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Griffin Mining Ltd.

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FY2006 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 6

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

Griffin Mining Limited is a mining and investment company whose principal asset is the
Caijiaying zinc-gold mine. 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 

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CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

As experience has taught us all, life is often filled

annum by the end of 2007 rising to 750,000 tonnes

with  disappointment,  heartache  and  failure.  Yet

of ore per annum in 2008. The Company has also

occasionally, just occasionally, a moment occurs

announced that in 2007 it will begin producing a

which reaffirms our faith in the fact that vision,

second concentrate which will contain gold, silver

energy and resources can fulfil some of our dreams.

and lead.  This will be another significant source of

Such  has  been  the  case  with  Griffin  Mining

revenue for the Company. Lastly, the exploration

Limited (“Griffin” or the “Company”).

programme continues underground with exploration

and  grade  control  drilling  in  zone  III,  pure

It gives me enormous pride and real satisfaction to

underground exploration drilling at zone II in the

announce to you, the shareholders and owners of

newly constructed Fox Incline and exciting above

Griffin, a record annual profit of US$29.5 million

ground diamond drilling between zones II and III.

for the Company in 2006 and to declare a maiden

dividend of US$0.03 per share for the Company.

Needless  to  say,  the  Company  continues  to

This is a just and deserved result for the patience,

endlessly 

look  for  further  means  to  grow

loyalty  and  confidence  you  have  shown  in  the

shareholder value.  In that respect, the Company

Company, the Caijiaying mine and the Company’s

has evaluated a large number of mining projects,

management.

predominantly  in  China.  The  overwhelming

majority of these projects have not met the rigorous

The further good news is that Caijiaying continues

geological, metallurgical, mining engineering and

to 

rapidly 

improve.  Since  commissioning

financial  standards  required  by  the  Company.

approximately  18  months  ago,  throughput  has

Nevertheless, the Company remains ever hopeful

doubled from 200,000 tonnes of ore per annum to

of  acquiring such a project at some point in the

over  400,000  tonnes  of  ore  per  annum.  The

future.

resource base has increased from 1.2 to 3 million

tonnes of zinc metal, from 0.2 to 1.6 million ounces

Obviously, the Company’s enormous success and

of gold and from 13.9 to 53.7 million ounces of

continued progress has not occurred, and will not

silver. An impressive achievement.

continue to occur, without a group of dedicated,

talented and loyal individuals gathered together in

And 2007 promises to be an even more exciting

a historically unprecedented tight mining labour

year. The Company has announced an upgrade to

market. Sadly the Company has grown too large 

the  Caijiaying  mine  and  facilities  to  enable  the

to  mention  those  people  specifically  in  such  a

processing  of  over  500,000  tonnes  of  ore  per

limited space.

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It  is  simply  enough  to  say  that  the  long  list

commodities  prices  and  an  expanding  mining

deserving the Company’s heartfelt thanks runs right

operation at Caijiaying, the future of the Company

through from the directors to the Company’s staff,

looks particularly exciting.  Please join us in this

site operating personnel and on-site contractors.  

continuing journey forward.

Finally,  with  US$48  million  on  the  Company’s

Mladen Ninkov

balance sheet at the time of writing this report, no

Chairman

debt, no hedging commitments, continued strong

15 April 2007

GRIFFIN DIRECTORS AT CAIJIAYING
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: WILLIAM MULLIGAN, MLADEN NINKOV (CHAIRMAN), 
ROGER GOODWIN (FINANCE), DAL BRYNELSEN.

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Caijiaying mine commissioning completed

• Profit before tax of $29.5m

• 301,101 tonnes of ore processed in 2006

• 20,138 tonnes of zinc metal produced

• Throughput steadily increased with further upgrades planned for 2007 and 2008

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REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

Griffin is a mining and investment company listed

Work is now underway to enable the processing

on  the  Alternative  Investment  Market  of  the

capacity to be increased to 500,000 tonnes of ore

London Stock Exchange. Its principal asset is the

per annum in 2007 and to 750,000 tonnes of ore

mine, processing facilities and extensive exploration

per annum in 2008. The initial plant upgrade in

ground  located  at  Caijiaying,  Hebei  Province

2007 will include a circuit for the production of a

(“Caijiaying”) in the People’s Republic of China

precious metals concentrate containing gold, silver

(“China” or the “PRC”). 

and lead for sale in China. 

With the benefit of the first full year’s production

Continuing exploration in the area surrounding the

from  Caijiaying,  increasing  production  rates  and

mine at Caijiaying and within Hebei Hua’ Ao’s and

higher zinc prices, the Group recorded a profit before

Hebei Anglo’s tenement boundary has shown the

tax for the year of $29,545,000 (2005 $311,000).

area to be highly prospective, indicating significant

potential for further economic base and precious

metals mineralisation.

CAIJIAYING ZINC-GOLD MINE

Griffin, through its two Chinese joint ventures,

CAIJIAYING AREA

Hebei Hua Ao Mining Industry Company Limited

(“Hebei Hua’ Ao”) and Hebei Sino Anglo Mining

Caijiaying is located on the south-east edge of the

Development Company Limited (“Hebei Anglo”)

Mongolian Plateau, approximately 250 kilometres

has a controlling interest in mining and exploration

north-west of Beijing in the Hebei Province. The

licences over 67 square kilometres at Caijiaying.

site is easily accessible by freeway from Beijing to

Application has been made for further exploration

Zhangbei via Zhangjiakou and then by sealed road

licences in the immediate area.

to site. The site has significant water supplies and

two independent connections to the electricity grid.

In  2005,  Griffin  successfully  commissioned  the

A third connection to a new electric sub station is

mine and processing facilities at Caijiaying with an

planned as part of the 2007 upgrade. The site is

initial design production rate of 200,000 tonnes of

also  fully  connected  to  fixed  line  and  mobile

ore per annum. Production rates have been steadily

telecommunications and has broadband access for

increased since commissioning with 301,101 tonnes

internet services. Weather conditions are not severe

of ore being processed in 2006 to produce 20,138

with warm summers and cold, dry winters.

tonnes of zinc metal in concentrate. 

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CAIJIAYING MINE LOCATION

LEGAL STRUCTURE

Griffin’s initial interest in Caijiaying was obtained

Land  and  Resources  and  the  Third  Geological

through  the  acquisition  in  1997/98  of  a  100%

Brigade) have a 40% interest. Significantly, for the

interest in China Zinc Pty Limited (“China Zinc”)

first three years of commercial production, 100%

and its local Chinese subsidiary company, Hebei

of  the  net  cash  flows  from  Caijiaying  accrue  to

Hua’ Ao. 

