JV;  MR ROGER GOODWIN,  FINANCE
DIRECTOR GRIFFIN MINING AND JV DIRECTOR.

23

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors submit their report together with the audited consolidated accounts of Griffin Mining Limited (“the Company”)
and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2005.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

The Group profit before taxation, amounted to US$311,000 (2004 - loss restated US$111,000). No taxation was charged (2004
- nil). The Group profit after taxation amounted to US$311,000 (2004 - loss restated US$111,000) and has been credited to
reserves.

The profit per share amounted to 0.17 cents (2004 - loss restated 0.07 cents). The attributable net asset value per share at 31
December 2005 amounted to 18 cents (2004 - 17 cents).

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activity of the Group is that of mining. A review of the Group’s operations for the year ended 31 December 2005
and the indication of likely future developments are set out on pages 8 to 19.

DIRECTORS

The Directors of the Company during the year were:

Mladen Ninkov – Australian – Chairman
Roger Goodwin  – British - Finance Director
Dal Brynelsen – Canadian 
William Mulligan – American (US)

Under the bye laws of the Company, the Directors serve until re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.
Being eligible all the Directors currently in office offer themselves for re-election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting
of the Company.

The beneficial interests of the Directors holding office at 31 December 2005 and their immediate families in the share capital
of the Company were as follows:

Name

At 31 December 2005

At 1 January 2005

Ordinary shares
no.

Options over 
ordinary shares no.

Ordinary shares
no.

Options over 
ordinary shares no.

Mladen Ninkov
Roger Goodwin
Dal Brynelsen
William Mulligan

33,001
311,163
1
300,001

6,000,000
1,700,000
600,000
600,000

33,001
311,163
1
300,001

6,000,000
1,700,000
600,000
600,000

The options granted to the Directors entitle the holder to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company at 30 pence per
share on or before the 28 February 2007. These options vest with each option holder in 3 separate and equal instalments
triggered by the following events:

a. The first third of each holder’s options vested when granted;

24

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

b. The second third of each holder’s options vested upon the commissioning of the plant at Caijiaying, China with an

initial throughput of 200,000 tonnes per annum; and

c. The  last  third  of  each  holder’s  options  will  vest  upon  the  announcement  of  an  upgrade  in  the  throughput  of  the

Caijiaying plant from 200,000 tonnes per year to 500,000 tonnes per year.

The options not already vested will not vest if an employee or a director resigns or leaves the Company prior to the vesting
event taking place.  All the options will vest immediately upon a takeover offer being made or a change in substantial control
of the Company taking place prior to the options expiring.

On 15 March 2006 the Directors agreed to grant further options over 5,475,000 new ordinary shares to key employees and
the Directors of the Company (the “New Options”). Each New Option will entitle the holder to subscribe for new ordinary
shares in the Company at an exercise price of 65 pence per new ordinary share on or before 28 February 2009. The New
Options will vest with each option holder in 3 separate and equal instalments as follows:

a. The first third of each holder’s New Options vest immediately;

b. The second third of each holder’s New Options will vest on 30 June 2006; and

c. The last third of each holder’s New Options will vest on 31 December 2006.

The New Options not already vested will not vest if an employee or a director resigns or leaves the Company prior to the
vesting  event  taking  place.    All  the  New  Options  will  vest  immediately  upon  a  takeover  offer  being  made  or  a  change  in
substantial control of the Company taking place prior to the New Options expiring.

Upon  exercise  of  the  New  Options  and  existing  options  granted,  the  resulting  new  ordinary  shares  will  represent
approximately 7.5 per cent of the Company’s enlarged issued share capital or on exercise of the New Options immediately
vesting and existing options currently vested the resulting new ordinary shares will represent approximately 4.25 per cent of
the Company’s enlarged share capital. 

The New Options have been allocated as follows:

Number of Options to subscribe for one new ordinary share in the Company
Total number
of Options
vesting at
30 April 2006 

Total number
of Options
held at 
30 April 2006 

New Options
vested at 
30 April 2006 

New Options 
granted at
30 April 2006 

Directors:
Mladen Ninkov (Chairman)
Roger Goodwin (Finance Director)
Dal Brynelsen  (Director)
William Mulligan  (Director)
Management:
Total

2,000,000
575,000
200,000
200,000
2,500,000
5,475,000

666,667
191,667
66,667
66,667
833,332
1,825,000

8,000,000
2,275,000
800,000
800,000
3,100,000
14,975,000

4,666,667
1,325,000
466,667
466,667
1,233,332
8,158,333

All of the Directors’ interests detailed are beneficial.

25

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Although  incorporated  in  Bermuda  and  therefore  not  obliged  to  comply  with  the  code  of  best  practice  established  by  the
Combined  Code  issued  by  the  Committee  on  Corporate  Governance,  the  Company  has  reviewed  and  broadly  supports  this
code.  The  Company  does  not  comply  where  compliance  would  not  be  commercially  justified  allowing  for  the  practical
limitations relating to the Company’s size.

The Board of directors includes a number of non-executive Directors who are free from any business or other relationship which
could materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement. The Board meets regularly, at least once a quarter,
and is responsible for the overall strategy of the Group, its performance, management and major financial matters. All Directors
are subject to re appointment annually at each annual general meeting of the Company’s shareholders. 

Various safeguards and checks have been instigated as part of the Company’s system of financial control. These include:

•

•

•

•

•

preparation of regular financial reports and management accounts

preparation and review of capital and operational budgets

preparation of regular operational reports

prior approval of capital and other significant expenditure

regular review and assessment of foreign exchange risk and requirements

As part of these procedures all costs incurred on behalf of and by Hebei Hua-Ao are independently audited and checked by the
Chinese authorities and approved by the directors of Hebei Hua-Ao.

AUDITORS

Grant Thornton UK LLP have indicated their willingness to continue in office as auditors to the Company and a resolution
proposing their appointment will be put to the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

26

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE ACCOUNTS

Bermuda company law and generally accepted best practice requires the Directors to prepare accounts for each financial year
which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In
preparing these accounts, the Directors have:

•

•

•

•

selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consistently;

made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

stated whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed
and explained in the accounts; and

prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the Company will
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial  position  of  the  Group.  They  are  also  responsible  for  safeguarding  the  assets  of  the  Group  and  hence  for  taking
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information on the Company’s
website.  Legislation  in  the  United  Kingdom,  where  the  Company’s  website  is  hosted,  governing  the  preparation  and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Roger Goodwin
Finance Director and Company Secretary 
16 May 2006
London

27

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS OF GRIFFIN MINING LIMITED

We have audited the financial statements of Griffin Mining Limited for the year ended 31 December 2005 which comprise the
consolidated income statement, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated
cash  flow  statement,  the  accounting  policies,  and  notes  1  to  21.  These  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  under  the
accounting policies set out therein.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 90 of the Bermuda Companies Act
1981. 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 auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this
report, or for the opinions we have formed.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITOR

The  Directors’  responsibilities  for  preparing  the  Annual  Report  and  the  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  applicable
Bermuda law and International Financial Reporting Standards are set out in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities. Our
responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We  report  to  you  our  opinion  as  to  whether  the  financial  statements  give  a  true  and  fair  view  and  are  properly  prepared  in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.  We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Directors’ Report
is not consistent with the financial statements, if the Company has not kept proper accounting records, or if we have not received
all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

We  read  other  information  contained  in  the  Annual  Report  and  consider  whether  it  is  consistent  with  the  audited  financial
statements.  This  other  information  comprises  the  Chairman’s  Statement,  Review  of  Operations  and  Directors’  Report.  We
consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the
financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

BASIS OF OPINION

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland)  issued  by  the  Auditing
Practices  Board.  An  audit  includes  examination,  on  a  test  basis,  of  evidence  relevant  to  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the
financial statements.  It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the Directors in the
preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances,
consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order
to  provide  us  with  sufficient  evidence  to  give  reasonable  assurance  that  the  financial  statements  are  free  from  material
misstatement,  whether  caused  by  fraud  or  other  irregularity  or  error.    In  forming  our  opinion  we  also  evaluated  the  overall
adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

OPINION

In our opinion the  financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, of the state of the Group’s affairs at 31 December 2005 and of its
profit for the year then ended.

GRANT THORNTON UK LLP
REGISTERED AUDITORS
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
SOUTHAMPTON
16 May 2006

28

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2005
(expressed in thousands US dollars)

Notes

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Net operating expenses 

Profit / (loss) from operations

Foreign exchange (losses) / gains 
Finance income

Profit / (loss) before tax

Income tax expense

Profit / (loss) after tax attributable to equity share owners
for the financial year

Basic and diluted earnings / (loss) per share (cents)

1

1

1

2

4

5

6

2005

$000

6,120

(2,440)

3,680

2004
Restated
$000

-

-

-

(3,254)

(1,557)

426

(411)
296

311

-

(1,557)

939
507

(111)

-

311

(111)

0.17

(0.07)

29

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 December 2005
(expressed in thousands US dollars)

Notes

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets – Exploration interests

Current assets
Inventories
Other current assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Share capital
Share premium
Contributing surplus
Share based payments
Investment revaluation reserve
Foreign exchange reserve
Profit and loss reserve
Total equity

Non-current liabilities
Long-term provisions

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total equities and liabilities