Griffin through China Zinc. 

Hebei Hua’ Ao is a contractual co-operative joint

In  October  1998,  Hebei  Hua’  Ao  was  the  first

venture entity established in 1994 in which Griffin,

foreign controlled joint venture to be awarded a

through China Zinc, holds a 60% equity interest

new exploration licence for a hard rock deposit in

and  the  Chinese  joint  venture  partners  (which

China  when  it  received  an  exploration  licence

include 

the  Zhangjiakou  City  People’s

covering an area of 11.3 square kilometres in the

Government, the Hebei Bureau of the Ministry of

Caijiaying area.

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On 21 March 2002, Hebei Hua’ Ao became the

surrounding  the  original  11.3  square  kilometre

first foreign controlled joint venture to be granted

a  mining  licence  over  a  base  metals  deposit  in

China when it was granted a mining licence over

1.56 square 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

company,  Hebei  Anglo,  was  formed  to  hold  an

exploration  licence  over  55.7  square  kilometres

licence area at Caijiaying and any further areas of

interest  in  Hebei  Province.  Griffin,  through  its

wholly  owned  UK  subsidiary  company  Panda

Resources Limited, has a 90% interest in Hebei

Anglo. The other Chinese shareholders reflect those

shareholders in Hebei Hua’ Ao. Their 10% interest

remains free carried until the commissioning of a

full feasibility study on any new mineral deposits

found by Hebei Anglo at which point they begin

contributing to any further expenditure according to

their joint venture interest. 

GRIFFIN MINING LIMITED AND HEBEI HUA’ AO MINING INDUSTRY
COMPANY DIRECTORS AND SENIOR PERSONNEL.

STANDING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: RUILIN JI (FINANCE MANAGER CHINA), 
REN PINGJUN (JV DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER), 
DAL BRYNELSEN (DIRECTOR GRIFFIN), DOMINIC CLARIDGE, (OPERATIONS MANAGER), 
WILLIAM MULLIGAN (DIRECTOR GRIFFIN), JEFF SUN (GENERAL MANAGER CHINA)

SITTING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ROGER GOODWIN (FINANCE DIRECTOR GRIFFIN), 
PEI XIAODONG (JV DIRECTOR), MLADEN NINKOV (CHAIRMAN GRIFFIN), JIN SHENGCHANG (JV DIRECTOR)

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CAIJIAYING OPERATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS 2006/07

The Caijiaying mine operated throughout 2006

The  ore  mined  at  Caijiaying  has  proved  to  be

without any major accidents. 

particularly suited to the floatation circuit installed

at Caijiaying. This has resulted in consistently high

Both the mining and processing operations were

recovery rates of over 92%. 

successfully ramped up over the course of the year,

with throughput increasing from a rate of 200,000

Production  rates  have  continued  to  be  steadily

tonnes of ore per annum at the beginning of 2006

increased  without  the  need  for  any  major

to 360,000 tonnes of ore per annum by December

modifications to the processing facilities.

2006. Although the mine and processing facilities

were designed to mine and process 200,000 tonnes

Following full commissioning in late 2005 the focus

of  ore  per  annum,  301,168  tonnes  of  ore  were

was to bring the mine and processing facilities up

mined and 301,101 tonnes of ore were processed in

to full design capacity and to ensure their safe and

2006. Mill throughput of 30,154 in December 2006

efficient running. This was broadly achieved by

was  81%  above  the  design  capacity  of  16,666

March  2006  from  which  point,  and  as  mine

tonnes per month.

development allowed, the focus has been directed

at increasing throughput whilst maintaining and

With  the  price  of  zinc  quoted  on  the  London

where possible improving efficiencies. 

Metals  Exchange  increasing  from  $1,910  at  the

beginning of 2006 to $4,330 at the end of 2006 the

A  number  of  modifications  to  the  processing

decision was made to reduce the Caijiaying mine’s

facilities were identified soon after commissioning

cut off grade to 1% zinc. This has had the effect

and these were made during the summer of 2006,

of significantly increasing the economic mineral

including  the  installation  of  better  heating  and

resource  base,  enabling  mine  production  and

insulation systems to existing infrastructure. These

throughput to be increased and extending the life

changes proved to be highly successful and, as a

of the mine. Despite the reduction in head grade,

result,  operational  downtime  due  to  the  cold

production of zinc metal in concentrate increased

weather  in  the  winter  of  2006  /  2007  has  been

substantially.  20,138  tonnes  of  zinc  metal  in

eliminated.

concentrate were produced in 2006 compared to

6,676 in 2005. 

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Excellent results from an ongoing underground

Initially  this  precious  metals  concentrate  will

grade control drilling programme, resulting in a

contain mainly silver but, as the mine reaches the

resource upgrade, gave confidence to the Company

deeper gold bearing ore zones, greater quantities of

to commission a feasibility study for the expansion

gold should report to this concentrate.

of Caijiaying to process 500,000 tonnes of ore per

annum by the end of summer 2007 with a further

The  accommodation  and  support  facilities  at

expansion  to  process  750,000  tonnes  of  ore  per

Caijiaying were upgraded during 2006, including

annum by 2008. 

the construction of a new accommodation block.

Additional  better  quality  accommodation 

is

Upon completion of the feasibility study for the

planned  for  2007,  to  provide  good  quality

expansion of Caijiaying, the Company decided to

accommodation  for  all  senior  national  and

move forward with the upgrade and appointed the

international expatriate staff. This should assist the

Beijing General Research Institute of Mining &

Group  in  attracting  and  retaining  good  quality

Metallurgy  (BGRIMM)  to  provide  the  detailed

personnel. 

engineering,  and  construction  work  required.

Detailed engineering work is now being completed

An  indoor  sports  complex  was  also  constructed

with construction about to commence.

which,  although  designed  for  a  multitude  of

The upgrade of the processing facilities will include

for visiting Chinese and foreign dignitaries. A local

the commissioning of a lead/gold/silver circuit to

school has also been given access to this facility

produce a second concentrate for sale in China.

during school hours. 

sporting activities, is also being used to host events

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MINE DEVELOPMENT

During  2006  underground  development  was

fill material will be sourced from the process plant.

centred mostly on the development and extraction

During 2006 emphasis was given to clearly defining

of  ore  from  the  Chang  Long,  Hong  Long,  Jin

the larger ore zones. Underground grade control

Long and Fu Long lodes. The large Ju Long lode

drilling continues to be focused on converting the

has only recently been accessed. 

pre-mining  resource  into  the  indicated  and

In 2006 some 4,000 meters of underground drives,

Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration

rises and cross cuts were developed. 

Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (“the

measured 

resource 

categories  under 

the

JORC code”), facilitating detailed mine design and

An  underground  pump 

station  has  been

forward mine planning. 

commissioned and a high voltage power supply has

been installed into the underground workings.

By July 2006 there were four underground diamond

drills operating 24 hours a day in three shifts. 

Due  to  the  size  of  the  lodes  and  expansion  of

operations, alternative mining methods have been

Underground  grade  control  drilling  has  been

considered. Long hole stoping has been introduced

highly successful with the ore zones in the Chang

to increase ore extraction. By December 2006 long

Long,  Hong  Long  and  Ju  Long  lodes  showing

hole stoping accounted for over 50% of ore broken.

higher  tonnes  per  vertical  metre  than  earlier

Shrink stoping continues in the peripheral areas to

models had indicated.

maximise ore extraction. 

In  addition,  drilling  also  focused  on  generating

As part of the expansion plans for the Caijiaying

models  for  the  smaller,  less  well  defined  lodes.

mine, a backfill plant is to be constructed on site

Indications are that the Qing Long, Hei Long and

in  2007.  The  implementation  of  backfill  to  the

Xiao Long lodes are more sizeable than initially

mine compliments the process plant expansion, as

thought.

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RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND RECONCILIATION

Following the first 18 months of mining operations

Tabled below is a summary of the up-dated 2006

and with the completion of approximately 52,700

Mineral Resource for: 

metres of underground diamond drilling, a revised

• the grade control drilled mine area; and  

JORC  compliant  resource  for  Zone  III  at

• the 2002 Mineral Resource for the non grade

Caijiaying was prepared. The results of this revision

control drilled mine area, at both a 1% and 4%

lifted 

the  contained  metal 

in 

situ 

from

cut-off grade. 

approximately  1.2  to  3.0  million  tonnes  of  zinc

metal, from 0.2 to 1.6 million ounces of gold, and

from 13.9 to 53.7 million ounces of silver. 

The  aggregate  resource  is  calculated  by  adding

both the 2002 and 2006 resource estimates at a 1%

cut-off  grade.  The  2006  Mineral  Resource  was

estimated at a zinc cut-off grade of 1%.

Micromine 2002 Mineral Resource Estimate (Non Grade Control Drilling) 

Category

Cut Tonnes
Metal Grade   
-off Millions Zinc % Gold g/t Silver g/t Zinc million 

Contained Metal
Gold 

Silver

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Indicated

Inferred

Total

1%

1%

1%

4%

4%

4%

40.32

34.29

74.61

13.72

4.89

18.61

4.3

2.9

3.6

7.9

8.5

8.1

0.7

0.5

0.6

0.8

0.5

0.7

20

13

17

32

31

32

tonnes

million Oz million Oz

1.67

0.93

2.60

1.09

0.42

1.51

0.95

0.56

1.51

0.33

0.09

0.42

29.53

18.25

47.78

13.97

4.82

18.79

FinOre 2006 Mineral Resource Estimate (Grade Control Drilling)

Category

Metal Grade   
Cut Tonnes
-off Millions Zinc % Gold g/t Silver g/t Zinc million 

Contained Metal
Gold 

Silver

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

1%

1%

1%

1%

1.52

3.22

0.89

5.63

6.8

5.7

4.5

5.8

0.5

0.6

0.6

0.6

37

33

22

32

tonnes

million Oz million Oz

0.10

0.18

0.04

0.32

0.02

0.06

0.02

0.10

1.81

3.42

0.65

5.88

The information in this report that relates to the Mineral Resource estimates for the 2006 grade control drilled areas is based on
information compiled by Mr C Fawcett BSc (Hons),G Dip Eng, MAusIMM, of FinOre Pty Ltd and the information relating to
the 2002 non grade control drilled area by Mr D Pertel of Micromine Consulting Ltd. Mr Fawcett is a Member of The Australasian
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Mr Pertel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Both Mr Fawcett and
Mr Pertel have sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to
the activity which they are undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code
for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (the JORC Code). Mr Fawcett consents to the inclusion
in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which they appear.

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The underground drilling used to re-estimate the

to definition drill the lower levels of the Ju Long

Zone  III  resource  covers  less  than  15%  of  the

Lode system which so far has not been adequately

entire  resource  area  defined  for  the  original

defined.

Caijiaying feasibility study in 2002.

Drilling at the Fu Long Deeps Lode continues to

The  updated  resource 

figures  support  the

almost 150 metres below the current mining level.

Company’s decision to increase mine production to

The Fu Long Deeps Lode has been reported in the

750,000  tonnes  of  ore  per  annum  by  2008.

past  as  having  a  significant  gold  resource  in  its

Significantly,  the  resource  for  silver  and  gold

upper levels and it appears that this continues at

indicates that the inclusion of a precious metals

depth. Drilling has confirmed good continuity of

circuit will generate significant cash flows for the

zinc and gold mineralisation for almost 170 metres

Company.

down dip and is generally 15 metres thick. Further

development  and  drilling  work  is  required  to

With further development work, it is expected that

determine the strike extent of this exciting part of

a significant portion of the indicated resource will

this deposit before its size can be determined. The

be converted to the measured category without any

thickness and dip of this lode should enable ore to

additional drilling. Almost six million tonnes of ore

be extracted efficiently. 

have already been confirmed in the indicated and

measured  categories  since  underground  drilling

The Wo Long Lode is also showing good thickness

commenced in 2004. 

and down dip continuity. The Wo Long lode is

being characterised by some impressive zinc and

Drilling at the Ju Long lode has already identified

gold intersections. 

almost  2.2  million  tonnes  of  mineralisation  at

shallow depths that will be mined in the immediate

future.  The  mineralisation  is  relatively  wide,  in

places  up  to  25  metres  thick,  and  is  distributed

within  a  tight  fold.  Within  this  fold  there  are

significant areas of gold mineralisation. 

A second decline is being developed off the main

decline to access the lower levels of the Ju Long

Lode expected to contain greater amounts of gold.

In  addition  to  allowing  mining  of  the  Ju  Long

Lode, the new decline will provide drilling access

In  addition  to  the  bulk  tonnages  that  are  being

pursued  at  Fu  Long  Deeps  and  Ju  Long  lodes,

drilling has also targeted shallow lodes that have

higher  grades  allowing  ore  to  be  extracted  with

minimal development. In this regard drilling has

targeted the Qing Long Lode to the west and the

Xiao  Long  Lode  to  the  east.  Both  these  lode

systems are thick, steeply dipping, and located close

to  existing  development  allowing  ore  to  be

extracted relatively easily. The lodes contain higher

grade material that will be used to add to the bulk

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tonnages that will be mined at the Ju Long and Fu

exploration decline at Zone II (“the Fox decline”).

Long Deeps to maintain mine feed grade.

Over 1100 metres of underground diamond drilling

CAIJIAYING GEOLOGY

Mineralisation is believed to have been emplaced

during a 131-204 million year old volcanic episode

that affected the 2.3 billion year old metamorphic

has been completed from a drill cuddy at the end of

this decline. Both targets trend north – south and

have been named the Xi Long (“Western Dragon”)

lode  and  Dong  Long  (“Eastern  Dragon”)  lode.

While assay results have not been received to date,

both targets have been confirmed with significant

zinc, gold and silver intervals for the first five drill

basement rocks. The metamorphic basement rocks

consist  of  amphibolites,  felsic  and  calc-silicate

holes.

gneisses, migmatites and marble. The base metal

Much  of  this  2006  drilling  was  exploratory  in

and  gold  mineralisation  has  replaced  suitable

nature  and  has  better-defined  the  extent  of

horizons in the metamorphic rocks, most notably

mineralisation,  which  is  greater  than  previously

in the calc-silicates and marble. The sequence was

recognised. An ongoing programme including a

then intruded by a set of porphyry sills and dykes,

minimum  4800  metres  of  further  underground

which have cut across the sequence, particularly

drilling and some incline or drive development is

along previous fault lines.

planned for 2007 to drill out these deposits at 20

metre x 40 metre spacing.

CAIJIAYING EXPLORATION

AREA BETWEEN ZONES II & III

The area between Zones II and III has long been

As  part  of  Griffin’s  commitment  to  locate  and

considered prospective for zinc deposits but drilling

develop  additional  virgin  resources 

in  the

has  proved  difficult  due  to  either  local  access

Caijiaying area, 2006 saw the establishment of a

restrictions or deep sandy overburden. To narrow

full-time  exploration  division  based  at  the

down the search area, a sophisticated geophysical

Caijiaying mine. This development has allowed a

technique  known  as  3-dimensional  Induced

wide  range  of  exploration  activities  to  be

Polarization (“3D IP”) was employed. Results show

undertaken, both near the Caijiaying mine and also

six prominent chargeability anomalies which are

further afield.

ZONE II

Two zinc targets drilled from surface in 2005 were

drilled from the new, 147 metre long underground

interpreted  to  reflect  sulphides  which  have  not

been tested by previous drilling. These exciting

new targets, situated adjacent to the mine at Zone

III, are now being diamond drilled from accessible

areas.

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F45 Fault

Caijiaying Exploration Licence area

In 2005, gold mineralisation was reported in two

Two  prominent  ground  magnetic  anomalies

RC drill holes in epithermal quartz veins in the F45

detected  at  reconnaissance-scale  in  2004  were

fault  zone,  situated  one  kilometre  south  of  the

revisited and surveyed in more detail in 2006. The

mine. In 2006, 11 RC drill holes were drilled along

most  prominent  of  these  anomalies  has  been

this structure for a total of 2223 metres, in order to

estimated to contain 10% magnetite and covers an

test for extensions of this mineralisation. With the

area of several hundred metres in length, width and

current full drilling programme, no further work is

depth. It is situated below a sand-covered valley near

planned for this target in the immediate future.

Hebaogou village, some 2.5 kilometres east of Zone

23

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

24

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

25

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

II.  Surface  diamond  drilling  is  planned  for  this

incorporated this data into a powerful Geographic

intriguing target, which was started in the spring

Information  System  package.  This  will  help  in

of  2007,  to  test  for  any  associated  base-metals

targeting new areas. 

mineralisation. 

To  the  northeast  near  Ershili  Naobao  village,

several tight magnetic anomalies were detected off

the flanks of a faulted porphyry intrusion which

returned anomalous rock chip and soil geochemical

results,  particularly  Au,  Ag,  Cu,  Zn  and  Hg.

Further soil sampling, trenching and IP surveys are

planned in this area in 2007 to define drill targets

for future exploration programmes. 

Regional Exploration

Two exploration licences were applied for in 2005

to cover the north eastern extensions of the F45

fault  zone.  Licences  for  Sidougou  (36km2)  and

Xuetangying  (83km2)  are  expected  to  be  issued

shortly. Whilst these areas were initially selected as

gold targets, they are now considered to be viable

zinc exploration targets. 

Reconnaissance mapping has shown that large parts

of these licence areas are covered by volcanic rocks,

consequently a portable infrared mineral analyzer

(“PIMA”) will be used to map alteration to detect

THE FUTURE

With  the  successful  commissioning  of  the

Caijiaying mine and processing facilities, Griffin

has  gained  a  well  earned  reputation  as  a  mine

developer,  builder  and  operator  in  China.  The

Company is now uniquely placed to further expand

its influence in the mining sector of the world’s

largest  mineral  producer.  With  this  enhanced

status, Griffin is being offered and continues to

evaluate other high class mining projects held by

various  arms  of  the  PRC’s  local,  provincial  and

central governments. It is the Company’s intention

to  acquire  further  economically  robust  mining

projects to expand operations should they become

available and should they meet the rigorous mining

and  economic  standards  demanded  by  the

Company. 

Griffin  will  continue  to  initiate  and  investigate

transactions where its staff and consultants have

particular expertise, in order to add further value to

any drilling targets in the metamorphic base rocks. 

the Company.

In addition to the work described above, Griffin’s

exploration  division  has  compiled  a  regional

database  of  mineral  occurrences  and  has

26

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES

DIRECTORS:

Mladen Ninkov, Chairman, Australian, aged 45,

Dal Brynelsen, Director, Canadian, aged 60, is

holds a Masters of Law Degree from Trinity Hall,

a 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 the principal

He  has  been  responsible  for  the  discovery,

of 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 the

Limited. 