Number of shares in issue 

7
8

9
10
11

13
15
16

17
18

12

2005

$000

27,070
419
27,489

1,620
947
63
6,663
9,293

36,782

1,838
39,040
3,690
842
-
215
(12,740)
32,885

372

3,525

3,897

2004
Restated
$000

16,894
39
16,933

-
276
27
12,985
13,288

30,221

1,773
36,594
3,690
509
-
(143)
(13,087)
29,336

-

885

885

36,782

30,221

183,827,731

177,327,731

Attributable net asset value / total equity per share

19

$0.18

$0.17

The accounts on pages  29 to  45 were approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Mladen Ninkov
Chairman
16 May 2006

30

Roger Goodwin
Finance Director

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

For the year ended 31 December 2005
(expressed in thousands US dollars)

Share
based
payments
$000

Investment
revaluation
reserve
$000

Foreign
exchange
reserve
$000

Profit
and loss
reserve
$000

Total

$000

Share
capital premium

Share Contributing
surplus

$000

$000

$000

1,352

21,385

3,690

-
-

-
421
-
-

-
-

-
15,209
-
-

-
-

-
-
-
-

-

-
-

-
-
509
-

1,773

36,594

3,690

509

-
-
65
-

-

-
-
2,446
-

-

-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
333

-

At 31 December 2003
Exchange differences on 
translating foreign operations
Loss for the year
Movement in fair value
of financial assets
Issue of share capital
Cost of share based payments
Transfer

At 31 December 2004
Exchange differences on 
translating foreign operations
Profit for the year
Issue of share capital
Cost of share based payments
Movement in fair value
of financial assets

At 31 December 2005

1,838

39,040

3,690

842

(811)

(121)

(12,130)

13,365

-
-

-
-
-
811

-

-
-
-
-

-

-

(22)
-

-
-
-
-

-
(111)

(35)
-
-
(811)

(22)
(111)

(35)
15,630
509
-

(143)

(13,087)

29,336

358
-
-
-

-
311
-
-

358
311
2,511
333

-

36

36

215

(12,740)

32,885

31

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2005
(expressed in thousands US dollars)

Net cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) before taxation
Foreign exchange losses
Finance income
Adjustment in respect of share options
Depreciation, depletion and amortisation
Increase in inventories
(Increase) in other current assets
Increase in trade and other payables

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Payments to acquire intangible fixed assets 
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets – mineral interests
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets – plant and equipment
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets – other
Net cash (outflow) from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of ordinary share capital
Expenses paid in connection with share issue

Notes

7

4
8
7
7
7

13/15
15

2005

$000

311
360
(296)
333
557
(1,620)
(671)
2,640

1,614

296
(376)
(6,949)
(3,409)
(9)
(10,447)

2,511
-
2,511

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

11

(6,322)

2004
Restated
$000

(111)
93
(507)
509
5
-
(177)
799

611

507
(557)
(5,082)
(4,938)
(17)
(10,087)

16,391
(761)
15,630

6,154

32

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board. 

The adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard 2 covering share based payments has resulted in a charge to profit in
2005  of  $333,000  and  a  charge  to  profit  in  2004  of  $509,000.    The  adoption  of  revised  International  Accounting  Standard  39
covering financial instruments has resulted in gains of $36,000 (2004 losses $35,000) being recognised in respect of the Company’s
marketable securities held for investment being taken to equity.   

The significant accounting policies adopted are detailed below:

ACCOUNTING CONVENTION

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for financial asets which are measured at fair value

CONSOLIDATION BASIS

The Group accounts consolidate the accounts of the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 December
each year.  Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to control the financial and operating policies so as to
obtain benefits from their activities.  The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its subsidiaries are eliminated.  Unrealised losses are also eliminated
unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.  Amounts reported in the financial statements
of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group.

Acquisitions of subsidiaries are dealt with by the purchase method. The purchase method involves the recognition at fair value
of  all  identifiable  assets  and  liabilities,  including  contingent  liabilities  of  the  subsidiary,  at  the  acquisition  date,  regardless  of
whether or not they were recorded in the financial statements of the subsidiary prior to acquisition.  On initial recognition, the
assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are included in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values, which are also used as
the bases for subsequent measurement in accordance with the Group accounting policies.  Goodwill is stated after separating
out identifiable intangible assets.  Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the group’s share of
the identifiable net assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition.

Under the terms of the joint venture contract establishing the Hebei Hua’ Ao Mining Development Company Limited, the
Company is entitled to 100% of the net cash flows of the subsidiary for the first three years after commencement of commercial
production reverting thereafter to 60% being the Company’s share of the equity interest.

No minority interest in Hebei Hua’ Ao Mining Development Company Limited is recognised in these financial statements as
the minority interest’s share of capital is extinguished by accumulated losses.

REVENUE

Revenue is measured by reference to the fair value of consideration received or receivable by the Group and comprises amounts
received, net of VAT and production royalties, from sales of metal concentrates to third party customers. Sales are made on 
a  cash  on  delivery  /  collection  basis  and  are  recognised  on  collection  or  delivery  of  the  concentrate  from  the  Group’s 
processing facilities.