Chairman and Managing Director of the Dragon

Capital Funds management group, a director and

William Mulligan, Director, USA, aged 63, has

Head of International Corporate Finance at ANZ

a BSc from Thomas Clarkson University, an MS in

Grindlays  Bank  Plc  in  London,  and  a  Vice

Geological  Engineering  from  the  University  of

President of Prudential-Bache Securities Inc. in

Connecticut  and  an  MBA  from  NYU  Bernard

New York. He also worked at Skadden Arps Slate

Baruch School of Business Administration. He is

Meagher  &  Flom  in  New  York  and  Freehill

currently  the  Managing  Director  for  Global

Hollingdale  &  Page  in  Australia.  He  has  been

Projects and Political Risk at AIG Global Trade

chairman and director of a number of both public

and Political Risk Insurance Company, a wholly

and private mining companies.

owned subsidiary of American International Group

Inc., and a director of AIG Investment Bank (ZAO)

Roger  Goodwin,  Finance  Director,  British,

Ltd based in Moscow. From 1994 to 1996 he was

aged 52, is a Chartered Accountant. He has been

Executive  Vice  President 

for  Corporate

with the Company since 1996 having previously

Development at Latin American Gold Limited. 

held senior 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. 

27

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

28

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

29

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

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES

SENIOR EXECUTIVES:

Dominic  Claridge,  Operations  Manager,

Timothy Blyth, Operations Manager Caijiaying,

Australian,  aged  43 holds  a  degree  in  mining

Australian, aged 47, holds an Associate Diploma

engineering  from  the  University  of  Sydney

in  Geology  from  the  Canberra  Institute  of

(Australia).  He  has  been  involved  in  the  mining

Technology and has 24 continuous years experience

industry  for  over  20  years  having  worked

in the Australian mining industry, with the last 10

predominately with Australian mining companies,

years  in  senior  management  positions.  Having

with short interludes in South Africa and Finland.

started as an underground geologist, he also has

He  has  worked  in  a  variety  of  operations

significant experience of open pit mining.  Prior to

encompassing  both  underground  and  open  cut

joining  Griffin  he  spent  the  previous  5  years  as

mining, from small to medium sized mines. More

Operations Manager and Project Manager for Hill

recently he has worked in China as deputy general

50 Gold, Harmony and Perilya. Previously he was

manager for an underground gold operation and

a Chief Geologist (Geology Manager) for 5 years

was project manager for a new gold operation in

for Sons of Gwalia and then Hill 50 Gold. 

Australia.

Ruilin 

Ji,  Deputy  Manager  Operations

Jeff  Haitian  Sun,  General  Manager  China,

Caijiaying and Finance Manager China, aged

Chinese, aged 46, is a Professor of Geology based

41, holds a degree in mining engineering from the

in Beijing. He holds a PhD and MSc in mineral

Hebei  Tangshan  Engineering  and  Technology

deposits 

from 

the  Chinese  University  of

Institute,  China,  and  a  Masters  in  Business  and

Geosciences  and  has  undertaken  postdoctoral

Administration,  from  the  Monash  University,

research in geology at the Norwegian University of

Australia. Prior to joining the Griffin Group he was

Technology.  Jeff  has  worked  on  a  number  of

Sino Gold Limited’s Senior Finance Manager for

mineral projects both in China and overseas. Prior

China. 

to  joining  Griffin  he  was  engaged  by  Mundoro

Mining Inc of Canada as a senior geologist.

30

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

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 2006.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

The Group profit before taxation, amounted to US$29,545,000 (2005 – US$311,000). Withholding taxation of US$75,000 has
been charged (2005 - nil). The Group profit after taxation amounted to US$29,470,000 (2005 – US$311,000) and has been
credited to reserves.

The profit per share amounted to 16.02 cents (2005 – 0.17 cents). The attributable net asset value per share at 31 December
2006 amounted to 35 cents (2005 - 18 cents).

The Directors declare a dividend of 3 cents per ordinary share in the Company.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activity of the Group is that of mining and exploration. A review of the Group’s operations for the year ended 31
December 2006 and the indication of likely future developments are set out on pages 8 to 26.

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 2006 and their immediate families in the share capital
of the Company were as follows:

Name

At 31 December 2006

At 1 January 2006

Ordinary shares
No.

Options over ordinary shares

Ordinary shares
No.

Mladen Ninkov
Roger Goodwin
Dal Brynelsen
William Mulligan

Exercisable at
65 pence

Exercisable at
30 pence

33,001
311,163
1
300,001

2,000,000
575,000
200,000
200,000

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

33,001
311,163
1
300,001

Options over 
ordinary shares
Exercisable at 
30 pence

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

The options exercisable at 30 pence per share entitled the holder to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company on or
before the 28 February 2007. 

The options exercisable at 65 pence per share entitle the holder to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company on or
before the 28 February 2009. 

All of the Directors’ interests detailed are beneficial.

31

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

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

On 11 January 2007 the Company was notified of the exercise of options granted to the directors and management in March
2004 over 9,266,667 new ordinary shares in the Company at an exercise price of 30p per share to raise £2,780,000 for the
Company. 

The Company was further notified that on 11 January 2007 9,000,000 ordinary shares issued on the exercise of the Options
had been placed with a major institutional investor at a price of £1.11 per share. The Options have been exercised by, and the
new ordinary shares issued have been transferred by, the following:

Kimble International Inc 
Roger Goodwin (Director)
Dal Brynelsen (Director)
William Mulligan (Director)
Other management
Total

Number of Options exercised
6,000,000
1,700,000
600,000
600,000
366,667
9,266,667

Number of shares retained
-
266,667
-
-
-
266,667

The Company was notified that Kimble International Inc acquired the options over 6,000,000 new ordinary shares in the
Company on the 8 January 2007 from Frick Pty Ltd (a company associated with the Chairman of Griffin, Mr Mladen Ninkov).

On 14 February 2007 the Company agreed to grant further options over 10,000,000 new ordinary shares to directors and key
employees of the Company (the “new options”). Each new option entitles the holder to subscribe for new ordinary shares in
the Company at an exercise price of 110 pence per new ordinary share on or before 28 February 2010. The new options will
vest with each option holder in 3 separate and equal instalments amounting to 1.6% of the enlarged share capital of the Company
per annum as follows:

a. The first third of each holder’s new options will vest on 31 December 2007;

b. The second third of each holder’s new options will vest on 31 December 2008; and

c. The last third of each holder’s new options will vest on 31 December 2009.

The new options will not vest if an employee or a director resigns or leaves the Company for cause 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 these and existing options granted, the resulting new ordinary shares will represent approximately 7.41 per cent
of the Company’s enlarged issued share capital. Existing options currently vested represent approximately 2.75 per cent. of the
Company’s enlarged share capital.