33

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NON CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

Expenditure  on  licences,  concessions  and  exploration  incurred  on  areas  of  interest  by  subsidiary  undertakings  are  carried  as
intangible assets until such time as it is determined that there are commercially exploitable reserves within each area of interest
and the necessary finance in place, at which time such costs are transferred to tangible fixed assets to be amortised over the
expected productive life of the asset. The Group’s intangible assets are subject to periodic review by the Directors. Exploration,
appraisal and development costs incurred in respect of each area of interest determined as unsuccessful are written off to the
profit and loss account.

Property, plant and equipment

Mine development expenditure for the initial establishment of access to mineral reserves, together with capitalised exploration,
evaluation and commissioning expenditure, and direct overhead expenses prior to commencement of commercial production
are capitalised to the extent that the expenditure results in significant future benefits. 

An impairment test is carried out at each balance sheet date to assess whether the net book value of the capitalised costs in each
area  of  interest,  together  with  the  costs  of  development  of  undeveloped  reserves,  is  covered  by  the  discounted  future  net
revenues from reserves within that area of interest. Any deficiency arising is provided for to the extent that, in the opinion of
the Directors, it is considered to represent a permanent diminution in value of the related asset, and where arising, is dealt with
in the profit and loss account as additional depreciation.  

Property plant and equipment are shown at cost less depreciation and provisions for impairment in value (see note 7).

Depreciation

All costs capitalised within an area of interest, are amortised over the current estimated economic reserve of the area of interest
on a unit of production basis.

Office equipment is depreciated over four years on a straight line basis. 

MINE CLOSURE COSTS

Mining operations are generally required to restore mine and processing sites at the end of their lives to a condition acceptable
to the relevant authorities and consistent with the Group’s environmental policies. Whilst the Group strives to maintain and
where  possible  enhance  the  environment  of  the  Group’s  processing  sites,  provision  is  made  for  site  restoration  costs  in  the
accounts in accordance with local requirements.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value.

Costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition are accounted for as follows:

•

•

•

Consumable stores and spares, at purchase costs on a first in first out basis

Concentrate stockpiles at cost of direct materials, power, labour, and a proportion of site overhead

Ore stockpiles at cost of direct material, power, labour contractor charges and a proportion of site overhead

34

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

FINANCIAL ASSETS

Financial assets, other than hedging instruments, are divided into the following categories:  loans and receivables; financial assets
at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss;  available-for-sale  financial  assets;  and  held-to-maturity  investments.    Financial  assets  are
assigned to the different categories by management on initial recognition, depending on the purpose for which the investments
were acquired.  The designation of financial assets is re-evaluated at every reporting date at which a choice of classification or
accounting  treatment  is  available.  The  Group  has  no  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  or  held-to-maturity
investments.

All financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.  All financial
assets are initially recognised at fair value, plus transaction costs, unless they are classified as at fair value through profit or loss.
Financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value.

Derecognition of financial assets occurs when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments expire or are transferred and
substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.  An assessment for impairment is undertaken at
least at each balance sheet date.  

Interest and other cash flows resulting from holding financial assets are recognised in the income statement when receivable,
regardless of how the related carrying amount of financial assets is measured.

Available-for-sale financial assets include non-derivative financial assets that are either designated as such or do not qualify for
inclusion in any other category of financial assets.  All financial assets within this category are subsequently measured at fair
value, with changes in value recognised in equity, net of any effects arising from income taxes.  Gains and losses arising from
securities classified as available-for-sale are recognised in the income statement when they are sold or when the investment is
impaired.    Marketable  securities  listed  or  traded  on  a  recognised  stock  exchange  are  valued  at  the  bid  market  price  on  such
exchange or market. 

In the case of impairment of available-for-sale assets, any loss previously recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement.
Impairment  losses  recognised  in  the  income  statement  on  equity  instruments  are  not  reversed  through  the  income  statement.
Impairment losses recognised previously on debt securities are reversed through the income statement when appropriate.

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market.
They arise when the Group provides money, goods or services directly to a debtor with no intention of trading the receivables.  Loans
and receivables are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment.  Any
change in their value through impairment or reversal of impairment is recognised in the income statement.

Provision  against  trade  receivables  is  made  when  objective  evidence  is  received  that  the  group  will  not  be  able  to  collect  all
amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables.  The amount of the write-down is determined as
the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows.

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Financial liabilities are obligations to pay cash or other financial instruments and are recognised when the Group becomes a
party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.  All interest related charges are recognised as an expense in "finance cost"
in the income statement.  Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption, and direct issue costs are
charged to the income statement on an accruals basis using the effective interest method and are added to the carrying amount
of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

35

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

The accounts have been prepared in United States dollars being the local currency of Bermuda. Whilst registered in Bermuda
the Company, together with its subsidiaries, operate in China, the United Kingdom, and Australia.  

Monetary  items  have  been  translated  at  rates  in  effect  at  the  balance  sheet  date.  Foreign  currency  transactions  have  been
translated at the rate in effect at the date of transaction. Any realised or unrealised exchange adjustments have been charged or
credited to income.

The accounts of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and profit and
loss account items are translated at the actual rate for the year. The exchange difference arising on the retranslation of opening net assets
is taken directly to the foreign exchange reserve. All other translation differences are taken to the profit and loss account.

EQUITY

Equity comprises the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

“Share capital” represents the nominal value of equity shares.

“Share premium” represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity
shares, net of expenses of the share issue.

“Contributing surplus” is a statutory reserve for the maintenance of capital under Bermuda company law and was
created on a reduction in the nominal value of the Company’s ordinary shares on 15 March 2001.

“Share based payments” represents equity-settled share-based employee remuneration until such share options are
exercised.

“Investment revaluation reserve” represents gains and losses due to the revaluation of certain financial assets and
property, plant and equipment.

“Foreign  exchange  reserve”  represents  the  differences  arising  from  translation  of  investments  in  overseas
subsidiaries.

“Profit and loss reserve” represents retained profits and losses.

EQUITY SETTLED SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

All  share-based  payment  arrangements  granted  after  7  November  2002  that  had  not  vested  prior  to  1  January  2005  are
recognised in the financial statements.

All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based remuneration are measured at their fair values.  Fair values
of employee services are indirectly determined by reference to the fair value of the share options awarded.  Their value is appraised at
the grant date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions (for example, production upgrades).

All share-based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an expense in the income statement with a corresponding credit to
“Share based payments” in the balance sheet.  

If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the
best  available  estimate  of  the  number  of  share  options  expected  to  vest.      Estimates  are  subsequently  revised  if  there  is  any
indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates.  Any cumulative adjustment prior
to vesting is recognised in the current period.  No adjustment is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if share options
ultimately exercised are different to that estimated on vesting.

Upon exercise of share options the proceeds received net of attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital.

36

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

In formulating accounting policies the directors are required to apply their judgement, and where necessary engage professional
advisors, with regard to the following significant areas:

•

•

•

•

•

Expenditure capitalised as intangible fixed assets

Expenditure capitalised as property, plant & equipment

Impairment review assumptions 

Provisions for mine closure costs

Share based payments 

The  directors  continually  monitor  the  basis  on  which  their  judgements  are  formulated.    Where  required  they  will  make
amendments to these judgements.  Where judgements and estimates are amended between accounting periods, full disclosure
of the financial implications are given within the relevant notes to the Group accounts.

37

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   SEGMENTAL REPORTING

The Group has one business segment, the Caijiaying zinc gold project in the Peoples Republic of China, which is its primary
segment for the purpose of financial reporting.  All sales and costs of sales in 2005 were derived from the Caijiaying zinc gold
project. There were no sales prior to 30 June 2005. All operating costs in respect of the Caijiaying zinc gold project prior to 30
June 2005 have been capitalised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.

REVENUES
China

COST OF SALES
China

NET OPERATING EXPENSES
China
Australia
United Kingdom

2005
$000

6,120

2,440

(1,574)
(30)
(1,650)
(3,254)

All revenues, cost of sales, and operating expenses charged to profit relate to continuing operations.

TOTAL ASSETS
China
Australia
United Kingdom

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
China
Australia
United Kingdom

2.  PROFIT / (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

Profit / (loss) from operations is stated after charging 

Depreciation depletion and amortisation
Staff costs
Fair values of options granted to directors and management

Average number of persons employed by the Group in the year

38

30,511
251
6,020
36,782

10,734
-
9
10,743

2005
$000
557
1,140
333

No.
137

2004
$000

-

-

-
-
(1,557)
(1,557)

17,401
131
12,689
30,221

10,577
-
17
10,594

2004
$000
5
244
509

No.
41

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3.  DIRECTORS’ AND KEY PERSONNEL REMUNERATION

The following fees and remuneration were receivable by the Directors holding office and key personnel engaged during the year:

Mladen Ninkov 
Dal Brynelsen 
Roger Goodwin 
William Mulligan  
Key personnel

Fees

$000
-
37
-
37
83

Salary

$000
-
-
234
-
277

Share based
payments
$000
-
21
59
21
-

Total
2005
$000
-
58
293
58
360

Total
2004
$000
-
82
264
82
144

Keynes Capital, the registered business name of Keynes Investments Pty Limited as trustee for the Keynes Trust, received fees
under  a  consultancy  agreement  of  $604,000  (2004  $420,000),  for  the  provision  of  advisory  and  support  services  to  Griffin
Mining  Limited  and  its  subsidiaries  during  the  year,  60%  of  which  fees  are  charged  to  Hebei  Hua-Ao.  Mladen  Ninkov  is  a
director and employee of Keynes Investments Pty Limited.  