32

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The new options have been allocated as follows:

Number of options to subscribe for one new ordinary share in the Company

New options granted
on 14 February 2007

Total number of 
outstanding 
options granted*

Total number of
options vested

6,000,000
1,200,000
400,000
400,000

2,000,000
10,000,000

8,000,000
1,775,000
600,000
600,000

4,500,000
15,475,000

2,000,000
575,000
200,000
200,000

2,500,000
5,475,000

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

* after exercise of options on 11 January 2007

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, other than their shareholding, are independent and
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.

33

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

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE ACCOUNTS

Bermudan 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.

In so far as the directors are aware:

•

•

there is no relevant information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and

the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as directors to make themselves aware of relevant
audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Bermuda Companies
Act 1981. 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 included in the
Company’s website. Legislation in Bermuda and the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial
statements may differ from the legislation in other jurisdictions.

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

Roger Goodwin
Finance Director and Company Secretary 
30 April 2007
London

34

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

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 2006 which comprise the
consolidated income statement, the consolidated balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity, the consolidated cash flow
statement, the accounting policies, and notes 1 to 22. 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 (2) of the Bermudan 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
Bermudan 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 (United Kingdom 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 (United Kingdom 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
of the state of the Group’s affairs at 31 December 2006 and of its profit for the year then ended, and have been properly prepared
in accordance with the provisions of the Bermudan Companies Act 1981 and the information given in the Directors’ Report is
consistent with the financial statements.

GRANT THORNTON UK LLP
REGISTERED AUDITORS
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
LONDON
30 April 2007

35

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

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2006
(expressed in thousands US dollars)

Notes

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Net operating expenses 

Profit from operations

Foreign exchange gains / (losses)
Finance income

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit after tax attributable to equity share owners
for the financial year

Basic earnings per share (cents)

Diluted earnings per share (cents)

1

1

1

2

4

5

6

6

2006

$000

42,802

(8,516)

34,286

(6,142)

28,144

789
612

29,545

(75)

29,470

16.02

15.45

2005

$000

6,120

(2,440)

3,680

(3,254)

426

(411)
296

311

-

311

0.17

0.17

36

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 December 2006
(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
Other reserves
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

12
14
15

16
17

11

2006
$000

32,087
842
32,929

1,104
1,064
-
34,081
36,249

69,178

1,841
39,166
3,690
2,553
297
479
16,432
64,458

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

384

372

4,336

4,720

3,525

3,897

69,178

36,782

184,061,064

183,827,731

Attributable net asset value / total equity per share

18

$0.35

$0.18

The accounts on pages 36 to 53 were approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Mladen Ninkov 
Chairman

30 April 2007

Roger Goodwin
Finance Director

37

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 31 December 2006
(expressed in thousands US dollars)

Share
capital premium

Share Contributing
surplus

$000

$000

$000

Share
based
payments
$000

Other
reserves

$000

Foreign

Profit
exchange and loss
reserve
$000

reserve
$000

Total

$000

At 31 December 2004

1,773

36,594

3,690

509

Exchange differences on 
translating foreign operations

Net income recognised 
directly in equity

Profit for the year

Total recognised income
and expenses in the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Issue of share capital

65

2,446

Cost of share based payments

Movement in fair value of 
financial assets

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

333

-

At 31 December 2005

1,838

39,040

3,690

842

Exchange differences on 
translating foreign operations

Net income recognised 
directly in equity

Profit for the year

Total recognised income
and expenses in the year

Transfer

Issue of share capital

Cost of share based payments

Movement in fair value of 
financial assets

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

126

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,711

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

297

-

-

-

(143)

(13,087)

29,336

358

358

-

358

-

-

-

-

-

311

358

358

311

311

669

-

-

2,511

333

36

36

215

(12,740)

32,885

264

264

-

-

264

264

29,470

29,470

264

29,470

29,734

-

-

-

-

(297)

-

-

-

129

1,711

(1)

(1)

At 31 December 2006

1,841

39,166

3,690

2,553

297

479

16,432

64,458

38

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2006
(expressed in thousands US dollars)

Notes

Net cash flows from operating activities
Profit before taxation
Foreign exchange (gains) / losses  
Taxation paid
Finance income
Adjustment in respect of share based payments
Depreciation, depletion and amortisation
Decrease / 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
Receipts on sale of investments
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

7

4

8
7
7
7

Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of ordinary share capital

12/14

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Effects of exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

2006
$000

29,545
(789)
(75)
(612)
1,711
890
516
(117)
811

31,880

612
63
(414)
(2,829)
(2,504)
(9)
(5,081)

129
129

26,928

6,663
490
34,081

2005
$000

311
411
-
(296)
333
557
(1,620)
(671)
2,640

1,665

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

2,511
2,511

(6,271)

12,985
(51)
6,663

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank deposits. 

Included within the net cash inflows of $26,928,000 (2005 outflow $6,271,000) are foreign exchange gains / losses of $789,000
(2005 losses $411,000) which have been treated as realised.

39

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

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 significant accounting policies adopted are detailed below:

ACCOUNTING CONVENTION

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for financial assets and share based payments which
are measured at fair value.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

From 1 January 2005 the Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (ASB) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) of the ASB
that are relevant to its operations and effective for annual reporting periods beginning on 1 January 2005. The adoption of these
new and revised Standards and Interpretations has had no material impact on the accounting policies of the Group and the
methods of computation in the Group financial statements.

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 its 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 Industry 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 Industry Company Limited is recognised in these financial statements as Griffin
Mining Limited is entitled to 100% of the cash flows for the first 3 years production commencing July 2005.

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

40

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NON CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets - exploration cost

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 mineral interests 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. 

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

Depreciation

All costs capitalised (mineral interest, mill and mine equipment) 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. 

Impairment

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. 

Impairment assessments are based upon a range of estimates and assumptions:

Estimate / assumption

Basis

Future production
Commodity prices
Exchange rates
Discount rates

Proven and probable reserves and resource estimates together with processing capacity
Forward market and longer term price estimates
Current market exchange rates
Cost of capital risk

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.

41

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

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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

FINANCIAL ASSETS

Financial assets, other than hedging instruments, are divided into the following categories: loans and receivables; financial assets
at fair value through the profit or loss; and available-for-sale financial assets. 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. 

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 of the other categories 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.

42

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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.

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. 

Foreign currency transactions by Group companies are recorded in their functional currencies at the exchange rate ruling at the
date of the transaction. 

Monetary assets and liabilities have been translated at rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Any realised or unrealised exchange
adjustments have been charged or credited to income.

On consolidation the accounts of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated into the presentation currency of the Group
at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and profit and loss account items are translated at the average rate for
the year. The exchange difference arising on the retranslation of opening net assets is classified within equity and 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 par 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.

“Other reserves” comprises a statutory retained earnings reserve under PRC law for future investment by Hebei
Hua’ Ao.

“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).

43

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

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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.

For the financial year ended 31 December 2006 the application of the accounting standard has resulted in a net decrease in the
profit for the year of $1,711,000.

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 (note 8)

Expenditure capitalised as property, plant & equipment (note 7)

Impairment review assumptions (note 8)

Provisions for mine closure costs (note 11)

Share based payments (note 13)

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.

44

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

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 purposes of financial reporting. All sales and costs of sales in 2006 and 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

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 FROM OPERATIONS

Profit 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

50,207
382
18,589
69,178

5,747
-
9
5,756

2006
$000
(890)
(2,071)
(1,711)

No.
200

2006
$000

42,802

2005
$000

6,120

8,516

2,440

(3,434)
(30)
(2,678)
(6,142)

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

30,511
251
6,020
36,782

10,734
-
9
10,743

2005
$000
(557)
(1,140)
(333)

No.
137

45

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

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
-
50
-
50
-

Salary

$000
-
-
281
-
570

Share based
payments
$000
-
67
193
67
710

Total
2006
$000
-
117
474
117
1,280

Total
2005
$000
-
58
293
58
360

Keynes Capital, the registered business name of Keynes Investments Pty Limited as trustee for the Keynes Trust, received fees
under a consultancy agreement of $747,750 (2005 $604,000), 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 Capital. 

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 entitled the
holder to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company at 30 pence per share on or before the 28 February 2007. The
options vested 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 on grant thereof;

The second third of each holder’s options vested upon the commissioning of the plant at Caijiaying; and

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

The directors’ options have been allocated as follows:

Mladen Ninkov 
Roger Goodwin 
Dal Brynelsen 
William Mulligan
Key personnel
Total

No.
6,000,000
1,700,000
600,000
600,000
600,000
9,500,000

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 entitles 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 vested
with each option holder in 3 separate and equal instalments as follows:

a.

b.

c.

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

The second third of each holder’s New Options vested on 30 June 2006; and

The last third of each holder’s New Options vested on 31 December 2006.

46

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. DIRECTORS’ AND KEY PERSONNEL REMUNERATION (CONTINUED)

These Options have been allocated as follows:

New options
granted

Total number of 
options granted

Options
exercised

No.

No.

No.

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

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

-
-
-
-
(233,333)
(233,333)

Total number of 
options vested at
31 December 2006 
No.

8,000,000
2,275,000
800,000
800,000
2,866,667
14,741,667

Directors:

Mladen Ninkov 
Roger Goodwin
Dal Brynelsen 
William Mulligan 

Key personnel
Total

4. FINANCE INCOME

Bank and short term interest

5. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
UK corporation tax
Overseas taxation
Taxation charge in income statement

Factors affecting total current corporate tax charge for the year

Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by the UK standard rate of corporation tax 
30% (2005: 30%) as previously reported
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation
(Losses) brought forward / losses carried forward
Effects of overseas rates of taxation

2006
$000
612

2006
$000

-
75
75

2006
$000

8,866
514
(10)
-
(9,295)
75

2005
$000
296

2005
$000

-
-
-

2005
$000

93
104
-
(197)
-
-

The Company ceased to be resident in the United Kingdom for taxation purposes on 14 November 2006 and at the balance
sheet date was no longer within the charge to United Kingdom corporation tax. Taxation and capital losses carried at 13
November 2006 were extinguished at the point of migration.

The overseas taxation shown above is withholding tax applied on outbound inter company interest payments from China.

The Group benefits from a taxation holiday in China until 2008 and does not pay taxation on its trading profits until 2008. 

47

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

6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based upon 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.

Reconciliation of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below:

2006

Earnings

$000

Weighted
average
number of 
shares

Per
share
amount
(cents)

Earnings

$000

2005

Weighted
average
number
of shares

Per
share
amount
(cents)

Basic earnings per share
Earnings attributable to 
ordinary shareholders
Dilutive effect of securities

Options

29,470

183,931,840

16.02

311

180,639,032

0.17

6,820,134

3,677,894

Diluted earnings per share

29,470

190,751,974

15.45

311

184,316,926

0.17

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

At 1 January 2005 net of accumulated depreciation
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions during the year
Transfers
Depreciation charge for the year
At 31 December 2005
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions during the year
Depreciation charge for the year
At 31 December 2006

At 1 January 2005
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2005
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

At 31 December 2006
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net carrying amount

48

Mineral
interests  mine equipment

Mill and

Office furniture
and equipment

$’000

11,770
190
6,949
(410)
(122)
18,377
236
2,829
(222)
21,220

11,770
-
11,770

18,501
(124)
18,377

21,574
(354)
21,220

$’000

5,109
176
3,409
410
(429)
8,675
329
2,504
(660)
10,848

5,109
-
5,109

9,110
(435)
8,675

11,970
(1,122)
10,848

$’000

15
-
9
-
(6)
18
-
9
(8)
19

40
(25)
15

37
(19)
18

46
(27)
19

Total

$’000

16,894
366
10,367
-
(557)
27,070
565
5,342
(890)
32,087

16,919
(25)
16,894

27,648
(578)
27,070

33,590
(1,503)
32,087

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)

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.

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Exploration interests 
China – Zinc / gold 

At 1 January 2005
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions during the year
At 31 December 2005
Foreign exchange adjustments
Additions during the year
At 31 December 2006

$000
39
4
376
419
9
414
842

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 (cost 2006 $374,000 - 2005 $878,000)

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

2006
$000
565
499
1,064

2006
$000
-

2005
$000
107
840
947

2005
$000
63

49

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

11. LONG-TERM PROVISIONS

Provisions for mine closure costs

At 1 January 
Provisions made during the financial year and transferred to fixed assets
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December

2006
$000
372 
-
12
384

2005
$000
-
367
5
372

Provision for mine closure costs are estimated by reference to local regulatory requirements. Subject to adverse changes in
commodity prices, mine closure is not expected in the foreseeable future. Planned annual production rates in the near term
equate to less than 1% of the total estimated resource at Caijiaying at a 1% grade cut off.