Frick Pty Limited, as trustee for the Frick Trust, has been granted options over 6,000,000 new ordinary shares in the Company
in respect of the services of Mladen Ninkov to Griffin. Mladen Ninkov is the sole director of Frick Pty Limited. The fair value
of these options charged to the income statement in 2005 was $210,000 (2004 $320,000).   

On 9 March 2004 the Directors agreed to grant options to the Directors and certain key management and on 22 March 2004 a total
of 9,500,000 options were granted to the Directors and certain key employees of the Company. Each option entitles the holder to
subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company at 30 pence per share on or before the 28 February 2007. 

The new options vest with each option holder in 3 separate and equal instalments triggered by the following events:

a.

b.

c.

The first third of each holder’s options vested when granted;

The second third of each holder’s options vested upon the commissioning of the plant at Caijiaying, China
with an initial throughput of 200,000 tonnes per annum; and

The last third of each holder’s options will vest upon the announcement of an upgrade in the throughput
of the Caijiaying plant from 200,000 tonnes per year to 500,000 tonnes per year.

The options not already vested will not vest if an employee or a director resigns or leaves the Company prior to the vesting
event taking place.  All the options will vest immediately upon a takeover offer being made or a change in substantial control
of the Company taking place prior to the new options expiring.

The directors’ options have been allocated as follows:

Mladen Ninkov 
Roger Goodwin 
Dal Brynelsen 
William Mulligan
Total

No.
6,000,000
1,700,000
600,000
600,000
8,900,000

39

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4.  FINANCE INCOME

Bank and short term interest

5.  INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Taxation on profit / (loss) on ordinary activities

UK corporation tax
Overseas taxation

The Company is resident for corporation tax purposes in the United Kingdom.

Factors affecting total current corporate tax charge for the year

Profit / (loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by the UK standard rate of corporation tax 
30% (2004: 30%) as previously reported
UK standard rate of corporation tax of 30% on prior year adjustments 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
(Losses) brought forward / losses carried forward
Current tax charge for the year

The Company has unutilised tax losses estimated at $6.67m, and capital losses estimated at $2.5m. 

2005
$000
296

2005
$000

-
-
-

2005
$000

93
-
104
(197)
-

2004
$000
507

2004
$000

-
-
-

2004
$000

119
(153)
4
30
-

6.  EARNINGS / (LOSS) PER SHARE

The calculation of the basic earnings/(loss) per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by
the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.   The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the
basic earnings per share on the assumed conversion of all dilutive options and other dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below.

2005

Weighted
average
number of 
shares

Per
share
amount
(cents)

Earnings
$000

2004

Weighted
average
number
of shares

Per
share
amount
(cents)

Loss
$000

Basic earnings/(loss) 
per share
Earnings attributable to 
ordinary shareholders
Dilutive effect 
of securities
Options
Diluted earnings/
(loss) per share

40

311

180,639,032

0.17

(111)

170,646,361

0.07

3,677,894

-

311

184,316,926

0.17

(111)

170,646,361

0.07

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

At 1 January 2004 net of accumulated depreciation
Transfer from intangible assets
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions at cost
Depreciation charge for the year

At 31 December 2004 net of accumulated depreciation
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions at cost
Transfers
Depreciation charge for the year
At 31 December 2005 net of accumulated depreciation

At 1 January 2004
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2004
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2005
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

Mill and

Mineral mobile mine Office furniture
and equipment
interests
$’000
$’000
3
-
-
6,419
-
269
17
5,082
(5)
-

equipment
$’000
171
-
-
4,938
-

11,770
190
6,949
(410)
(122)
18,377

-
-
-

11,770
-
11,770

18,501
(124)
18,377

5,109
176
3,409
410
(429)
8,675

171
-
171

5,109
-
5,109

9,110
(435)
8,675

15
-
9
-
(6)
18

23
(20)
3

40
(25)
15

37
(19)
18

Total
$’000
174
6,419
269
10,037
(5)

16,894
366
10,367
-
(557)
27,070

194
(20)
174

16,919
(25)
16,894

27,648
(578)
27,070

Mineral interests comprise the Group’s interest in the Caijiaying ore bodies including fair values on acquisition, plus subsequent
expenditure on licences, concessions, exploration, appraisal and construction of the Caijiaying mine including expenditure for
the  initial  establishment  of  access  to  mineral  reserves,  commissioning  expenditure,  and  direct  overhead  expenses  prior  to
commencement of commercial production.

The office furniture and equipment disclosed above relates solely to the fixed assets of the Company.

41

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

EXPLORATION INTERESTS
China – Zinc / gold 

At 1 January 2004
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions at cost
Tranfer to property, plant and equipment

At 31 December 2004
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions at cost
At 31 December 2005

$000
6,285
(384)
557
(6,419)

39
4
376
419

Intangible assets represent fair values on acquisition, plus subsequent expenditure on licences, concessions, exploration, appraisal
and development work. Where expenditure on an area of interest is determined as unsuccessful such expenditure is written off
to the profit and loss account. The recoverability of these assets depends, initially, on successful appraisal activities, details of
which are given in the report on operations. The outcome of such appraisal activity is uncertain. Upon economically exploitable
mineral  deposits  being  established,  sufficient  finance  will  be  required  to  bring  such  discoveries  into  production.

9.  OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Other receivables
Prepayments

10.  AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS

Quoted securities (cost  $873,000- 2004 $873,000)

Quoted securities are valued at the bid market price and are classified as available for sale. 

11.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Analysis of changes in cash and cash equivalents

At 1 January 
Net cash (outflow) / inflow 
At 31 December

Cash equivalents comprise bank deposits.

2005
$000
107
840
947

2005
$000
63

2004
$000
108
168
276

2004
$000
27

2005
$000
12,985
(6,322)
6,663

2004
$000
6,831
6,154
12,985

Included within the net cash outflows of $6,322,000 (2004 inflow $6,154,000) are foreign exchange losses of $411,000 (2004
gains $939,000) on cash deposits which have been treated as realised.

42

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12.  LONG-TERM PROVISIONS

PROVISIONS FOR MINE CLOSURE COSTS

Provisions made during the financial year and transferred to fixed assets
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December

13.  SHARE CAPITAL

2005
$000
367
5
372

AUTHORISED:
Ordinary shares of US$0.01 each 

1,000,000,000

10,000

1,000,000,000

2005

2004

Number

$000

Number

CALLED UP ALLOTTED AND FULLY PAID:
Ordinary shares of US$0.01 each 
At 1 January
Issued during the year
At 31 December

177,327,731
6,500,000
183,827,731

1,773
65
1,838

135,227,731
42,100,000
177,327,731

2004
$000
-
-
-

$000

10,000

1,352
421
1,773

On 4 February 2005 1,000,000 new ordinary shares in the Company were allotted at 20 UK pence ($0.38) per ordinary share
on the exercise of warrants.

On 8 July 2005 4,925,000 new ordinary shares in the Company were allotted at 20 UK pence ($0.35) per ordinary share on the
exercise of warrants.

On 2 August 2005 75,000 new ordinary shares in the Company were allotted at 20 UK pence ($0.38) per ordinary share on the
exercise of warrants.

On 31 December 2005 500,000 new ordinary shares in the Company were allotted at 40 UK pence ($0.71) per ordinary share
on the exercise of warrants.

14.  SHARE OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

Warrants exercisable at 20 pence at anytime up to 31 August 2005.
Warrants exercisable at 30 pence at anytime up to 31 December 2004.
Warrants exercisable at 35 pence from 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005.
Warrants exercisable at 40 pence from 1 July 2005 to 31 December 2005.
Options exercisable at 30 pence per share at anytime up to 28 February 2007.
Options exercisable at 30 pence per share from commencement of 
production to 28 February 2007.
Options exercisable at 30 pence per share from upgrade in throughput of 
Caijiaying mine to 500,000 tonnes of ore per annum to 28 February 2007.

At 1 January 
2005
Number
6,000,000
500,000
500,000
500,000
3,166,666

Exercised At 31 December
2005
Number
-
-
-
-
3,166,666

/ lapsed
Number
(6,000,000)
(500,000)
(500,000)
(500,000)
-

3,166,667

-

3,166,667

3,166,667
17,000,000

-
7,500,000

3,166,667
9,500,000

43

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table shows the number and weighted average exercise price (WAEP) of all unexercised share warrants and
options at the year end:

2005
Number
17,000,000
-
(6,500,000)
(1,000,000)
9,500,000

2005
WAEP (pence)
26.9

21.5
32.5
30.0

2004
Number
13,350,000
11,000,000
(7,100,000)
(250,000)
17,000,000

2004
WAEP (pence)
12.4
30.0
5.7
20.0
26.9

2005
$000
36,594
2,446
-
39,040

2004
$000
21,385
15,970
(761)
36,594

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year

15.   SHARE PREMIUM

At 1 January 
Premium on shares issued in year
Expenses paid in connection with share issues
At 31 December 

16.  CONTRIBUTING SURPLUS

The Contributing surplus is a statutory reserve for the maintenance of capital under Bermuda company law and was created on
a reduction in the nominal value of the Company’s ordinary shares on 15 March 2001.   

17.  INVESTMENT REVALUATION RESERVE

The adoption of revised International Accounting Standard 39 covering financial instruments has resulted in unrealised losses
in prior years of $846,000 have been transferred to Profit and loss reserve.