12. SHARE CAPITAL

AUTHORISED:
Ordinary shares of US$0.01 each 

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

2006

2005

Number

$000

Number

$000

1,000,000,000

10,000

1,000,000,000

10,000

183,827,731
233,333
184,061,064

1,838
3
1,841

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

1,773
65
1,838

On 22 June 2006 33,333 new ordinary shares in the Company were allotted at 30 UK pence ($0.52) per ordinary share on the
exercise of options.

On 26 July 2006 200,000 new ordinary shares in the Company were allotted at 30 UK pence ($0.55) per ordinary share on the
exercise of options.

13. SHARE OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

At 1 January 
2006
Number

Exercised At 31 December
2006
/Granted 
Number
Number

Options exercisable at 30 pence per share at anytime up to 28 February 2007 3,166,666
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
Options exercisable at 65 pence per share to 28 February 2009 

3,166,667

3,166,667
-
9,500,000

(116,666)

3,050,000

(116,667)

3,050,000

-
5,475,000
5,241,667

3,166,667
5,475,000
14,741,667

50

R E P O R T A N D A C C O U N T S 2 0 0 6

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13. SHARE OPTIONS AND WARRANTS (CONTINUED)

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

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding at 31 December 

2006
Number Weighted average
exercise price
30.0
65.0
30.0

9,500,000
5,475,000
(233,333)
-
14,741,667

43.0

2005
Number Weighted average 
exercise price
26.9
-
21.5
32.5
30

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

The estimated value of the options exercisable at 30p up to 28 February 2007, which vested in 3 tranches of 3,166,667 each, were
10.40p, 10.91p and 11.65p . The estimated value of the options exercisable at 65p up to 28 February 2009, which vested in 3
tranches of 1,825,000 each, were 14.81p, 14.93p and 15.10p. All the options exercisable at 65p vested in 2006.

Inputs into the Binomial valuation model were as follows:

Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Risk free rate
Dividend yield

Options expiring
28 February 2007

Options expiring
28 February 2009

29.75p
30p
55%
4.64%
0%

65.75p
65p
30%
4.31%
0%

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price with reference to the
correlation with the zinc price and zinc price volatility over the same period. The Binomial model used assumes that the options
will be exercised early when the share price exceeds the exercise price by a multiple of two.

The Group recognised a total expense of $1,711,000 (2005: $333,000) during the year ended 31 December 2006 relating to
equity settled share option scheme transactions.

14. SHARE PREMIUM

At 1 January 
Premium on shares issued in year
At 31 December 

15. CONTRIBUTING SURPLUS

2006
$000
39,040
126
39,166

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

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

51

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

16. OTHER RESERVES

At 1 January 
Transferred from profit and loss in year
At 31 December 

2006
$000
-
297
297

2005
$000
-
-
-

Other reserves comprise a statutory retained earnings reserve under PRC law for future investment by Hebei Hua’ Ao.

17. 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.

18. 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 2006 of $64,458,000 ($32,885,000 at 31 December 2005) divided by the number of ordinary shares in
issue at 31 December 2006 of 184,061,064 (183,827,731 at 31 December 2005).

19. RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks which result from its operating and investing activities. The Group’s risk
management is coordinated by its senior management and executive directors and focuses on actively securing the Group’s short-
to-medium term cash flows.

Foreign Currency Risk

The majority of the Group’s operational and financial cash flows are denominated in Renminbi and United States Dollars with
sterling bank deposits held to cover future sterling expenditure estimates.

Currently the Group does not carry out any significant operations in currencies outside the above.

The Group currently does not have a foreign currency hedging policy. However, the management monitors foreign exchange
exposure and will consider hedging significant foreign currency exposure should the need arise.

In addition, the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies is subject to the rules and regulations of the foreign exchange
control promulgated by the government of the PRC.

Interest rate risk

The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Group’s bank deposits with floating
interest rates. The Group currently does not have an interest rate hedging policy.

Commodity risk

The Group is exposed to the risk of changes in commodity pices and in particular that for zinc. The Group currently sells its
zinc concentrate production by way of open auctions in China. The Group currently does not hedge its zinc production.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group does not enter 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 2006, Griffin Mining Limited had interests in the share capital of the following principal subsidiary companies.

Name

Class of Share 
held

Proportion of 
shares held

Nature of 
business

Country of 
incorporation

China Zinc Pty Ltd

Ordinary

100%

Holding company

Australia

Hebei Hua’ Ao Mining 
Industry Company Ltd*

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

Zinc
mining and
development

China

Panda Resources Ltd 

Ordinary

Hebei Sino Anglo Mining 
Development Company Ltd*

100%

90%

Holding company

England

Mineral 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 Industry 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 Industry 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. A minority interest will be disclosed from the time the third party becomes interested in the cash flow.

22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

At 31 December 2006 Hebei Hua’ Ao Mining Industry Company Limited had advanced Rmb 3,000,000 ($384,000) to the 3rd
Geological  Brigade  of  the  Hebei  Province,  a  partner  in  the  local  Chinese  entity  (the  Caijiaying  Lead  Zinc  Preparatory
Committee), that holds a 40% interest in Hebei Hua’ Ao. At 31 December 2006 Hebei Hua’ Ao had advanced Rmb 603,240
($77,000) to the Caijiaying Lead Zinc Preparatory Committee. Both these loans are non-interest bearing and repayable from
their future share of the profits of Hebei Hua’ Ao, commencing in 2008.

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

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Principal office:

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

Registered office:

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

China Zinc office:

Levels 9 & 11, BGC Centre, 28 The Esplanade, Perth, WA 6000. Australia.
Telephone: + 61(0)8 9321 7143
Facsimile: + 61 (0)8 9321 7035

Directors:

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

Company Secretary:

Roger Goodwin

Nominated Adviser 
and Broker for AIM:

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

Auditors:

Solicitors:

Grant Thornton UK LLP
Grant Thornton House, Melton Street, London. NW1 2EP. UK.

Mallesons Stephen Jaques
Unit 2925, South Tower, Beijing Kerry Centre, 1 Guang Hua Road,
Chao Yang District, Beijing 100020. PRC

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

Bankers:

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.

The Bank of Bermuda Ltd
6 Front Street, Hamilton. HM11. Bermuda.

HSBC Bank plc
27-32 Poultry, London. EC2P 2BX. UK

UK Registrars
and Transfer Agents:

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

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