18.  FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVE

Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of opening net assets of overseas subsidiary undertakings, whose accounts are
prepared in local currencies, are reflected in the foreign exchange reserve.

19.  ATTRIBUTABLE NET ASSET VALUE / TOTAL EQUITY PER SHARE

The attributable net asset value / total equity per share has been calculated from the consolidated net assets / total equity of the
Group at 31 December 2005 of $32,885,000 ($29,336,000 at 31 December 2004) divided by the number of ordinary shares in
issue at 31 December 2005 of 183,827,731 (177,327,731 at 31 December 2004).

44

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group has not entered into derivative transactions such as interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements or forward currency
contracts. The Group has no borrowings other than trade creditors and funds in excess of immediate requirements are placed
in US dollar and sterling short term fixed and floating rate deposits. The Group has overseas subsidiaries operating in China
and Australia, whose costs are denominated in local currencies. 

In the normal course of its operations the Group is exposed to commodity price, foreign currency and interest rate risks. 

The  Group  places  funds  in  excess  of  immediate  requirements  in  US  dollar  and  sterling  deposits  with  a  number  of  banks  to
spread currency, interest rate and bank risk. These deposits are kept under regular review to maximise interest receivable and
with reference to future expenditure and future currency requirements.   

Commodity prices are monitored on a regular basis to ensure the Group receives fair value for its products.

21.  SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

At 31 December 2005, Griffin Mining Limited had interests in the share capital of the following principal subsidiary companies.

Name

China Zinc 
Pty Limited

Class of
shares held

Proportion of
shares held

Nature of 
business  

Country of
incorporation

Ordinary

100%

Holding company

Australia

Hebei Hua’ Ao Mining
Development Company
Limited*

100% (reducing to
60% after 3 years from
commercial production) **

Zinc mining
and development

China

Panda Resources Limited

Ordinary

Hebei Sino Anglo
Mining Development 
Company Ltd*

100%

90%

Holding company

England

Gold exploration
and development

China

*  China  Zinc  Pty  Ltd  and  Panda  Resources  Ltd  are  directly  owned  by  the  Company.  China  Zinc  Pty  Ltd  has  a  controlling
interest in Hebei Hua’ Ao Mining Development Company Ltd, see below, and Panda Resources Ltd has a 90% controlling
interest in Hebei Sino Anglo Mining Development Company Ltd.

** The joint venture contract establishing the Hebei Hua’ Ao Mining Development Company Ltd provides that 100% of the
cash flows generated by the joint venture in the first three years from commencement of commercial production be paid to the
foreign party. Thereafter the foreign party will receive 60% of the cash flows, in accordance with its share in the equity interest
in the joint venture.

45

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

46

R E P O R T   A N D   A C C O U N T S   2 0 0 5

CAIJIAYING PLANT WINTER 2006

47

G R I F F I N   M I N I N G   L I M I T E D  

United Kingdom office:

Registered office:

China Zinc office:

Directors:

CORPORATE INFORMATION

6th & 7th Floors, 60 St James’s Street, 
London. SW1A 1LE. UK.
Telephone: + 44 (0)20 7629 7772
Facsimile:  + 44 (0)20 7629 7773
Email: griffin@griffinmining.com
Web site: www.griffinmining.com

Clarendon House,
2 Church Street, Hamilton,
Hamilton. HM11. Bermuda.

Level 9, BGC Centre,
28 The Esplanade, Perth, Western Australia 6000. Australia.
Telephone: + 61(0)8 9321 7143
Facsimile:  + 61 (0)8 9321 7035

Mladen Ninkov (Chairman)
Roger Goodwin (Finance Director)
Dal Brynelsen 
William Mulligan 

Company Secretary:

Roger Goodwin

Nominated Adviser 
and Broker for AIM:

Auditors:

Solicitors:

Bankers:

UK Registrars & Transfer Agents:

48

Collins Stewart Limited
9th Floor, 88 Wood Street, 
London. EC2V 7QR. UK.

Grant Thornton UK LLP
31 Carlton Crescent, 
Southampton. SO15 2EW. UK.

Mallesons Stephen Jaques
Unit 12, Level 5, Tower E1, The Towers Oriental Plaza
No, 1 East Chang an Avenue, Dong Cheng District, 
Beijing 100738. PRC

Conyers Dill & Pearman
Clarendon House, Church Street, P.O. Box HM 666, 
Hamilton. HMCX. Bermuda.

National Westminster Bank PLC.
St James’s and Piccadilly, 
London. W1A 2DG. UK.

Anglo Irish Bank Corporation plc
10 Old Jewry, 
London. EC2R 8DN. UK.

Capita IRG plc
Bourne House, 34 Beckenham Road, 
Beckenham, Kent. BR3 4TU. UK.